Tile Term Glossary
Find the definitions related to the ceramic tile and stone industry.
D-cracking
The progressive formation on a concrete surface of a series of fine cracks at rather close intervals, often of random patterns, but in slabs on grade paralleling edges, joints, and cracks and usually curving across slab corners. (Also termed D-cracks and D-line cracks.)
D-load
A constant load that in structures is due to the mass of the members, the supported structure, and permanent attachments or accessories.
Dago float
A slang term used to describe the use of a fresh mortar screed in lieu of float strips to rod floor mortar. This method is commonly used in floor work. Italian terrazzo workers use this technique to align "concrete" for placement of brass or aluminum strips to the desired grade.
Dago stick
A slang term used by tilesetters when referring to a small piece of wood used to rod off mortar that has been applied to fill the holes caused by the removal of float strips.
Darby
A hand-manipulated straightedge, usually 3 to S ft. (1 to 2.5) long, used in the early stage leveling operations of concrete or plaster, preceding supplemental floating and finishing.
Dash-bond coat
A thick slurry of portland cement, sand, and water flicked on surfaces with a paddle or brush to provide a base for subsequent portland cement plaster coats; sometimes used as a final finish on plaster.
Deck
The form on which concrete for a slab is placed, also the floor or roof slab itself. (See also Bridge deck.)
Deck or floor mortar
Mortar commonly used for decks or floors. It consists of sand and regular portland cement mixed with water to a firm consistency.
Decorated
Adorned, embellished, or made more attractive by means of color or surface detail. (ASTM C 242).
Decorating fire
See Fire, decorating.
Decoration
See Decoration, inglaze; Decoration, overglaze; Decoration, underglaze.
Decoration, inglaze
A ceramic decoration applied on the surface of an unfired glaze and matured with the glaze. (ASTM C 242).
Decoration, overglaze
A ceramic or metallic decoration applied and fired on the previously glazed surface of ceramic ware. (ASTM C 242).
Decoration, underglaze
A ceramic decoration applied directly on the surface of ceramic ware and subsequently covered with a transparent glaze. (ASTM C 242).
Decorative tile
Tile with a ceramic decoration on the surface. (See heading under Decorated and Decoration.)
Deflection
A variation in position or shape of a structure or structural element due to effects of loads or volume change, usually measured as a linear deviation from an established plane rather than an angular variation.
Deformation eutectic
See Eutectic, deformation.
Delft ware
A calcareous earthenware having an opaque white glaze and monochrome overglaze decorations. (Originated in Delft, Holland.) (ASTM C 242).
Dinnerware
Ceramic whiteware made in a given pattern and in a full line of articles comprising a dinner service. (ASTM C 242).
Discoloration
Departure of color from that which is normal or desired.
Divider strips
In terrazzo work, nonferrous metal or plastic strips of different thickness, and embedded depths usually 5/s to 1'/4 in. (10 to 40 mm), used to form panels in the topping.
Dolomite
The double carbonate of lime and magnesia having the general formula CaCO3 MgCA3. (ASTM C 242).
Dope coat
Neat cement applied to the setting bed. Double bullnose. A type of trim with the same convex radius on two opposite sides.
Double headed nail
A nail with two heads at, or near, one end to permit easy removal; widely used in concrete formwork.
Dowel
A steel pin, commonly a plain round steel bar, which extends into two adjoining portions of a concrete construction, as at a joint in a pavement slab, so as to connect the portions and transfer shear loads. Also, as used in the construction of column and wall sections, a deformed steel reinforcing bar placed so as to transmit tension or compression as well as shear loads.
Drain casting
See Casting, drain.
Dry edging
Rough edges and corners of glazed ceramic ware due to insufficient glaze coating. (ASTM C 242). Dry mix. See Process, dry.
Dry pack
Concrete or mortar mixtures deposited and consolidated by dry packing.
Dry packing
Placing of zero slump, or near zero slump, concrete, mortar, or grout by ramming into a confined space.
Dry pressing
See Pressing, dry.
Dry process
See Process, dry.
Dry spots
Small areas on the face of tile which have been insufficiently glazed.
Dry-set mortar
A water-retentive hydraulic cement mortar usable with or without sand. When this mortar is used, neither the tile nor walls have to be soaked during the installation process.
Drying
Removal by evaporation, of uncombined water or other volatile substance from a ceramic raw material or product, usually expedited by low temperature heating. (ASTM C 242).
Dunting
The cracking that occurs in fired ceramic bodies due to thermally induced stresses. (ASTM C 242-72)
Dusting
The application of dry portland cement to a wet floor or deck mortar surface. A pure coat is thus formed by suction of the dry cement.
Dutchman
A cut tile used as a filler in the run of a wall or floor area.
Dynamite
A slang term used by tilesetters when referring to a mortar accelerator.