Glossary
above grade [adj-u15] if a part of building is above grade, it is above ground level. accident [n-count-u2] an accident is an unexpected and undesired event, sometimes resulting in injury for the people involved. anchor [v-t-u15] to anchor something is to hold it in a fixed place. appliance [n-count-u13] an appliance is an electrical device used in homes or offices to perform certain functions. batter board [ n-count-u4] a batter board is a horizontal board fastened to a post and located at the corners of an excavation to mark the desired level. beam [n-count-u14] a beam is a long, heavy piece of wood. beam-and-stab [n-uncount-u15] beam-and-stab is a floor structure with concrete slabs supported by concrete beams. bearing pile [n-count-u10] a bearing pile is a pile with a large load capacity that transfers the weight of a load vertically. bench mark [n-count-u4] a bench mark is point of known elevation marked on a post or building near ground level. birdcage [n-count-u6] a birdcage is a permanent separation of wire strands due to a sudden release of tension. bird's-eye view [n-phrase-u13] a bird’s-eye view is a view from directly above brace [n-count-u12] a brace is a piece of material used to transmit or change the direction of weight or pressure in a frame. builder's level [n-count-u4] a builder’s level is an optical instrument that is used to establish or check points on a horizontal plane. building layout [n-count-u13] a building layout is a diagram drawn to scale showing the detailed features of an entire building. building load [n-uncount-u9] a building load is the amount of force that a building must withstand, such as the weight of the structure itself, the weight of the items inside, and the forces of environmental factors, including wird and snow. caission [n-count-u10] a caisson is a box that is filled with concrete and develops a form similar to a cast-is-place pile. carpenter[n-count-u1] a carpenter is a person trained to use wood to create buildings and other structures. cast-in-place pile[n-count-u10] a cast-pin-place pile is a pile formed by pouring concrete into a drilled hole. chain sling [n-count-u6] a chain sling is a metal chain that is used to lift very heavy objects. charred [adj-u6] it something is charred, it has dark marks and damage from being burned. class [n-count-u2] a class is a type of fire determined by fuel and causes. clay [n-uncount-u31] clay is a soil type with particles measuring less than 0.002 mm in diameter. closed space [n-count –u2] a closed space is an area that is indoors and sealed. concrete floor [n-count -u15] a concrete floor is a building floor made of concrete and supported by a structural frame. concrete slurry [n-uncount-u8] concrete slurry is a maternal used to make protective excavation walls when the earth is very wet. consolidation [n-uncount-u11] consolidation is the process of concrete becoming solid and denser thereby taking up less space. construction joint [n count –u15] a construction joint is a concrete surface where the laying of concrete was stopped and later continued. contractor [n count –u1] a contractor is a person who performs specific tasks in the construction or improvement of a building, such as plumbing or electrical work.
core [n-count –u6] the core is the central part of an object. crawler crane [n -count-u5] a crawler crane is a crane mounted on two moveable, motorized tracks. cross-braced [adj-u15] if a building structure is cross-braced, it is reinforced by diagonally intersecting supports.
cure[v-i-u11] to cure is to dry until preserved, such as with concrete.
deep foundation [n-count –u10] a deep foundation is a foundation that extends to bedrock.
deposit [v-t –u8] to deposit something is to place it somewhere.
design strength [n-uncount-u11] design strength is the assumed load-bearing capacity of steel or concrete.
dewatering system [n-count-u7] a dewatering system is a system in which a pump removes water from a series of well-points.
diagram [n-count-u13] a diagram is a drawing that shows how something works or how parts fit together into a whole.
diaphragm [n-count-u14] a diaphragm is a structural plane designed to resist lateral force.
dig [v-t-u6] to dig is to remove earth from the ground.
dimensions [n-plural-u13] dimensions are measurements of the amount of space something takes up, such as length, width, and height.
disassembly [n-uncount-u5] disassembly is the process of taking things apart.
drill [v-t-u7] to drill is to make a hole in something.
drilled foundation [n-count –u10] a drilled foundation is a type of deep foundation put in place with the use of drilling.
drill rig [n-count -u3] a drill rig a machine that digs a deep hole.
driven foundation [n-count-u10] a driven foundation is a type of deep foundation where the piles are driven into the ground.
drop panel [n--count -u1s] a drop panel is a thickened section of a concrete floor located over a supporting concrete column.
electrician [n-count u1] an electrician is a person skilled in installing and repairing electrical equipment and wiring.
excavation [n-count-u7] excavation is the process of making a hole in the ground .
extract [v-t-u7] to extract something is to remove it.
fall [n-count –u2] a fall is the act of hitting the ground from a higher position.
fatigue [n-uncount –u6] fatigue is wear on a piece of equipment due to repeated use.
fixture [n-count-u13] a fixture is a part of a building that is fixed in place, permanent, and performs a certain action.
floor [n-count-u14] a floor is the bottom part of a room of building.
floor plan [n-count-u13] a floor plan is a diagram drawn to scale showing the detailed features of one floor of a building.
footing [n-countu-u9] a footing is a structural implement that distributes the load of a building over the soil, over which the foundation is constructed.
footing form [n-count -u12] a footing form is a tube used to pour a concrete base column for a building structure.
foreman [n-count-u1] a foreman is a leader of a construction work crew.
formwork [n-uncount -u11] formwork is a mold into which concrete or another material is poured to form a building structure.
foundation [in-count-u9] a foundation is the underlying support for a structure, located below ground. it distributes the weight of the building onto the ground.
framing [n-uncount-u11] framing is the use of structural pieces to support a building and provide places to attach exterior and interior walls.
freeze [v-i-u9] to freeze is to turn into ice because of very cold conditions
friction pile [n-count-u10] a friction pile is a pile that depends on frictional resistance between itself and the material it passes through
friction plus bearing pile [n-count-u13] a function plus bearing pile is a pile that depends on friction but also develop some end bearing
function [n-count-u13] a function is what something does or is used for
general excavation [n-count-u8] a general excavation is an excavation that includes work that can be done by mechanical equipment, such as shovels, scrapers, and trucks
grade beam [n-count-u9] a grade beam is a concrete post that sits on a pier and support load bearing walls
grade rod [n-count-u4] a grade rod is a long wooden or aluminum staff used to determine differences in elevation
gravel [n-uncount-u3] gravel is a soil type with particles measuring between 5 mm and 75 mm in diameter
ground [n-count-u2] a ground is a device, typically a piece of wire or a metal rod, that is the return path for an electrical circuit, sometimes grounds are connected to the earth
groundwater [n-uncount-u7] groundwater is a type of water located underground
haul [v-t-u8 ] to haul something is to carry it from one place to another, often in a vehicle
high-rise [n-count-u15] a high-rise is a very tall building with many stories
horizontal [adj-u4] if something is horizontal, is parallel to the plane of the horizon, or flat
HVAC technical [n-count-u1] an HVAC technician is a person who is trained to install and repair heating, venting and air conditioning systems
indicate [v-t-u13] to indicate something is to point something out or make it known
interior [n-count-u13] an interior is the inside part of building of other structure
interlocking sheet piling [n-uncount-u8]interlocking sheet piling is a method of supporting en earth wall using sheets of steel to form a single wall in the ground
joist [n-count-u14] a joist is a piece of limber or wood that spans the distance between beams
joist connection [n-count-u14] a joist connection is a small piece of wood that connects the joists
kink [n-count-u6] a kink is a permanent distortion of wire strands caused when a loop in a slack rope is pulled down
knot [n-count-u6] a knot is a looping of string or wire that cannot easily be untangled
laborer [n-count-u1] a laborer is a person who uses physical strength and abilities to earn money
ladder [n-count-u2] a ladder is a portable device that has steps, called rungs, which a person can use to climb up and down a vertical surface
lateral stability [n-uncount-u15] lateral stability is the ability of a structure to resist movement from side to side
lay [n-uncount-u6] a lay is a length of rope equal to one spiral of a stand around the core
level [adj-u3] if something is level it is flat or at the same height in all places
lightweight [adj-u11] if something is lightweight, it does not weigh very much
line [v-t-u12] to line something is to cover its inner surface with something else link [n-count-u6] a link is a single piece of metal chain
mason [n-count-u1] a mason is a person who builds structures with stone or brick
material safety data sheet [n-count-u2] a material safety data sheet is a document that gives essential information about a substance, including how to handle it, where to store and dispose of it, what hazards are associated with it, and how to treat and exposure to the substance
mobile crane [n-count-u5] a mobile crane is a basic crane mounted on a moveable platform
modular system [n-count-u12] a modular system is a formwork system consisting of prefabricated sheets of steel , aluminum , or plastic that are joined together on suit
mold [n-count-u11] a maid is a hollow form for shaping a fluid substance such as wet concrete
monolithic foundation [n-count-u9] a monolithic foundation is a foundation which the floor slab and foundation are poured at the same time, the foundation extends deeper at the load bearing walls
monument [n-count-u4] a monument is a marker that establishes the boundary of a piece of property
mudsill [n-count-u14] a mudsill is a piece of wood attached to a foundation and forms the base of a wood frame.
one-way joist slab [n-count-u15] a one-way joint slab is a structural system that has a series of horizontal concrete beams containing reinforcing steel
one-way solid slab [n-count-u15] a one-way solid slab is a structural slab with load-bearing steel running in the direction of the span and steel that controls cracking running perpendicular to the span. operator’s cab[n-count-u5] an operator’s cab is a small enclosure where a person sits and operates a crane.
outrigger [n-count-u5] an outrigger is a bracket that is attached to a crane to add stability
painter [n-count-u1] a painter is a person who pants surfaces (indoor or outdoor) with a paintbrush or other equipment
parallel [adj-u14] if two things are parallel, they extend in the same direction.
payline [n-count-u8] a payline is a line in the ground surrounding the material for which an excavation contractor is paid to remove
permanent insulated formwork [n-uncount-u12] permanent insulated formwork is a formwork system consisting of concrete forms that remain alter the concrete has cured
pier [n-count-u9] a pier is a concrete post created by filling a drilled hole with concrete, the pier is used to support beams in a foundation
pile [n-count-u10] a pile is a weight-bearing pole made of wood, steel or concrete
pile driver [n-count-u10] a pile driver is a machine designed to drive piles into the ground
placement [n-count-u13] a placement is the location or position of something
platform framing [n-uncount-u14] platform framing is a type of floor construction using levels.
plywood [n-uncount-u12] plywood is a manufactured lumber made from thin sheets of wood glued together.
post-tensioned [adj-u15] if concrete is post-tensioned, it has steel tendons running through it, which are tightened after the concrete cures to provide additional strength
prefabricated [adj-u11] if something is prefabricated, it is manufactured in a standard format, with final assembly at the building site.
property line [n-count-u4] a properly line is the legal boundary of a piece of land owned by someone
pump [n-count-u7] a pump is a machine that transfers liquids and gases into and out of an area.
pump jack [n-count-u2] a pump jack is a platform that can be raised or lowered by pumping a device up and down.
residential [adj-u9] if an area is residential, it consists mainly of houses, rather than buildings for businesses.
reuse [v-t-u11] to reuse something is to use it again.
rigging [n-uncount-u6] rigging is the slings, ropes, and other equipment used to move heavy objects with a crane.
roofer [n-count-u1] a roofer is a person who lays and repairs the roofs of buildings.
run [v-t-u4] to run something is to extend it over a certain distance.
runoff [n-uncount-u7] runoff is water that flows from land into rivers, streams, and other bodies of water.
sand [n-uncount-u3] sand is a soil type with particles measuring between 630 micrometers and 5 mm in diameter.
scaffold [n-count-u2] a scaffold is a raised platform that workers stand on.
secure [v-t-u5] to secure something is to prevent it from moving.
semiskilled [adj-u1] if a worker is semiskilled, he or she is partially trained or experienced, but is not fully skilled.
shallow foundation [n-count-u9] a shallow foundation is a foundation that distributes a building load relatively close to the surface, this type is commonly used for private homes.
sheathing [n-uncount-u12] sheathing is something that wraps around or surrounds something else.
sheet pile [n-count-u10] a sheet pile intended to withstand horizontal pressure.
silt [n-uncount-u3] silt is a soil type with particles measuring between 0.002 mm and 0.02 mm in diameter.
site plan [n-count-u4] a site plan is a drawing for a building project that shows its location, utilities, and property lines.
skilled [adj-u1] if a worker is skilled, he or she has special abilities or training for a job.
sling [n-count-u6] a sling is the part of rigging that attaches the load being lifted to the crane.
sloping [adj-u8] if a surface is sloping, it runs evenly upward or downward.
soil profile [n-count-u3] a soil profile is a description of the variation of soil types at a construction site.
soil swell [n-uncount-u8] soil swell is the increase in soil volume after it is excavated and no longer compacted.
span [v-i-u14] to span something is to reach across it.
span [n-count-u15] a span is the distance or gap between supports.
special excavation [n-count-u8] a special excavation is an excavation that includes work done by blasting, hand, or special machines.
specify [v-t-u13] to specify something is to state or mark it clearly or in detail.
spread foundation [n-count-u9] a spread foundation is a foundation that distributes the weight of the heaviest parts of a structure over a large area to ensure that the load does not surpass the location’s bearing capacity.
stabilizer [n-count-u5] a stabilizer is a mechanical device that helps keep a crane steady and still.
stake [v-t-u4] to stake a pole or marker is to drive it into the ground.
stationary crane [n-count-u5] a stationary crane is a crane that does not move.
stay-in-place [adj-u12] if a formwork system is stay-in-place, it is made from prefabricated plastic forms that remain after the concrete has cured.
steel soldier piles [n-count-u8] steel soldier piles are sections of steel driven into the ground, used with timber sheeting to protect an excavation.
stem wall [n-count-u9] a stem wall is a part of a spread foundation that rises slightly above the ground. The structural wall attaches to the stem wall.
strand nicking [n·uncount-u6] strand nicking is damage to a wire rope caused by strands rubbing against each other.
strip [v-t-u11] to strip a formwork mold is to remove it.
structural slab [n-count-ui5] a structural slab is a large piece of concrete that is a component of a concrete floor.
stud [n-count-u12] a stud is a vertical post used in construction, often made of wood.
subcontractor [n-count –u1] a subcontractor is a worker for a specific purpose at a construction site who is hired by the general contractor rather than the customer.
subfloor [n-count-u14] a subfloor is a layer of wood beneath the actual floor.
subsurface investigation [n-count -u3] a subsurface investigation is an examination of the soil beneath the surface at a construction site to establish what is required for the foundation of the structure.
sump [n--count -u7] a sump is a chamber where water collects before a pump removes it.
support [n-count -u14] j a support is a series of wood beams that holds up a floor.
surface evaluation [n-count -u3] a surface evaluation is an examination of the top layer of soil at a construction site, primarily to establish drainage grades and landscaping requirements.
temporary [adj-u11] if something is temporary, it is not permanent.
tendon [n-count-u15] a tendon is a high-strength steel strand used to add tension to concrete.
test pit [n-count-u3] a test pit is a hole dug at a construction site in order to obtain soil samples.
thaw [v-i-u9] to thaw is to melt though exposure to warmth.
tieback [n-count –u8] a tieback is a system for externally bracing an excavation in order to provide an unobstructed excavation area.
tie-spreader unit [n-count-u12] a tie-spreader unit is a device that holds the sides of a wall form at the correct spacing.
timber lagging [n-uncount –u8] timber lagging is a set of wooden planks placed between steel soldier piles to protect an excavation.
topographic survey [n-count-u3] a topographic survey is an examination and description of the surface features of a construction site.
tower crane [n-count-u5] a tower crane is a very tall type of stationary crane.
toxic [adj-u2] if a substance is toxic, it is poisonous.
trench safety [n-uncount-u2] trench safety is the practice of taking proper safety precautions when working in trenches.
truck mounted crane [n-count –u5] a truck mounted crane is a mobile crane mounted on the back of a truck.
truss [n-count-u14] a truss is a long structural frame made up of triangular shapes.
two-way flat plate slab [n-count -u15] a two-way flat plate slab is a structural slab with load bearing steel running in two directions, and that does not have drop panels.
two-way solid slab [n-count-u15] a two-way solid slab is a structural slab that has load-bearing steel running in two directions.
unskilled [adj-u1] if a worker is unskilled, he or she does not have any special training for a job.
water table [n-count -u7] the water table is the level in the ground where the ground is fully saturated with groundwater.
web sling [n-count -u6] a web sling is a device made of nylon or polyester often used to lift objects in place of a wire rope.
well-point [n-count-u7] a well-point is a pipe that is put in the ground it has holes though which water enters the pipe to be pumped out.
wire [n-count -u4] a wire is a piece of metal shaped into a thin, even thread.
wire rope [n-count -u6] a wire rope is a rope made of thin pieces of metal wire twisted around a core.