Construction glossary

Explore the terms you may encounter as your structure moves from planning through installation.

ADA

Americans with Disabilities Act. Project accessibility requirements should be reviewed with the design team and applicable authorities.

AHJ

Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) are governmental or non-governmental entities responsible for enforcing building codes, fire codes, and other regulations in a given jurisdiction.

AOR

Architect of Record.

Bonding

A means of protection against the non-performance of the contractor. They are an undertaking by a bondsman or surety to make a payment to the client in the event of non-performance of the contractor.

Column

Columns are vertical compression members that span from substructure to superstructure and have a vital role in transferring load from the top of the structure to the foundation.

Davis Bacon

A federal prevailing-wage framework that may apply to certain federally funded or assisted construction projects.

Dewatering

Removing incidental water from footings or surfaces. This could include naturally-occuring groundwater, rainwater- or any other seepage that is naturally occuring.

Downspout

A vertical pipe used to drain rainwater from a roof.

DPGCR

Design Professional in General Responsible Charge.

DSA

Division of the State Architect, a California agency involved in design and construction oversight for certain public projects.

EEOR

Electrical Engineer of Record

Footing

A footing is a part of the foundation construction for a building, creating an attachment point between the foundation and the soil.

Galvanized Steel

A manufacturing process where a coating of zinc is applied to steel or iron to offer protection and prevent rusting.

Geotechnical Report

Is the summary of a geotechnical investigation – an analysis of soil conditions at the site of a proposed building. Safety is a soils report’s primary aim. It’s achieved by finding dangerous soil conditions and recommending design along with means and methods suggestions that address them. Although Geotechnical reports are helpful, they are not an exact science.

Heavy Gauge Steel

Structural steel is hot rolled, and once hardened it becomes incredibly strong. Structural steel is used in heavy duty construction projects such as multi-story buildings, bridges and industrial plants. Its strength and flexibility allow it to withstand moderate seismic activity, heavy traffic loads and high winds.

HSS

HSS (Hollow Structural Section) is a cold-formed, welded steel tube used for welded or bolted building construction, bridges, and other structures and manufactured products. It is made in square, rectangular, and round shapes.

IOR

Inspector of Record

ITC Benefits

Investment Tax Credit. Eligibility and available incentives depend on current rules and the project. Consult your tax advisor.

Landscape Orientation

A panel orientation in which the longer dimension runs horizontally.

Light Gauge Steel

Light gauge supports come in a galvanized finish of zinc, or a combination of the two. For this construction process, a load-bearing wall is constructed first, then interior partitions and exterior cladding follow.Light gauge is most commonly used in residential or light commercial construction as an alternative to wood framing.

Marine Grade Paint

Paint used in a marine environment. HDG should be considered however some will prefer paint for aesthetic reasons when within 5 miles of the coast

Mill Run

Time at which steel is procured specifically for a project. When the steel mill will run the product to our design specifications.

Obstruction drilling

When drilling encounters conditions that might not be shown on a soils report. Typically can be rocks or other items if fill dirt.

Phasing

Involves developing a schedule that includes the sequencing of construction activities… The phasing plan should be developed during project design. Disturbed areas in one phase should be stabilized before disturbing subsequent phases.

Portrait Orientation

A panel orientation in which the longer dimension runs vertically.

Prevailing Wage

The basic hourly rate paid on public works projects to a majority of workers engaged in a particular craft, classification or type of work within the locality and in the nearest labor market area

Purlin

typically refers to roof framing members that span parallel to the building eave, and support the roof decking or sheathing.

ROM

Rough Order Magnitude

Roof Decking

The roof deck is the metal sheeting (typically corrugated or standing seam)that connects on top of the purlins. On most solar projects, roof decking is not required however it can be used. Additional racking would be required to support the solar panels

SEOR

Structural Engineer of Record

Site Walk

In order to ensure your construction documents (CDs) are accurate, you have to see the site in person first and take copious measurements that leave no room for error.

SMART Incentives

A solar incentive program in Massachusetts. Confirm current eligibility and program requirements with a qualified advisor.

SOW

Scope of Work

Tube Steel

A hollow structural section (HSS), available in square, rectangular and round profiles, used in structural applications.

VE

Value Engineering

Water Management

Water management is a broad term that generally refers to the control and movement of water resources in a manner designed to reduce damage to life and property and to increase beneficial use based on efficient practices.

Water Mitigation

Building plans should include waterproofing designs to all roofs, foundations, windows, doors, gutters, and drainage systems and specify the types of flashing, waterproofing components, moisture barriers and retarders to be used. Construction materials vary in their susceptibility to water damage.

Wide Flange

Wide-Flange (WF) beam. An H-shaped beam with wider flanges than an I beam. A wide-flange section is almost square in cross-section and is excellent for building columns. The flange has a slight taper. Also called an H beam.