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Glossary

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Glossaries

Term Definition
Australian Standard

An Australian Standard in commercial construction refers to a published document that establishes the minimum community expectations for the safety, quality, performance, and consistency of materials, equipment, techniques, or procedures used in the construction industry . It is an approved standard set down by the Standards Association of Australia (SAA) .

Arris

In the context of commercial construction in Australia, an arris refers to the sharp edge formed by the intersection of two surfaces, such as the corner of a masonry unit . This definition is applicable to various types of construction, including framed construction (steel and timber), masonry veneer, and full masonry construction .

Architrave

In the context of commercial construction in Australia, an architrave refers to the mouldings or trim that surround a door or window frame . It serves both functional and design purposes, adding a decorative finishing touch to the room while also hiding the join between the wall and door or window frames .

Architecture

In Australia, the definition of architecture in commercial construction is broad and encompasses a wide range of building typologies . Architecture in this context involves planning and designing buildings and spaces that prioritize functionality while meeting safety standards and construction regulations .

Architect

In Australia, an architect is a licensed professional responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing the construction of commercial buildings and outdoor spaces . They hold professional qualifications, have completed a period of practical experience in architecture, and have passed the Architectural registration exam .

Arch Bar
A structural member or beam carrying loads over an opening.
Arch

In the context of commercial construction in Australia, an arch is a structural element characterized by a curved shape that spans an opening, such as a door or window . It is typically constructed of various materials, including masonry, concrete, or steel, and is designed to provide structural support and stability to a building .

Apex

In the context of commercial construction in Australia, the term "apex" has a specific meaning. The apex refers to the highest point or peak of a structure, such as a roof . In roofing, it is the point where the rafters join .

In the Australian construction industry, the term "apex" is used to describe the uppermost point of a building or structure. This term is widely used in the industry, including in the National Standard for Construction Work .

Ant cap (ant capping or termite shield)

In the context of commercial construction in Australia, an ant cap, also known as ant capping or termite shield, is a physical barrier designed to detect and deter termites from gaining entry to a building via concealed routes .

Aluminium Oxide

Aluminium oxide, also known as alumina, is a chemical compound of aluminium and oxygen with the chemical formula Al2O3 . In the context of commercial construction in Australia, aluminium oxide is defined as a material that, when further refined, produces aluminum .

Allotment

In the context of commercial construction in Australia, an allotment refers to a parcel of land that can be disposed of separately without being subdivided . This definition is in line with Section 8A of the Sale of Land Act 1962.

In commercial construction, an allotment is typically a designated area of land within a larger development or subdivision, assigned a unique number or identifier . This allotment number may later be replaced with a street number once the development is completed.

Air Brick

An air brick is a vent that allows air to pass through a wall to the underfloor space. It is typically made of terracotta or plastic and is installed in the external walls of a building to provide ventilation to the subfloor area.

In commercial construction in Australia, air bricks are commonly used to prevent dampness and moisture buildup in the subfloor area, which can lead to structural damage and mold growth. They are also used to allow for the circulation of air, which helps to regulate the temperature and humidity levels in the building.

Agreement
A contract between two or more parties, either written or verbal.
Aggregate

The definition of aggregate in commercial construction in Australia is a broad category of coarse- to medium-grained particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete, and geosynthetic aggregates . Aggregates are raw materials that are produced from natural sources and extracted from pits and quarries . In construction, an aggregate is a material used for mixing with cement, bitumen, lime, gypsum, or other adhesives to form concrete or mortar, providing volume, stability, resistance to wear or erosion, and other desired physical properties to the finished product .

Admixtures

In the context of construction in Australia, "admixtures" refers to a range of specialized additives or substances that are intentionally introduced into concrete, mortar, or other building materials to enhance their properties, performance, and workability. These admixtures can be in the form of liquids, powders, or other materials, and are designed to improve the mix's strength, durability, flowability, or other characteristics, allowing for more efficient and effective construction processes

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Planning & Development

Development Management

Early stage involvement designed to reduce client/ developer risk. Focus on budget, feasibility and constructibility.

Design & Documentation

Design Management

Collaborative, efficient coordination of design, documentation and specifications.

Project Management

Project Management

Professional management of construction projects. Focus on accountability, efficiency and risk mitigation.

Construction Services

General Contracting

Flexible project delivery models including construct only (GC), design & construct, construction management or cost-plus

Asset Management

Asset Protection

Asset management, planned and unplanned maintenance, abortive and remedial works, audits and inspections.

HSEQ Management

HSEQ Services

Health, Safety, Environment and Quality system management, auditing and risk analysis

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Aged Care

Aged Care

Aged Care construction and fitout

Childcare

Childcare & ELC

Turnkey Childcare planning, design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

Civil & Environmental

Civil & Environmental

Civil, infrastructure & environmental planning, design and project management, construction and lifecycle maintenance.

Commercial & Mixed-use

Commercial Construction

Commercial building project planning, design management, construction and lifecycle maintenance.

Community & Public

Public Spaces

Community centre & public venues planning, design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

Cultural & Worship

Cultural & Worship

Place of worship & cultural centre design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

Education & Training

Schools & Training Facilities

General & specialist training facility planning, design and project management, construction and lifecycle maintenance.

Hospitality & Restaurants

Hospitality & Restaurants

Restaurant building project planning, design management, construction, fitout, refurbishment and lifecycle maintenance.

Healthcare

Healthcare

Public & private healthcare facility planning, design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

General Practices

GP Clinics

Turnkey medical centre design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

Diagnostic Imaging

Radiology Centres

Radiology clinic, imaging department planning, design and project management, construction and lifecycle maintenance.

Labs & Cleanrooms

ISO & TGA Cleanrooms

Lab & sensitive environment project planning, design management, construction, fitout, refurbishment and lifecycle maintenance.

Industrial & Logistics

Manufacturing & Warehousing

Factories, industrial project planning, design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

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Data Centres, Energy Storage

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Retail & Shopping Centres

Retail & Shopping

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Office Buildings

Office fitout

Office space project planning, design management, construction, fitout, refurbishment and lifecycle maintenance.