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Glossary

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Glossaries

Term Definition
Eave (eaves)

In commercial construction projects in Australia, an "eave" refers to the overhanging edge of a roof that extends beyond the exterior walls of a building. It provides protection from the elements, such as rain and sunlight, and can also contribute to the building's aesthetic appeal.

Eaves can vary in size and design depending on the architectural style and functional requirements of the building. They can be simple and straightforward or more decorative, with features like brackets, moldings, or other architectural elements.

Easement

An easement is a legal right to use another person's land for a specific purpose, without owning it. In commercial construction projects in Australia, easements are commonly used for utilities such as water, electricity, and telecommunications. They can also be used for access, drainage, and other purposes. Easements are typically created through a deed or agreement between the landowner and the person or entity that will benefit from the easement. The terms of the easement, including its location, purpose, and duration, are set out in the deed or agreement. Easements can impact the development potential of a property, as they can restrict the use of the land and limit the types of structures that can be built on it. It is important for commercial construction projects to carefully consider the potential impact of easements on their plans and to work with experienced legal and planning professionals to navigate any issues that may arise.

Dwarf Wall

In commercial construction projects in Australia, a "dwarf wall" refers to a low wall that is typically used for specific purposes such as supporting structures, dividing spaces, or providing a decorative element. 

The height of a dwarf wall can vary depending on the specific requirements of the project, but it is typically between 600mm and 1200mm high. The walls are usually constructed using masonry materials, such as concrete blocks or bricks, and are designed to provide a stable and durable foundation for the structure they support.

In addition to providing structural support, dwarf walls can also serve as a decorative element in a commercial building. They can be finished with a variety of materials, such as plaster, paint, or tiles, to create a visually appealing appearance.

Dumpy Level

A dumpy level, also known simply as a builder's level or an automatic level, is a precision instrument used in commercial construction projects in Australia and around the world for establishing or checking points in the same horizontal plane. It is commonly used in surveying and building to measure height differences and to transfer, measure, or set horizontal levels.

Drip moulding

In commercial construction projects in Australia, a drip moulding (also known as a drip edge or drip cap) is an architectural feature designed to direct water away from the structure to prevent water damage. It is typically installed at the edges of roofs, windows, doors, and other exterior elements to ensure that rainwater or condensation does not seep into the building materials, which could lead to deterioration, mold growth, or structural issues.

Dressed

In the context of commercial construction projects in Australia, the term "dressed" typically refers to timber or wood that has been planed or smoothed to achieve a uniform surface. This process involves removing the rough outer layer of the timber to create a more refined and aesthetically pleasing finish. Dressed timber is often used for visible structural elements, interior finishes, and decorative purposes because of its smooth appearance and consistent dimensions.

Dowel

In commercial construction projects in Australia, a dowel typically refers to a cylindrical rod, usually made of steel, that is used to transfer loads across joints in concrete structures. Dowels are essential for maintaining the structural integrity and alignment of concrete slabs, pavements, and other elements by allowing for controlled movement and load distribution.

Double-glazed (double glazing)

Double-glazed windows are windows that have two panes of glass separated by a small gap, typically filled with air or an inert gas such as argon or krypton. In commercial construction projects in Australia, double-glazed windows are commonly used to improve energy efficiency, reduce noise pollution, and provide better thermal comfort for occupants.

The two panes of glass in double-glazed windows are typically made of low-emissivity (low-E) glass, which is coated with a thin layer of metal or metal oxide that reflects heat back into the building. This helps to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, resulting in lower energy bills and a more comfortable indoor environment.

Door Jambs

In commercial construction projects in Australia, door jambs are the vertical components that form the sides of a door opening. They are typically made of wood, metal, or other materials and are attached to the surrounding walls or framing.

Door Head

In commercial construction projects in Australia, the term "door head" refers to the uppermost horizontal component of a door frame. It is the structural element that spans the top of the door opening and supports the weight above the door. The door head is an essential part of the door assembly, providing stability and ensuring that the door functions correctly.

Door furniture

In the context of commercial construction projects in Australia, "door furniture" refers to the various hardware components and accessories that are installed on doors to ensure their functionality, security, and aesthetic appeal.

Door Frame

In commercial construction projects in Australia, a door frame refers to the structural element that surrounds and supports a door. It is an essential component that ensures the door operates correctly and provides security, stability, and aesthetic appeal.

Door (doors)

In the context of commercial construction projects in Australia, a "door" refers to a movable barrier used to cover an opening in a wall or partition, which allows access, egress, and security between different spaces within a building or between the interior and exterior.

Distributed Load

In the context of commercial construction projects in Australia, a distributed load refers to a type of load that is evenly spread over a surface area of a building or structure . This type of load is typically measured in units of pressure, such as kilopascals (kPa).

Dimension

In the context of commercial construction projects in Australia, a dimension refers to a measurable extent or size of a physical attribute, such as length, width, height, or depth, of a building or structure . Dimensions are crucial in construction projects as they provide a clear understanding of the physical characteristics of a building or structure, enabling accurate planning, design, and execution.

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