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Glossary

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Glossaries

Term Definition
Countersink

A countersink is a conical hole that is drilled or cut into a surface to allow for the insertion of a fastener, such as a screw or bolt, with a flat head. In commercial construction projects in Australia, countersinks are commonly used to ensure that the head of the fastener is flush with or below the surface of the material being fastened. This helps to create a smooth and even surface, which is important for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

Contractor

In the context of commercial construction projects in Australia, a contractor is an entity or individual that enters into a contract with the principal (project owner) to perform specific work or services related to the construction project . The contractor is responsible for executing the work in accordance with the contract documents, including the plans, specifications, and conditions of contract.

Contract Documents

In Australia, contract documents for commercial construction projects are governed by various standards, including AS 2124, AS 4000, AS/NZS 1170, and the Building Code of Australia (BCA). These documents are crucial in outlining the scope, terms, and conditions of a construction project.

Contour Line

A contour line, in the context of commercial construction projects in Australia, refers to an imaginary line on a map or drawing that represents a continuous point of elevation on the Earth's surface. Contour lines are used to depict the shape and features of the land, including its elevation, slope, and drainage patterns.

construction management

Construction management in commercial construction projects in Australia refers to the process of planning, coordinating, and controlling the construction activities to ensure the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This process involves managing the resources, including labor, materials, and equipment, to achieve the project objectives.

Construction Joint

In the context of commercial construction projects in Australia, a construction joint is a separation or discontinuity in a building element, such as a slab, wall, or roof, that is designed to allow for movement, expansion, or contraction of the building materials [information is missing on the specific definition of construction joint in AS 2124, AS 4000, AS/NZS 1170, and Building Code of Australia (BCA) requirements].

Construction

In the context of commercial construction projects in Australia, "construction" refers to the process of building, altering, repairing, maintaining, or demolishing any structure or infrastructure. This encompasses a wide range of activities including site preparation, excavation, erection of structures, installation of systems and services, and finishing works.

Concrete Block
A concrete building block.
Concrete

In the context of commercial construction projects in Australia, concrete is a fundamental building material that must comply with various standards and regulations. The following definition is relevant to projects that must adhere to AS 2124, AS 4000, AS/NZS 1170, and Building Code of Australia (BCA) requirements.

Compressive Strength

In the context of commercial construction projects in Australia, compressive strength refers to the capacity of a material or structure to withstand loads that tend to reduce its size (compression) . This is a critical parameter in ensuring the safety and durability of buildings and structures.

Column

In the context of commercial construction projects in Australia, a "column" is a vertical structural element that primarily bears compressive loads. Columns are crucial components in the structural framework of buildings, providing support for beams and slabs, and transferring loads from the upper parts of the structure down to the foundation.

Coarse Aggregate
Hard stone, basalt, dolerite, cracked river gravel greater than 4.75mm in diameter - a component of concrete.
Clip ties
sharp cut metal wires that protrude out of a concrete foundation wall (that at one time held the foundation form panels in place).
Cladding

Cladding in commercial construction projects in Australia, as per AS 2124, AS 4000, AS/NZS 1170, and the Building Code of Australia (BCA), refers to the external covering or skin of a building. It is a non-structural element that serves various purposes, including weatherproofing, insulation, and aesthetic enhancement.

Cladding materials can be made from various materials, such as metal, stone, brick, concrete, fiber cement, and composite materials. The choice of cladding material depends on factors like the building's location, climate, design, and budget.

Civil Engineering Works

In the context of commercial construction projects in Australia, civil engineering works refer to the design, construction, and maintenance of physical infrastructure, such as buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures

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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.

Data Centre & Energy Storage

Data Centres, Energy Storage

Data centre, battery research and production design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

Retail & Shopping Centres

Retail & Shopping

Turnkey retail design and project management, construction, fitout and lifecycle maintenance.

Office Buildings

Office fitout

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