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Glossary

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Glossaries

Term Definition
Camber

In the context of commercial construction in Australia, camber refers to the upward curvature of a structural element, such as a beam or a slab, to counteract the expected deflection under load. This technique is used to ensure that the structure remains level and plumb, and to prevent excessive deflection or sagging.

Bulkhead

In the context of commercial construction in Australia, a bulkhead refers to a vertical or sloping structure, typically made of wood, steel, or other materials, used to provide support and separation between different areas of a building . Bulkheads are often used to contain fittings, such as range hoods, or to create decorative features.

Building Line

In Australia, a building line refers to the boundary or line that defines the minimum distance between a building and a street, road, or other public space. This line is also known as the building setback or building alignment.

Synonyms - building alignment
Building codes

Building codes in commercial construction in Australia are a set of regulations and standards designed to ensure the safety, health, and sustainability of buildings. These codes are primarily governed by the National Construction Code (NCC), which includes the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The NCC is a performance-based code that sets the minimum requirements for the design, construction, and performance of buildings throughout Australia.

Synonyms - Building code, BCA, NCC
Building By-Laws

Building by-laws in Australia refer to the set of rules and regulations that govern the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings, including commercial constructions. These by-laws are primarily outlined in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards .

Brick(S)

Common `Blocks of material moulded from clay or cement used for building or paving purposes. Usually bricks burnt in continuous kilns; used in general work.

Synonyms - Brick Construction, Brick Veneer
Brick Veneer

Brick veneer is a type of building construction where a thin layer of bricks is applied to the exterior surface of a building . In Australia, brick veneer is a common construction method used in both residential and commercial buildings.

Brick tie
a small, corrugated metal strip that connects the internal wall sheeting to external masonry walls.
Brick Construction

Brick construction in commercial construction in Australia refers to the use of bricks as a primary building material for structural and non-structural applications. This includes brick veneer, solid brick, and cavity brick construction methods

Brace

In the context of commercial construction in Australia, bracing refers to the structural elements or systems used to resist lateral loads, such as wind and seismic forces, and provide stability to a building . Bracing is an essential component of a building's structural system, ensuring that the structure can transfer loads to the ground with an adequate safety margin to prevent collapse.

Box gutter

In Australia, a box gutter is defined as "a graded channel, usually rectangular in shape, used to collect and convey rainwater from a roof to a downpipe or a drainage system" . Box gutters are an essential part of the roof drainage system in commercial construction, allowing for the efficient collection and disposal of rainwater.

Bowing
Deformation of timber at right angles to its face.
Borers
Several species of insects and larvae that tunnel into timber.
Bore
Diameter of centre hole in circular saw blade.
Boning Rods

Three rods with tee heads used to sight a straight line between two given points. Boning rods are a type of surveying tool used in commercial construction in Australia to set out levels on paving, drainage, and hard landscaping projects . They consist of a set of rods with graduated markings, used to measure and establish the correct levels and gradients on a construction site.

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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.

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Manufacturing & Warehousing

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

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Retail & Shopping

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Office fitout

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