Construction Dictionary
Specifications & Standards Terms
Understand specification systems, standards, drawing language, divisions, sections, and technical requirements used in construction documents.
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145 terms in specifications & standards.
| Term | Short name | Plain-English definition |
|---|---|---|
| A | ||
| Access Control | - | Access control is a security system that manages who can enter doors, gates, rooms, or secured areas. |
| ACT Acoustical Ceiling Tile | Acoustical Ceiling Tile | ACT is a lay-in ceiling tile system commonly used for accessible suspended ceilings. |
| Admixture | - | An admixture is an ingredient added to concrete or mortar to change its behavior or performance. |
| Aggregate | - | Aggregate is sand, gravel, crushed stone, or similar material used in concrete, asphalt, road base, drainage, and other construction work. |
| AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction | Authority Having Jurisdiction | An AHJ is the agency or official responsible for interpreting and enforcing applicable codes and approvals. |
| Air Entrainment | - | Air entrainment is the intentional creation of tiny air bubbles in concrete to improve durability in freeze-thaw conditions. |
| Anchorage | - | An anchorage is a secure attachment point for fall protection, lifelines, lanyards, or structural support. |
| Approved Equal | - | Approved equal means a proposed product or system has been accepted as equivalent to the specified requirement. |
| ASTM ASTM International | ASTM International | ASTM is a standards organization that publishes technical standards used for materials, products, systems, and testing. |
| Authorized Person | - | An authorized person is someone assigned or approved to perform a specific task or enter a specific area. |
| B | ||
| Blocking | - | Blocking is framing or backing installed inside walls, ceilings, or floors to support future attachments. |
| Body Harness | - | A body harness is fall protection equipment worn to distribute fall arrest forces across the body. |
| Building Envelope | - | The building envelope is the exterior system that separates indoor conditioned space from outdoor conditions. |
| C | ||
| Cast-in-Place Concrete | - | Cast-in-place concrete is concrete placed and cured in its final location on the project site. |
| CDS CSI Dynamic Standards | CSI Dynamic Standards | CDS refers to CSI Dynamic Standards, a standards-related term used in specification and construction information workflows. |
| Ceiling Grid | - | A ceiling grid is the suspended metal framework that supports lay-in ceiling tiles and some ceiling accessories. |
| Circuit Breaker | - | A circuit breaker is an electrical safety device that opens a circuit when current exceeds a safe level. |
| Civil Drawings | - | Civil drawings show site-related work such as grading, utilities, drainage, roads, paving, and erosion control. |
| Code Compliance | - | Code compliance means the work meets applicable building, fire, accessibility, energy, zoning, or other code requirements. |
| Commissioning | - | Commissioning is a quality-focused process used to verify that building systems perform as intended. |
| Competent Person | - | A competent person is someone authorized to identify construction hazards and take corrective action. |
| Compressive Strength | - | Compressive strength is the ability of a material, such as concrete or masonry, to resist crushing loads. |
| Concrete Cover | - | Concrete cover is the distance between reinforcing steel and the outside surface of concrete. |
| Concrete Cylinder | - | A concrete cylinder is a molded sample of fresh concrete used for later strength testing. |
| Concrete Mix Design | - | A concrete mix design is the planned recipe for concrete materials and proportions needed to meet project requirements. |
| Confined Space | - | A confined space is an area large enough to enter but not designed for continuous occupancy and with limited entry or exit. |
| Controlled Access Zone | - | A controlled access zone is an area where certain work is limited to authorized workers under controlled conditions. |
| CSI Construction Specifications Institute | Construction Specifications Institute | CSI is the organization behind common construction specification formats and classification systems. |
| CSI Division | - | A CSI division is a numbered category used in MasterFormat to group related specification sections and work results. |
| Curing | - | Curing is the process of maintaining suitable moisture and temperature so concrete can properly harden and gain strength. |
| Curtain Wall | - | A curtain wall is a non-load-bearing exterior wall system that hangs from or attaches to the building structure. |
| D | ||
| De-Energize | - | To de-energize is to remove electrical energy from equipment or conductors. |
| Deceleration Device | - | A deceleration device helps absorb energy and reduce forces when arresting a fall. |
| Deficiency | - | A deficiency is work that does not meet contract requirements, quality standards, code, or approved submittals. |
| Designated Person | - | A designated person is someone chosen by the employer or project team to carry out a specific duty. |
| Detail | - | A detail is a drawing view that shows a specific construction condition at a larger scale or with more information. |
| Division 00 | - | Division 00 contains procurement and contracting requirements in the project manual. |
| Division 01 | - | Division 01 is the specifications division that covers general project requirements and administrative procedures. |
| Division 03 | - | Division 03 is the MasterFormat division for concrete work. |
| Division 05 | - | Division 05 is the MasterFormat division for metals. |
| Division 07 | - | Division 07 is the MasterFormat division for thermal and moisture protection. |
| Division 08 | - | Division 08 is the MasterFormat division for openings. |
| Division 09 | - | Division 09 is the MasterFormat division for finishes. |
| Division 21 | - | Division 21 is the MasterFormat division for fire suppression. |
| Division 22 | - | Division 22 is the MasterFormat division for plumbing. |
| Division 23 | - | Division 23 is the MasterFormat division for HVAC. |
| Division 26 | - | Division 26 is the MasterFormat division for electrical work. |
| Division 28 | - | Division 28 is the MasterFormat division for electronic safety and security. |
| Door Hardware | - | Door hardware includes the devices used to hang, secure, operate, lock, and control doors. |
| E | ||
| Elevation | - | An elevation is a drawing view that shows the vertical face of a building, room, wall, or object. |
| Entry Permit | - | An entry permit documents required controls before workers enter a permit-required confined space. |
| Expansion Joint | - | An expansion joint is a planned joint that allows movement between building elements or materials. |
| F | ||
| Falsework | - | Falsework is temporary support used to hold formwork, arches, spans, or structural elements until they can support themselves. |
| Finish Schedule | - | A finish schedule is a drawing or table that identifies finish materials by room, surface, or location. |
| Finishes | - | Finishes are visible final materials and surfaces such as paint, flooring, tile, wall covering, ceilings, and trim. |
| Fire Alarm | - | A fire alarm system detects and reports fire, smoke, sprinkler flow, or other emergency conditions. |
| Fire Protection | - | Fire protection includes systems and assemblies intended to detect, suppress, contain, or resist fire. |
| Firestopping | - | Firestopping is material or assembly work used to seal penetrations and joints in fire-rated construction. |
| First Article Inspection | - | A first article inspection reviews the first completed item or installation before full production continues. |
| Flashing | - | Flashing is thin material installed to direct water away from joints, openings, edges, or transitions. |
| Formwork | - | Formwork is a temporary mold used to shape and support concrete until it has gained enough strength. |
| Free Fall Distance | - | Free fall distance is the vertical distance a worker falls before a fall arrest system begins stopping the fall. |
| Fuse | - | A fuse is an electrical protective device that melts and opens a circuit when current becomes too high. |
| G | ||
| GFCI Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter | Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter | A GFCI is a device that shuts off power when it detects current leaking from an electrical circuit. |
| Glazing | - | Glazing is glass and related components used in windows, doors, storefronts, curtain walls, and other openings. |
| Ground-Fault | - | A ground-fault is an unintended electrical path from energized wiring or equipment to ground. |
| Grounding | - | Grounding provides a low-resistance path for electrical current to reduce shock and equipment hazards. |
| Guardrail System | - | A guardrail system is a barrier used to keep workers from falling from edges, openings, platforms, or elevated work areas. |
| H | ||
| Hazard Communication | - | Hazard communication is the system for informing workers about chemical hazards on the jobsite. |
| Hazardous Atmosphere | - | A hazardous atmosphere is air that may be dangerous because of low oxygen, toxic gases, flammable vapors, or other harmful conditions. |
| Hazardous Substance | - | A hazardous substance is a material that can harm people because of its chemical, physical, or health hazards. |
| Hot Work Permit | - | A hot work permit authorizes work involving open flames, sparks, heat, welding, cutting, or grinding. |
| HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning | Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning | HVAC refers to building systems that heat, cool, ventilate, filter, or condition indoor air. |
| I | ||
| Incident Report | - | An incident report documents a safety, property, environmental, or project event that needs formal recordkeeping. |
| Inspection | - | An inspection is a review by an authority, consultant, owner, or project team to verify work against requirements. |
| J | ||
| JHA Job Hazard Analysis | Job Hazard Analysis | A JHA is a safety planning tool that identifies job steps, hazards, and controls before work begins. |
| L | ||
| Lanyard | - | A lanyard is a flexible connector used to attach a worker's harness to an anchorage, lifeline, or deceleration device. |
| Leading Edge | - | A leading edge is the advancing edge of a floor, roof, deck, or formwork that changes as work progresses. |
| LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design | Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design | LEED is a green building rating system used to evaluate sustainable design, construction, and operations practices. |
| Lifeline | - | A lifeline is a line used as part of fall protection to connect workers to anchorage or fall arrest equipment. |
| Lift Slab | - | Lift slab is a concrete construction method where slabs are cast near ground level and lifted into final position. |
| Lockout | - | Lockout is the process of securing equipment so it cannot be energized or started during work. |
| Low-Slope Roof | - | A low-slope roof is a roof with a relatively shallow slope. |
| M | ||
| MasterFormat | - | MasterFormat is a CSI classification system used to organize construction specifications and work results. |
| Maximum Intended Load | - | Maximum intended load is the total expected load applied to temporary equipment or a system during use. |
| MF MasterFormat | MasterFormat | MF is shorthand for MasterFormat, CSI's classification system for organizing construction specifications and work results. |
| Millwork | - | Millwork is custom or manufactured woodwork and casework used in building interiors. |
| Mockup | - | A mockup is a sample installation built to demonstrate materials, workmanship, appearance, or performance before full production. |
| N | ||
| Nonconformance | - | A nonconformance is a documented condition where work, materials, or processes do not meet specified requirements. |
| O | ||
| OC OmniClass | OmniClass | OC is shorthand for OmniClass, a classification system used to organize construction information across multiple tables. |
| OmniClass | - | OmniClass is a classification system used to organize construction information across facilities, spaces, elements, work results, products, and other tables. |
| OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration | Occupational Safety and Health Administration | OSHA is the U.S. agency that sets and enforces workplace safety and health standards. |
| Overcurrent | - | Overcurrent is electrical current above the rated capacity of equipment or conductors. |
| P | ||
| PageFormat | - | PageFormat is a CSI format for presenting specification text consistently on the page. |
| Panelboard | - | A panelboard is an electrical cabinet containing breakers or overcurrent devices that distribute power to circuits. |
| Permit | - | A permit is an approval from an authority allowing specific construction, demolition, occupancy, or trade work to proceed. |
| Permit Set | - | A permit set is the drawing and document package submitted to an authority for permit review. |
| Permit-Required Confined Space | - | A permit-required confined space has serious hazards that require a controlled entry process. |
| Personal Fall Arrest System | - | A personal fall arrest system is equipment designed to stop a worker after a fall begins. |
| Plan Review | - | Plan review is the authority's review of submitted documents for code, zoning, fire, accessibility, or other requirements. |
| Plan View | - | A plan view is a drawing view looking down from above to show layout and horizontal relationships. |
| PPE Personal Protective Equipment | Personal Protective Equipment | PPE is safety equipment worn to reduce exposure to hazards on a construction site. |
| Precast Concrete | - | Precast concrete is concrete cast and cured before being delivered or installed in its final position. |
| Profile | - | A profile is a side-view representation of elevations along an alignment. |
| Project Manual | - | A project manual is a bound or digital set of procurement requirements, contract requirements, and technical specifications. |
| Q | ||
| Qualified Person | - | A qualified person has the training, experience, or credentials needed to solve problems for a specific type of work. |
| R | ||
| Raceway | - | A raceway is an enclosed channel used to route and protect electrical wires or cables. |
| Rated Assembly | - | A rated assembly is a wall, floor, ceiling, roof, door, or other assembly tested or designed for a fire-resistance rating. |
| Rated Load | - | Rated load is the maximum load equipment or a component is designed to safely carry. |
| RCP Reflected Ceiling Plan | Reflected Ceiling Plan | An RCP is a plan drawing that shows ceiling layout, fixtures, devices, and ceiling-related coordination. |
| Rebar Reinforcing Bar | Reinforcing Bar | Rebar is steel reinforcement placed in concrete to help resist tension, cracking, and structural loads. |
| Receptacle | - | A receptacle is an electrical outlet or device where a plug connects to power. |
| Reflected Ceiling Plan | - | A reflected ceiling plan is a drawing that shows ceiling layout as if reflected onto a floor plan. |
| Reshoring | - | Reshoring is temporary support installed after original concrete forms or shores are removed. |
| Rope Grab | - | A rope grab is a fall arrest device that moves along a lifeline and locks when a fall occurs. |
| Rough-In | - | Rough-in is the stage when concealed framing, piping, conduit, boxes, ductwork, or supports are installed before finishes close the walls or ceilings. |
| S | ||
| Safety Factor | - | A safety factor compares the strength of a material or system to the load it is expected to carry. |
| Safety-Monitoring System | - | A safety-monitoring system uses a competent person to watch for and warn workers about fall hazards. |
| SDS Safety Data Sheet | Safety Data Sheet | An SDS is a document that communicates hazards and safe handling information for a chemical product. |
| Sealant | - | Sealant is a flexible material used to close joints and gaps against air, water, dirt, or movement. |
| Section | - | A section is a drawing view that cuts through a building, site, or assembly to show internal relationships and heights. |
| SectionFormat | - | SectionFormat is a CSI format for organizing specification sections into a consistent structure. |
| Self-Retracting Lifeline | - | A self-retracting lifeline is a fall protection device that extends and retracts as a worker moves and locks during a fall. |
| Site Plan | - | A site plan is a drawing that shows the project site, building location, access, utilities, grading, parking, and site improvements. |
| Slab on Grade | - | A slab on grade is a concrete floor slab placed directly on prepared soil or base material. |
| Slump Test | - | A slump test is a field test used to check the consistency or workability of fresh concrete. |
| Special Inspection | - | Special inspection is code-required inspection for certain materials, systems, or work that need qualified observation or testing. |
| Specifications | - | Specifications are written requirements that describe materials, products, workmanship, performance, and administrative procedures. |
| Standard Specification | - | A standard specification is a published set of requirements for a material, product, system, or process. |
| Standard Test Method | - | A standard test method is a published procedure for performing a test in a consistent and repeatable way. |
| Steep Roof | - | A steep roof is a roof with a slope steep enough to create higher fall and material slide risks. |
| Structural Steel | - | Structural steel is steel framing used to support building loads through beams, columns, braces, trusses, or other members. |
| Substitution Request | - | A substitution request asks to use a product, material, system, or method different from what was specified. |
| SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan | Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan | A SWPPP is a plan for controlling stormwater runoff and reducing pollution from construction activities. |
| T | ||
| Tabulated Data | - | Tabulated data is approved technical information used to select or design protective systems or equipment setups. |
| Testing Agency | - | A testing agency is a firm hired to inspect, sample, test, or verify construction work and materials. |
| TOC Table of Contents | Table of Contents | A TOC is a table of contents that lists sections, documents, or headings in an organized order. |
| Toeboard | - | A toeboard is a low barrier at an elevated edge used to help keep tools or materials from falling. |
| Toolbox Talk | - | A toolbox talk is a short safety meeting focused on a specific hazard, task, or jobsite condition. |
| U | ||
| UF UniFormat | UniFormat | UF is shorthand for UniFormat, a classification system that organizes building information by systems and assemblies. |
| UniFormat | - | UniFormat is a classification system that organizes building information by systems and assemblies instead of trade work results. |
| V | ||
| Vapor Barrier | - | A vapor barrier is a material used to reduce vapor movement through a building assembly or under a slab. |
| W | ||
| Warning Line System | - | A warning line system is a temporary roof barrier used to warn workers that they are approaching a fall hazard. |
| Waterproofing | - | Waterproofing is work intended to prevent water from entering below-grade spaces, roofs, walls, or other assemblies. |
| Z | ||
| Zoning | - | Zoning is the local regulation of land use, building use, height, density, setbacks, parking, and other development limits. |