A

  • Absolute level tolerance

    Maximum deviation from design levels.

  • Access for maintenance

    Includes access for maintenance, inspection, measurement, operation, adjustment, repair, replacement and other maintenance related tasks. Access required for other purposes such as firefighting and people with a disability are not included in this term.

  • Accessible ceiling

    A ceiling in which the item requiring access can be reached by temporary or permanent means, conforming to WHS regulations. Examples include, accessible from below by step ladder through a removable access panel and accessible from above from a fixed walkway.

  • Accessible, readily

    Readily accessible, easily accessible, easy access and similar terms mean capable of being reached quickly and without the use of a tool, without hazard, climbing over or removing obstructions, using a movable ladder, and in any case not more than 2.0 m above the ground, floor or platform. This definition is adapted from the definitions in AS/NZS 3000 (2018) and AS/NZS 5601.1 (2022).

  • Accreditation

    Certification by a statutory or approved authority of the facilities, capabilities, objectivity, competence and integrity of an organization or individual to provide a specified service and/or required operation.

  • Accredited Testing Laboratory

    An organisation accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) to test in the relevant field

  • Accuracy

    The closeness of the agreement between the result of a measurement and the true value of the quantity being measured.

  • Acoustic insulation

    Materials or methods of construction to reduce the transmission of airborne and structure-borne sound through floors, walls and ceilings or other enclosing elements in buildings.

  • Acoustic underlay

    A resilient material laid between the subfloor and the flooring material to provide sound isolation.

  • Acrylic polymer resin panels

    Thermoplastic or thermosetting acrylic resin panels derived from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or other related compounds, with mineral fillers and pigments.

  • Activity centre

    Urban planning term for those places that are vibrant hubs where people shop work, meet, relax and often live.

  • Added filler

    Mineral matter, suitable for use in asphalt – at least 75% of which is finer than 75 µm and all of which is finer that 600 µm – which is added to the combined aggregate of an asphalt mix. Typical materials include hydrated lime, flyash, cement, cement works flue dust, ground limestone and rock dust other than that which occurs as a natural component of the combined aggregate.

  • Adhesion agent

    A substance for promoting adhesion between binder and aggregates, normally in the presence of water.

  • Adhesives - cementitious (C)

    Adhesive in which the binders are hydraulic, e.g. General purpose cement, with aggregates and organic additives.

  • Adhesives - dispersion (D)

    Adhesives in which the binders are in the form of aqueous polymer dispersion with mineral fillers and organic additives.

  • Adhesives - reaction resin (R)

    Adhesives in which in the binders are synthetic resins with mineral fillers and organic additives. The curing occurs by chemical reaction.

  • Advanced plants (species)

    Plant species containerised and established in 300 mm containers but less than 45 L containers.

  • Aggregate filled textured latex coating

    An aggregate filled medium to high profile textured coating selected for aesthetic purposes to provide maximum relief from underlying surface irregularities according to the application technique used.

  • Aggregates/sand/filler

    Some spray applied preservation materials incorporate either the spreading of or inclusion of fillers/sands or aggregates. For the purposes of this worksection these materials are referred to as coarse graded materials and are defined as materials added to (either before spraying to form part of the material applied or after spraying as a dressing) of the application proposed.

  • Air grille

    An air grille of metal or other material fitted to the inlet or outlet end of an air duct or within walls, floors, ceilings or doors. It includes all types of diffusers, registers and grilles.

  • Air handling plant

    Proprietary and non-proprietary pre-assembled plant and prefabricated and site erected plant and plenums. Includes room fan coil units and air handling units.

  • Air handling unit (AHU)

    A unit having a supply air flow not less than 400 L/s and consisting of casing housing a fan and coils. The casing may also house filters, dampers and other items. Includes larger sizes of units sometimes referred to as fan coil units.

  • Airborne sound

    Sound radiated directly from a source, such as a loudspeaker or machine, into the surrounding air.

  • Ambient temperature

    The air temperature at the time of mixing and placing of concrete.

  • Ambient water

    Drinking water at a temperature provided by the cold waterpiping system, without further heating or cooling.

  • Ameliorant material

    Additives used to make or improve soil.

  • Anchor

    Restraint used to transmit impact forces into the ground.

  • Anchor trench

    A trench excavated around the perimeter of a water feature in which the edges of the geotextile and sheet membrane liner are buried and that diverts surface water runoff.

  • Anionic bitumen

    A type of bituminous emulsion where dispersed particles comprise a bituminous binder and are negatively charged.

  • Annual exceedance probability

    The probability of an event being equalled or exceeded within a year.

  • ANSI SQL

    A specification describing the official features of the SQL database language. Every variant of SQL relational databases implements a subset of ANSI SQL.

  • Anti-burst reinforcement

    Reinforcement cage surrounding anchorages to control the tensile bursting stresses.

  • Application rate

    Application Rate: the specified or designed coverage of a specified application specified as litres per m2. 

  • Approach sight distance

    Relates to the ability of drivers to observe the roadway layout at an anticipated approach speed.

  • Appropriately qualified person

    To NCC (2022) Schedule 1.

  • Approved

    Approved, reviewed, directed, rejected, endorsed and similar expressions mean approved (reviewed, directed, rejected, endorsed) in writing by the contract administrator.

  • Articulating joint

    A type of control joint that allows the joint to move up and down, while keeping the two panels aligned, or stopping differential deflection. The most common cause of joint movement that requires an articulating joint is, tree root-heave.

  • As-built drawings

    Copies of the design drawings with as-built changes (including repaired defects) marked up to scale with references to the relevant design change notices:Interim as-built drawings are the as-built drawings at the stage of closure of the lot package.Final as-built drawings are the as-built drawings incorporating the changes for all lot packages and are generally submitted before final completion of the project.

  • Asphalt

     Dense graded asphalt: A mixture of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, filler and bitumen.Open graded asphalt: A bituminous mix using aggregate containing only small amounts of fine material, and providing a high percentage of air voids.

  • Asphalt

    A mixture of bituminous binder and aggregate with or without mineral filler, produced hot in a mixing plant, which is delivered, spread and compacted while hot.

  • Asphalt pavement

    A pavement, the predominant structural strength of which is provided by asphalt layers.

  • Assemblies

    A named aggregation of BIM objects that form another object or functional unit.

  • Asset

    A physical component of a road system or network. Typical assets include sections of pavements, bridges, culverts, traffic signals, signs, road furniture, road reserves, etc.

  • Asset protection zone (APZ)/Defendable space

    A fuel-reduced area surrounding a built asset or structure which provides a buffer zone between a bushfire hazard and an asset. The APZ includes a defendable space within which firefighting operations can be carried out. The size of the required asset protection zone varies with slope, vegetation and Fire Danger Index (FDI).

  • Associative dimensioning

    A function of a BIM authoring system that automatically updates the value of a dimension when changes occur to the geometry of the object.

  • Attendance

    Attendance, provide attendance and similar expressions mean give assistance for examination and testing.

  • Authorities

    Includes service agencies and Road Authorities.

  • Authority

    Any organisation with statutory authority relating to the project, including clearances.

  • Average ambient temperature

    Average value of the daily maximum and minimum ambient temperatures over the defined period at a site.

  • Average least dimension

    The smallest dimension of an aggregate particle when placed on a horizontal surface.

  • Average recurrence interval

    The average or expected value of the period between exceedances of a given discharge, it is generally expressed in years.

  • Average recurrence interval

    The average time period between occurrences equalling or exceeding a given value.

B

  • Bad ground

    Ground unsuitable for the works, including fill liable to subsidence, ground containing cavities, faults or fissures, ground contaminated by harmful substances and ground that is, or becomes, soft, wet or unstable.

  • Bale connector pins

    Vertical stakes connecting a bale to the course of bales above or below it.

  • Base

    One or more layers of material, forming the uppermost structural element of a pavement and on which the surfacing may be placed.

  • Base coat

    A plaster coat applied before the application of the finish coat.

  • Base course

    Directly onto the subgrade or subbase if applicable.

  • Base/based course

    One or more layers of material forming the uppermost structural element of a pavement and on which the surfacing may be placed. It may be composed of fine crushed rock, natural gravel, broken stone, stabilised material, asphalt or Portland cement concrete.

  • Baseline data

    Data derived from the final design, installation and commissioning, which serve as a basis for verification of results of routine servicing. This definition is adapted from AS 1851 (2012).

  • Batch

    A quantity of concrete containing a fixed amount of ingredients and produced in a discrete operation.

  • Batch and load

    Varies according to mixer types as follows:Central batch mixers: For mixers discharging into a tipper truck, a load may comprise more than one batch.Mobile batch mixers: A batch is deemed to be a load, a load must not comprise more than one batch.Continuous mixers: A batch is a load produced in a single discrete operation.

  • Batter

     The uniform side slope of walls, banks, cuttings, etc. Usually expressed as a ratio of horizontal to vertical.The amount of such slope or rake, usually expressed as a ratio of horizontal to vertical, distinct from grade.To form a uniform side slope to a wall, bank, or cutting.

  • Batter

    The face of an embankment or cutting, produced as a result of earthmoving operations involving cutting and filling.

  • Batts

    Flexible insulation supplied as factory cut pieces and composed of mineral fibre (glass and rock fibre) or polyester fibre.

  • Bedding

    Mixtures of materials that are applied to substrates in a plastic state and which dry, cure and adhere tiles to substrates:Adhesive bedding: Paving/tiling adhered by adhesives.Mortar bedding: Paving/tiling adhered in a cementitious mortar bed.

  • Bicycle path (cycleway)

    A path or path section intended for the exclusive use of cyclists, generally referred to as an exclusive bicycle path.

  • BIM authoring system

    An application used for generating data for multiple uses that includes 3D geometric information. EXAMPLES: Autodesk® Revit®, Bentley® AECOsim®, Graphisoft® ArchiCAD®, Nemetschek® Vectorworks® and Tekla® Structures.

  • Binder

    A bituminous material used for waterproofing the surface and holding an aggregate layer to the base.

  • BinderNATSPEC

    Material binding aggregate particles together into a heterogeneous mass.

  • Bio-soluble

    A product that dissolves in bodily fluids and is quickly cleared from the lungs.

  • Bitumen

    A viscous material from the distillation of crude oil comprising complex hydrocarbons, which is soluble in carbon disulfide, softens when it is heated, is waterproof and has good powers of adhesion. It is produced as a refined by-product of oil.APP bitumen: Bitumen modified with atactic (meaning non-crystalline or amorphous) polypropylene wax to form a plastomeric sheet. The membrane is reinforced with fibreglass or non-woven polyester (NWP).SBS bitumen: Bitumen modified with styrene-butadiene-styrene, a thermoplastic rubber that undergoes a phase inversion at elevated temperature and converts to an elastomeric material. The membrane is reinforced with fibreglass or non-woven polyester (NWP).

  • Bitumen

    Bituminous materials obtained by processing the material obtained from the refining of naturally occurring crude petroleum.

  • Bitumen emulsion

    A system of fine droplets of bitumen with or without polymer, suspended in a mixture of water and emulsifier which begins to set upon contact with surfaces and when exposed to air.

  • Bituminous emulsion

    A dispersion of one liquid within another where the dispersed phase is a bituminous binder and the continuous phase is water.

  • Blankets

    Flexible insulation supplied as factory cut rolls and composed of mineral fibre (glass and rock fibre) or polyester fibre, and may be combined with reflective facings.

  • Blended granular material

    Joining of two or more gravel materials in various designed % mix blends using ARRB spreadsheet model to achieve improved structural strength and improved plasticity whether smaller or larger as required.

  • Blended material

    A material formed by the combination and mixing of materials obtained from different sources or rock types or recycled materials, in order to obtain a product with improved properties.

  • Boiling water

    Drinking water at a temperature at or close to 100°C.

  • Bond breaker

    A system preventing a membrane bonding to the substrate, bedding or lining.

  • Bonding conductor

    Provides electrical connection between the lightning protection system and other metalwork and between various metal parts of a structure or between earthing systems.

  • Bonding treatment

    A treatment of a substrate that improves adhesion of a rendering or plastering system.

  • Booking (book)

    The procedure of folding pasted surfaces together for easier handling, when applying paste onto wallcoverings.

  • Booster

    In-line pressure booster pumping station used to increase the hydraulic gradient.

  • Borrow area

    An area or excavation from which soil, clay, sand, rock or gravel has been excavated for a specific purpose.

  • Bound granular materials

    Granular or subgrade materials to which a binder has been added to improve structural stiffness.

  • Bound material

    A granular or subgrade material to which a binder has been added to improve structural stiffness.

  • Branch

    A duct with no terminals connected to it.

  • Built-up air handling plant

    A custom made air handling unit, erected on-site on a building floor using standard panels and proprietary components.

  • Bulk excavation

    All types of excavation other than that defined in detailed excavation. Bulk excavation material is not divided into classes and the cost of bulk excavation in any type of material encountered shall be deemed included in the contract sum.

  • Buried tank

    A tank that is set into and partly or completely covered by earth.

  • Bushfire attack levels (BAL)

    A method of measuring a site’s potential exposure to ember attack, radiant heat and direct flame contact as defined in AS 3959 (2018). It takes into consideration Fire danger index (FDI), the slope of the land, types of surrounding vegetation and the site’s proximity to any building.

  • Bushfire prone area

    An area declared as likely to be subject to bushfire attack by the local council or a state government.

  • Butt joints (flooring)

    Floor units cross cut square with plain ends for joining over battens or joists.

  • Butt joints (flooring)

    Floor boards cross cut square with plain ends for joining over battens or joists.

C

  • Cable support

    Cable tray, cable ladders and cable mesh cable support systems.

  • Capability

    The percentage of design water flow rate that the cooling tower is capable of cooling through the design temperature range at the design approach temperature with air entering at the design wet bulb temperature.

  • Carriageway

    That portion of a road or bridge devoted particularly to the use of vehicles, that is between guide posts, kerbs, or barriers where these are provided, inclusive of shoulders and auxiliary lanes.

  • Carriageway concrete pavements

    Reinforced concrete pavements. Does not include roller compacted concrete bases and subbases.

  • Cartoon

    The full-size rendition of the source artwork, mounted immediately behind the warp threads of the loom to guide the weavers while the tapestry is being woven.

  • Catchment

    A topographically defined area drained by a stream where all outflow is directed to a single point.

  • Catchment (area)

    A topographically defined area drained by a stream, river or reservoir of water (into a groundwater system).

  • Catchment area of any point

    The limits from where surface runoff will make its way, either by natural or man-made paths, to this point.

  • Cationic emulsion

    A type of bituminous emulsion where the dispersed particles comprise of a bituminous binder and are positively charged.

  • Ceiling unit

    Tile, panel, plank, strip or open grid supported within or to a suspended ceiling system.

  • Cement matrix terrazzo

    Facing aggregate in a cement based matrix.

  • Certification

    A written assertion of facts.

  • Chain link fencing fabric

    Diamond-pattern-woven fencing fabric manufactured from wire.

  • Changeable letter systems

    Sign systems consisting of display boards or holders into which removable individual letters, numbers, symbols or other characters can be inserted.

  • Changeable plate systems

    Sign systems consisting of fixed plate holders to which removable interchangeable sign plates can be attached or inserted.

  • Checklist

    Form completed during the manufacture/construction process verifying key steps.

  • Chilled water

    Drinking water at a temperature between 6°C and 15°C.

  • Clamp plate

    A continuous metal plate bolted to a linear framing element that clamps a membrane in place.

  • Clay segmental pavers

    Manufactured from clay, shale or argillaceous materials which may be mixed with additives. Clay pavers may have square, bevelled (chamfered), rounded or rumbled edges. They are generally rectangular in shape, with the length twice the width, plus 2 mm.

  • Clean water

    Water conforming to one of the following:Water that enters the development site from an external source and has not been further contaminated by sediment within the site.Water originating from the site and does not require treatment to reach the required water quality level.Water that would not be further improved if it was to pass through the sediment trap for the site.

  • Cleaning

    Removal of any deposit or accumulation of impurities, or any other foreign material and may include dispersion and removal of solids, physical scrubbing, draining and/or disinfection.

  • Cleanout

    A subsurface drainage inlet at the surface of the pavement, shoulder or surrounding ground surface. Also known as flushout riser and inspection point.

  • Clear zone

    The area adjacent to the traffic lane to be kept clear of obstructions that could be hazardous to errant vehicles. It consists of the verge area and is measured from the nearside edge of the left-hand traffic lane. For divided roads, it is also measured from the offside edge of the right-hand traffic lane to the edge of the pavement for opposing traffic.

  • Clearances

    A formal certificate, approval or condition issued by a statutory authority allowing work in a particular area.

  • Clearing

    The removal of vegetation or other obstacles at or above ground before the commencement of earthwork, drainage, etc.

  • Closed system

    A water distribution or circulation system in which the water does not come into contact with air during circulation and to which, in normal operation, no water is added or lost.

  • Coarse aggregate

    A general term for aggregates substantially retained on a sieve of specified size, commonly 4.75 mm.

  • Coating contractor

    The protective coatings application contractor conducting the on- or off-site coating application works.

  • Coating manufacturer

    The supplier and/or manufacturer of the protective coating materials used.

  • Coating or finish

    This refers to the final coats and can be of the following main types:Water-based (single and two-pack).Solvent based (single and two-pack).Oil modified urethane.Acid catalysed.Hardwax oil.Penetrating oil.

  • COBie

    Construction Operation Buildings information exchange. A representation of a handover view of the IFC schema, typically seen as a spreadsheet. (ISO 15686-4)

  • Cofferdam

    A structure, usually temporary, built to support the surrounding ground or to exclude water and soil sufficiently to permit work to proceed safely without excessive pumping.

  • Cold mix asphalt

    A mixture of bituminous binder and aggregates, with or without mineral filler, produced warm or cold in a mixing plant and delivered in a workable condition suitable for stockpiling and spreading and compaction. It is used in areas where it is impractical to do repair work using hot mix.

  • Commissioning

    Running of the plant and equipment to make sure there is flow through the pumping system to the design requirements, carrying out any necessary testing and making adjustments until it is ready and suitable for normal starting and running under service conditions.

  • Commissioning

    Advancement of an installation from static completion to full working order, including verification that the systems, subsystems, and their components meet the project requirements. This includes all work described as commissioning in referenced documents, even if carried out before static completion. This definition is taken from SA TS 5342 (2021) and amended to include commissioning work carried out before static completion as required by some referenced documents.

  • Compactibility index

    A comparative measurement used to determine the consistency and the workability of roller compacted concrete.

  • Competent person

    A person who has, through a combination of training, qualification and experience, acquired knowledge and skills enabling that person to correctly perform a specified task.

  • Competent person

    A person with:Trade qualification in a mechanical associated trade, electrical trade or associated engineering qualification.Comprehensive understanding of relevant design and safe use/maintenance standards, including the design standard used.Minimum 5 years' experience in the lift industry.

  • Completion/completion of repairs/completion of works

    The maintenance contract provides requirements for when the works are deemed complete, including that the works have been completed in conformance with drawings, schedules and specifications.

  • Component layers (of wallcoverings)

     Decorative (top) layer (wallpaper): Consisting of ink and a protective polymer coating applied to the top of the intermediate layer. The design and/or texture is printed using various methods such as gravure, flexography, surface printing and screen-printing.Intermediate layer (or the ground): Providing the surface upon which the decorative layer is printed and the background colour.Backing: Is the part of the wallcovering that adheres to the wall substrate. The backing material includes woven and non-woven fabrics and lightweight paper products.

  • Compressed fibre cement sheets

    Factory prefinished double faced autoclaved high density fibre cement sheets with square stone cut edges ground smooth and arrised.

  • Concrete class – normal

    Concrete that is specified primarily by a standard compressive strength grade up to 50 MPa and otherwise in conformance with AS 1379 (2007) clause 1.5.3.

  • Concrete class – special

    Concrete that is specified to have certain properties or characteristics different from, or additional to, those of normal-class concrete and otherwise in conformance with AS 1379 (2007) clause 1.5.4.

  • Concrete segmental pavers

    Units of not more than 0.10 m2 in gross plan area, manufactured from concrete, with top and bottom faces parallel, with or without chamfered edges and identified by the following shape types:Shape Type A: Dentated chamfered units that key into each other on four sides, are capable of being laid in herringbone bond, and by plan geometry, when interlocked, resist the spread of joints parallel to both the longitudinal and transverse axes of the units.Shape Type B: Dentated units that key into each other on two sides, are not (usually) laid in herringbone bond, and by plan geometry, when keyed together, resist the spread of joints parallel to the longitudinal axes of the units and rely on dimensional accuracy and accuracy of laying to interlock on the other faces.Shape Type C: Units that do not key together rely on dimensional accuracy and accuracy of laying to develop interlock.Refer to CMAA PA02 (2022) for laying patterns examples.

  • Condenser coil

    Has the same meaning as outdoor coil.

  • Connecting strap

    A short conductor for the connection of structures to the lightning protection system.

  • Construction joints

    All joints other than fresh joints or where adjoining concrete shows signs of setting.

  • Construction records

    All lot records, non-conformance reports, design change notices, site instructions, photographs and interim as-built drawings applicable to a lot package.

  • Consumable

    Materials or components intended to be replaced within the service life of the associated plant or equipment.

  • Contamination of land

    The presence of a substance in, on or under the land that is designated hazardous material and/or is at a concentration above that which is normally found in that locality, and presents a risk of harm to human health or to the environment.

  • Contour cultivation

    Cultivation to prepare the rehabilitation area on the contour. On steep slopes the land is terraced or benched.

  • Contract administrator

    Has the same meaning as architect, superintendent or principal’s authorised person superintendent and is the person appointed by the owner or principal under the contract. The term architect, superintendent or principal’s authorised person are generally used in the various construction contracts. However, NATSPEC technical worksections use the term contract administrator, as this has a more general application.

  • Contraction joint

    Provides relief from restraint due to drying shrinkage, temperature changes or other causes whilst preventing movement in other directions. The full depth of the joint is de-bonded from the adjoining slab panel allowing the joint to open as the concrete shrinks. Also know as a construction joint at concrete placement pour stops in slab panels.

  • Contractor

    Has the same meaning as builder and is the person or organisation bound to carry out and complete the work under the contract.

  • Control joint

    Controls transverse and longitudinal cracking in the pavement due to drying shrinkage, temperature changes or other causes similar to a contraction joint. It differs from a contraction joint and does not initially provide a full depth break between adjoining slab panels. It creates a plane of weakness by penetrating the concrete to sufficient depth within a few hours of placing. This weakness is provided by saw cutting a joint on the surface of the concrete or casting in a proprietary crack inducer. This promotes crack formation below the penetration as the concrete dries. Also known as a weakened plane joint.

  • Control line

    A line generally at or near the centreline of a road on which the design is based and from which measurements for setting out may

  • Control system

    A lighting control system comprising a combination of some or all of the following:Automatic sensing and control components.Computer interface for programming.Dimming systems.Manual overrides.Motion detection sensors (occupancy sensors).Timers.

  • Control system (lighting)

    A lighting control system comprising a combination of some or all of the following:Automatic sensing and control components.Timers.Manual overrides.Programming using a computer interface.

  • Cool room

    A refrigerated space that is designed to maintain a temperature below 5°C and is used primarily for the storage of product.

  • Cooling coil

    Has the same meaning as indoor coil.

  • Cooling tower

    As defined in AS/NZS 3666.1 (2011) and including hybrid coolers.

  • Corrective action request

    A formal advice/instruction to the contractor requesting action to eliminate the cause of a detected nonconformity.

  • Council

    The Local Government Authority for the area where the work is carried out.

  • Critical alarms

    Alarms that if not attended immediately may have a detrimental effect on the building or system. Alarms to be deemed critical to be defined during the preparation of the functional specification.

  • Critical fall height

    The maximum free height of fall for which a surface provides an acceptable level of impact attenuation.

  • Cross bank (whoa-boy)

    An earth hump constructed across a track so that runoff is effectively diverted from it. Cross banks are designed to handle larger flows than cross drains, using one of the following methods:Infall cross bank: Used to direct water off the track surface where it is inappropriate to direct water to the side of the road.Outfall cross bank: Used to remove water from table drains at outfall locations.

  • Cross drains

    Drains of various forms that hinder the flow of water down a track and divert it across the track’s surface. The capacity of the drain is defined by its cross-section. Cross drains are designed to handle smaller flows than cross banks but larger flows than can be controlled by crossfall drainage.

  • Cross-laminated timber (CLT)

    A prefabricated engineered wood product made of at least three orthogonal layers of graded sawn timber or wood-based panels that are laminated by gluing with structural adhesives. Definition for CLT aligns with the definition in ISO 16696-1 (2019).

  • Crossfall

    The slope of the surface of a carriageway measured normal to the design or road centreline.

  • Crossfall drainage

    Drainage which occurs when the surface of a track has sufficient cross slope to cause water to flow across and off the surface, rather than along it. Stormwater drainage for unsealed tracks can be classified as follows:Crown: Where water sheds from both sides.Infall: Where water flows into the hillside.Outfall: Where flow is away from the hillside.

  • Culvert

    A pipe or similar structure used to direct water under the track.

  • Cushion head box

    A plenum box fitted above a diffuser.

  • Custom-built assemblies

    Low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies manufactured to order and incorporating either purpose built or proprietary components or either purpose built or proprietary busbar assemblies.

  • Cutback bitumen

    Bitumen to which cutter oil (kerosene or similar) has been added to achieve a temporary reduction in viscosity.

  • Cutter

    A light petroleum distillate (e.g. kerosene or similar) added to bitumen to temporarily reduce its viscosity (cutback bitumen).

  • Cycleway

    Portion of a road or footpath for the exclusive use of cyclists.

D

  • Date of completion

    The date when:All excavation, backfill and temporary restoration of the road opening is completed and safe for use by traffic.Permanent restoration is completed.

  • Decking

    Intermittently-supported external flooring with drainage gaps between boards.

  • Decorative overlaid wood panels

    Particleboard or fibreboard with a bonded decorative finishing surface such as thermosetting resin (low pressure melamine), PVC film, paper foils or wood veneer.

  • Default

    Specified value, product or installation method that is to be provided unless otherwise documented.

  • Defect

    A work lot non-conformance which continues to exist.

  • Defect register

    A register of all defects maintained by the contractor. Recorded as either OPEN or CLOSED.

  • Defendable space

    An area adjoining an asset that is managed to reduce combustible elements and is free from constructed impediments. It is a safe working environment in which active firefighting can be undertaken to defend the structure, before and after the passage of a bushfire.

  • Delineator

    Small retroreflectors or panels of retroreflective sheeting attached to guide posts to provide a coherent pattern of delineation of carriageway edges as an aid to night driving.

  • Demolition

    The complete or partial removal of a building or structure, by pre-planned and controlled methods or procedures. The above definition differs slightly to that in AS 2601 (2001). For the purposes of this worksection to demolish implies the full or partial destruction of the building element.

  • Density ratio (soil)

    Percentage of the maximum density at optimum moisture content as determined by AS 1289.5.2.1 (2017).

  • Design life

    The period of time for which it is assumed, in the design, that an asset will be able to perform its intended purpose with only anticipated maintenance but no major repair or replacement being necessary.

  • Design parameters

    Information used as the basis for design. It includes design requirements, performance criteria, performance parameters and similar terms.

  • Destructive inspection (of trees)

    The washing away of all soil from a rootball to allow inspection of rootball development.

  • Detailed excavation

    Excavation of pits and trenches for foundation elements and the like, and for drainage, hydraulic, electrical and other services, but not including excavation for underpinning, tunnelling, bored piers and caissons, which is documented in other worksections when applicable. In detailed excavation, the excavated material is divided into two classes – rock and other than rock – in conformance with separate definitions of such material.

  • Diffuser

    A supply air grille mounted in a ceiling or on the underside of a duct through which air is supplied and distributed within a room or interior space of a building.

  • Digital signs

    Sign systems consisting of electronic display panels that can be programmed to display images, videos or web pages.

  • Dilapidation record

    The photographic or video, and written record of the condition of the portion of the existing building retained, adjacent buildings, and other relevant structures or facilities, before the start of demolition work. Delete portion of the existing building being retained, if the existing building is to be completely demolished.

  • Dismantle

    The reduction of an item to its components in a manner to allow re-assembly.

  • Disposition

    Action taken to resolve non-conformance (Lot specific).

  • Document

    Record of information in written or graphical form.

  • Documented

    Documented, as documented and similar terms mean contained in the contract documents.

  • Double detail joint

    A joint formed by turning up and bonding the horizontal membrane to a vertical substrate and adding an overflashing of membrane material bonded to the vertical substrate and folded over and bonded to the horizontal membrane. In certain situations the double detail can be achieved by bonding an angle profile of membrane material to the junction prior to laying the membrane.

  • Double-twisted wire mesh

    Non-ravelling mesh made by twisting continuous pairs of wires through three one-half (180°) turns to form hexagonal shaped openings.

  • Double/double seal (D/D)

    A seal applied by spraying a layer of binder, spreading the large-sized aggregate and, after suitable rolling and sweeping, spraying another lower application of binder followed by the spreading of a layer of smaller aggregate.

  • Drainage blankets

    A drain comprising a blanket of free-draining material. Typically used where a pavement intercepts a subterranean water source with substantial flows or the nature of the water-bearing strata is such that interception by formation or pavement drain is not possible. It is generally considered to be a structural component of the pavement system.

  • Drainage structures

    Devices to control stormwater flowing into and through a stormwater drainage system including culverts, inlet and outlet structures, junction boxes, gully pits, drop structures, headwalls, wingwalls, energy dissipaters and ancillary hardware such as grates, frames and step irons as well as subsurface drainage pipes at pits, headwalls and wingwalls.

  • Drainage types

    Subsoil drains: Drainage below the ground surface which collects subsurface water throughout its length of ground water or seepage from the subgrade and/or the subbase in cuttings and fill areas.Formation drains: Drainage systems designed to intercept water before it reaches the road/pavement structure. They are generally deeper than pavement drains and are usually remote from the pavement structure. Also known as cut-off drains.Pavement drains: Drainage systems designed to remove water from the subgrade and pavement materials.

  • Dripline

    The most outer reach of a tree’s branches.

  • Dry process fibreboard

    Panel material with a nominal thickness of 1.5 mm or greater, manufactured from lignocellulosic fibres (derived from wood or other materials) with application of heat and pressure, the bond of which is derived from a synthetic adhesive added to the fibres and the panels are manufactured with a forming moisture content less than 20%.

  • Dual drainage

    The major/minor approach to street drainage.

E

  • Early age strength

    A mean compressive strength at 7 days exceeding the values shown in AS 1379 (2007) Table 1.2.

  • Earth windrow

    A soil ridge built along the track edge during construction or maintenance. Where used to direct runoff to a stable outlet, it is known as a windrow drain.

  • Earthing boss (terminal lug)

    A metal boss specially designed and welded to process plant, storage tanks, or steelwork to which earthing conductors are attached by means of removable studs or nuts and bolts.

  • Economic life

    The period of time from the acquisition of an asset to the time when the asset, while still physically capable of fulfilling its function and with only anticipated maintenance, ceases to be the lowest cost alternative for satisfying that function.

  • Edge drains

    Drainage of rigid pavements from the interface between the base and subbase.

  • Effective pipe length

    The centre-line length dimension specified by the manufacturer and subject to permissible tolerances.

  • Efficiency index

    The effectiveness of a curing compound in retaining moisture, assessed as a percentage of water retained in the test specimens relative to the uncoated specimens.

  • Elapsed delivery time

    Time between the wetting of the concrete mix and the discharge of the concrete mix at the site.

  • Electricity distributor

    Any person or organisation that provides electricity from an electricity distribution system to one or more electrical installations. Includes distributor, supply authority, network operator, local network service provider, electricity retailer or electricity entity, as may be appropriate in the relevant jurisdiction. This is the definition in AS/NZS 3000 (2018). Electricity distributor is included in Utility service provider.

  • Embedded generator

    Electricity generator connected to the local electrical distribution network.

  • Embedment material

    Includes bedding, haunch support and overlay material.

  • Emergency access way

    Access used to connect roads and provide alternative access and egress during emergencies where the traffic flow design does not allow two-way access.

  • Emergency repairs

    Repairs to restore the normal operating state or safety of the plant or systems.

  • Emitter

    A device used to control the rate at which water is applied to a specific area.

  • End terminals

    Device that protect vehicle occupants from injury in an impact with the end of the safety barrier. Can be either leading or departure end treatment.

  • End-matched joints (flooring and decking)

    Floor boards tongue and grooved at the ends to allow jointing between supports.

  • Environment

    The physical factors of the surroundings of human beings including the land, waters, atmosphere, climate, sound, odours, tastes; and the biological factors of animals; and plants and the social factor of aesthetics. Environment, as defined in the Environment Protection Act 2017 (Vic). Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 (NSW) defines the environment as the components of the earth including land, air and water, any layer of the atmosphere, organic or inorganic matter and any living organism and human-made or modified structures and areas. See Policy statement - Definition of 'Environment' (1999) for information on the definition of environment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) s. 528.

  • Environmental audit

    A review of environmental management practices, in particular the evaluation of a site for environmental liability.

  • Environmental impact assessment (EIA)

    A method for predicting environmental impacts of a proposed development including strategies for minimising identified impacts.

  • Environmental management plan (EMP)

    A project or site specific plan describing the management of the environmental issues and considerations for the activity being undertaken. This applies to the design, construction and operation of the buildings, external works and infrastructure.

  • Erosion

    The wearing away of land by the action of rainfall, running water, wind, moving ice or gravitational creep. Soil detachment (erosion) occurs when the erosive forces exceed the soil’s resistance, causing the soil particles to move.

  • Erosion classes in relation to soil types

     Class A: Low soil erodibility. Brown and red soils derived from finer sediments and metasediments.Class B: High soil erodibility. Red soils on fine granites, fine sandstones and basalt.Class C: Very high soil erodibility. Grey and yellow soils derived from granites, sediment and metasediment, especially coarse grained types.Class D: Extreme soil erodibility. Unconsolidated sediment. This is unsuitable for fire access tracks.From the NSW Gov Tracks (1994).

  • Erosion control measures

    Measures to prevent or reduce soil movement from wind, rain or flowing water from a construction site resulting from both natural processes and human activity.

  • Error

    The measured value minus the true value of the quantity being measured.

  • Errors and omissions

    For the design prepared by the contractor, errors and omissions have the same meaning as defects.

  • Essential electric power

    For the purposes of this worksection and within the meaning of the term in AS 2896 (2021), essential electric power has the same meaning as vital in AS/NZS 3009 (1998).

  • Evaporative air cooler

    A device that cools air by the evaporation of water. It has the same meaning as evaporative air conditioner.

  • Evaporative efficiency

    When tested to AS 2913 (2000), the cooling performance of the equipment, representing the extent to which the available wet bulb depression will be achieved as the dry bulb temperature drops.

  • Expansion joint

    A closing control joint with the joint surfaces separated by a compressible filler to allow axial movement due to thermal expansion or contraction with changes in temperature or creep. It may include unbound dowels to assist vertical deflection control.

  • Expansion joint

    Accommodates expansion of the pavement, primarily due to thermal expansion or contraction with changes in temperature. The joint is typically filled with a resilient material, provided to separate adjoining slab panels permitting axial movement from thermal expansion.

  • Extended design domain (EDD)

    The design domain for the assessment of existing roads. EDD is a range of values below the lower bound of the NDD.

  • Extra-low voltage

    Not exceeding 50 V a.c. or 120 V ripple-free d.c.

F

  • Fabric pests

    Insects that have the ability to feed on keratin, a proteinaceous constituent of wool and other animal hair. This includes clothes moths, tapestry moths, carpet beetles and other insect species that can damage fabrics by chewing through.

  • Facework

    Masonry intended to be exposed in a wall.

  • Fasteners

    An alternate method to lacing wire used for binding operations.

  • Fastenings

    Clips and ties used to attach reinforcement mesh to fixings.

  • Fault current limiters

    Circuit opening devices designed or selected to limit the instantaneous fault current.

  • Feature

    The grade will determine the level of feature present. Natural characteristics of the wood including gum veins, past borer activity and knots present in the flooring.

  • Fibre cement sheet linings

    Treated cellulose fibre in a matrix of cement and sand autoclaved sheet, sealed on one side.

  • Fibreglass

    Glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GRP).

  • Field

    A data field is a place where data is stored. Commonly used to refer to a column in a database or a field in a data entry form or web form. It is generally the smallest component under which data is captured. This standard applies the concept of fields to the components of a name (property/file/view) which stores a specific piece of information.

  • Filter layers

    Used to prevent the loss of permeability in drainage layers from clogging by fine soil particles infiltrating from the subgrade (underlying soil).

  • Fine aggregate

    A general term for aggregate that substantially passes the 4.75 mm.

  • Finish coat

    The final coat of a coating system.

  • Finishing treatment

    The treatment applied to a finish coat which may include processes and results.

  • Fire access route

    A designated route established to separate bushfire hazard areas from developed areas and to provide access within and around the edge of the subdivision. It may be used during firefighting but may also be used for fire prevention.

  • Fire access track

    A track constructed and/or maintained expressly for fire management purposes.

  • Fire break

    A gap in vegetation or other combustible material (or fuel) that acts as a barrier to slow or stop the progress of a bushfire. A fire break may also serve as a public road.

  • Fire hazard properties

    To NCC (2022) Schedule 1.

  • Fire trail

    A trail constructed to ensure firefighters can access fires and safely contain them. They are also used to assist with management of bushfire risk across the landscape and for the protection of the community and its assets.

  • Fire-resisting doorset

    A doorset that retains its integrity, provides insulation and limits, if required, the transmittance of radiation in a fire.

  • Fixings

    Devices such as screws, bolts and anchors used as fixing points for reinforcement mesh.

  • FixtureNATSPEC

    Fixed or permanently attached items in a building that cannot be removed without causing damage and would remain upon a change in occupancy, such as a bath, water closet suite, stove, built-in cupboards.

  • Flakiness index

    Is defined as the percentage by mass of stones in an aggregate having an ALD of less than 0.6 times their average dimension.

  • Flaking

    The process of loosely folding a membrane back and forth upon itself in concertina-fashion to reduce stresses on the fibres of the membrane fabric by eliminating tight folds and creases.

  • Flaky aggregate

    Is defined as an aggregate particle with a least dimension (thickness) less than 0.6 of the mean of the smallest sieve size through which the particle passes and the largest sieve size on which the particle is retained.

  • Flexible barrier system

    A flexible barrier system where the barrier elements under an impact provide substantial movement, deformation and deflection.

  • Flexible guide post

    A guide post that when impacted by a vehicle, deflects and returns to the vertical position without maintenance intervention.

  • Flexible pavement

    A pavement which obtains its load-spreading properties from intergranular pressure, mechanical interlock and cohesion between the particles of the pavement material.

  • Flooring - adhesive fixed

    Flooring that is adhesive fixed to the supporting subfloor.

  • Flooring - continuously-supported

    Flooring that is supported by, and directly fixed to, continuous structural supporting surfaces, including concrete slabs and sheet flooring subfloors. Where the flooring is continuously supported it is not structural and there is much more freedom to locate fixings.

  • Flooring - fitted

    Flooring fitted between the walls of each room i.e. not platform floors. With intermittently - supported floors, nailing is limited to supports and the floor acts as part of the structure.

  • Flooring - floating

    Flooring that is not fixed to the supporting subfloor but with boards fixed to each other. Multilayered board flooring products that are not fixed to the subfloor are marketed as floating floors.

  • Flooring - intermittently-supported

    Flooring that is supported by, and spans across joists or battens.

  • Flooring - multilayered board

    Manufactured board flooring with a decorative wearing surface layer bonded to a core layer such as, solid timber, high-density plywood, HDF or polymer based material, often with an attached underlay and proprietary glueless jointing system or tongue and groove edge.

  • Flooring - sprung

    A subfloor structure engineered to absorb shocks, usually fixed on resilient pads, typically finished with a decorative flooring material.

  • Flooring - strip flooring

    Flooring made from machined timber with tongues and grooves along the length of the strips. For engineered flooring, see 0654 Multilayered board flooring.

  • Flush door panels

    Door panels with two plane faces that entirely cover and conceal its structure.

  • Flush door panels with blockboard core

    Door panels consisting of a core plate of timber strips laid edge to edge, and to which are bonded no less than two sheets of veneer on each face.

  • Footpath (pathway)

    A public way reserved for the movement of pedestrians, motorised wheelchairs and personal mobility devices.

  • Formation

    The surface of the finished earthworks, excluding cut or fill batters.

  • Formation drains

    Drainage of seepage, springs and wet areas within and adjacent to the road formations.

  • Formed and gravel

    This road is designed to the appropriate geometric design standards with the required drainage. A layer of imported granular material is compacted to the required thickness to support estimated traffic. Resheeting and patrol grading maintenance is required on a regular basis.

  • Formed road

    This road is designed to the geometric design standards with the required drainage. These are earth roads made up of local materials with no imported gravel requiring periodic resheeting maintenance. Will require patrol grading maintenance including heavy patching from time to time

  • Foundation level

    The level at the underside of the 50 mm thick mass concrete blinding layer, below the reinforced concrete footing.

  • Fresh joints

    A joint where the pavement material on both sides of the joint has been placed within 3 hours from the time of mixing the material placed before to one side of the joint.

G

  • Gabion

    Double-twisted wire mesh container, uniformly partitioned into internal cells, interconnected with other units and filled with rocks to form flexible, permeable, monolithic structures. Gabions may be used for landscaping, erosion control, noise attenuation walls, retaining structures, and facing panels for reinforced soil structures.

  • Gas Network Operator

    Has the same meaning as network operator in AS/NZS 5601.1 (2022). Gas Network Operator is included in Utility service provider. The NCC cites AS/NZS 5601.1 (2013).

  • Generic object

    A generic representation of the common features and properties of a physical element, intended for use in the early stages of design or when the object is not resolved into a product.

  • Geopolymer binder

    Polymeric binder formed by reacting alumina-silicate pre-cursers with alkaline activator(s).

  • Geopolymer concrete

    Geopolymer binder aggregates, water and additives.

  • Geotechnical site investigation

    The process of evaluating the geotechnical characteristics of the site in the context of existing or proposed construction.

  • Geotextile

    A permeable synthetic fabric laid on soil, sand blinding, concrete or masonry substrates, serving to protect, separate, filter or drain.

  • Geotextile filter

    A fabric manufactured from synthetic fibres of long chained polymer such as polypropylene, polyester or similar material and stabilised against deterioration by ultraviolet light. A geotextile filter can be either non-woven or knitted fabric.

  • Geotextile reinforced seal

    An application of a bituminous binder into which both aggregate and geotextile are incorporated to provide a durable wearing surface. A layer of binder is applied first, followed by a layer of geotextile fabric, then a second coat of binder, followed by the aggregate.

  • Give notice

    Give notice, submit, advise, inform and similar expressions mean give notice (submit, advise, inform) in writing to the contract administrator.

  • Glass bite

    The depth of glass that is secured inside the frame assembly (rebate).

  • Gloss

    The optical property of a surface, characterised by its ability to reflect light specularly.

  • Gloss unit

    Numerical value for the amount of specular reflection relative to that of a standard surface under the same geometric conditions.

  • Grade

    The grade is an indication of the number and size of features in the flooring.

  • Gradient

    The longitudinal slope of a road or path, usually represented as a ratio of one metre rise to the horizontal distance (e.g. 1:50) or expressed as a percentage (e.g. 2%).

  • Granolithic topping

    A topping mix with the coarse aggregate restricted to between 2 and 3 mm.

  • Granular materials

    Granular materials with no significant capacity to resist tensile stresses.

  • Grasscloth wallpapers

    Handcrafted natural fibre wallpaper made by gluing grasses or vines to a paper backing.

  • Green concrete

    Concrete that has recently set but has not achieved any design strength.

  • Guide post

    Post used to mark the edge of the road carriageway. They assist the road user by indicating the alignment of the road ahead, especially at horizontal and vertical curves, and in some cases, provide a gauge with which to assess available sight distance.

H

  • Hard-coded

    A field that is coded into a software user interface where the user has no ability to change the field name.

  • Hardware

    To AS 4145.1 (2008) Section 2.

  • Header unit

    Components which run perpendicular to the face of the wall, i.e. into the embankment.

  • Heat exchanger efficiency

    Has the same meaning as heat exchanger effectiveness.

  • Heated water

    Water that has been intentionally heated. It includes hot water, warm water and boiling water.

  • HEPA

    High efficiency particulate air, using or containing a filter designed to remove 99.97% of airborne particles, measuring 0.3 μm or greater in diameter passing through it.

  • HF welding

    The welding of polymer materials by heating them with high frequency electromagnetic waves.

  • High level interface

    Systems transfer information in a digital format using an open system interface.

  • High pressure decorative laminates (HPDL)

     Panels consisting of core layers impregnated with phenolic and/or aminoplastic resins and a surface layer(s) impregnated with aminoplastic resins (mainly melamine resins).Sheets consisting of a decorative face and layers of fibrous sheet material (e.g. paper) impregnated with thermosetting resins and bonded together under heat and pressure of at least 5 MPa.

  • High stress seal or reseal (HSS)

    A bituminous seal or reseal treatment which may be a single/single or double/double seal, but with a polymer modified binder (PMB) to improve seal performance in areas of high traffic loading and stress.

  • High voltage

    Exceeding low voltage.

  • High-build low profile latex coating

    A water based coating designed to be used over textured coatings to increase the exposure performance of the system.

  • hold point

    The activity cannot proceed without the approval of the contract administrator. If applicable consider including this Optional style text by changing to Normal style text. Hold point: Contract administrator intervention of this sort should be minimised, to avoid blurring of responsibilities, to increase precision in documentation, to expedite the works, to avoid an adversarial position and to accord with principles of quality assurance and risk allocation. In quality assurance terms, approval is a hold point rather than a witness point - too many approvals may bog the project down.

  • Hold point

    A mandatory verification position in the contract beyond which work cannot proceed without the designated authorisation.

  • Horizontal alignment

    The bringing together of the straights and curves in the plan view of a carriageway. It is a series of tangents and curves that may or may not be connected by transition curves.

  • Hot-dip galvanized

    Zinc coated to AS/NZS 4680 (2006) after fabrication with coating thickness and mass to AS/NZS 4680 (2006) Table 1. This applies to galvanizing after fabrication. Galvanized sheet metal and similar materials are covered by 0183 Metals and prefinishes.

  • House signage

    Internal and external project specific signs.

I

  • If required

    A conditional specification term for work that may be shown in the documents or is a legislative requirement.

  • IFC

    Industrial Foundation Classes (ISO 16739). An open file format developed and maintained by buildingSMART for the exchange of information enhanced models.

  • Illuminated signs

    Signs consisting of cabinets enclosing a light source, illuminating translucent face panels bearing the specified signage.

  • Impact sound

    Sound caused by impacts on building structure. Typical sources include footsteps, dropped objects on horizontal surfaces and the slamming of doors.

  • Imported topsoil

    Similar to local natural soil, suitable for the establishment and ongoing viability of the selected vegetation, free of weed propagules and of contaminants, and classified by texture to AS 4419 (2018) Appendix K Table K1, as follows:Fine: Clay loam, fine sandy clay loam, sandy clay loam, silty loam, loam.Medium: Sandy loam, fine sandy loam.Coarse: Sand, loamy sand.

  • Inadequate foundation material

    Material beneath or adjacent to the proposed drainage structures with insufficient strength to support the structure and loads on the structure, or material with characteristics that would adversely affect the performance or construction of the drainage structure.

  • Incandescent lamp

    Lamps covered in AS 4934.2 (2021) including tungsten filament, tungsten halogen and carbon filament types.

  • Incoming busbars

    Busbars connecting incoming terminals to line side terminals of main switches.

  • Ingress protection

    IP, IP code, IP rating and similar expression have the same meaning as IP Code in AS 60529 (2004).

  • Initial seal

    An application of a sprayed seal to a prepared basecourse which has not been primed. It is intended to adhere to the base, whilst providing a temporary wearing course for traffic.

  • Initial treatment

    An application of a primer to a prepared base, without cover aggregate, to provide penetration of the surface, temporary waterproofing and to obtain a bond between the pavement and the subsequent seal or asphalt. It is a preliminary treatment to a more permanent bituminous surfacing.

  • Initial treatment

    An application of a prime (prime coat) or initial seal to a prepared basecourse.

  • Insertion point

    The point on an object used to place it into a model.

  • Inspection and test plan

    The document identifying the required inspections and tests of the works. It includes verification check points designated as Hold point, Witness point and Review point.

  • Inspection and test plans (ITP)

    A series of formal inspection and test plans, prepared by the coating contractor to reflect the specific inspection and testing that will be carried out on the surface preparation, coating application and the record keeping tasks to be undertaken.

  • Instruction

    A document that specifies the key steps and sequence in the manufacture/construction for an activity and what materials and equipment will be used to achieve the required standard.

  • Integrated management manual

    A document setting out the general policies, procedures and practices of an organisation.

  • Integrated management system

    The organisational structure, responsibilities, procedures, processes and resources to make sure that the product or service meets requirements.

  • Intermediate posts

    Fence posts positioned at regular, equally spaced intervals between corner and/or end posts, to provide support for the fencing material.

  • Investigative inspection

    Any method of root inspection that involves the washing away of all or portions of the soil from the rootball to expose a section or all the roots.

  • Isolation joint

    Full depth separation of the pavement from any abutting buildings, existing pavements, or rigid structures such as drainage pits, access holes or columns which may cause restraint of the pavement and thereby increase the risk of cracking.

J

  • Joints

K

  • Kerbs and channels (gutters)

    Includes all forms of concrete channels (gutters), dish drains and mountable median and barrier kerbing.

  • Known history

    Supplier documentation, demonstrating and enabling verification that the product was grown by essentially the same processes and under essentially the same system of control.

  • Kvs

    The flow rate of water in m3/h through a fully open control valve that creates a pressure drop of 1 bar across the valve.

L

  • Lacing wire

    Wire used to assemble and interconnect empty units to close and secure rock-filled units or used as internal stiffeners.

  • LaitanceNATSPEC

    Scum or whitish deposit that rises to the surface of newly placed, over-wet concrete or over-trowelled mortar.

  • Landform

    The type and shape of terrain, usually including topography, geological characteristics, coastlines, rivers and water bodies.

  • Large culvert unit

    Culvert unit with a span exceeding 1200 mm up to 4200 mm and a height from 1200 mm up to 4200 mm.

  • Large tree

    A tree grown in a container not less than 20 L or ex-ground with a minimum rootball diameter of 400 mm.

  • Latex extensible wall coating (or membrane coating)

    A non-aggregate flexible watertight finish.

  • LathNATSPEC

    An applied substrate for render or plaster.

  • Lay

    The manner, direction and pitch in which the strands are laid around the centre of a rope, or in which the wires are laid around the central strand. Construction of steel rope is designated by two numbers. The first indicates the number of strands that make up the rope, the second number describes the number of wires that make up each strand.

  • Layered objects

    An object typically constructed from one or more layers of materials to form a building system. Typically these are "system" objects, provided by the BIM authoring system without fixed geometry, where the user can modify the layers and thickness but the geometry is created on placement in the model.

  • Legibility distance

    The maximum distance that the various types of traffic control signs or devices can clearly be seen under normal operating conditions and where there is no restriction to the line of sight.

  • Length of superelevation development

    The transition of crossfall from a normal roadway on straight alignment to that of a fully superelevated crossfall on a circular curve.

  • Level of service

    A qualitative measure describing operational conditions within a traffic stream such as speed and travel time, freedom to manoeuvre, traffic interruptions, comfort, convenience and safety and their perception by motorists and/or passengers.

  • Levels of gloss finish

    When the specular direction is 60 degrees, surfaces with the following specular gloss reading is defined as follows:Full gloss: Over 85 gloss units.Gloss: Over 50 and up to 85 gloss units.Semi-gloss (satin): Over 20 and up to 50 gloss units.Low gloss (low sheen): Over 5 and up to 20 gloss units.Flat finish (matt): Up to 5 gloss units.

  • Library

    A collection of reusable BIM objects stored as separate files that are used to facilitate the use of standardised designed or manufactured elements and objects over a project or series of projects.

  • Light duty

    Gross vehicle mass < 10 t.

  • Lining paper (wall liner)

    A thick, plain wallcovering, available in a variety of weights, installed under the decorative wallpaper as a preparatory or foundation layer to smooth out rough, damaged or textured walls.

  • Lippage

    Height deviation between adjacent units.

  • Liquid applied

    A water-based formulation that cures to form an elastomeric membrane. Urethane modified acrylics have better resistance to ponding. Products include acrylics, modified polyurethanes (water-based), polyurea and modified cementitious systems.

  • Load

    A single truckload of concrete comprising one or more batches.

  • Local authority (local council)

    A body established for the purposes of local government by or under a law applying in a state or territory.

  • Locally sourced

    Stock procured from district sources that is best suited to climatic, soil and environmental conditions in the immediate area of site.

  • Longitudinal linemarking

    All lines that are generally parallel to the traffic flow, such as centre, lane, edge, turn, continuity and transition lines and outline markings.

  • Longitudinal seam

    A joint or seam in the direction of airflow.

  • Lot

    Any part of the works that has been constructed/manufactured under a continuous operation of uniform conditions and is homogeneous with respect to material quality and general appearance.

  • Lot

    Any part of the works that has been constructed/manufactured under a continuous operation of uniform conditions and is homogeneous with respect to material quality and general appearance.

  • Lot-package

    One or more work lots of the same work kind collated under the same inspection and test plan.

  • Louvres - continuous

    Louvres that run continuously past, and are supported by, concealed framing or brackets.

  • Louvres - horizontal

    Louvres that span horizontally between frame stiles, mullions or vertical supports.

  • Louvres - vertical

    Louvres that span vertically between frame heads and sills, or horizontal supports.

  • Low gradient flow diversion (drainage) technique

    A flow diversion drain, channel or bank with a gradient sufficiently low to maintain subcritical flow along its length.

  • Low level interface

    Systems transfer information via terminals and voltage free contacts.

  • Low voltage

    Exceeding extra low voltage, but not exceeding 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c.

M

  • Main circuit supply busbars

    Busbars connecting incoming functional unit terminals, or incoming busbars where no main switches are included, to outgoing functional unit terminals or outgoing functional unit tee-offs.

  • Maintenance

    Work that is carried out to preserve an asset, to allow for its continued use and function over its designed service life.Corrective maintenance: Maintenance initiated as a result of plant, equipment, systems, elements, before or after functional failure. This work can be planned or unplanned and includes repairs and replacement.Preventive maintenance: Planned maintenance of plant, equipment and other systems or elements, including cyclical maintenance, fire safety measures and statutory requirements.

  • Major system

    The network of planned and unplanned drainage routes providing safe, well-defined overland flow paths for rare and extreme storm runoff events. It includes roads, natural channels, streams, culverts, community retention/detention basins and other facilities.

  • Mandrel

    A short length of smooth pipe of internal diameter 20 mm - 30 mm greater than the external diameter of the slotted pipe being enclosed by filter fabric.

  • Manufacturers’ and suppliers’ recommendations

    Recommendations, instructions, requirements, specifications (and similar expressions) provided in written or other form by the manufacturer relating to the suitability, use, installation, storage and/or handing of a product.

  • Manufacturer’s recommendations

    Recommendations, instructions, requirements, specifications (and similar expressions) provided in written or other form by the manufacturer and/or supplier relating to the suitability, use, installation, storage and/or handling of a product.

  • Masonry

    A preformed component, intended for use in masonry construction, either with or without mortar joints.

  • Match (pattern match)

    The point where the design matches at the seams.

  • Material design / formulation

    A statement outlining the specific material critical components which forms the basis for QA testing and verification, including any on site dilution or manufacturer recommendations as to use and handling of the product prior to application.

  • Matv (Master Antenna Television)

    System that primarily provides access to terrestrial television signals but may also carry radio services. Terrestrial signals may be distributed at their original frequency or shifted to a more convenient frequency. In-house services may also be provided by modulating base band signals from an appropriate source.

  • Medical breathing air

    For the purposes of this worksection medical breathing air and medical air have the same meaning.

  • Membrane

    A thin and flexible sheet of fabric material.

  • Membrane liner

    The waterproof barrier between the water and the substrate and as follows:Seamless membrane liners: Low VOC emitting, single component, self-curing liquid polymers applied directly to concrete or masonry substrates as a seamless film.Sheet membrane liners: Ultra-violet resistant, flexible sheet membranes installed on concrete, masonry or stable soil substrates and with seams lapped and sealed.

  • Membrane plate

    A metal plate that clamps the corner of a membrane to its support structure, or a pair of plates that clamp a membrane corner between them and are then attached by a hinged fitting to the support structure.

  • Membranes (waterproof)

    Impervious barriers to liquid water, which may be:Installed below floor finishes.Installed behind the wall sheeting or render.Installed to the face of the wall sheeting or render.Applied in liquid or gel form and air cured to form a seamless film.Applied in sheet form with joints lapped and sealed.

  • Metadata

    The term for the collection of properties, names, or data associated with an object, element or file. (Can also be known as Attributes, Parameters and Properties).

  • Metal faced board

    Sheet metal (usually stainless steel) adhesive fixed to moisture resistant particleboard.

  • Metal oxide varistors

    Semiconductors that protect electronic components and systems from transient voltage.

  • Metallic-coated

    Steel coated with zinc or aluminium-zinc alloy as follows:Metallic-coated steel sheet: To AS 1397 (2021). Metal thicknesses specified are base metal thicknesses.Ferrous open sections zinc coated by an in-line process: To AS/NZS 4791 (2006).Ferrous hollow sections zinc coated by a continuous or specialised process: To AS/NZS 4792 (2006). AS 1397 (2021) covers a wide range of finishes, coating grades and materials. It is used throughout the building industry for cold-formed sections such as studs, ceiling sections and roofing products. Specifications to AS 1397 (2021) should preferably include the base metal thickness and coating designations e.g. 1.6 mm galvanized grade G2 steel with Z275 coating. AS/NZS 4791 (2006) and AS/NZS 4792 (2006) exclude electrogalvanized (zinc plated) steel.

  • Microsurfacing

    A bituminous slurry surfacing that contains polymer modified emulsion binder, which is capable of being spread in layers with variable thickness for rut-filling and correction courses, and for wearing course applications requiring good surface texture. Microsurfacing is cured using a chemically controlled curing process.

  • Mineral filler

    A fine material, the majority of which passes a 75 µm sieve, derived from aggregate or other similar granular material.

  • Minimum gap sight distance

    Critical acceptance gap that drivers are prepared to accept when undertaking a crossing or turning manoeuvre at intersections.

  • Minor road

    All roads which become part of the public road system and are supplementary to arterial and sub-arterial roads. Minor roads may include local sub-arterial roads, collector roads, local roads, and access streets. The terminology of road hierarchy may be different in different states. Refer to the relevant State Road Authorities for more information.

  • Minor system

    The gutter and pipe network capable of carrying and controlling flows from frequent runoff events. It includes kerb and channels, inlet structures, open drains and underground pipes and on-site detention facilities.

  • Mix

    The proportions of component materials in a quantity of concrete.

  • Mix

    The proportions of component materials in a quantity of slurry seal or microsurfacing treatment mixture.Mix design: The designed proportion of component materials comprising the surfacing treatment mixture.Production mix: Mix produced in the plant and delivered to the site in a workable condition suitable for stockpiling, spreading and compaction.

  • Mix design

    The designed portion of constituent materials comprising the type and source of components, target grading, binder content and volumetric properties of the mix.

  • Mobile shelving

    Also referred to as compactus shelving.

  • Mobile work

    Work that entails vehicles moving progressively along the roadway at speeds significantly lower than other traffic, with all traffic control devices being either vehicle mounted or regularly moved along the road.

  • Modified granular material

    Granular materials to which small amounts of stabilising agent have been added to improve their performance without causing a significant increase in structural stiffness.

  • Modified material

    Granular materials to which small amounts of stabilising agent have been added to improve their performance (e.g. adjusting plasticity) without causing a significant increase in structural stiffness.

  • Moisture affected ground

    Ground where, because of the presence of water or high moisture content:The subgrade or base of excavation and/or the fill material is unable to support construction equipment.It is not possible to compact the subgrade and/or the overlying fill material.The material is otherwise unsuitable for the purposes of the works.The Superintendent’s approval is required before carrying out any and all work necessary for work under the Contract to proceed.

  • Moisture content

    The percentage by mass of water present in the material.

N

  • Net continuous rated output (or prime rating)

    Net continuous electrical output available at alternator terminals, not including the electrical power consumed by the generating set's dependent and essential auxiliaries.

  • Net short-time rated output (or stand-by rating)

    Net electrical output available from the generating set for 1 hour in every 12 hours at net continuous rated output, not including electrical power consumed by the generating set's dependent and essential auxiliaries.

  • Network

    Defined as:A connected system of roads and infrastructure that heavy vehicles can travel on. Can be restricted to a certain class(es) of heavy vehicles (NHVR).Set of roads which provide a means of road based travel within a region. In transport terms it is defined in terms of links and nodes.

  • Network Utility Operator

    To NCC (2022) Schedule 1. A person who undertakes the piped distribution of drinking water or non-drinking water for supply; or is the operator of a sewerage system or a stormwater drainage system.  This is the definition in NCC (2022) Schedule 1. Network Utility Operator is included in Utility service provider.

  • New pavement

    A combination of a base and surface course placed on a subgrade to support the traffic load and distribute it to the road bed for flexible pavements or rigid pavements.

  • No fines concrete

    Material consisting graded coarse aggregate, typically to a single AS sieve size, bound together by a mixture of cement and water to supply sufficient strength. The result is an open textured cellular concrete with many voids and increased permeability. No fines concrete is only used under trafficked areas.

  • Nominal maximums size

    Size designation of an aggregate or Asphalt mix size which gives an indication of the largest particle size present.

  • Nominal size

    A size designation of an aggregate which gives an indication of the largest particle size present.

  • Nominated mix

    The designed mix submitted for approval.

  • Non-aggregate textured latex coating

    A latex coating selected for aesthetic purposes to provide decorative profiles according to the application technique used.

  • Non-conformance

    The non-fulfilment of documented requirements.

  • Non-conformance report

    A mandatory (standard format) submission by the contractor that details the non-conforming work and the contractor’s proposed disposition of the non-conformance.

  • Non-gating terminal

    A road safety barrier terminal designed to allow an impacting vehicle to pass through the terminal and so compromise the safety barrier.

  • Non-load bearing construction (straw bale)

    Straw bale walls supporting only their own weight, such as in infill panels, within a framed structure.

  • Normal design domain (NDD)

    The design domain for a new road that defines the normal limits for the values of parameters that have traditionally been selected for new roads.

  • Notice of non-conformance

    Formal instruction to the contractor of product non-conformance to documented requirements. It automatically creates a Hold Point and requires a non-conformance report (NCR) from the contractor.

  • NTU

    A measure of water turbidity or the optical clarity of a liquid.

O

  • Obtain

    Obtain, seek and similar expressions mean obtain (seek) in writing from the contract administrator.

  • On-site plant material

    Plant material growing in natural ground conditions.

  • Opacity

    The ability of a paint or textured and membrane coating to obliterate the colour difference of a substrate.

  • Open drains

    All drains other than pipe and box culverts and include catch drains, channels (gutters) and kerbs and channels (gutters).

  • Open system

    A water distribution or circulation system that is not a closed system.

  • Organic waste

    Includes all food wastes, vegetative wastes from land clearing and pruning operations, biosolids produced from the treatment of liquid wastes, garden wastes and forestry waste (bark and saw dust) and paper and cardboard products.

  • Origin point

    A fixed point of reference for the geometry of the surround space defined as X, Y, and Z. Objects have an origin point that all other points in the object reference. A model has an origin point and objects placed in the model reference this.

  • Other markings

    All diagonal and chevron markings on the pavement including symbols, words, numerals and arrows, kerb markings and markings for parking.

  • Other than rock (also referred to as earth)

    All other material encountered in excavation.

  • Outer separator

    The portion of the road reserve separating a through carriageway from a service road.

  • Overlap

    An overlap is used when a wire rope barrier and a stiffer steel or concrete barrier interface on the same verge or median. The barriers are not physically connected, but the trailing end of one barrier protects the leading end of the second barrier.

  • Overlay zone

    The part of the trench backfill immediately over the utility service, for a maximum of 300 mm.

  • Oxidation of bitumen

    A binder which becomes hard and brittle as a result of chemical attack by oxygen in the presence of heat and sunlight.

P

  • Packaged air conditioning

    DX one-piece package or split system with total cooling capacity tested to AS/NZS ISO 5151 (2023) or AS/NZS 3823.1.2 (2012), standard test condition T1:Room air conditioner: < 8 kWr.Packaged air conditioner: ≥ 8 kWr. The demarcation point of 8 kWr is arbitrary but in line with industry practice. Modify, if necessary, to suit the project.

  • Packaged air handling unit

    A proprietary AHU manufactured off-site, factory assembled and type-tested.

  • Paint

    In this worksection implies pavement marking paint.

  • Paint or coating system

    A product in liquid form, which when applied to a surface, forms a dry film having protective, decorative or other specific technical properties.

  • Parametric

    The use of pre-programmed rules or algorithms to provide the user with the ability to change or configure objects during modelling.

  • Parquet

    Timber mosaic parquet panels or wood block parquet bonded to a subfloor either directly or over an underlay, as follows:Mosaic parquet panels: Pre-assembled timber finger modules held together to form tiles or panels.Wood block parquet: Rectangular blocks of timber with length a multiple of width (e.g. 260 x 65 mm, 300 x 60 mm and 400 x 80 mm) laid individually to produce a pattern.

  • Partial inspection (of trees)

    A method of exposing a section of a root system to allow inspection of root development by washing the soil away in a wedge-shaped section from the stem to the extremity of the rootball. This soil can be gently replaced so the tree is not damaged.

  • Particleboard

    Panel material manufactured under pressure and heat from particles of wood (wood flakes, strands, chips, shavings, sawdust and similar) and/or lignocellulosic material in particle form (flax shives, hemp hurds, bagasse fragments, rice hulls, wheat straw and similar) with the addition of an adhesive.

  • Partition - fully demountable

    A partition system in which any component may be demounted without damage, using only small hand tools, and subsequently reassembled without cutting, trimming or refinishing.

  • Partition - glazed

    A partition system consisting of a suite of exposed sections forming door and window frames, ceiling channels, sills, glazing and accessories; and generally intended for use in conjunction with framed and lined partition systems.

  • Partition - semi demountable

    A partition system in which the major components are designed to be removed and reused but panels or linings, which are likely to be damage during removal, are not.

  • Paste the wall (non-woven)

    Papers installed by applying paste to the wall rather than the paper. The paper can be removed in one piece.

  • Patch fixed glazing

    Glass panels supported by mechanical fixing to glass edges. Support provided by use of pressure plates clamped to glass without drilling holes.

  • Pathway

    See footpath.

  • Pavement

    The portion of a carriageway placed above the subgrade for the support of, and to form a running surface for, vehicular traffic including subbase and base course.

  • Pavement interface drains

    Drain the interface between pavements with different structures and may be oriented transversely or longitudinally.

  • Pavement marking

    All longitudinal linemarking, transverse lines, raised pavement markers and other markings placed on the road to control traffic movement or parking.

  • Pavers

    Units made from concrete, clay, stone and/or other inorganic raw materials, generally over 20 mm thick, used as coverings for horizontal surfaces. Larger pavers over 0.08 m2 in size are often referred to as flags.

  • Paving unit

    A purpose-built continuous flow mixing unit capable of accurately metering each individual component material into a mixer which thoroughly blends these materials to form a homogeneous mixture and transfers the mix into a spreader box for application to the pavement surface.

  • Pedestal

    The structure directly supporting the pavers, including head, base, column, any adjustment and any locking devices.

  • Performance audit (Process audit, technical procedure audit, methods audit)

    An evaluation of whether nominated methods and procedures are being adhered to in practice.

  • Perimeter roads

    Part of the asset protection zone. They provide a separation between the building and the bushfire hazard by acting as a wide, permanent and low maintenance fire break.

  • Periodic maintenance

    Planned routine maintenance of plant and equipment (proactive), including fire safety measures and statutory requirements.

  • Permanent control measures

    Measures/works implemented to control run-off water quality beyond the construction and maintenance stages.

  • Permanent marks

    Survey control marks that are permanent by nature and are uniquely defined in the state control survey. Also known as State survey marks (SSM) or Bench marks (BM).

  • Permeability

    A material property, independent of thickness, that measures its ability to allow the transmission of water vapour.

  • Permeable base

    A free-draining bound layer, capable of draining both surface water and preventing water accumulation from the subgrade below. The flow of water through this layer is retarded only by the cross slope and any obstructions.

  • Permeable pavers

    Segmental paving units designed and manufactured for PICP, to permit rapid infiltration of rainfall.

  • Pervious pipe system

    Comprises drainage pipes perforated, slotted, porous pipes, or impervious pipes laid with open joints.

  • Phreatic line or water table

    The top flow line of a saturated soil mass below which seepage takes place, is called the Phreatic line. Hydrostatic pressure acts below the phreatic line whereas atmospheric pressure exists above the phreatic line. This line separates a saturated soil mass from an unsaturated soil mass. It is not an equipotential line, but a flow line.

  • Pipe

    Includes pipe and tube.

  • Pipe surround

    Includes pipe overlay, pipe side support, side zone and haunch zone.

  • Plan area

    The Works area.

  • Plan transition

    The length over which widening and shift is developed from the ‘tangent-spiral’ point to the ‘spiral-curve’ point; i.e. the length between the tangent and the curve.

  • Plant establishment period

    The period between the date of practical completion and the end of the defects liability period.

  • Plaster

    A mixture of binders, aggregate and water that is applied to substrates in a plastic state and dries and cures to a hard surface, which may subsequently be decorated:Cement plaster: Contains Portland cement as the principal binder.Earth plaster: Contains clay as the principal binder.Gypsum plaster: Contains hydrated or anhydrous calcium sulfate as the principal binder.

  • Plaster

    A mixture of binders, aggregate and water, which is typically applied to internal substrates, in a plastic state and dries and cures to a hard surface which may subsequently be decorated or remains self-finished:Cement plaster: Contains general purpose cement as the principal binder.Gypsum plaster: Contains hydrated or anhydrous calcium sulfate as the principal binder.

  • Plastering

    The process of applying plaster to a substrate with a float or trowel.

  • Platform flooring

    Flooring laid over the whole of the joisted floor structure before the erection of external and internal wall frames.

  • Plenum box

    A lower velocity (larger volume) duct element behind an air grille intended to allow equalisation of air flow over the air grille.

  • Pliable building membrane

    To AS 4200.1 (2017) and equivalent to sarking-type materials as defined in the NCC.

  • Point fixed glazing

    Glass panels supported by mechanical fixing through the glass. Support provided by use of mechanical fittings fixed though holes in the glass. These may include spider fittings fixed to a structural substrate or frame.

  • Pollution incident

    An incident or set of circumstances during or as a consequence of which there is, or is likely to be, a leak, spill or other escape of a substance as a result of which pollution has occurred, is occurring or is likely to occur.

  • Polymer modified binder

    A binder consisting of polymeric materials dispersed in bitumen with enhanced binder performance for particular applications.

  • Polymer modified binder (PMB)

    Materials added to microsurfacing materials to provide enhanced performance for strength and flexibility properties of the final delivered surfacing. These materials may be such materials as fibres or emerging technologies, and their use and inclusion should be substantiated by laboratory testing for the desired attributes.

  • Polymer modified emulsion (PME)

    A bitumen emulsion containing a polymer modifier to assist in the development of early aggregate retention and enhanced performance during service. The polymer modifier may be added prior to, during or post emulsion manufacture to achieve specific performance attributes.

  • Polymeric material

    A compound, including those manufactured from plastics, rubber or textile, having the same elements combined in the same proportions by weight, but differing in molecular weight.

  • Polyurethane

    Water or solvent-based formulations that moisture cure to form an elastic rubber membrane. They can be made more cheaply with bitumen at the expense of long-term properties.

  • Post extension

    An extension of the fence post above the normal height of chain-link fabric, which may be angled or vertical, to which barbed wire may be attached.

  • Powder coating

    The process of preparing, applying, fusing and curing a thermoset powder coating material to a substrate:Thermoset powder coating: A mixture of finely ground particles of pigment and resin sprayed on to a prepared substrate. Charged powder particles adhere to electrically grounded surfaces until heated and fused into a smooth coating in a curing oven.Polyester powder coating: Uses an enhanced polyester resin.Fluoropolymer powder coating: Uses PTFE (poly tetra fluoro ethylene) for aluminium substrates.

  • Pozzolan

    A siliceous or alumino siliceous material, which in itself possesses little or no cementitious value but which in finely divided form may be mixed with lime or Portland cement to form a cementitious material.

  • Practical completion or defects free completion

    The requirements for these stages of completion are defined in the relevant building contract for the project.

  • Pre-commissioning

    Verifying that the installation of a system is complete and ready for commissioning. This is the definition in SA TS 5342 (2021). Pre-commissioning includes completion of any tests necessary to verify that the system is ready for commissioning. For example, pressure testing of piping is part of pre-commissioning while water balancing is part of commissioning.

  • Pre-commissioning

    Preparation of plant or equipment so that it is in a safe and proper condition and ready for commissioning and operation. It includes all aspects of plant operation such as safety, electrical, mechanical and instrumentation and testing of components.

  • Pre-insulated rigid ductwork

    (Also referred to as composite board ductwork.) Rigid ductwork fabricated from panels consisting of an insulating core faced on each side with metal.

  • Precast concrete

    Concrete building elements, cast in moulds and cured away from the final structural position, and then transported, lifted and fixed into position.

  • Prefabricated geocomposite drain

    A proprietary product typically consisting of a plastic core wrapped in geotextile material, functioning as a single or second stage filter. Also termed as geocomposite edge drain and strip filter drain. These drains can be installed in narrower trenches than traditional pipe drains.

  • Prefilled gabion

    A gabion assembled and filled, then lifted and transported before installation.

  • Pressure piping

    As defined by AS 4041 (2006).

  • Primary treatment SQID

    Removal of the majority of gross pollutants and coarse-medium grained sediments by screening or sedimentation, e.g. GPT’s, trash racks, sediment trap.

  • Primer

    An oil alkyd or acrylic based coating used to improve bonding of wallcoverings to hard, glossy, slick, slippery or non-porous surfaces.

  • Primer, prime coat

    The first coat of a painting system that helps bind subsequent coats to the substrate and which may inhibit its deterioration.

  • Primer/sealer

    An oil alkyd or acrylic based coating that combines the functions of a sealer and a primer.

  • Primerbinder

    A material, more viscous than a primer, and required to act both as a primer and binder, and used in initial sealing.

  • Principal

    The asset owner. Does not include agents such as the Superintendent or Independent certifier.

  • Principal

    Principal has the same meaning as owner, client and proprietor and is the party to whom the contractor is legally bound to construct the works.

  • Product audit (Conformance audit, Service audit)

    An assessment of the conformity of the product with the specified technical requirements.

  • Production filter mix

    A mix produced by a supplier using a stationary screening plant to meet the documented filter requirements.

  • Production mix

    Mix produced in the plant and delivered to the site in a workable condition suitable for stockpiling, spreading and compaction.

  • Professional engineer

    To NCC (2022) Schedule 1.In some states and territories, additional or alternative criteria may apply e.g. Registered Professional Engineer, Queensland (RPEQ).

  • Professional engineer

    A person who is:If legislation is applicable: A registered professional engineer in the relevant discipline who has appropriate experience and competence in the relevant field.If legislation is not applicable: Registered in relevant discipline on the National Engineering Register (NER), a corporate member of Engineers Australia or eligible to become a corporate member registered on (NER), and has appropriate experience and competence in the relevant field. In some states and territories, additional or alternative criteria may apply e.g. Registered Professional Engineer Queensland (RPEQ).

  • Progressive inspections

    Inspections that are required progressively on a component during the course of the project.

  • Property

    A characteristic, feature or measurable factor associated with an object that can help define the object (or system). (Can also be known as Attribute, Parameter or Metadata).

  • Property access

    Access from a public road system to private land and habitable buildings for firefighting.

  • Property set

    A grouping of properties that belong together based on some principle, e.g. viewpoint, lifecycle stage. (ISO 15686-4)

  • Proprietary

    Identifiable by naming the manufacturer, supplier, installer, trade name, brand name, catalogue or reference number.

  • Proprietary assemblies

    Low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies available as a catalogue item, consisting of the manufacturer's standard layout and equipment. Minor modifications are permissible to accommodate equipment and accessories, whilst retaining standard format.

  • Proprietary joint systems

    Include a range of different proprietary expansion, contraction and articulating joints that can be used as alternative solutions to conventional methods of pavement joint construction.

  • Proprietary luminaires

    Luminaires available as a catalogue item.

  • Proprietary object

    A representation of the common features and properties of an obtainable product.

  • Protected species

    Plants identified by Council or other relevant authorities as protected species.

  • Protective underlay and overlay

    A layer of puncture resistant geotextile.

  • Prototype

    A full size mock-up of components, systems or elements to demonstrate or test construction methods, junctions and finishes, and to define the level of quality.

  • Provide

    Provide and similar expressions mean supply and install and include development of the design beyond that documented.

  • Public roads

    Includes the perimeter road and internal road system of any urban or rural subdivision.

  • PVC membrane

    Flexible plastic sheet membrane (vinyl).

Q

  • Qualified registered surveyor

    A surveyor who is eligible for membership of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute as a registered surveyor.

  • Quality assurance (QA)

    The systematic action necessary to give confidence of satisfactory quality. An element of QA is quality control.

  • Quality assurance representative

    Appointed by the principal for a specific project and responsible for the auditing, review and surveillance of procedures and documentation required by the contractor’s approved Quality plan.

  • Quality checklists

    Forms completed during the manufacture/construction process verifying key steps, and records required for the Quality register. Checklists apply to each identified lot of work.

  • Quality design checklists

    Forms completed during the design process verifying key steps, and records.

  • Quality management representative (QMR)

    Also known as Project quality representative, appointed by the contractor for a specific project with the authority and responsibility for the implementation and operation of the Quality plan, so that QMS requirements are not subordinated to design and productivity.

  • Quality management system

    The organisational structure, responsibilities, procedures, processes and resources for implementing quality management.

  • Quality management system requirements

    The administrative activities affecting quality that will be implemented and controlled so that the product or a service meets documented quality requirements.

  • Quality package

    A designated part of the works, which may include the whole works, for which an individual quality system is required.

  • quality planAUS-SPEC

    A management plan prepared by a contractor for a specific project, complying with relevant standards, setting out policies, management responsibilities, procedures and systems that will be used to ensure and demonstrate achievement of specified project requirements.

  • Quality register

    The files containing all quality control records including test results, completed check lists, certificates of compliance and consignment dockets for materials procured.

R

  • Rainfall erosivity

    The R-factor is a measure of rainfall erosivity and is defined as the mean annual sum of individual storm erosion index values, EI30, where E is the total storm kinetic energy and I30 is the maximum 30-min rainfall intensity. It is measured as (MJmm/ha/hr). When factors other than rainfall are held constant, soil losses are directly proportional to the magnitude of rainfall erosivity. The R-factor represents the climatic influence on water-related soil erosion, and can be used to quantify broad-scale, climate-driven, soil erosion potential.

  • Ramp

    An inclined access way that has a constant gradient anywhere between 1:14 and 1:20.

  • Rated currents

    Continuous uninterrupted current ratings within the assembly environment under in-service operating conditions.

  • Rated short-circuit currents

    Maximum prospective symmetrical root mean square (r.m.s.) current values at rated operational voltage, at each assembly incoming supply terminal.

  • Reaction time

    The time taken for a driver to perceive and react to a particular stimulus and take appropriate action. It is measured in seconds.

  • Reconstruction

    Treatments requiring full removal and replacement and/or improvement of the existing pavement structure including subbase, base course, and surface course.

  • Record drawings

    Record drawings has the same meaning as as-installed drawings, as-built drawings and work-as-executed drawings. Record drawing is the preferred term for post-construction drawings as they are usually based on information supplied by the contractor and others on completion of the work rather than the designer's observation and documentation of the actual construction. As the designer usually has a limited construction role, certification of Record drawings, if required, should be by the contractor.

  • Record drawings

    Record drawings has the same meaning as as-installed drawings, subsequently altered, as-built drawings and work-as-executed drawings.

  • Records

    Documents and data, no longer subject to alteration, that provides evidence of activities performed.

  • Recover

    The disconnection and removal of an item in a manner to allow re-installation.

  • Recovered/reclaimed materials

    Material previously used in a building or project that is then re-used in another project. The material may be altered, re-sized, refinished, or adapted, but is not reprocessed in any way, and remains in its original form.

  • Recycled materials

    Materials manufactured from recycled material such as crushed concrete, bricks, terracotta tiles or glass or reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP).

  • Redevelopment site

    A site that had (or was originally zoned to have) a lower density development than is proposed.

  • Redressing

    Dressing back the surface of the original face of the stone.

  • Referenced documents

    Standards and other documents whose requirements are included in this specification by reference.

  • Register

    A supply air grille mounted in a wall or on the side of a duct.

  • Rehabilitation

    Resurfacing, stabilisation, restoration and rehabilitation work undertaken to restore serviceability and to extend the service life of an existing road. This may include partial recycling of the existing pavement, placement of additional surface materials, or other work required to return an existing pavement, including shoulders, to a condition of improved structural or functional adequacy.

  • Rehabilitation

    Resurfacing, reconstruction heavy patching and stabilisation work undertaken to restore serviceability and to extend the service life of an existing road.

  • Relative compaction

    The ratio between the field bulk density and the bulk density of the job mix when compacted in the laboratory.

  • Relative compaction (of a core specimen)

    The ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the mass per unit volume core specimen to the average mass per unit volume of the standard cylinders.

  • Relative humidity

    The amount of water vapour present in air, expressed as a percentage of the amount that could be held, at the same specified temperature.

  • Relative level tolerance

    Maximum deviation from a 3 m straightedge laid on the surface.

  • Render

    A mixture of binders, aggregate, water and with or without admixtures, which is typically applied to external substrates, in a plastic state and dries and cures to a hard surface, which may subsequently be decorated or remain self-finished.Cement render: Contains general purpose cement as the principal binder.

  • Render, rendering

    Plaster, plastering, usually single coat and usually lime:cement:sand.

  • RenderingNATSPEC

    The process of applying render to a substrate with a float or trowel.

  • Rendering or plastering systemNATSPEC

    One or more coats of render or plaster and associated treatments comprising some or all of the following in sequence:Bonding treatment.Base coat(s).Finish coat.Finishing treatment.

  • Repair

    Unplanned, corrective maintenance to building fabric, plant and equipment to restore the function, appearance, strength and longevity appropriate with the age and past service of the asset.

  • Repairs

    Unplanned/corrective maintenance (reactive).

  • Replace/replacement

    Replacement of components on a regular cycle on a like for like basis, e.g. repainting, replacement of plant. Consider including definitions of the different types of maintenance for a stand-alone maintenance contract.

  • Required

    Required by the contract documents, the local or statutory authorities.

  • Reseal

    A sprayed seal applied to an existing sealed, or asphalt surface.

  • Residual binder

    A binder that remains in services after any volatiles have evaporated.

  • Resilient floor coverings classification

    To EN ISO 10874 (2012). EN ISO 10874 (2012) classifies resilient floor coverings by level of use for domestic, commercial and industrial applications.

  • Resin based seamless floor finish

    Any combination of a resin based flooring system that combines two part resins, with or without an aggregate, to provide a continuous floor coating without joints except those that may already exist in the substrate.

  • Resolution

    The smallest difference between indications of a displaying device that can be meaningfully distinguished.

  • Retempering of concrete

    Use of water or admixtures in the mixer to delay the setting of concrete.

  • Retreatment

    An application of a sprayed bituminous treatment on an existing bituminous surfacing.

  • Review point

    Other check points other than hold points and witness points requiring verification of requirements and collection of records.

  • Rigid guide post

    A guide post which when impacted by a vehicle, fails by fracturing or remains intact and straight, but not vertical.

  • Rigid pavement

    A pavement composed of concrete or having a concrete base course.

  • Rigid pavements

    A pavement composed of concrete or having a concrete base course.Seals:Double/double: Two applications of binder and two applications of aggregate.Single/single: A single application of binder and a single application of aggregate.

  • Rigid road safety barrier system

    A road safety barrier system where there is no observable dynamic deflection. The deformation is contained in the impacting vehicle.

  • Road authority

    As defined by the Roads Act in the state where the road is located.

  • Road authority

    An authority with legislated responsibility for the management and maintenance of roads.

  • Road network

    A framework for movement by other modes, including pedestrian, bicycle and bus and plays a vital role in supporting neighbourhoods and town centres.

  • Road reserve

    The strip of public land between abutting property boundaries, specifically gazetted for the provision of public road and controlled by the definitions of the Roads Act (as per applicable State legislation). It includes the road carriageway, as well as footpaths, verges and landscape.

  • Road safety barrier system

    A physical barrier separating the work area and the travelled path, designed to resist penetration by an out of control vehicle and as far as reasonably practicable, to redirect out of control vehicles back into the travelled path.

  • Rock

    Monolithic material with volume greater than 0.3 m3 that cannot be removed until broken up by rippers or percussion tools.

  • Rock

    Monolithic material with volume greater than 0.5 m3 in sites which cannot be removed until broken up by explosives, rippers or percussion tools. For support purposes material hardness on the Mohr scale not less than 3 and not deteriorate on exposure to the atmosphere.

  • Rock catch fence

    Fence to prevent rocks landing on roads.

  • Rock filled mattress

    Double-twisted wire mesh container, uniformly partitioned into internal cells, approximately 300 mm high, interconnected with other units and filled with rocks. Rocked filled mattresses may be used for landscaping, soil erosion control and for drainage (as kerb and channel gutters).

  • Roller compacted concrete

    A relatively dry concrete mix with very low slump and compacted using smooth drum rollers.

  • Roof shake

    A non-interlocking product made from split or sawn timber used to form the field of the roof.

  • Room dividers

    Proprietary systems comprising overhead tracks and carriers supporting doors or panels that are linked, or can be linked, to provide complete partition-type enclosures within defined limits, and which may be opened by sliding and stacking to the sides of openings, inclusive of manufacturer's standard operating gear, hardware, and accessories necessary for satisfactory performance.Accordion doors: Double-walled dividers in which the walls comprise twin rows of paired folding door panels, or equivalent paired folding walls of flexible materials attached to pantograph frames, the pairs linked together at the centre and suspended from the points of linkage.Folding doors: Centre-hung door panels hinged together, stacking by sliding and pivoting.Operable walls: Partition panels independently suspended and stackable, with provision for linking together at the vertical edges and for preventing lateral movement at the bottom when closed.

  • Room fan coil unit (FCU)

    A unit having a supply air flow less than 400 L/s and consisting of casing housing coils and a direct drive fan designed for mounting exposed within a room. The casing may also house filters and other items. Includes manufacturer's variations within a range of this type of unit mounted concealed with or without connected ducts.

  • Rope edge

    An edge seam incorporating rope or chord reinforcement.

  • Roundabout

    A form of intersection channelisation in which traffic circulates clockwise around a central island and all entering traffic is required to give way to traffic on the circulating roadway.

  • Routine service

    Inspection (including survey), testing and preventive maintenance at specific intervals.

  • Rubber

    Polymeric material, either natural or synthetic that is elastomeric.

S

  • Safe intersection sight distance (SISD)

    Relates to an overall check that vehicles utilising the intersection have sufficient visibility to allow reaction and deceleration so as to provide adequate stopping distance in potential collision situations.

  • Safety barrier system

    A longitudinal structure which restrains and/or redirects, in a controlled manner, vehicles which are out of control. A safety barrier system includes one or more safety barriers with associated end treatments and transitions.

  • Safety bollard

    A heavy duty post designed to prevent vehicular access into a pedestrian area.

  • Safety data sheet (SDS)

    Prepared in conformance with Safe Work Australia’s requirements and distributed by the coating manufacturer to provide information on the safe handling, storage, personal protective equipment requirements, use and disposal of a coating product. Previously called a material safety data sheet (MSDS).

  • Sail track

    A lipped channel extruded section designed to retain the rope edge of a membrane against the structure to which the sail track is fixed.

  • Sample

    A physical example that illustrates workmanship, materials or equipment, and establishes standards by which the work will be judged. It includes samples and sample panels.

  • Sanding - hard plating

    The process of using a rotary machine with the sandpaper on an inflexible base plate, that provides a flatter floor surface and may reduce prior sanding imperfections.

  • Sanding - orbital sanding and buffing

    After hard plating an orbital sander is used to the perimeter of the floor to achieve consistency and a rotary buffing machine with a sanding paper fixed to a more flexible base pad used to complete the floor area.

  • Screen

    Includes sunscreens, trafficable sunscreens, external louvres and blinds, shutters, awnings and pergolas fixed to building facades or openings; to control sunlight and/or provide privacy, to screen plant and equipment, or to provide an architectural feature. It applies to fixed, adjustable, operable and automatically controlled types.

  • Seal

    A thin surface layer of bituminous binder into which aggregate is incorporated. A sprayed seal may incorporate more than one application of binder and aggregate and may also be combined with a layer of geotextile fabric.

  • Sealants

    Material in liquid (including aerosol) form or mastic form (including mastic embedded in fabric) designed to prevent air, water and vapour leakage. If mastic sealant is specified, do not use liquid sealant. If liquid sealant is specified, do not use mastic sealant. This clarifies ambiguity in the use of such terms in AS 4254.1 (2021) and AS 4254.2 (2012). AS 4254.1 (2021) includes tapes in its definition of sealing media.

  • Sealer

    A product used to seal substrates to prevent the following:Materials from bleeding through to the surface.Reaction of the substrate with incompatible top coats.Undue absorption of the following coat into the substrate.

  • Sealer (wall coverings)

    An oil alkyd or acrylic based coating for sealing porous substrates so that adhesives are not absorbed into the wall and there are no bleed throughs to the wallcovering.

  • Secondary steelwork

    Steelwork used to provide support to non-structural items, in addition to the main structural steelwork.

  • Secondary treatment

    An application of a sprayed bituminous treatment on an initial treatment.

  • Secondary treatment SQID

    Removal of the majority of coarse, medium and fine grained sediments, as well as a significant proportion of the pollutants attached to sediments, by enhanced sedimentation and filtration, e.g. infiltration basins and wet ponds.

  • Section

    A length of pipeline which can be effectively isolated for testing, e.g. by means of main stop valves.

  • Security fence

    A fence designed to prevent pedestrian entrance to unsafe areas.

  • Sediment

    Sediment is the result of erosion, and consists of small detached soil particles. Sedimentation occurs when the transportation of detached soil particles ceases or slows and the soil particles then settle or fall out of suspension.

  • Sediment control measures

    Measures to reduce the impact of erosion by trapping and retaining sediment before it is discharged into the surrounding environment. Flowing sediment is captured and held in place long enough for it to settle.

  • Select fill

    Backfill material with known properties and grading placed and compacted in layers.

  • Selected material zone

    The top part of the upper zone of formation in which material of a specified higher quality is required.

  • Self-levelling screedNATSPEC

    Setting mixture used to make a surface smooth or horizontal to align with another surface.

  • Selvedge wire

    Terminal wire used to edge the wire mesh perpendicular to the double twist by mechanically wrapping the wires around 2.5 times minimum or by inserting it throughout the twists and folding one mesh length.

  • Semi rigid barrier

    A barrier where barrier elements under an impact, manage and absorb kinetic energy by limited movement yielding deformation and deflection. These are typically W-beam and Thrie beams on steel or timber posts with appropriate block-outs, steel rails on posts or interconnected steel or concrete posts.

  • Semi-flexible guide post

    A guide post which when impacted by a vehicle, fails by bending but can be straightened with maintenance intervention.

  • Separated path

    A path divided into separated sections one of which is designated for the exclusive use of cyclists and an alternate section for other path users.

  • Service

    After sales service, repairs, maintenance.

  • Service road

    A low traffic volume roadway parallel to and separated from an arterial road by an outer separator to limit vehicular access direct to the low volume road.

  • Service road

    A low traffic volume road way parallel to and separated from an arterial road by an outer separator to limit vehicular access direct to the low volume road.

  • Services

    Pipes, cables, ducts, associated structures and similar elements, including electrical, communication and control cables, drains, sewers, waste pipes, gas pipes and the like.

  • Setback

    The distance required, through planning provisions, to separate a building from the bushfire hazard, street frontage or adjacent buildings or property boundary.

  • Shade fabric

    A fabric designed to prevent a proportion of sunlight or other light from reaching the area beyond the shade fabric.

  • Shade structure

    A tensioned membrane structure having the primary purpose of providing shade to a surface.

  • Shallow embankments

    Embankments less than 1.5 m depth from the top of pavement to natural surface.

  • Shared path

    A paved area particularly designed (with appropriate dimensions, alignment and signing) for the movement of cyclists and pedestrians.

  • Shotcrete

    Cement concrete, containing aggregate up to 13 mm in size, applied from a spray nozzle by means of compressed air.

  • Shoulder

    The portion of formed and sealed carriageway that is adjacent to the traffic lanes and flush with the sealed surface of the pavement.

  • Shoulder width

    The measurement taken from the outer edge of the traffic lane to the edge of usable carriageway and excludes any berm, verge, rounding or extra width provided to accommodate guideposts and guard fencing.

  • Shrub

    A woody perennial plant smaller than a tree, usually having permanent stems branching from or near the ground.

  • Side friction factor (f)

    A measure of the frictional force between the pavement and the vehicle tyre.

  • Sight distance

    The distance, measured along the carriageway, over which the visibility occurs between the driver and an object or between two drivers at specific heights above the carriageway in their lane of travel.

  • Single/double seal

    A seal consisting of a single application of binder followed by a double application of aggregate.

  • Single/single seal (S/S)

    A seal consisting of a single application of binder followed by a single application of aggregate.

  • Site rock

    Rocks selected for salvage.

  • Site sections

    The site divided into sections based on the catchment area draining to each permanent drainage structure in the works, including the following:Access and haulage tracks.Borrow pits and stockpile areas.Compound areas, including Contractor’s facilities and concrete batching areas.

  • Site topsoil

    Natural soil, excavated from the site, that contains organic matter, supports plant life, conforms generally to the fine-to-medium texture classification to AS 4419 (2018) and is free from the following:Stones more than 25 mm diameter.Clay lumps more than 50 mm diameter.Weeds and tree roots.Sticks and rubbish.Material toxic to plants.

  • Size (sizing)

    A liquid painted onto walls to prepare them for the wallpaper. It creates a slippery surface of uniform porosity so that wallpaper slides easily into place and adheres evenly.

  • Slab

    A portion of concrete base bounded by joints or free edges.

  • Slab, mismatched

    Where any joint meets a slab and is not continued across that slab.

  • Slab, odd-shaped

    A slab is considered odd-shaped if:It contains blockouts, for example, for drainage structure.The dimensions measured normal and parallel to the longitudinal joints, are variable within a slab, the maximum value of the ratios applies.

  • Slip sheet

    A sheet used to isolate the membrane system from the supporting substrate or from the topping or mortar bedding. The most common material is polyethylene.

  • Slurry seal

    A thin layer of slurry, usually without a polymer modifier, consisting of a mixture of bitumen emulsion, aggregate, water and additives. Slurry seals are cured through a thermal process.

  • Small culvert unit

    Culvert unit with a span up to 1200 mm and a height up to 1200 mm.

  • Small trees

    Tree or shrub grown in a container less than 20 L (other than tubes or plant cells) or ex-ground trees of size index less than 35.

  • Smatv – l band

    MATV system where satellite signals are distributed in native L Band QPSK at the Intermediate Frequency delivered by the LNB.

  • Smatv – qam

    MATV system where satellite signals received at the dish are transmodulated at the headend and distributed as QAM at frequencies below 860 MHz.

  • Smoke doorset

    A doorset that restricts the passage of smoke.

  • Soil blend

    A landscape soil derived from the blending of two or more of sand, natural soil material or organic materials, and with a bulk density and organic matter content to meet site specific requirements.

  • Soldier course

    A course of whole or trimmed rectangular pavers at the pavement restraint edge.

  • Sound insulation (isolation)

    Reduction of sound energy passing through building elements.

  • Space factor

    Ratio of the sum of the cross sectional areas of the installed cables to the internal cross sectional area of the conduit.

  • Special care locations

    Locations where patients are dependent on specific gases such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air, medical suction, e.g. anaesthetizing area, recovery room, coronary care unit.

  • Special mortar

    Mortar with compositions not covered in AS 3700 (2018) Table 11.1.

  • Special processes

    Those processes, the results of which cannot be directly examined to establish full conformance. Assurance of satisfactory conformance depends on evidence generated during the process.

  • Specimen

    A portion of a sample that is submitted for testing.

  • Speed (85th percentile)

    The speed at or below which 85% of the vehicles travel:Design speed: A speed fixed for the design and correlation of those geometric features of a carriageway that influence vehicle operation.Desired speed: The speed over a section of a road adopted by a driver as influenced by the road geometry and other environmental factors.Operating speed: The speed for an existing road at a time when traffic volumes are low and which allows a free choice of speed within the road alignment.

  • Spoil

    Surplus excavated material.

  • Spray applied preservation treatments

  • Sprayed concrete

    Concrete pneumatically applied at high velocity on to a surface. Application may be either a wet or dry process, to produce a sound homogeneous product with a surface finish reasonably uniform in texture and free from blemishes. Sprayed concrete is also called Shotcrete.

  • Sprayed to contour

    Sprayed coatings applied directly to the surface of an element without reinforcement.

  • Staged granular filters

     Single stage filter: A granular filter material placed in contact with the trench sides and surrounding the pervious pipe system.First stage filter: A granular filter material or geotextile placed in contact with the trench sides and surrounding a second stage filter surrounding the pervious pipe system.Second stage filter: A granular filter material or geotextile placed in contact with the pervious pipe system and surrounding a first stage filter.

  • Start response time

    Total elapsed time from receipt of start signal to final connection to load.

  • State fire authority

    An organisation authorised to manage fire and emergency services within a state. It is also responsible for providing development guidelines and controls in bushfire prone land for that state.

  • Static completion

    The state of a system when installation works are complete but have not been commissioned. This is based on the definition in SA TS 5342 (2021). See Static completion for conditions.

  • Statutory authority

    A public sector entity created by legislation, that is, a specific law of the Commonwealth, State or Territory.

  • Statutory signs

    Signs prescribed by the NCC and statutory authorities.

  • Steep gradient flow diversion technique

    A flow diversion drain, channel or chute with gradient sufficiently steep to cause supercritical flow within its length.

  • Stepping

    The relative surface level of adjacent paving elements within the expanse of the main pavement.

  • Stiffeners

    Wire used for support of facing by connecting the front panel to the back panel of the gabion.

  • Stone cladding

    Non-loadbearing facing units of natural stone or cast stone, mechanically fixed with structural fixings to the structural background or to precast concrete units, used as both external cladding and internal lining.

  • Stopping sight distance

    The sum of the braking distance and the distance the vehicle travels at a design speed during a reaction time of 2.5 seconds.

  • Stormwater management plan

    A plan to manage the stormwater quantity and quality within a catchment and protect receiving water features, such as the protection of existing waterways, lakes and wetlands.

  • Strain alleviating membrane (SAM)

    A sprayed seal with the binder containing a relatively large concentration of rubber or polymer modifier. It is used to absorb strains that occur in a road pavement and thereby reduce reflection cracking.

  • Strain alleviating membrane interlayer (SAMI)

    The application of a polymer modified binder into which aggregate is incorporated. A SAMI is used as an interlayer between an asphalt wearing course and underlying layers to provide alleviation from tensile strains developed beneath it.

  • Strainer posts

    Fence posts at significant variations in levels and at intervals, as documented, with either bracing stays or bracing cables to achieve the required tension of support cables and chain-link fabric.

  • Straw

    The plant structure from grains (or grasses) between the root crown and the grain head. Straw types include wheat, rice, barley, rye and oat.

  • Straw bale

    A compressed rectangular mass of straw, bound with steel wire or polypropylene twine.

  • Stretcher unit

    Components running horizontally and parallel to the face of the wall.

  • Strip

    Rectangular cross-section bar/strip.

  • Structural silicone sealant

    Cold liquid applied, single-component or multi-component, chemically curing elastomeric structural silicone sealant conforming to ASTM C1184 (2023).

  • Structural silicone sealant

    Cold liquid applied, single-component or multi-component, chemically curing elastomeric structural silicone sealant conforming to ASTM C1184 (2023).

  • Structure-borne sound

    Sound waves transmitted within the building structure and re-radiated into other spaces as airborne sound. Typical sources include direct impact from dropped objects and vibrating machinery.

  • Sub-branch

    A duct connected to one or more terminals.

  • Sub-catchment

    A topographically defined area drained by a tributary or branch drain of a primary stream, river or main draining catchment.

  • Sub-pavement drains

    Drainage of the pavement layers where the subbase is not a macadam crushed rock.

  • Subbase

    Material laid on the subgrade below the base either for the purpose of making up additional pavement thickness required, to prevent intrusion of the subgrade into the base, or to provide a working platform.

  • Subbase

    Course granular preferably impervious material usually DGS40 specification.Provides structural strength.Prevents intrusion of parent material into wearing course or base course layer, if applicable.

  • Subcontractor

    A person or organisation, other than the principal, having a contract with the contractor for the provision of part of the works.

  • Subfloor

    The structure that supports the flooring.

  • Subgrade

    The trimmed or prepared earth material on which the pavement, footing or slab is constructed. Generally taken to relate to the upper line of the earth material.

  • Subgrade

    Natural parent material with CBR% greater than 5. If less than 5 excavate as unsuitable material.

  • Subsoil drains

    Drainage of ground water and/or the pavement in cuttings.

  • Substrate

    The surface to which a material or product is applied.

  • Subsurface utility

    A utility asset or utility network beneath ground or surface level, including exposed or submerged utilities.

  • Superelevation

    A slope on a curved pavement selected to enhance forces assisting a vehicle to maintain a circular path.

  • Superintendent

    Superintendent has the same meaning as contract administrator or principal's representative unless the contract requires otherwise. Austroads AGPD03 (2022) clause 3.1.2 further defines the role of a superintendent.

  • Supply

    Supply, furnish and similar expressions mean supply only.

  • Survey mark

    A survey peg, bench mark, reference mark, signal, alignment, level mark or any other mark used or intended to be used for the purpose of setting out, checking or measuring the work.

  • System audit

    An examination of the documented quality management system represented by the quality manual, quality plan and quality register to evaluate their effectiveness in meeting the requirements of Australian Standards and the contract documents.

T

  • Table drain

    Excavated open channels, running parallel with and forming part of the track formation. Table drains direct runoff to disposal areas further downslope.

  • Tee-off busbars

    Busbars connecting main busbars to incoming terminals of outgoing functional units.

  • Temporary control measures

    Measures required to control and filter the run-off from areas disturbed by the contractor’s activities.

  • Tensioned membrane

    A thin cloth or sheet that is held in a predetermined 2- or 3-dimensional shape under permanent tension. The shape and the tension are interrelated and designed to safely carry the permanent and imposed loads (such as those resulting from wind actions) in a predictable manner.

  • Tensioned membrane structure

    The total structure comprising the tensioned membrane(s), supporting structures, rigging, foundations and existing structures to which they are attached.

  • Terminal

    A supply, return or exhaust diffuser, grille or equivalent device discharging air into, or drawing air from, a space.

  • Terminal, termination

    Fittings fixed to the ends of wire ropes for the attachment of other fittings or building elements.

  • Termination bar

    A preformed strip for securing sheet membranes to wall substrates at their top termination line.

  • Terrazzo

    Mixtures of binders, marble or glass aggregates and water, dried, cured, ground to expose the aggregate, sealed and polished to provide a finished surface.

  • Tertiary treatment SQID

    Removal of the majority of sediments, attached pollutants and dissolved pollutants by sedimentation, filtration and biological uptake, e.g. constructed wetlands.

  • Tests - integrated system

    Tests conducted on the project as a complete, integrated system to verify successful integration, interaction, and operation of all interrelated systems to the project requirements. This is the definition in SA TS 5342 (2021).

  • Tests - production

    Tests carried out on an item, before delivery to the site.

  • Tests - site

    Tests carried out on site.

  • Tests - type

    Tests carried out on an item identical with a production item, including with respect to materials, material suppliers, manufacturing processes, dimensions and marking.

  • Tests – completion

    Tests carried out on completed installations or systems and fully resolved before the date for practical completion, to demonstrate that the installation or system, including components, controls and equipment, operates correctly, safely and efficiently, and meets performance and other requirements. The superintendent may direct that completion tests be carried out after the date for practical completion.

  • Tests – pre-completion

    Tests carried out before completion tests, including:Production: Tests carried out on a purchased item, before delivery to the site.Progressive: Tests carried out during installation to demonstrate performance in conformance with this specification.Site: Tests carried out on site.Type: Tests carried out on an item identical with a production item, before delivery to the site.

  • Thermal insulation terminology

    To AS/NZS 4859.1 (2018).

  • Thermoplastic material

    In this worksection implies thermoplastic pavement marking material. It consists of aggregate, pigment, binder, glass beads and extenders capable of being softened by heating and hardened by cooling.

  • Thimble

    An insert placed in an end loop of wire.

  • Thrie beam

    Triple corrugated beam component of a public domain semi-rigid road safety barrier system.

  • Tied construction joint

    A construction joint used to tie together to separate concrete slab panels at concrete pour stop locations or between new and existing concrete elements. These joints do not allow for any movement due to thermal expansion or drying shrinkage.

  • Tile

    Thin slab made from clay and/or other inorganic raw materials used generally as coverings for floors and walls and adhered to continuous supporting substrates.

  • Tiles – cementitious

    Cement based prefinished tiles.

  • Tiles – dry-pressed

    Tiles made from a finely milled body mixture and shaped in moulds at high pressure. Also known as Type B.

  • Tiles – extruded

    Tiles whose body is shaped in the plastic state in an extruder then cut to size. Also known as Type A.

  • Tiles – industrial cast

    Tile products of reconstituted stone. Also known as manufactured stone.

  • Tiles – natural stone

    Tiles cut from natural stone.

  • Tiles – terrazzo – cementitious

    Manufactured cementitious terrazzo tiles formed in a suitable machine to give sufficient compaction and density to the finished surface, and moisture cured before grinding and honed at the place of manufacture. Thickness usually 35 mm.

  • Tiles – terrazzo – resin

    Manufactured terrazzo tiles with the facing aggregate in a resin matrix and pre polished. Thickness usually up to 22 mm.

  • Time of concentration

    The time required for storm runoff to flow from the most remote point on the catchment to the outlet of the catchment or to the inlet of a drainage structure within the catchment.

  • Tolerance

    The permitted difference between the upper limit and the lower limit of dimension, value or quantity. Tolerance is an absolute value without a positive or a negative sign. It is commonly expressed by ± permitted deviation so that the value of the tolerance is implicit.

  • Top dressing

    A soil that is suitable for surface application to turf and lawns.

  • Topping

    Mixture of binders, aggregate and water applied to substrates in a plastic state and dried and cured to a hard surface.

  • Topping function

     Levelling: Topping placed to receive applied floor finishes.Wearing: Topping placed to act as the finished floor.

  • Topping method

     Bonded or post-applied: Topping that is bonded to a hardened substrate from which laitance has been removed and to which a bonding agent has been applied.Monolithic or wet applied: Topping placed on a plastic substrate so that a chemical bond is created between the substrate and the topping.Separated: Topping that is separated from a concrete subfloor by a membrane.Unbonded: Topping that is separated from a hardened substrate by a resilient layer.

  • Topsoil

    Includes landscape soil, low density soils and soils for turf and lawns.

  • Total air quantity

    The sum of air flows to connected terminals, branches or sub-branches under the conditions of measurement.

  • Total system SHGC

    Solar heat gain coefficient as defined by the NCC and tested in conformance with NFRC 200 (2023).

  • Total system U-Value

    Thermal transmittance as defined by the NCC and tested in conformance with NFRC 100 (2023).

  • Traffic control plan (TCP)

    Traffic guidance scheme (TGS): An arrangement of temporary traffic control devices to warn traffic and guide it around through or past a worksite or temporary hazard.

  • Traffic controller

    A competent person whose duty is to control traffic at a work site.

  • Traffic lane

    That part of the roadway set aside for one-way movement of a single stream of vehicles.

  • Traffic lane width

    Traffic lanes are measured to the face of the kerb or to the lane line for multi-lane roads or roads with shoulders.

  • Traffic management plan (TMP)

    A document describing all essential traffic management matters associated with roadworks or works on roads. This includes risk assessment, traffic demand and accommodation, traffic routing and control and provision for vulnerable road users and special vehicles such as buses, trams or over-dimensional vehicles.

  • Transition

    The length of the barrier system used to connect systems with different operating characteristics, commonly used to connect a flexible barrier system to a less flexible barrier system, such as a bridge safety barrier.

  • Transition zones

    Hand paved concrete which is cast in otherwise mechanically paved concrete, such as at transverse construction joints in mechanically paved work.

  • Transverse joint

    A connection between two duct sections, with the connection at an angle, most often perpendicular, to the direction of airflow. It includes slip joints at fire dampers to AS 1682.2 (2015).

  • Transverse lines

    All lines that are marked at right angles to the general traffic flow, such as Stop/Give way lines and pedestrian crosswalk lines.

  • Treatment train

    Sequencing of SQID’s to optimise treatment performance.

  • Trial mix

    Trialling of the nominated mix to demonstrate that the mix design conforms to the documented requirements.

  • Trunk drains

    Large capacity channels or conduits which carry runoff from local street drainage systems to receiving waters including natural or artificial channels, transitions and hydraulic structures, culverts and road crossings, naturally occurring ponds and lakes, artificial detention or retention storages.

  • Turnbuckle

    A coupling device comprised of a central body internally threaded at both ends, into which threaded fittings with opposite handed threads are inserted, allowing tension between the coupled items to be increased or decreased by rotation of the central body, and without causing rotation of the fittings.

  • Type A blankets

    Blankets constructed in fill road embankments where it is necessary to provide an open graded filter material to prevent upward flow of groundwater by capillary action into the road pavement material or a saturation weakening of the subgrade just below the pavement.

  • Type B blankets

    Blankets constructed to intercept water in road cuttings uplifting into pavements by capillary action from water charged aquifers underlying the road formation.

U

  • Unbound base

    A base comprising granular or mechanically stabilised materials and without the capacity to resist significant tensile stresses.

  • Unbound material

    Materials that are natural, manufactured or recycled mineral blends of graded particles which have not been modified or bound.

  • UnderbedNATSPEC

    A screed, usually sand and cement, placed over the substrate.

  • Undercoat

    An intermediate coat formulated to prepare a primed surface or other prepared surface for the finishing coat.

  • Underlay

    A non-structural layer of rubber, cork, plywood or in situ levelling compound to provide a smooth and flat surface for flooring installation. Rubber and cork underlays have acoustic sound absorbing properties.

  • Unformed road

    These are non-engineered roads that simply consists of a track that is cleared of vegetation. These are often not all weather roads and carry very low traffic volumes.

  • Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

    Battery operated static inverter system with automatic controls to provide electrical power in the event of an interruption to the primary supply.

  • Unitary surfacing

    An impact-attenuating surface consisting of one or more material components cast in situ or formed into a sheet, tile or other continuous surface where the underlying protective properties of the impact surfacing remain constant with consecutive and/or repeated use.

  • Unsealed road

    A road surface that comprises of either natural parent material or gravel added and is not surfaced by bitumen or concrete.

  • Unsuitable material

    Material not suitable for support of pavement or layer of fill including:Material showing deformation, rutting, softness, yielding, distress or instability under proofrolling or the loading from construction machinery.Topsoil, peat or any organic material.Soluble material, e.g. gypsum or salt rock.Susceptible to scouring or classified as Emerson Class number 1 or 2.

  • Utility authority

    Refer to Principal.

  • Utility service provider

    Includes Electricity distributor, Network Utility Operator, Gas Network Operator and organisations providing other reticulated utilities including data and telecommunications services.

V

  • Validation

    Confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence, that requirements for a specific intended use or application have been fulfilled.

  • Vapour permeable (breathable) membrane

    A flexible membrane material, normally used for secondary waterproofing that allows for the transmission of water vapour.

  • Vapour permeance

    A measure of the ease of water vapour flow through an area.

  • Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system

    A direct expansion refrigeration system consisting of multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit. VRF system has the same meaning as multiple split system and variable refrigerant volume (VRV).

  • Variable room identification systems

    Changeable plate systems incorporating fixed room numbers and removable name strips.

  • VAV terminal

    VAV box has the same meaning as VAV terminal.

  • Vebe testing

    A flow test on a vibrating table, used as a measure of workability in a stiff mix.

  • Vehicle movement plan (VMP)

    A drawing showing the preferred travel paths for vehicles associated with a work site entering, leaving or crossing the through traffic stream.

  • Verge (rural)

    Defined area of the formation in rural roads outside the shoulder at the top of the batter slope.

  • Verge (urban)

    That portion of the road formation not covered by the carriageway or footpath.

  • Verification

    Provision of evidence or proof that a performance requirement has been met or a default exists.

  • Vertical alignment

    The longitudinal profile along the centreline of a road consisting of series of grades and vertical curves.

  • View control

    A function within the BIM Authoring System that controls which objects, or parts of objects, are visible at any time in a model. BIM Authoring System control object viewing in different ways, such as layers or subcategories.

W

  • W-beam

    A double corrugated steel rail barrier supported on steel posts.

  • Wallcovering

    A flexible sheet of paper, fabric, veneer or vinyl with a repeating pattern for adhering on walls as a decorative finish and protection.

  • Wallpaper type - Prepasted

    Papers with a cured adhesive applied to the backing that can be activated with water.

  • Wallpaper type - Unpasted

    Papers with no paste applied to the backing. Paste is applied at the installation stage by brush or a pasting machine.

  • Warm mix asphalt

    Asphalt that is produced and placed at a lower temperature than hot mix asphalt by the use of additives and/or production processes that allow the temperature of the asphalt to be reduced.

  • Water agency

    An authority, board, business, corporation, Council or local government body with the responsibility for planning or defining design, construction and maintenance requirements for a water supply and/or sewerage system.

  • Water sensitive urban design

    Design principles aimed at improving the sustainable management of the urban water cycle. It integrates the planning and design of urban water cycle, water supply, waste water, stormwater and groundwater management, urban design and environmental protection.

  • Waterproofing system

    Combinations of membranes, flashings, drainage and accessories that form waterproof barriers and that may be:Loose-laid.Bonded to substrates.

  • Waterway

    Include the bed and banks of the following:A river, creek, stream or other natural channel in which water flows (continuously or intermittently);The stormwater system;A lake, pond, lagoon or marsh in which water collects (continuously or intermittently).

  • Waterway works licence

    This licence is required for:Construction, alteration, operation, removal or decommissioning of any works on a waterway or groundwater bore.Works to deviate a waterway or private dam, and covers all domestic and stock dams that are built on waterways. This approval is not required for farm dams that are not on a waterway.

  • Wearing course

    That part of the pavement specifically designed to resist abrasion from traffic and to minimise the entry of water. Also referred as the ‘sheeting layer’; it is maintained with patrol grading and replenished after some years as its thickness is reduced and/or when a large amount of fine material has been lost as dust.

  • Weather – cold

    Ambient shade temperature less than 10°C.

  • Weather – hot

    Ambient shade temperature greater than 30°C.

  • Weed

    An invasive plant that degrades natural areas, reduces the sustainability or affects the health of people and animals.

  • Weir

    The raised spillway of a waterfall or the opening on a skimmer inlet.

  • Wet area

    An area within a building supplied with a floor waste.

  • Wet process fibreboard

    Panel material with a nominated thickness of 1.5 mm or greater, manufactured from lignocellulosic fibres (derived from wood or other materials) with application of heat and/or pressure, the bond of which is derived from the felting of the fibres and the panels are manufactured with a forming moisture content greater than 20%.

  • Wicket

    Door side-hung on the vertical guide and interlocking with the closed curtain.

  • Wildlife fence

    Fence that prevents wildlife approaching a roadway and creating a hazard.

  • Windows

    A shallow ridge of material formed by the action of a grader (or other) blade during in situ cutting or mixing operations.

  • Wire netting

    Hexagonal-pattern-woven mesh manufactured from metallic-coated or uncoated (bare) wire.

  • Wire rope safety barrier

    A road safety system consisting of wire rope cables under high tension that are supported on posts and anchored at the ends.

  • Witness point

    A nominated position, in the different stages of the Contract, where the option of attendance may be exercised by the Superintendent, after notification of the requirement.

  • Workable

    Ease with which the mix may be placed and compacted.

  • Working time

    The duration at which the contractor has to mix a binder, compact and trim stabilised material before the material loses its intended strength. An unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test is used for the establishment of working time.

  • Works

    All labour, plant, equipment and materials required to complete a project in conformance with the contract documents.

  • Workstation

    A system comprising an assembly of demountable acoustic screens, work tops, mobile pedestal or credenza storage units, drawer units, individual bookshelves, ceiling ducted services with power pole or floor ducted cable enclosures, and accessories necessary for assembly and installation.

  • WSA 03

    Water Supply Code of Australia (WSA 03 generic code (2011) or WSA 03 regional code (2022), as appropriate for the project).

Z

  • Zone of influence

    A foundation zone bounded by planes extending downward and outward from the bottom edge of a footing, slab or pavement and defining the extent of foundation material having influence on the stability or support of the footings, slab or pavement.