COSC 153 Exam 3 Vocabulary

cost control

A continuous monitoring process used to track the variances between actual performance and planned performance on a project, specifically concerning cost and time.

cost code

A reference number used to track cost and schedule information on materials, labor, subcontracts, equipment, overhead, and fees throughout the project control process.

variance

The cost or time difference between the actual project performance and the planned project performance.

escalation clauses

Usually negotiated into the construction contract when there is suspicion that some pricing component of the estimate is in a high state of flux. The clause allows for some fluctuation in the contract price based upon the current pricing of the suspected component.

crashing the schedule

To takes steps that accelerate activities in the schedule, resulting in an earlier completion date.

earned value analysis

A technique used in construction to determine the estimated value (earned value) of work completed to date on a project and compare that to the actual work completed on the project.

forecasts

Periodic predictions stated in reports as to the final cost and schedule outcomes on a project while the work is still ongoing.

rework

A term used to describe defective construction work that must be redone or corrected.

callback

A request from an owner that a contractor return to the job site to correct or redo some item of work.

preparatory inspection

Inspections, sometimes called pre-inspections are designed to check progress and make sure everything is ready for the next stage of construction.

Total Quality Management (TQM)

A recognized quality control and quality assurance program based on continuous quality improvement practices.

quality control

A quality management approach that addresses quality at the project level and deals with conformance to the plans and specs through submittals, mock-ups, shop drawings, inspections, and testing.

quality assurance

A quality management approach that addresses quality at the process level and deals with policies and procedures associated with hiring, training, safety, subcontracting, and procurement.

field observation report (FOR)

A report used to track questionable quality and safety performance on the job site.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The federal agency responsible for establishing safety standards for construction and all other industries in the United States. The agency also has the authority to enforce those standards through rigorous inspections at the job site and to issue citations to and assess fines against any contractor or subcontractor for violating these standards.

tailgate safety meetings

Weekly safety meetings held at the job site and usually conducted by the superintendent. They're also called toolbox safety meetings.

material safety data sheet (MSDS)

An information sheet documenting pertinent chemical information on various products used in construction.

contingencies

An amount of money added to an estimate to cover unknown conditions or risk factors.

joint venture

When two or more construction companies enter into an agreement for a one-time, single-project commitment and share resources and risks to manage and build the project.

latent design defect

Defects or flaws in design details that are not known until after the construction is complete and time has passed, allowing for the flaw or defect to show itself.

contract indemnification

Provisions in a contract that provide protection against possible financial loss, damage, or liability.

BIM model

A digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building displayed as a 3D model, with the added capability to integrate a whole array of design and construction data related to cost, schedule, materials, assembly, maintenance, energy use, and more.

virtual design and construction

The act of visually assessing, analyzing, and managing all work on a construction project in a 3D virtual environment before building the project and performing any work on-site, in the real world. The design and construction team can work together collaboratively to plan, design, coordinate, and construct a project before they begin building anything in the field.

central repository approach

The concept that all project information can be loaded into one database to create a single building information model.

distributed repository approach

The concept that the BIM model consists of a collection of separate databases maintained within distinct programs that can communicate in a way that allows them to exchange at least some of their data.

interoperability

The capability of a system or program to interact with other systems or programs without access or implementation limitations or restrictions.

virtual construction

A computerized environment where the contractor and their team can simulate, analyze, and plan the construction of a building project before the actual construction process begins in order to head off problems in the field before they occur.

design-intent model

A building information model prepared by an architect, primarily intended to communicate design information.

construction model

A building information model, typically prepared by a contractor, that links construction-specific information such as work breakdown structures and cost data to project elements in the 3D model.

stereoscopic projection

A 3D video display or view of a computer-generated building information model. Stereoscopic 3D is not the same thing as augmented, virtual, or mixed reality.

clash detection

A process for effectively identifying unintended material or system interferences in a 3D project model.

Augmented Reality

A technology that superimposes or overlays a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.

Virtual Reality

A computer-generated simulation of an artificial three-dimensional environment. Requires the use of special equipment to interact with the created environment such as goggles or gloves.

Mixed Reality

Is the merging of the real world with virtual objects to produce new environments and visualizations where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time. The object is anchored in the existing real environment.

Hologram

A projected object that appears as something real, but instead of being made of physical matter, a hologram is made entirely of light.

life-cycle cost analysis

A tool used to determine the most cost-effective option among different competing alternatives. Consideration is given to costs associated with the full life cycle of a building or system, from initial purchase to final disposal.

net-zero building

An energy-efficient building where, on a source energy basis, the actual annual delivered energy is less than or equal to the on-site renewable exported energy.

renewable energy

Energy from sources that are naturally replenishing such as solar, wind, and geothermal power.

daylighting

Rather than relying solely on electric lighting during the day, daylighting brings indirect natural light into the building by placing windows, skylights, light shelves, or other openings and reflective surfaces so that during the day natural light provides effective internal lighting.

photovoltaics

Devices that generate electricity directly from sunlight via an electronic process that occurs naturally in certain types of material called semiconductors.

geothermal heating

Heat extracted from the earth that exceeds the heat on the surface of the earth.

energy modeling

A computer simulation of a building used to determine or estimate its energy usage.

gray water

Gently used water from sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. It is not water that has come into contact with feces, either from the toilet or from washing diapers. Sewage water is referred to as black water and cannot be recycled or reused.

green building

The practice of designing, constructing, and operating buildings to maximize occupant health and productivity, use fewer resources, reduce waste and negative environmental impacts, and decrease life-cycle costs. Green building is at the heart of sustainability.

eco-friendly

Earth-friendly, or not harmful to the environment. This term most commonly refers to products that contribute to green living that help conserve resources like water and energy.

wainscoting

The lower part of the walls of a room, when finished in a material different from the upper part such as wood paneling.

certified wood

wood harvested from responsibly managed forests and certified as such by a third-party evaluator.

rapidly renewable materials

Natural, non-petroleum-based building materials made from agricultural products that are typically harvested within a 10-year or shorter cycle.

environmentally preferred products

Products that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared to competing products that serve the same purpose as defined by the EPA’s Greening of the Government Executive Order 13101.

deconstruct

To selectively dismantle a building, component by component, in order to salvage materials for reuse or recycling. It differs from demolition whereby a building is cleared to the ground in the most expedient manner possible.

triple bottom line

Measuring business success by the financial performance of the organization as well as environmental and social factors.