Construction Project Management: Key Terms and Definitions

Scope

The defined work required to complete a project; includes tasks, deliverables, and boundaries.

Schedule (or Timeline)

Planned start and finish dates for activities.

Critical Path

Sequence of tasks that determines the minimum project duration; delays here delay the whole project.

RFI (or Request for Information)

Formal question submitted by contractors about plans, specifications, or omissions.

Submittals

Documents/material samples sent to the design team for review before installation (mix designs, rebar shop drawings).

CO (or Change Order)

Approved document allowing modifications to scope, time, or cost.

Punch List

Final list of items to complete before project closeout.

Closeout

Final documentation, inspections, turnover, and completion certification.

Retainage

A percentage (typically 5%-10%) of the contract value that is withheld by the project owner until certain conditions are met, usually until the work is completed and accepted.

Risk Management

Identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks to the project. Risks might include cost overruns, delays, or safety incidents.

Stakeholder

Any individual, group, or organization that may affect or be affected by the project (e.g., clients, architects, regulatory agencies, etc.).

GC (or General Contractor)

Company responsible for overall construction execution.

SOV (or Schedule of Values)

A detailed, itemized breakdown of the total contract price for a construction project.

It's most commonly used in progress billing to track work completed and determine the amount to be paid to the contractor or subcontractors at various stages of the project.

Foreman

Crew leader supervising tradespeople.

Mobilization

Process of moving manpower, equipment, and materials to a jobsite to start work.

Demobilization

Removal of equipment/crew after work completion.

Slump

Measure of concrete's consistency/workability.

PSI (or Compressive Strength)

Concrete's load-bearing capacity (e.g., 3,000 PSI, 5,000 PSI).

Superintendent

Onsite leader who manages daily field operations.

Laydown Area

Space used for storing materials and equipment.

Concrete Mix Design

Detailed specification of cement, aggregates, admixtures, and water ratio to achieve required strength.

Air Entrainment

Tiny air bubbles added to improve durability, especially for freeze-thaw climates.

Admixture

Chemical additives modifying concrete behavior.

Rebar (or Reinforcing Bar)

Steel bars used to strengthen concrete.

Formwork

Temporary structure that shapes and supports wet concrete until it cures.

Curing

Maintaining moisture and temperature to ensure proper hardening.

Accelerator

A chemical admixture that speeds up the setting and curing time of concrete.

Typical Use(s): Reduce Setting Time, Increase Early Strength, Cold Weather Work

Retarder

A chemical admixture that slows down the setting time of concrete, allowing more time to work with it.

Typical Use(s): Hot Weather Concreting, Large Pours, Transportation of Concrete

Water-Reducing Agent

An admixture that reduces the amount of water needed in the concrete mix while maintaining workability.

Typical Use(s): High-Strength Concrete, Harsh Environments, Long-Distance Transportation, High-Performance Concrete

Lien

A legal claim against a property for unpaid work or materials, often filed by subcontractors or suppliers if they are not paid.

Baseline

The approved version of the project schedule, cost, and scope plan, which is used as a benchmark for performance measurement.

Any changes to this baseline require formal approval (via change order).

Estimate (or Takeoff)

Calculation of materials, labor, equipment, and cost.

Cost Code

Accounting category to track costs (labor, equipment, materials, concrete placement, etc.).

Example(s): 101, 102, 103

Budget

Approved cost baseline for a project.

PPE (or Personal Protective Equipment)

Hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, boots, hi-visibility vest, etc.

JHA/JSA (Job Hazard Analysis/Job Safety Analysis)

Document identifying job tasks and associated hazards.

SWPPP (or Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan)

Environmental protection requirements for managing site runoff.

OSHA Compliance

Regulations governing workplace safety.

Screed

Tool used to level concrete surface after pouring.

Line Pump

Ground-level hose-based concrete pump.

Boom Pump

Truck-mounted concrete pump with extendable arm.

Bull Float

Long-handled float for surface smoothing.

Vibratory Compactor

Used to compact soil before foundations or slabs.

Laser Level

Tool used for precise leveling and elevation control.

Quality Control Logs

Records of tests, samples, and quality checks.

Shop Drawings

Detailed drawings from subcontractors/suppliers (e.g., rebar layout, formwork plans).

Plans/Blueprints

Scaled drawings showing layout, dimensions, and construction details.

Float (or Slack)

Amount of time a task can be delayed without affecting overall schedule.

Production Rate

Output per crew per day or hour (e.g., cubic yards poured/day).

Lead Time

Time required to procure materials (rebar, formwork systems, admixtures).