Introduction to the Construction Industry - Key Terms (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering major concepts, terms, and ideas from the construction industry lecture notes.

Construction industry

The sector that builds infrastructure and buildings; a basic part of the economy that brings together people, processes, and a site workspace; primarily a service industry based on people rather than owning assets.

Master builder

Historically the on-site leader who directed design and construction; evolved into modern project leadership, coordinating trades and work.

Foreman

The on-site supervisor who leads workers; a key role in the traditional master builder system.

General contractor

The main contractor who coordinates the project, manages subcontractors, and ensures overall construction progress.

Subcontractor

A specialized tradesperson or firm hired by the general contractor to perform specific parts of the work.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

A hierarchical list of all work items required to complete a project, capturing 100% of the project scope.

Gantt chart

A bar-chart scheduling tool showing tasks, durations, and progress from start to finish.

Critical Path Method (CPM)

A scheduling method that identifies activities with no slack; delays in these activities affect the overall project completion.

Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

A node-based scheduling method showing task interdependencies and allowing analysis of best, most likely, and worst-case scenarios.

3D computer modeling

Three-dimensional digital representations used for design and coordination; evolved from 2D CAD.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Software used to create and modify drawings and models.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

An integrated 3D model that includes time and cost data to support a collaborative project team.

Off-site manufacturing / prefabrication

Producing components in a factory and assembling them on-site to speed construction and improve quality.

Integrated design and lifecycle performance

A design approach that sets performance goals for energy, indoor air quality, materials, water, site impact, and recycling across the building life cycle.

Green building certification

Programs that measure and certify the sustainability performance of a project.

Drones

Unmanned aerial vehicles used for material movement, surveying, and site documentation.

Robotics

Use of robots to perform tasks (e.g., welding, bricklaying) and to guide equipment for precision.

Four industry sectors

Residential, Commercial building, Infrastructure and heavy highway, Industrial.

Private sector vs public sector (construction)

Distribution of construction activity; private sector around 76% and public sector around 24% (as of 02/2018).

Infrastructure

Projects enabling distribution of goods and people; roads, bridges, canals, dams, tunnels; typically publicly funded and crucial to productivity.

Industrial facilities

Production facilities (e.g., mills, refineries, chemical plants); privately funded; designed around production processes and equipment; highly specialized.

Sector-specific suppliers

Each construction sector has its own specialized suppliers, manufacturers, and subcontractors aligned with sector needs.

Professional organizations (AIC, CMAA, AGC, NAHB)

Associations that promote certification, professional registration, and standards for construction professionals.

Transcontinental Railroad

Historic project (1862–1869) linking the east and west coasts; used separated leadership and complex logistics to unite the country.

Separation of leadership and management

Modern project management principle distinguishing visionary leadership from the coordination of work and resources.

Design-build

Project delivery model that combines design and construction responsibilities under one contract to streamline delivery.

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)

Collaborative delivery approach aligning incentives and information sharing to reduce disputes and improve outcomes.

Sustainability

Design and construction practice aimed at reducing environmental impact, using lifecycle thinking, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.

Life cycle thinking

Considering a project from design through operation and end-of-life to optimize energy, materials, water, and waste.

Building codes and standards

Regulatory requirements governing safety, design, and performance of construction projects.