GLOSSARY Air entrainment: the occlusion of air in the form

of tiny bubbles (generally smaller than 1 mm)

Anchor, anchorage: 1. a device such as
a metal rod, wire, or strap, for fixing one
Asphaltic base course: in asphalt pavement, a
foundation layer consisting of mineral aggregate
Baked finish: a paint or varnish finish obtained
by baking, usually at temperatures above 150 F
during the mixing of concrete or mortar; used to connectors used to fasten together timbers, bound together with asphaltic material. (65 C), thereby developing a tough, durable film.
Abutment: a masonry mass (or the like) which
improve its workability. masonry, trusses, etc. 2. in precast concrete
receives the thrust of an arch, vault, or strut.
construction, a device used to attach the precast Asphalt leveling course: a course (of an Base bid specifications: the specifications
Alignment: the course along which the center units to the building frame. asphalt-aggregate mixture) of variable thickness listing or describing only those materials,
Accelerator: 1. a substance which, when added
line of a roadway or channel is located. used to eliminate irregularities in contour of an equipment, and methods of construction
to concrete, mortar, or grout, increases the rate
Anchor bolt, foundation bolt, hold-down bolt: existing surface, prior to the placement of a upon which the base bid must be predicated,
of hydration of a hydraulic cement, shortens the
Alle: a walkway or other corridor, planted with a steel bolt usually fixed in a building structure superimposed layer. exclusive of any alternate bids.
time of set, or increases the rate of hardening
trees on either side, usually at least twice as with its threaded portion projecting; used to
or strength development. 2. a substance, added
high as the width of the walkway. secure frameworks, timbers, machinery bases, Asphalt pavement: a pavement consisting of Base (Course): a layer of specified or selected
with a curing agent, to speed a vulcanizing
etc. a surface course of mineral aggregate coated material of planned thickness, constructed
process and enhance the physical properties of
Allowable stress: in the design of structures, and cemented together with asphalt cement on on the subbase or on the natural subgrade to
a vulcanized material.
the maximum unit stress permitted under Angle: an L-shaped metal member. supporting courses. distribute the load and provide drainage, or on
working loads by codes and specifications. which a wearing surface or a drainage structure
ACI: abbr. for American Concrete Institute, an
Angle of repose: the steepest angle at which Asphalt prime coat: an initial application of is placed.
organization which develops and disseminates
Alloy: a composition of two or more metals a sloping surface formed of a particular loose an asphalt primer, usually as preparation for a
consensus-based knowledge on concrete and
fused together, usually to obtain a desired material is stable. superimposed treatment or construction. Basic services: the services performed by
its uses.
property. an architect, landscape architect or other
Annual plant: a plant whose life cycle is Asphalt surface treatment: the application consultant during the following five phases of a
Addendum: a written of graphic instrument
Alloy steel: steel containing one or more completed in a single growing season. of asphaltic materials to any type of pavement project: schematic design; design development;
issued prior to the execution of the contract
alloying elements other than carbon, such surface or road surface, with or without a cover construction documents; bidding or negotiation;
which modifies or interprets the bidding
as chromium, molybdenum, or nickel, which Architects approval: the architects written of mineral aggregate. and contract administration.
documents, including drawings, and
have been added (in an amount exceeding a or imprinted acknowledgement that materials,
specifications, by additions, deletions,
specified minimum) to impart particular physical, equipment, or methods of construction are Asphalt tack coat: a light coating of liquid Bearing: in surveying, the horizontal angle
clarifications or corrections; becomes part of
mechanical, or chemical properties. acceptable for use in the work, or that a asphalt on an existing or new asphalt surface or between a line and a reference meridian
the contract documents when the construction
contractors request or claim is valid. on a Portland cement concrete surface; used to adjacent to the quadrant in which the line lies.
contract is executed.
Alternate bid: the amount stated in the bid to ensure a bond between the old surface and the
be added to or deducted from the amount of the Area drain: a structure for collecting runoff from overlaying course. Bearing capacity (soil): the load-supporting
Additional services: the professional
base bid if the corresponding change in project relatively small paved areas. capacity of a soil.
services which may, upon the owners request
scope or alternate materials and/or methods of ASTM: abbr. for American Society for
or approval, be rendered by the architect,
construction is accepted. Ashlar: masonry made of large square-cut Testing Materials, an international standards Berm: a continuous bank of earth alongside
landscape architect or other consultant in
stones, typically used as a facing on walls. organization that develops and publishes a road or other area; an artificial ridge or
addition to the basic services identified in the
Aluminum, Brit. aluminium: a lustrous, silver- voluntary consensus technical standards for a embankment.
Owner-Architect Agreement.
white, nonmagnetic, lightweight metal which is ASHRAE: abbr. for American Society of wide range of materials, products, systems, and
very malleable; has good thermal and electrical Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning services. Bid: 1. an offer to perform the work described
Admixture: a material other than water,
conductivity; a good reflector of both heat Engineers, an organization devoted to the in a contract at a specified cost. 2. a complete
aggregates, lime, or cement, used as an
and light. In construction, most aluminum is advancement of indoor-environment-control Azimuth: in plane surveying, a horizontal angle and properly signed proposal to do the work,
ingredient of concrete or mortar, and added
used in alloy form because of added strength; technology in the heating, ventilation, and air measured clockwise from north meridian to the or designated portion thereof for the sums
to the batch immediately before or during its
further strengthened by heat treatment; used conditioning (HVAC) industry. direction of an object or fixed point. stipulated therein, supported by data called for
mixing; used as a water repellent, as a coloring
in extrusions, castings, and sheets. Excellent by the bidding requirements.
agent, as a retarder or accelerator (to modify its
resistance to oxidation; often anodized for better Aspect: the direction which a building, Backfill: earth or other material used to replace
setting rate), etc.
corrosion resistance, surface hardness, and/or groundplane or other element faces with respect material removed during construction, such Bidder: one who submits a bid for a prime
architectural color requirements. to the points of a compass. as in pipeline and culvert trenches and behind contract with the owner, as distinct from a sub-
Aggregate: an inert granular material such
retaining walls. bidder who submits a bid to a prime bidder. A
as natural sand, manufactured sand, gravel,
American National Standards Institute Asphalt: a dark brown to black cementitious bidder is not a contractor on a specific project
crushed gravel, crushed stone, vermiculite,
(ANSI): an independent organization of trade material, solid or semi-solid, in which the Backflow preventer: a device used to prevent until a contract exists between him and the
perlite, and air-cooled blast-furnace slag, which
associations, technical societies, professional predominating constituents are bitumens which water (or other liquids) from being siphoned owner.
when bound together into a conglomerate mass
groups, and consumer organizations; occur in nature. or flow backward into a potable water system,
by a matrix forms concrete or mortar.
establishes and publishes standards; usually as part of a plumbing or irrigation Bidding documents: the advertisement
formerly known as the United States of Asphalt block: a paving block composed of system. or invitation to bid, including instructions to
Agreement: 1. a meeting of minds. 2. a legally
America Standards Institute (USASI or ASI), a mixture of 88 to 92% crushed stone and the bidders, the bid form, and the proposed contract
enforceable promise or promises between two
and previously as the American Standards balance asphaltic cement. Backup: that part of a masonry wall behind the documents including any addenda issued prior
or among several persons. 3. on a construction
Association (ASA). exterior facing. to receipt of bids.
project, the document stating the essential terms
Asphalt cement: a refinedasphaltfree
of the construction contract which incorporates
American Society for Testing Materials from water and coarse foreign material and Bag, sack: a quantity of Portland cement: 94 lb Bidding or negotiation phase: the fourth
by reference the other contract documents.
(ASTM): a nonprofit organization that containing less than one percent of ash. in the United States, 87.5 lb in Canada, 112 lb phase of the architects basic services, during
4. the document setting forth the terms of the
establishes standard tests and specifications (50.8 kg) in the United Kingdom, and 50 kg in which competitive bids or negotiated proposals
contract between the architect and owner or
for construction materials; such tests and Asphalt fog seal: an asphalt surface treatment most countries using the metric system. are sought as the basis for awarding a contract.
between the architect and consultant.
specifications are usually referred to by the consisting of a light application of liquid asphalt
abbreviation ASTM followed by a numerical without a mineral aggregate cover.
designation.
This material accompanies Landscape Architecture Documentation Standards: Principles, Guidelines, and Best Practices published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Copyright 2016 by Design Workshop, Inc. All rights reserved.
Bidding requirements: those documents
providing information and establishing
procedures and conditions for the submission of
bids, instructions to bidders, invitation to bid, and
sample forms.
Bid opening: the opening and tabulation of
bids submitted by the prescribed bid time and in
conformity with the prescribed procedures.
Bid price: the sum stated in the bid for which
the bidder offers to perform the work.
Binder course, binding course: 1. in asphaltic
concrete paving, an intermediate course
between the course base and the surfacing
material; consists of intermediate-size aggregate
bound by bituminous material. 2. a row of
masonry units laid between, and used to bind,
an inner and an outer wall.
Bond: a financial guarantee by a surety
company that work will be completed as
described in a contract.
Borrow area: a source of earth fill materials
used for the construction of embankments or
other earth fill structures.
Builders risk insurance: a specialized form of
property insurance to cover work in the course
of construction.
Building code: a collection of rules and
regulations adopted by authorities having
appropriate jurisdiction to control the design
and construction of buildings, alteration, repair,
quality of materials, use and occupancy,
and related factors and buildings within their
jurisdiction; contains minimum architectural,
structural, and mechanical standards for
sanitation, public health, welfare, safety, and the
provision of light and air.
Building coverage: the fraction or percentage
of a sites total area which is taken up by
buildings.
Cast-in-place concrete, cast-in-situ concrete,
in-situ concrete: concrete which is deposited in
the place where it is required to harden as part
of the structure, as opposed to precast concrete.
Catch basin: a receptacle, with a sediment
bowl or sump, for diverting surface water to a
subsurface pipe, designed tocatchand retain
matter that would not pass readily through the
sewer.
Cement: a material or a mixture of materials
(without aggregate) which, when in a plastic
state, possesses adhesive and cohesive
properties and hardens in place. Frequently,
the term is used incorrectly for concrete, e.g. a
cement block for concrete block.
Cement slurry: a mixture of cements and water,
still in the liquid state; injected into prepacked
aggregate or used as a wash over a surface.
Center line: the survey or layout line to the
center of a road, swale, or other element.
Chamfer: 1. a bevel or cant, such as a small
splay at the external angle of a masonry wall.
2. a wave molding. 3. a groove or furrow. 4. an
oblique surface produced by beveling an edge
or corner, usually at a 45 degree angle, as the
edge of a board or masonry surface.
Changes in the work: changes ordered by
the owner consisting of additions, deletions,
or other revisions within the general scope of
the contract sum or the contract time being
adjusted accordingly. All changes in the work,
except those of a minor nature not involving an
adjustment to the contract sum or the contract
time, should be authorized by change order.
Channel: a natural stream, or a ditch or swale
constructed to convey water.
Clean aggregate: fine or coarse aggregate,
free of such material as clay, silt, or organic
substances.
Closed cell: in a material such as foam rubber
or foam plastic, one of many air spaces (cells)
totally enclosed by its walls and hence not
interconnecting with other cells.
Coarse aggregate: naturally occurring,
processed or manufactured, inorganic particles
in prescribed gradation or size range, the
smallest size of which will be retained on the No.
4 (4.76 mm) sieve.
Code: a published body of rules and
regulations for building practices, materials,
and installations, designed to protect the
health, welfare, and safety of the public, such
as a building code, health code, etc. Codes
established by municipal, state, or federal
authorities usually have the power of law.
Cold joint: a plane of weakness in concrete
caused by an interruption or delay in the
concreting operations. It occurs when the first
batch of concrete has begun to set before the
next batch is added, so that the two batches do
not intermix.
Cold-rolled: descriptive of metal that has been
formed by rolling at room temperature, usually to
obtain improved surface finish or higher tensile
strength.
Colored concrete: 1. concrete tinted during its
mixing by colored cement or color pigments. 2.
hardened concrete which has been subjected to
a colored wash.
Compaction: the densification of a soil by a
mechanical process.
Completion date: in the contract documents,
the date of Substantial Completion of the work.
Comprehensive general liability insurance:
a broad form of liability insurance covering
claims for bodily injury and property damage
which combines under one policy coverage for
all liability exposures (except those specifically
excluded) on a blanket basis and automatically
covers new and unknown hazards that may
develop; automatically includes contractual
liability coverage for certain types of contracts.
Comprehensive services: professional
services performed by the architect, landscape
architect or other consultant in addition to the
basic services, in such related areas as project
analysis, programming, land use studies,
feasibility investigations, financing, construction
management, and special consulting services.
Concept design: having acquired a preliminary
understanding of the project site and having
established broad parameters for design at the
Pre-Design phase, Concept Design is organized
to explore a preliminary design framework. A
design framework is the primary and essential
organizing structure for the design. Frameworks
are the basis for what becomes an emerging
vision and detailed intent to be developed at the
Schematic Design phase. The emerging concept
should be a direct response to requirements
established at the Pre-Design phase.
Concrete: a composite material which consists
essentially of a binding medium within which are
embedded particles or fragments of aggregate;
in Portland cement concrete, the binder is a
mixture of Portland cement and water.
Concrete masonry unit: a block or brick cast
of Portland cement and suitable aggregate, with
or without admixtures, and intended for laying
up with other units as in normal stone masonry
construction.
Conditions of the contract: those portions
of the contract documents which define, set
forth, or relate to: contract terminology; the
rights and responsibilities of the contracting
parties and of others involved in the work;
requirements for safety and for compliance with
laws and regulations; general procedures for
the orderly prosecution and management of the
work; payments to the contractor; and similar
provisions of a general, nontechnical nature.
Construction: the act or process of building
something.
Construction budget: 1. the sum established
by the owner as available for construction of
the project. 2. the stipulated highest acceptable
bid price or, in the case of a project involving
multiple construction contracts, the stipulated
aggregate total of the highest acceptable bid
prices.
Construction cost: the cost of all the
construction portions of a project, generally
based upon the sum of the construction
contract(s) and other direct construction costs;
does not include the compensation paid to
the architect and consultants, the cost of the
land, right-of-way, or other costs which are
defined in the contract documents as being the
responsibility of the owner.
Construction documentation phase: the
primary purpose of landscape architectural
Construction Documents is to provide a clear,
concise, and complete description of the
contractual work scope between the owner
and contractor. The contractual work scope
includes all information necessary to organize
and construct the work to precise standards
of quality and workmanship. These are legal
stipulations and, as such, those preparing
them must avoid conflicting or ambiguous
requirements.
Construction loan: a loan to a builder for
a short term, financing construction prior to
permanent financing.
Construction management: the special
management services performed by the
architect or others during the construction
phase of the project, under separate or special
agreement with the owner. This is not part of the
architects basic services, but it is an additional
service sometimes included in comprehensive
services.
Construction phase-administration of the
construction contract: the fifth and final phase
of the architects basic services, which includes
the architects general administration of the
construction contract(s).
Contour line: an imaginary line, or its
representation on a map, following all points
at the same elevation above or below a given
datum.
Contract: a legally enforceable promise or
agreement between two or more parties.
Contract administration: the duties and
responsibilities of the architect during the
construction phase.
Contract documents: those documents
that compromise a contract, e.g., in a
construction contract, the owner-contractor
agreement, conditions of the contract (general,
supplementary, and other conditions), plans
and/or drawings, specifications, all addenda,
modifications, and changes thereto, together
with any other items stipulated as being
specifically included.
Contract officer: the person designated as an
official representative of the owner with specific
authority to act in his behalf in connection with a
project.
Contract limit: a limit line or perimeter line
established on the drawings or elsewhere in
the contract documents defining the boundaries
of the site available to the contractor for
construction purposes.
Contractor: one who undertakes responsibility
for the performance of construction work,
including the provision of labor and materials,
in accordance with plans and specifications
and under a contract specifying cost and
schedule for completion of the work; the person
or organization responsible for performing
the work, and identified as such in the owner-
contractor agreement.
Contractors estimate: 1. a forecast of
construction cost, as opposed to a firm proposal,
prepared by a contractor for a project or a
portion thereof. 2. a term sometimes used to
denote a contractors application of request for a
progress payment.
Contractors liability insurance: insurance
purchased and maintained by the contractor to
protect him from specified claims which may
arise out of or result from his operations under
the contract, whether such operations be by
himself or by any subcontractor or by anyone
directly or indirectly employed by any of them, or
by anyone for whose acts any of them may be
liable.
Contract sum: the price stated in the owner-
contract agreement, which is the total amount
payable by the owner to the contractor for the
performance of the work, and can be adjusted
only by a change order.
Contract time: the period of time established
in the contract documents, pursuant to other
agreement between the parties, or by operation
of law, within which the work must be completed.
Contract liability: liability assumed by a
party under a contract by express language,
implication, or operation of law; includes not
only the obligation of a party to perform in
accordance with the contract but also such other
obligations as may be assumed, e.g., those
arising from indemnification or hold harmless
clauses.
Control (Contraction) joint: a groove which
is formed, sawed, or tooled in a concrete or
masonry structure to regulate the location and
amount of cracking and separation resulting
from the dimensional change of different parts of
the structure, thereby avoiding the development
of high stresses.
Corrosion: the deterioration of metal or of
concrete by chemical or electrochemical reaction
resulting from exposure to weathering, moisture,
chemicals, or other agents in the environment in
which it is placed.
Corrosion inhibitor: any of a number of
materials used to prevent the oxidation of
metals; may be a coating applied to the surface,
a paint undercoat or an element alloyed with the
metal.
Cost-plus-fee agreement: an agreement
under which the contractor or the architect is
reimbursed for his direct and indirect costs and,
in addition, is paid a fee for his services. The
fee is usually stated as a stipulated sum or as a
percentage of cost.
Craft: application of art, skill, and technique, and
the source of dexterity and close attention to
finished quality in a detail form.
Craftmanship: the quality of design and
execution shown in something built or shaped by
hand; artistry.
Critical study: evaluation of the success or
failure of a detail in its own terms or the set of
conditions it occurs within.
Crown: the rise or difference in elevation
between the edge and the center line of a
roadway or walkway.
Crushed gravel: the product resulting from the
artificial compression of gravel with substantially
all fragments having at least one fractured face.
Crushed stone, crushed rock: the product
resulting from the artificial compression of rocks,
boulders, or large cobblestones, substantially all
faces of which have been crushed.
Crusher-run aggregate: aggregate that has
been broken in a mechanical crusher and has
not been subjected to any subsequent screening
process.
Culvert: any structure not classified as a bridge
which provides a waterway or other opening
under a road.
Curb: BRIT. kerb: a raised edge of concrete,
stone, or metal which forms the edge of a street,
sidewalk, or planted area.
Curb form: a specially shaped form for
concrete, used in conjunction with a curb tool to
give the desired shape and finish to a concrete
curb.
Curing: maintaining the moisture and
temperature requirements of freshly placed
concrete during some definite period following
placing, casting, or finishing to assure
satisfactory hydration of the cementitious
materials and proper hardening of the concrete.
Cut section (or cut): that part of the ground
surface which, when graded, is lower than the
original ground.
Dampproofing: applying a water-impervious
material to a surface, such as a wall, to prevent
the penetration of moisture.
Date of agreement: the date stated on the face
of the agreement. If no date is stated, it may
be the date on which the agreement is actually
signed, if this is recorded, or it may be the date
established by the award; also referred to as the
contract date.
Date of commencement of the work: the
date established in a notice to proceed or,
in the absence of such notice, the date of
the agreement or such other date as may be
established therein or by the parities thereto.
Date of substantial completion: the date
certified by the architect, landscape architect or
other consultant, when the work, or a designated
portion thereof is sufficiently complete in
accordance with the contract documents, so
the owner may occupy the work or designated
portion thereof for the use for which it is
intended.
Datum: a horizontal reference plane used as a
basis for computing elevations.
Deposit for bidding documents: monetary
deposit required to obtain a set of construction
documents and bidding requirements,
customarily refunded to bona fide bidders on
return of the documents in good condition within
a specified time.
Desiccant: any absorbent or adsorbent, liquid or
solid, that will remove water or water vapor from
a material.
Design: 1. to compose a plan for a building,
landscape or other element. 2. the architectural
concept of a building, landscape or other
element. as represented by plans, elevations,
renderings, and other drawings. 3. to plan
and make (something) for a specific use,
purpose or response to a problem.
Design development phase: if Schematic
Design is used to frame clear and
comprehensive design intent, Design
Development (DD) must give substance to that
intent, resolving all design decisions. During
the Design Development phase, the proposed
scheme is advanced and further developed to
become the final design. In previous phases,
the focus has been on the project as a whole.
During Design Development, it becomes
important to give individual attention to each
system, each space, each component, and each
detail of the project.
Design strength: 1. the load-bearing capacity
of a member computed on the basis of the
allowable stresses which are assumed in design.
2. the assumed values for the strength of
concrete, and the yield stress of steel on which
the theoretical ultimate strength of a section is
computed.
Detail categories: general areas within a
landscape design proposal where the focus
and location of detail design work occurs; these
include pavements, joints, walls, stairs, metals,
etc.
Detail considerations: broad range of
detail concerns, including spatial, contextual,
technological, and aesthetic issues.
Detail motifs: recurrent thematic figures or
elements in detail themes.
Detail qualities: detail characteristics
or properties that arise in individual built
landscapes and distinguish one space from
another.
Detail research: a sustained investigation in
which the detail is a primary focus rather than a
supporting factor.
Detail restoration: identification and recording
of existing landscape details from one or
more historical periods and the preservation,
rehabilitation, or adaptation of those details.
Detail scale: detail forms sized appropriately
to human dimensions, contextual conditions or
other specific criteria.
Detail study: a study focusing on the
dimensional, perceptual, and formal properties
of landscape details.
Detail themes: underlying subjects or points of
view and their variations that are expanded upon
in detail design.
Detention basin: an impoundment, normally
dry, for temporarily storing storm runoff from a
drainage area to reduce the peak rate of flow.
Dimension stone: stone that is selected,
trimmed, or cut to desired shapes and/or
sizes for such uses as walls, markers, paving,
flagging, or curbing.
Diversion: a channel or swale, with or without a
supporting ridge on the lower side, constructed
across a slope to intercept surface runoff.
Drainage: interception and removal of
groundwater or surface water by artificial or
natural means.
Drainage area: the area drained to a low point,
with water received by a channel or drain.
Dressed: descriptive of brick, lumber, or stone
which has been prepared, shaped, or finishes by
cutting, planing, rubbing, or sanding one or more
of its faces.
Drawings: the primary means to convey design
intent, as they show forms, sizes, locations,
and relationships between components and
materials.
Easement: a right of accommodation (for
specific purpose) in land owned by another,
such as right-of-way or free access to light and
air.
Electrolysis: the decomposition of a chemical
compound into its constituent parts by the
passage of an electric current; this action leads
to the decomposition of metals.
Elevation: 1. the altitude relative to a given
datum. 2. a scale drawing of the faade of a
structure, wall or other set of vertical elements.
Embankment: a bank of earth, rock, or other
material constructed above the natural ground
surface.
Enlargement plan: areas of the plan that are
defined elsewhere within the documents at a
larger scale.
Environmental impact statement: a detailed
analysis of the probable environmental
consequences of proposed federal legislation
major federal funds, likely to have significant
effects on environmental quality; such
a statement is required by the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq).
Erodibility: the susceptibility of soil material to
detachment and transportation by running water
or wind.
Erosion: detachment and movement of soil or
rock fragments by water, wind, ice, and gravity.
Excavation: 1. the act of taking out materials. 2.
the hollow or depression after the materials have
been removed.
Expansion bolt: an anchoring device having
an expandable socket that swells as a bolt is
tightened in to it; used in masonry walls for
attaching timber, etc.
Expansion joint: a joint or gap between
adjacent parts of a building, structure, or
concrete work which permits their relative
movement due to temperature changes (or other
conditions) without rupture or damage.
Exposed-aggregate finish: a decorative finish
for concrete work; achieved by removing the
outer cementitious layer, generally before the
concrete has fully hardened, and exposing the
coarse aggregate.
Face: 1.the exposed surface of a wall. 2. the
surface unit designed to be exposed, as in
finished masonry, or plywood having one side
which is finished. 3. the broad surface of a
board, timber, or panel. 4. the exposed vertical
surface of an arch. 5. the striking surface of a
hammer. 6. during a construction operation in a
tunnel, the surface being excavated. 7. to install
a surface layer of one material on another, as to
face a concrete block wall with brick.
False joint: groove routed (and generally
pointed) in a solid block of stone to simulate a
joint, sometimes referred to as a dummy joint.
Fibrous concrete: concrete containing
asbestos, spun glass, or other fibers to reduce
unit weight and improve tensile strength.
Field: a large, expansive patterned area with
uniform finish and surface; a base paving
material.
Field Order: a written order effecting a minor
change in the work, not involving an adjustment
in the contract sum or an extension of the
contract time, issued by the architect, landscape
architect or other consultant to the contractor
during the construction phase.
Figures: symbols or decorative images added
or laid into the pattern of a surface material,
usually related to the geometry and layout of the
surface.
Fill section (or fill): that part of the ground
surface which, when graded, is higher than the
original ground.
Filter strip: a vegetated buffer zone for
removing sediments and pollutants before runoff
reaches ponds, waterways, or other drainage
facilities.
Final completion: the completion of work and
all contract requirements by the contractor.
Final inspection: the final review of the project
by the architect, landscape architect or other
consultant prior to his issuance of the final
certificate for payment.
Final payment: payment made by the owner to
the contractor, upon issuance by the architect
of the final certificate for payment, of the entire
unpaid balance of the contract sum as adjusted
by change orders.
Final set: a degree of stiffening of a mixture
of cement (or concrete or mortar) and water
greater than the initial set; generally stated
as the time required for cement paste to
stiffen sufficiently to resist the penetration of a
weighted test needle.
Fine aggregate: aggregate which passes
through a 9.51 (3/8-in.) sieve, passes almost
entirely through a 4.76-mm (No.4) sieve, and
is predominantly retained on a 74-m (No.200)
sieve.
Fine grade: preparation of the detailed
subgrade preceding placements of surfacing
materials such as paving, seeding or planting,
following the completion of larger scale grading
across the project site.
Finish floor, finished floor: the floor, usually
laid over a subfloor, which provides the
completed floor surface, defined by a specific
elevation level.
Flashing: a thin impervious material placed in
construction (e.g., in mortar joints and through
air spaces in masonry) to prevent water
penetration and/or provide water drainage,
especially between a roof and wall, and over
exterior door openings and windows.
Float finish: a rather rough concrete or mortar
surface texture obtained by finishing with a float;
rougher than a trowel finish.
Formwork: a temporary construction to contain
wet concrete in the required shape while it is
cast and setting.
Foundation: the portion of a structure (usually
below ground level) that distributes the pressure
to the soil or to artificial supports.
French drain: a trench filled with coarse
aggregate (with or without a pipe) for
intercepting and conveying ground water.
Frost crack: a lengthwise split in a growing tree
caused by frost, usually found on the tree trunk.
Gabion: a compartmented rectangular
container, made of steel wire mesh and filled
with stone; used for erosion control and retaining
wall purposes.
Galvanic corrosion: an electrochemical action
which takes place when dissimilar metals are
in contact in the presence of an electrolyte,
resulting in corrosion.
Gap grading: a particle-size distribution for
material such as an aggregate in which particles
of certain intermediate sizes are substantially
absent.
General conditions: that part of the contract
documents (of the contract for construction)
which sets forth many of the rights,
responsibilities, and relationships of the parties
involved.
Generally accepted standard: a specification
code, rule, guide, or procedure in the field of
construction or related thereto, recognized and
accepted as authoritative.
General notes: Information provided, usually
on the General Information Sheet, which is so
general that it cannot be specifically placed
in the specifications, nor precisely located on
plans or details. General Notes are general,
not specific. Specific notes are referred to as
Keynotes and are defined separately.
General requirements: the title of Division I
of the AIAs uniform system for construction
specifications, data filing, and cost accounting.
Grade:
- Finished grade: the completed surfaces of
lawns, walks, and roads brought to grades as
designed.
- Natural grade: the undisturbed natural
surface of the ground.
- Subgrade: the grade established in
preparation for top surfacing of roads, lawns,
etc.
Gradient: the degree of inclination of a
surface, road, or pipe, usually expressed as a
percentage.
Grading: modification of the ground surface by
cuts and/or fills. Fine or finish grading is light or
thin grading to finish a prepared earth surface.
Gravel: aggregate composed of hard and
durable stones or pebbles, crushed or
uncrushed, often mixed with sand.
Groundwater: free subsurface water, the top of
which may be the water table.
Gutter: an artificially surfaced and generally
shallow waterway, usually provided at the sides
of a roadway for carrying surface drainage.
Headwall: a vertical wall at the end of a culvert
to support the pipe and prevent earth from
spilling into the channel.
Hydraulic radius: the cross-sectional area
flow of a pipe or channel divided by the wetted
perimeter.
Hydrologic condition: vegetative cover,
residue, and surface roughness of a soil as they
may affect potential runoff.
Imperviousness: the property of a material
through which water will not flow under ordinary
hydrostatic pressure.
Infiltration: the downward entry of water into the
surface of a soil or other material, as contrasted
with percolation, which is movement of water
through soil layers or material.
Infiltration basin: an open surface storage area
with no outlet except an emergency spillway,
which permits runoff to infiltrate the soil.
Inlet: an arrangement for conveying surface
water to an underdrain.
Intercepting ditch: an open drain to prevent
surface water from flowing down a slope
by conducting it around the slope. See also
diversion.
Interpolation (topographic): the process of
determining the location of elevations from the
plotted locations of known elevations.
Invert: the lowest point of the internal cross
section of a pipe or of a channel.
Keynote: a numeric or alpha-numeric reference
on drawings which substitutes for written notes,
directing the reader to notes and associated
drawings elsewhere within the documents.
Landscape detail: a drawing, at relatively large
scale, of a part of a building or landscape, with
dimensions and other technical information for
use in construction.
Limit of Work Line: defines the limits of the
proposed work scope and any and all Contractor
work, e.g., plant protection, site demolition,
hardscape and softscape improvements, site
lighting, and grading and drainage.
Low-flow channel: a small ditch, constructed in
flat bottoms of larger ditches or detention basins,
to facilitate their drainage during periods of low
flow.
Manhole: a structure, covered with a lid, which
allows a person to enter a space below ground
level.
Mannings equation: a formula for calculating
the velocity of flow in a channel as a function
of relative roughness, cross-sectional
configuration, and gradient.
Matchline: where multiple plan sheets are
required to document a project, matchlines
are necessary to orient the reviewer on where
adjacent information is located. These lines
are typically thick, bold, black dashed lines and
located on the perimeter of the sheets where
matching is required.
MasterFormat: a specification-writing
convention established by the Construction
Specification Institute (CSI) and widely accepted
within the design and construction industry.
Mechanical joints: extent and placement of
joints required for thermal expansion and the
tolerances related to movement of materials or
substructure.
Moisture content: the percentage, by weight, of
water contained in soil or other material, usually
based on dry weight.
Monument: a boundary stone or other
permanent marker locating a property line or
corner.
Natural joints: juxtaposition of single units of
a horizontal material that are perceived as the
normal surface pattern.
Nonstandard details: details in which an
original and sometimes distinctive aesthetic
expression has been developed, either by
adapting standard details or starting from other
sources.
Outlet: point of water disposal from a stream,
river, lake, tidewater, or artificial drain.
Outline specifications: initial descriptions, in
abbreviated format, of the main systems and
elements depicted on the Drawings.
Peak discharge: the maximum instantaneous
flow rate resulting from a given storm condition
at a specific location.
Percolation: movement of soil water toward the
water table.
Performance Specification: describes all
required results but not how to achieve them.
Includes measurable criteria to verify compliance
testing critical to performance specifying at time
of fabrication at site after a period of service.
Pervious: the property of a material which
permits movement of water through it under
ordinary hydrostatic pressure.
Porous: having many small openings through
which liquids may pass.
Porous pavement: a pavement constructed
from a material that permits percolation of storm
water to the subgrade.
Pre-Design phase: the purpose of the Pre-
Design phase in landscape architecture is
to establish the primary requirements and
influences on the project, including budget,
schedule, program, consultant work scope,
necessary approvals, and site conditions.
Preliminary Project Descriptions or PPDs:
narrative descriptions of proposed systems,
assemblies, components and materials, and are
organized in accordance with CSI Uniformat, to
correlate with prevailing industry methods for
cost estimating for the applicable phase.
Principal spillway: a component of retention
or detention ponds, generally constructed of
permanent materials. It is designed to regulate
the normal water level, provide flood protection,
and/or reduce the frequency of operation of the
emergency spillway.
A Project Manual: a compilation of the written
requirements for the Project. It typically contains
the Procurement or Bidding Requirements
and Contracting Requirements, including any
Supplementary Conditions to the Contract; and
the Specifications, which include the General
Requirements (Division 01) and Technical
Specifications (Divisions 02-49). When issued
in conjunction with the Drawings, they represent
the binding, legal documents in a Contract
between an Owner and a Contractor.
Proprietary or Prescriptive Specification: a
standard where a proprietary entity is specified.
This method describes products and materials
by manufacturers name, brand/product name,
model number and unique characteristics.
Ramp: an inclined plane serving as a way
between two different levels.
Reference notes: these notes are intended
to communicate to the Contractor instructional
intentions that have historically been
communicated as typed notes on drawings. If
the Detail Keynotes represent the nouns of the
plan documents, the Reference Notes represent
the verbs. Words such as align, provide and
verify commonly begin these statements.
Retention basin: a reservoir, containing a
permanent pool, for temporarily storing storm
runoff and reducing the storm runoff rate from a
drainage area.
Retaining wall: a wall built to support a bank of
earth.
Revision Cloud and Callout: used to
designate/highlight changes in the project work,
is typically a scalloped line drawn around the
revision areas in the drawing.
Right of way: the entire strip of land dedicated
for highway, street or other public corridor
purposes.
Riprap: stones or other material placed on a
slope to prevent erosion by water.
Rough grade: stage of grading operation in
which the desired landform is approximately
attained.
Runoff: that part of precipitation carried off
from the area on which it falls. Also, the rate of
surface discharge of the above. (The ratio of
runoff to precipitation is a coefficient, expressed
as a decimal.)
SCS: Soil Conservation Service, a federal
agency in the Department of Agriculture, dealing
with erosion and flood control.
Schematic Design: having established
parameters in Pre-Design and a conceptual
design framework at the Concept Design phase,
Schematic Design can be initiated with a basis
to begin formulating detailed design intent.
Intent defines the essence of Schematic Design.
Intentions come in the form of principles,
performance metrics, a mission, a thesis, and
form and character studies.
Sediment: solid material, both mineral and
organic, in suspension, being transported, or
having been moved from its original site, by air,
water, gravity, or ice.
Sediment basin: a reservoir formed by the
construction of a barrier or dam built at a
suitable location to permit the settling out of
sediments (rock, sand, gravel, silt, or other
material) before releasing the water.
Sheet flow: flow over plane, sloped surfaces in
a thin layer.
Shoulder: the portion of roadway between the
edge of the hardened wearing course and the
ditch or embankment.
Sight distance: the distance between
approaching vehicles when first visible to one
another on a horizontal plane, often at a traffic
intersection.
Singular details: one-off details in which the
source of inspiration is derived from an aesthetic
or cultural source that is separate or external
from the site location or context.
Slope: the face of an embankment or cut
section; any ground whose surface makes an
angle with the horizontal plane.
Specifications: the most explicitly defined
written requirements for the proposed
improvements. All proposed systems,
assemblies, components and materials are
thoroughly studied, reviewed, coordinated
and precisely defined to adequately convey
contractual requirements.
Standard details: details that, because of their
nature, are repetitively used or have achieved
over time a general consensus as to their
success in application and performance.
Storage (runoff): runoff that is being temporarily
impounded to permit controlling the runoff rate
and/or improving water quality.
Storm sewer: a conduit used for conveyance of
rain water.
Structure: anything constructed that requires a
permanent location on the ground or is attached
to something that has a permanent location on
the ground.
Subdrain: a pervious backfilled trench
containing a pipe with perforations or open joints
for the purpose of intercepting groundwater or
seepage.
Super-elevation: the rise of the outer edge of Workmanship: art, skill, and technique of detail
the pavement relative to the inner edge at a work and the products of such labor.
curve in the highway, expressed in feet per foot,
intended to overcome the tendency of speeding
vehicles to overturn when rounding a curve.
Surface: built ground plane constructed for
human activities.
Swale: a constructed or natural vegetated
waterway.
Tangent: a straight road segment connecting
two curves.
Tectonics: how the detail idea is made visible,
and the necessary forces that establish and
mold its eventual physical form.
Terrace: an essentially level and defined area,
usually raised, either paved or planted, forming
part of a garden or building setting.
Transitions: detail connections between
adjacent surfaces in the built landscape.
Trench drain: a linear structure that collects
runoff from a paved area.
Utility Lines: designates existing or proposed
site utilities, above or below grade.
Vernacular details: details commonly found in
the built landscape, based on familiar idioms
and with a knowledge of locally available
materials, regional weather patterns, and local
customs and values.
Water quality basin: a reservoir which has
a provision for removing pollutants from
storm runoff by retaining the runoff from high-
frequency storms (i.e., those with 1-or 2-yr
frequencies) for prolonged periods (i.e., from 18
to 36 hr).
Water Level Lines: define s the flowline or
water level of water bodies, e.g., ponds, lakes,
rivers and streams.
Watershed: region or area contributing to the
supply of a stream or lake. (Also drainage basin
or catchment area.)
Water table: the level below which the ground is
saturated.
Waterway: a natural course, or a constructed
channel, for the flow of water.
Weep hole: a small hole, as in a retaining wall,
to drain water to the outside.