Punjab PSEB Matric NSQF Construction key terms

The craft of building structures by laying individual units such as bricks, blocks or stones in mortar so they bond into a solid wall. It covers setting out, levelling, plumbing and finishing joints.

A paste of cement or lime, sand and water used to bed masonry units and fill joints. It hardens to bind the units together and spread loads evenly across the wall.

The proportion by volume in which cement and sand are mixed for a mortar or plaster, such as 1:4 or 1:6. A richer mix (more cement) gives greater strength and water resistance.

A single horizontal layer of bricks, blocks or stones in a wall. Courses are kept level and of even thickness so the wall carries load uniformly and looks regular.

The horizontal layer of mortar on which a masonry unit is laid. Its thickness is normally kept around 10 mm so the wall stays level and the load is spread evenly.

The corner brick or block of a wall, laid true and plumb to set the line for the rest of the work. Quoins are built up first and act as guides for each course.

Exactly vertical. A mason checks plumb with a spirit level or plumb bob so walls, columns and door frames stand straight and do not lean or bulge.

A tool with sealed glass vials containing liquid and an air bubble. When the bubble sits between the marked lines the surface is level or plumb, depending on the vial used.

Marking the exact position, size and alignment of a building or structure on the ground before construction starts. It uses pegs, string lines and levels to fix corners and wall lines.

Applying one or more coats of cement-sand mortar to a wall or ceiling to give a smooth, even, protective finish. It hides roughness and improves appearance and weather resistance.

Filling and finishing the exposed mortar joints of masonry with a neat mortar mix. It improves weather tightness and appearance and is done after the wall has partly set.

Keeping fresh concrete or mortar moist for several days so the cement sets and hardens fully. Proper curing increases strength and reduces cracking and shrinkage.

A mixture of cement, fine aggregate (sand), coarse aggregate (stone chips) and water that hardens into a strong artificial stone. It is used for foundations, slabs, columns and beams.

Steel bars or mesh placed inside concrete to carry the tensile forces that plain concrete cannot resist. Bars must be clean, correctly spaced and fully surrounded by concrete.

The temporary mould of timber or steel that holds wet concrete in the required shape until it sets. It must be strong, rigid, accurately set and easy to remove.

The thickness of concrete between the outer surface and the nearest steel reinforcement. Adequate cover protects the steel from rust and fire and helps it bond with concrete.

The lowest part of a structure that transfers the weight of the building safely to the ground. It is wider than the wall so the load is spread over a larger soil area.

The maximum load per unit area that the soil beneath a foundation can safely carry without failing or settling excessively. It decides the width and type of foundation needed.

The pattern in which bricks are arranged in a wall so that vertical joints do not line up in successive courses. It ties the wall together and spreads loads evenly.

A small weight hung on a fine string to give a true vertical line. It is used to check the plumb of walls, columns, door frames and tall formwork.

A thin string stretched between two points to give a straight reference line, checked against a level. Masons follow it to keep courses straight, level and of even height.

A hard hat worn on site to protect the head from falling objects, knocks and overhead hazards. It must be worn correctly with the harness adjusted and be free from cracks.

The clothing and gear worn to protect the body at work, such as helmet, boots, gloves, goggles and high-visibility vest. It is the last line of defence after other controls.

Steel-toe footwear worn on construction sites to protect the feet from falling materials, nails and sharp objects. Good boots also give grip and support on uneven ground.

Keeping the workplace clean, tidy and free from waste, offcuts and obstacles. Good housekeeping prevents slips, trips, falls and fires and makes the site safer and more efficient.

A temporary framework of tubes, boards and fittings that gives workers a safe platform at height. It must be stable, fully planked, fitted with guardrails and inspected regularly.

Measures that prevent workers from falling from height, such as guardrails, harnesses, safety nets and edge protection. It is essential above the height set by site safety rules.

The correct use of ladders: placed on firm level ground, leaned at about a 4:1 angle, tied or footed, and never overreached from. Damaged ladders must not be used.

A short safety briefing held on site at the start of a shift or task. It reminds workers of hazards, safe methods and controls and lets concerns be raised before work begins.

Identifying the hazards in a task, judging how likely and how serious harm could be, and deciding controls. The findings are recorded and reviewed before work starts.

A flexible steel tape in a case, marked in millimetres and metres, used to measure lengths on site. It must be kept clean and dry and read correctly to avoid errors.

A clean, firm, flat surface where mortar or concrete is mixed by hand. It prevents contamination from soil and makes mixing easier and more uniform.

A mason's hammer with a square face and a chisel edge, used for breaking bricks and cutting to size. It is also used for dressing edges and tapping units into place.

A flat steel blade with a handle used to pick up, spread and finish mortar or plaster. The brick trowel has a diamond-shaped blade; the plastering trowel is rectangular.

A flat tool, often of wood or steel, used to smooth and compact plaster or concrete surfaces after application. Floating closes pores and gives a uniform finish.

Separating site waste such as rubble, wood, metal and packaging into the correct bins for reuse, recycling or safe disposal. It reduces pollution and keeps the site tidy.