Carpentry NC II key terms

A small wire or plastic support placed under reinforcing steel to hold the rebar at the specified distance above the formwork surface, keeping the concrete cover correct during pouring.

A horizontal board fixed to stakes outside the building outline, used to hold string lines that mark the exact position and level of walls and foundations during setting out.

A notch cut into the underside of a rafter so it sits flat and secure on the top plate of a wall, controlling the seat cut and heel of the rafter.

A diagonal member fixed across a frame or formwork to stop it from racking or distorting under load, keeping the structure square and stable during construction.

A slight upward curve built into a beam or formwork so it becomes level once the concrete or load settles, preventing a sagging appearance in the finished structure.

The thickness of concrete between the outer surface of the embedded reinforcing steel and the nearest exposed concrete face, protecting the rebar from corrosion and fire.

Keeping freshly placed concrete moist and at a suitable temperature for a set period so it gains strength and durability, usually by wetting, covering, or sealing the surface.

The permanent, stationary weight a structure must carry, such as walls, floors, roofing, and fixed equipment, as opposed to movable live loads.

The amount a beam, joist, or form member bends or sags under load, which must stay within allowed limits to avoid cracking finishes or failing the structure.

A fixed reference point or line of known elevation from which all other levels on a project are measured and transferred during layout and construction.

A system of guardrails, safety nets, harnesses, or anchor points used to prevent workers from falling when working at height above a set threshold.

The temporary mould of boards, panels, and supports that holds wet concrete in shape and position until it hardens enough to stand on its own.

The controlled stripping of form panels and supports after concrete has reached adequate strength, done in a safe sequence to avoid damage or collapse.

The process of spotting conditions or acts at the workplace that could cause injury or damage, then assessing and controlling the risk before work continues.

Keeping the work area clean and orderly by clearing offcuts, storing materials safely, and removing waste, which reduces slips, trips, and fire hazards.

A written breakdown of a task into steps, with the hazards of each step and the controls required, prepared and discussed before the work begins.

A horizontal framing member that supports a floor or ceiling and transfers its load to beams, girders, or walls, usually spaced at regular centres.

The process of marking positions, lines, and levels on the ground or on materials according to the drawings, so that construction elements are placed accurately.

The variable, movable weight a structure must support, such as people, furniture, stored goods, and equipment, which changes over the life of the building.

The continuous route by which forces travel from a roof or floor down through beams, columns, and walls into the foundation and the ground.

Sorting and storing waste and materials by type, such as timber, metal, and concrete, so they can be reused or recycled and do not pollute the site.

A documented list of the quantities of materials needed for a job, calculated from the drawings and specifications, used for ordering and cost control.

A written document describing how a work activity will be carried out safely and in the correct sequence, including resources, controls, and responsibilities.

Not vertical, describing a wall, post, or frame that leans away from true vertical, which must be corrected before it affects the structure or finishes.

Gear worn by a worker to reduce exposure to hazards, such as a hard hat, safety boots, gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection, used as a last line of defence.

A pointed weight hung from a string to establish a true vertical line, used to check that posts, walls, and formwork are standing straight.

The distortion of a rectangular frame into a parallelogram under sideways force, prevented by diagonal bracing or sheathing fixed to the frame.

A sloping framing member that runs from the ridge or wall plate down to the eaves and supports the roof covering, forming the shape of the roof.

Steel reinforcing bars placed inside concrete to carry tensile forces, cut, bent, and tied in position according to the structural drawings before pouring.

The measures taken to eliminate or reduce a hazard, applied in order of preference: remove the hazard, substitute, isolate, engineer controls, then use administrative controls or protective equipment.

Transferring the dimensions and positions from the drawings onto the ground or building, using lines, pegs, and levels, so the structure is built in the right place.

Temporary props, posts, or frames used to support an existing structure, excavation, or formwork while work is carried out or until permanent support is in place.

The clear horizontal distance between the supports of a beam, joist, or rafter, which determines the member size needed to carry the load safely.

The written part of the contract documents that states the quality, materials, workmanship, and standards required for each part of the work.

A tool with sealed vials of liquid and an air bubble used to check whether a surface is horizontal or vertical by centring the bubble between the marks.

A taut cord stretched between two points to mark a straight line or level, used to align walls, formwork, and paving during layout and checking.

A short, informal safety briefing held at the work area before a shift or task to discuss hazards, controls, and the plan for the day's work.

The horizontal timber fixed along the top of a wall frame to tie the studs together and carry the ceiling or roof framing above.

The lawful removal of construction waste from site to approved facilities, following segregation and environmental rules to avoid pollution.

A detailed drawing, including plans, elevations, and sections, that gives the dimensions and construction information needed to build a specific part of the project.