Glossary of demolition and concrete work

An investigation that records, within a defined scope, which asbestos-containing applications are present and what limitations the survey has. Have a specialist determine which survey suits your work.

A handover term whose precise meaning must be agreed. It does not automatically mean dust-free, level or ready for a new finish.

Removing agreed components inside a building. The supporting structure or exterior is not automatically excluded in full: establish the boundaries of the work.

A collective term for materials produced during building, renovation or demolition and disposed of as waste. Their composition determines the appropriate collection method.

Extraction close to where dust is generated. The suitability of the system and any additional measures are tailored to the work.

Stripping back to an agreed shell. The finishes and services to be removed must be specified for each project.

An approach in which preservation, dismantling and material reuse are organised in advance. A specific destination for the materials makes the claim verifiable.

Calculations by a structural engineer substantiating the structural implications of a plan and the required solution. The scope determines what has been assessed.

The specialist who assesses the structural behaviour and safety of a design or alteration and defines the necessary design assumptions.

Taking components apart, for example to preserve particular elements. Reuse requires agreement on their condition, storage and destination.

Drilling with tools that use industrial diamonds to cut the material. The application, diameter and method are matched to the material and surroundings.

A structural element that supports loads and transfers them to the supporting parts. The required section is specific to the project.

A wall with a structural role in supporting or transferring loads. Its function cannot be reliably established by a tapping test alone.

Work outside the agreed assignment. Agree how its scope, price implications and prior approval will be recorded.

Authorisation for an activity that requires a permit. The procedure needed depends on the activity, location and rules.

The structural contact point through which a beam or other load-bearing element transfers its load. Its construction is determined by the structural design.

The point at which the client and contractor review and record the agreed result and any outstanding items.

The amount of space occupied by masonry material. Solid material volume differs from the volume of loose rubble.

Demolition in preparation for renovating an existing building. Components to be retained and the connection to the renovation work are determined in advance.

The visible structure surrounding a fireplace or hearth. Its connection with the flue and structural elements above must be investigated before removal.

The scope of the job: what will be carried out, what will remain and what falls outside the price or responsibility.

Cutting a groove in a suitable surface, for example for services. Its depth and position are determined in relation to existing pipes and cables and structural limits.

Notification of a demolition activity where required by the applicable rules. This is separate from any permit application.

An opening in a wall, floor or other part of a building, for example for a pipe or a passage. The structural implications are assessed beforehand.

An assembly of steel load-bearing components and connections. Materials, dimensions and connections are determined by the design.

A provisional amount for an element that is not yet fully defined. Record the assumption and how the final amount will be calculated.

A plan for temporary support during an alteration. The necessary detail and checks depend on the structure and sequence of work.

Removing a structure within the agreed scope. Foundations, groundworks and handing over a build-ready site must be explicitly specified.

An opening in a floor for a staircase. The design must suit the structure, the staircase and its safe use.

Recording the relevant existing condition before work begins, for example with photographs and descriptions. This does not replace a structural assessment.

Professional wall cutting, for example to create an opening. The method and handling of released sections are tailored to the project.

The mixture of fine material particles and water that may form during wet cutting. Collection and disposal are part of the work agreements.