Construction Terminology

An explanation of some industry terms

Select a letter from the alphabet above to view the definition for the terms we currently have in our database. You can also search the database for a particular term, or if you want submit terminology which isn't in the database at present.

Terms beginning with 'F' - 1 to 10 of 11

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Facia

Plastic or Timber fixed along ends of rafters to which gutter is fixed

Facing Brick

Coloured / Decorative brick used for the exterior of buildings to give an attractive finish.

Facing connection

In relation to retaining walls, each connection between the geo-synthetic reinforcement and segmental retaining wall unit must have sufficient strength. Strength is defined by performing a connection strength test.

facing layer

Layer of concrete on the upper face of a flag of different material and/or properties to the main body or backing layer of a flag

Facing overturning

This is toppling that can occur in the non-reinforced portion of the wall or in a gravity wall application.

Facing stability

An analysis performed to ensure that the segmental retaining wall units remain intact and do not fall in connection, do not bulge or overturn.

Factor of safety

A ratio between the driving forces and resisting forces

falsework

Refers to temporary structures used in the construction to support arched structures and concrete forms (moulds) in order to hold the component in place until its construction is sufficiently far advanced to support itself.

fin joists

Also known as I-Beams. I-beams are beams with an I- or H-shaped cross-section. The Euler-Bernoulli beam equation shows that this is a very efficient form for carrying bending and in the plane of the web, as well as shear.

Foundation soil

The soil which supports the levelling pad and the reinforced soil zone of a segmental retaining wall system.


Term
Description