How to manage temporary works in construction - Book - Page 133
Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this publication, and others referenced, the following terms and definitions apply.
Additional terms, definitions and abbreviated terms can also be found in BS 5974-1:2024 clause 3.
ALARP
As low as reasonably practicable requires that risk reduction measures be implemented to the extent
that the cost and effort of further reduction are not grossly disproportionate to the benefit gained.
Angle of repose
The steepest angle to the horizontal that a heaped granular soil will stand in stated condition. The safe
angle that ground conditions can be excavated without mechanical support or soil stabilization with no
risk of collapse.
Appointed person
(AP)
The person nominated (typically by the employing organization) to plan and to have overall control of
the lifting operations.
Appointment letter
A document that formally invites an individual to accept a specific position, in which their roles and
responsibilities are outlined.
Approval in principle
A document that outlines the concept for the design of a structure.
Audit
A systematic and independent examination to determine whether activities comply with the defined
process and intent of the temporary works procedure.
Axial force
Any force acting directly on the centre axis of an object, such as a beam or column. May be in
compression or tension.
Back propping
Propping installed at levels below the slab that supports the falsework, to distribute the load on the
uppermost slab to suitable supports, such as lower slabs or foundations.
Backfill
Loose material, such as rocks, soil, or aggregate, used to cover over a pipe in a trench or fill an
excavation.
Base plate
A rigid plate used for spreading the load in a standard, raker or other load-bearing member over a
greater area.
Beam bearer
A structural horizontal member that resists loads applied laterally to its axis, transferring loads to
vertical members, such as props and columns.
Blinding
A layer of lean concrete on soil to prevent local degradation and provide a clean workplace for
construction work.
Bracing
A component placed diagonally to strengthen a framework, providing lateral stability.
British Standard
A specification of recommended procedure, quality of output, terminology, and other details, in a
particular field, drawn up and published by the British Standards Institution (BSI). British Standards
are not legislation and do not have to be complied with. They might be regarded as examples of 'good
practice' and can be used as evidence in court, to say that by following a British Standard you are doing
everything reasonable.
Buildability
The extent to which the design of a building facilitates ease of construction, subject to the overall
requirements for the completed building.
Characteristic
A distinguishing quality of a thing.
Characteristic
strength
The point at which a tested member will normally fail.
Checklist
A document that lists activities that need to be inspected and/or tested.
Client
The organization or person for which/whom a construction project is carried out.
Cohesion
A measure of the shear strength of a (cohesive) soil. Its ability to ‘remain’ or ‘stick’ together.
Cohesive soil
Soil that exhibits cohesion, typically having a considerable proportion of clayey materials.
Bonding between the very small particles results from their lamellar shape and being densely packed,
restricting the movement of air and water. Cohesive soils tend to lose their internal strength following
excavation.
Compaction
The packing together of particles of soil, by rolling, ramming, or vibrating, results in a decrease in air
voids and an increase in the density of the soil.
Competent
An organization with sufficient skills, knowledge, and experience of specific tasks to be carried out that
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