COSC 275: EXAM 1 PALMER TERMS
AND DEFINITION(GRADENA+) 2024-2025
Estimating (definition)The process of determining the anticipated cost of materials, labor, and
equipment of a proposed project.
Take-Off (definition)The process in which detailed lists are compiled, based on drawings and
specifications, of all the material and equipment necessary to construct a project. The cost
estimator uses this list to calculate how much it will cost to build the project.
Quantities (definition)Measured amounts of construction items expressed in their customary
units.
Quantification (definition)In estimating an activity to translate project scope information into
resource quantities suitable for costing. In the engineering and construction industry, a takeoff is
a specific type of quantification that is a measurement and listing of quantities of materials from
drawings.
Quantity Survey (definition)A detailed analysis of material and equipment required to construct a
project.
Area (definition)A measurement of a given planar region or of the surface of a solid
Area Method (definition)A construction cost estimating system employing unit square foot costs
multiplied by the adjusted gross floor area of a building.
Length (definition)The longest dimension of an object
Linear Measurement (definition)A unit or system of units for measuring length: 12" = 1', 3' = 1
yard, 1 yard = 0.9144 meters, 1 mile = 5,280 feet.
Dimension (definition)A distance between two points, lines, or planes.
Specifications (SPECS) (definition)Documents that define the qualitative requirements for
products, materials, and workmanship upon which the contract for construction is based
Drawings (definition)Graphic illustrations depicting the dimensions, design, and location of a
project. Generally including plans, elevations, details, diagrams, schedules, and sections.
Addendums (definition)A document describing an addition, change, correction, or modification
to contract documents. Issued by the design professional during the bidding period or prior to the
, award of contract, and is the primary method of informing bidders of modifications to the work
during the bidding process
Amendment (definition)A modification of the contract by a subsequent agreement. This does
NOT change the entire existing contract but does alter the terms of the affected provisions or
requirements
Grade (definition)The surface level of the ground
Level (definition)A term used to describe any horizontal surface that has all points at the same
elevation and thus does not tilt or slope
Site (definition)The location of the project geographically, usually defined by legal boundaries
Elevation (definition)A vertical distance relative to a reference point
Cut and Fill (definition)An operation commonly used in road building and other rock and
earthmoving operations in which the material excavated and removed from one location is used
as fill material at another location.
Fill (definition)The soil or other material used to raise the grade of a site area.
Foundation (definition)The entire masonry substructure below the first floor or frame of a
building, including the footing upon which the building rests.
Grade Beam (definition)A horizontal end supported (as opposed to ground supported) load
bearing foundation member that supports an exterior wall of a superstructure
Width (definition)The measurement or extent of something from side to side.
Footing (definition)That portion of the foundation of a structure which spreads and transmits
loads directly to the soil
Reinforced Concrete (definition)Concrete containing adequate reinforcement, prestressed or not
prestressed, and designed on the assumption that the two materials (steel and concrete) act
together in resisting forces.
Reinforcing Bar (definition)A steel bar, usually with manufactured deformations, used in
concrete and masonry construction to provide additional strength.
Footing Beam (definition)A reinforced concrete beam connecting pile caps or spread footings to
distribute horizontal loads caused by eccentric loading.
Bolster (definition)In concrete, an individual or continuous support used to hold reinforcing bars
in position. Usually used in slab work
AND DEFINITION(GRADENA+) 2024-2025
Estimating (definition)The process of determining the anticipated cost of materials, labor, and
equipment of a proposed project.
Take-Off (definition)The process in which detailed lists are compiled, based on drawings and
specifications, of all the material and equipment necessary to construct a project. The cost
estimator uses this list to calculate how much it will cost to build the project.
Quantities (definition)Measured amounts of construction items expressed in their customary
units.
Quantification (definition)In estimating an activity to translate project scope information into
resource quantities suitable for costing. In the engineering and construction industry, a takeoff is
a specific type of quantification that is a measurement and listing of quantities of materials from
drawings.
Quantity Survey (definition)A detailed analysis of material and equipment required to construct a
project.
Area (definition)A measurement of a given planar region or of the surface of a solid
Area Method (definition)A construction cost estimating system employing unit square foot costs
multiplied by the adjusted gross floor area of a building.
Length (definition)The longest dimension of an object
Linear Measurement (definition)A unit or system of units for measuring length: 12" = 1', 3' = 1
yard, 1 yard = 0.9144 meters, 1 mile = 5,280 feet.
Dimension (definition)A distance between two points, lines, or planes.
Specifications (SPECS) (definition)Documents that define the qualitative requirements for
products, materials, and workmanship upon which the contract for construction is based
Drawings (definition)Graphic illustrations depicting the dimensions, design, and location of a
project. Generally including plans, elevations, details, diagrams, schedules, and sections.
Addendums (definition)A document describing an addition, change, correction, or modification
to contract documents. Issued by the design professional during the bidding period or prior to the
, award of contract, and is the primary method of informing bidders of modifications to the work
during the bidding process
Amendment (definition)A modification of the contract by a subsequent agreement. This does
NOT change the entire existing contract but does alter the terms of the affected provisions or
requirements
Grade (definition)The surface level of the ground
Level (definition)A term used to describe any horizontal surface that has all points at the same
elevation and thus does not tilt or slope
Site (definition)The location of the project geographically, usually defined by legal boundaries
Elevation (definition)A vertical distance relative to a reference point
Cut and Fill (definition)An operation commonly used in road building and other rock and
earthmoving operations in which the material excavated and removed from one location is used
as fill material at another location.
Fill (definition)The soil or other material used to raise the grade of a site area.
Foundation (definition)The entire masonry substructure below the first floor or frame of a
building, including the footing upon which the building rests.
Grade Beam (definition)A horizontal end supported (as opposed to ground supported) load
bearing foundation member that supports an exterior wall of a superstructure
Width (definition)The measurement or extent of something from side to side.
Footing (definition)That portion of the foundation of a structure which spreads and transmits
loads directly to the soil
Reinforced Concrete (definition)Concrete containing adequate reinforcement, prestressed or not
prestressed, and designed on the assumption that the two materials (steel and concrete) act
together in resisting forces.
Reinforcing Bar (definition)A steel bar, usually with manufactured deformations, used in
concrete and masonry construction to provide additional strength.
Footing Beam (definition)A reinforced concrete beam connecting pile caps or spread footings to
distribute horizontal loads caused by eccentric loading.
Bolster (definition)In concrete, an individual or continuous support used to hold reinforcing bars
in position. Usually used in slab work
