Glossary A Terms
ACA
Architectural Cladding Association is the trade association for the major precast concrete cladding manufacturers. ACA is a member of BPCF, British Precast Concrete Federation.
Access
Access refers to site access for delivery vehicles and craneage, plus on-site access to work faces. This may also include scaffolding and platforms to facilitate access for erections to fixing position.
Accuracy
The accuracy of manufacture and erection is generally in accordance with the appropriate British Standard – BS8110 for structural concrete and BS8297:2000 for precast cladding. Interface tolerances must be agreed at the earliest design stage.
Acid Etched
A surface finish on top-quality reconstructed stone type materials. The surface laitence is removed by treating with dilute hydrochloric acid and washing with water. The final finish is a fine textured, stone-like surface.
Acoustic Insulation
Dense concrete has excellent sound insulation properties. Precast cladding and walling provides effective sound attenuation for traffic and aircraft noise, and in applications such as dividing walls in cinemas.
Aggregate Transparency
A marbling effect on cast face down concrete surfaces where the aggregate close to the surface forms a shadow on the seen face. Aggregate selection and vibration are the factors influencing the occurrence of aggregate transparency.
Aggregates
Aggregates are procured by Trent Concrete throughout the UK and overseas. Aggregates are only specified if they are consistent, clean and of appropriate strength. The choice is often based on colour/texture for architectural finishes.
Alterations (mould)
Trent's moulds are very robust and accurate. They are built to cast approximately 30 units, and are often required to be altered to accommodate a range of reference types, forming a family of units. Timber is the most adaptable material to accommodate alterations.
Angles
Stainless steel angles for bearing a panel on to, or restraining the panel back to, the structure is the typical fixing device. Angles are used in conjunction with stainless steel studs, bolts, nuts, washers and shims. A panel typically has two support angles (or concrete corbels) and four restraint fixings.
Anti-Friction Washer
Thermal and other movement in panels is prevented from exerting stresses in the panel or the supporting structure by using anti-friction washers in two of the panel's restraint assemblies.
Approval
The approval process needs a timely response by design team members. We seek to have all of our GAs approved to release us to prepare shop drawings.A status = approved for constructionB status = proceed having implemented commentsC status = re-submit
Arches
Arches can be prefabricated in precast concrete to avoid expensive and time-consuming centering on site. Arches are frequently cast with applied brick.
Arrises
The intersection between two right angle surfaces, i.e. to the side and face of a panel. The arris can be square or stoned to a pencil round. The object is to ensure that arrises are straight and true.
Artificial Stone
A term now largely replaced with the name reconstructed stone. Artificial stone was used to describe masonry products made by the semi-dry process.
Attendances
The facilities provided by the main contractor to enable us to work efficiently, e.g. unrestricted access to site on suitable hard standing, scaffolding if specified, welfare and sanitary facilities, 110v electricity and water, etc.