Your guide to concrete terminology in Australia
Welcome to the Australian Edition of the concrete shopper concrete dictionary. This is your go to resource so you can talk the talk. With definitions for the most commonly used terms, acronyms, slang and colloquialisms used within the concrete industry. By it’s very nature this eclectic mix of colloquialisms is very Aussie. At concrete shopper it’s just another way to provide concrete help to you
It is an informative, at times politically incorrect bible, for those either in, wanting to get into, or wanting to know more about the Australian concrete industry.
A
adblue
the fuel additive required in late model trucks*
admixtures
chemicals added to concrete mixes during the batching phase to influence the behavior and properties of concrete during its plastic state i.e., accelerator, retarder or water reducers
acid wash
a popular form of chemical compound applied then hosed from concrete trucks, plant and equipment (i.e., with PPE) to remove concrete stains and build up
acrow
a popular supplier of props and other form work items throughout the Australian concrete industry
aeroguard flyspray
an Australian icon
AFL
Australian Football the game of choice for many throughout winter in the concrete industryput the after burner’s on – a phrase used by concrete batchers to instruct agi drivers to hurry back to the yard for their next load
after hours
the time from which additional charges apply at night and on weekends
agi
a concrete agitator truck
agi driver
a concrete agitator driver
agi water
water stored in the concrete truck’s water tank to hose down the concrete truck after discharge, on site, in the wash out area, on the slump stand and as required. Agi water is often scavenged by pump operators, onsite concreters and anyone that can lay their hands on it during hot days in summer to wash tools, wheelbarrow, hoppers and concrete slabs
air
a concrete additive used to fill voids and air pockets in concrete mix designs to make the concrete more “workable” when placing
alcohol
aliphatic alcohol is a liquid sprayed on the surface of concrete during placement to provide protection against wind, rain and humidity to prevent cracks
alcoliser
a breath testing machine installed in site offices and concrete plants to test the alcohol limit of staff and visitors
allocator
another term for a concrete batcher
architecturals
architectural drawings for a house slab or building
are you winning?
an often asked question upon greeting fellow members in the concrete industry
ash
flyash is a coal combustion product, composed of the fine particles that are driven out of the boiler with the flue gases known in the concrete industry as a cementitious material utilised in the manufacture of ready mix concrete
AS1012
Australian standards for sampling and testing fresh concrete
AS1379
Australian standards setting out the minimum requirements for the materials, plant and equipment used in the supply of concrete
AS3972
Australian standards for supplying General Blend cement
Aussies
slang for Australian concreters
award
a term used to describe the award i.e., minimum wage
B
B80
an RMS approved mix design usually 40mpa utilised in road projects
backyard concreter’s
unlicensed concreters
baggies
ties the concrete and steel reinforcing accessories used to twist and knot around steel reinforcing bars, mesh, plastic and other onsite materials
balloon payment
the lump sum payment owing at the end of a commercial hire purchase, lease or rental period
bandag
is the term used to describe the cold process retreads providing concrete trucks and transport companies with a cost effective and reliable tyre solution that is relatively inexpensive when compared to the cost of new or alternate tyre solutions
banned from site
an individual or contractor banned from a concrete or construction site due to an incident or a breach of the onsite rules
barmac
another phrase for the manufactured sand utilised in the manufacture of ready mix concrete
barrel life
the industry phrase used to describe a concrete agitator truck’s barrel life. That is the time it can be used before it needs either re-flighting, re-skinning, or replacing. Barrel life is usually around 3 years depending on wear and tear, the type of concrete delivered and the actual amount of cubic metres delivered
barrels
concrete industry terminology for a concrete agitators bowl
a barrow or a few barrows
a small amount of left over concrete that equates to one or two wheelbarrows of concrete
the batch
a concrete plant
batcher
an individual in a concrete plant who mixes your load of ready mix concrete and allocates drivers to deliver the load
a bath
when a member of the concrete industry loses a significant amount of time and money on a project
beams
the outer perimeter of a concrete slab where trench mesh and traditionally drier concrete is poured at the commencement of a house slab concrete pour
belts
the conveyor system utilised in cement, concrete and quarry plants used to transport raw materials into weigh bins and weigh hoppers
the big house
one place no one in the concrete industry wants to end up
bikies
members of bike gangs
black
the most popular concrete colour additive, bags of black colour
bleed water
water that finds its way to the surface during a concrete pour making screeding and placing easier for concreters
blistering
blisters are hollow, low-profile bumps on the concrete surface, typically from the size of a dime up to one inch, typically found in cooler seasons
blockage
industry speak for a concrete pump blockage when dry concrete dags, chunks of dry concrete, large aggregates or other deleterious materials become blocked in the pipes or line of a concrete pump
bludger
an individual on a concrete or construction site who spends more time trying to get out work rather than get into it
blue slip
an RMS requirement for vehicles that are out of registration at the time of inspection
boards
form boards that align the perimeter of a concrete slab
a boat
a material possession many in the concrete industry aspire to owning
a bobby
concrete slang for a bobcat
boilies
industry slang for boilermakers
bondek
an efficient, versatile and robust structural decking and ceiling system for concrete slabs
book keepers
complete the accounts and banking duties for those in the concrete industry
BOM
the bureau of metrology website where the concrete industry catches up on the latest weather forecasts and conditions
a boom
a long concrete pump with a crane, pipes and hose for large concrete pours on inaccessible sites and geographically challenged locations
Boral
a leading supplier of raw materials, aggregates and ready mix concrete
the boss
the head concreter
bottom ash
flyash is a coal combustion product, composed of the fine particles that are driven out of the boiler, with bottom ash being the ash that falls to the bottom during this process
bowser
industry speak for a diesel or petrol bowser
boys
another term for concrete employees or workers
brikkies
industry slang for brick layers
brikkies sand
a fine sometimes red sand utilised in brick layers on building and construction sites
broom finish
a concrete slab surface finished with a broom for extra grip
build up air
the industry phrase given to the process of building up air and subsequently brake pressure in concrete trucks, trucks, and other plant, machinery and equipment, most commonly experienced at the start of a day’s work
bulk density
the weight of a raw material in a given volume. The bulk density of a cubic metre of concrete is approximately 2400 kilograms
a bull float
flat rectangular shaped aluminum concrete tools approximately 1200mm in length used out via their handle to level ridges, fill voids, and smooth the surface of freshly placed concrete in preparation for troweling
a bull float handle
the long cylindrical shaped handled used to steer a bull float
bullshit
slang for not telling the truth
a bullshitter
slang for an individual who doesn’t always tell the truth
a bully
a concrete tool that is often aluminum, used to finish a concrete surface by making it smooth
a bum
a disparaging term for a concrete industry individual who would rather stay at home than go to work
bundy
a popular brand of rum
bundy clock
an onsite clock recording the start and finish times of employees within the concrete and associated industries
bundy off
the phrase for clocking off for the day
burgers
a staple food for those in the concrete industry
burnished finish
the process where a mechanical, powered trowel (helicopter) is used repeatedly by the concreter to create a finish that renders with a level of sheen. The burnished finish is achieved by cleaning and then sealing a well finished slab. It is important to understand that a burnished finish does not have the durability of polished concrete
busted
slang for tired and spent concreters
C
cages
steel reinforcement welded into cage like structures at varying lengths for placement into footings, foundations and edge beams
a call
the phrase used to describe the timing of the final loads of a concrete pour wherein the concreter or supervisor notifies the concrete plant they shall order the loads when ready via a phone call
calcium chloride
The use of calcium chloride assists in reaching the concrete’s desired strength by accelerating the cement’s hydration. Calcium chloride is the most cost-effective accelerator for today’s modern concrete
CCAA
the Cement, Concrete and Aggregates Australia an industry body furthering education for the industry
cameras
surveillance cameras present on main roads, on sites, in warehouses, sheds and within cement, concrete and quarries throughout the concrete and associated industries
carbonation
carbonation occurs in concrete because the calcium bearing phases present are attacked by carbon dioxide of the air and converted to calcium carbonate
cards
the game of choice for agi drivers in concrete plant crib rooms
cartage rate
the rate charged by concrete plants, quarries and transport companies for deliveries
a carton
24 bottles or cans of beer, a common method of payment for work performed or services rendered within the concrete industry
caught in traffic
A common excuse from concrete batch plants and agi drivers for the late delivery of concrete loads
CCS
a popular supplier of concrete colour
cement
the basic ingredient of ready mix concrete. Cement creates a paste with water that binds with sand and rock to harden. Cement is manufactured through a closely controlled chemical combination of calcium, silicon, aluminum, iron and other ingredients
chain of responsibility
all parties in the road transport supply chain have specific obligations under the law to prevent a breach of their responsibility, including management, supervisors and drivers. It is called the chain of responsibility and it requires every responsible person in the supply chain to take positive steps to prevent mass, load restraint, dimension, and fatigue and speed offences
chains
the term for the chains utilised to tow agi trucks, earthmoving equipment and trucks out of boggy wet areas on building and construction sites
chairs
a term used to describe bar chair, the concrete accessory used to support sheets of mesh up from the ground during concrete placement
a character
a member of the concrete industry who is distinctive, unique and a pleasure to be around
chippies
industry slang of carpenters and builders
chlorides
the exposure of reinforced concrete to chloride ions is the primary cause of premature corrosion of steel reinforcement. Concrete provides physical and chemical protection to the reinforcing steel from penetrating chlorides which may cause steel deprivation leading to increased risk of steel corrosion
chocks
used to secure the wheels of trucks, plant and equipment to prevent unplanned movement
chutes
the apparatus located at the rear of a concrete agitator truck upon which concrete is discharged toward the slab
civils
industry speak for civil engineering drawings
civil contractors
civil building and civil engineering organisations who contract to perform civil projects, subdivisions, major roads, resource sector infrastructure, tunnels and civil projects
clamps
utilised to join concrete pump pipes, hoses and rubber together
clinker
the process wherein limestone and clay are burnt together in the manufacture of cement powder
clock off
a phrase for logging yourself off for the day on the company bundy clock
the club
a place where the concrete industry often gathers for refreshments, the local sports or RSL club
coarse aggregates
aggregates 5mm and above in size
the coast
a place where many within the concrete and associated industries aspire to retire
COD
Cash on Delivery, a popular mode of payment within the concrete and associated industries
coin
one of if not the main reason concreters go to work
Coke
a popular soft drink in the concrete industry
cold joints
cold joints are formed primarily between two batches of concrete where the delivery and placement of the second batch has been delayed and the initial placed and compacted concrete has started to set before the second truck arrives
colour
bags of colour added to a concrete mix before batching to give the concrete a distinctive colour when set i.e., black or red
colour chart
a chart highlighting various colours available from concrete colour providers
colour sealer
a “spray on” coat commonly used for hiding imperfections and protecting the surface of coloured concrete slabs
coming back
concrete that starts to harden and set faster than anticipated
compaction
the process which expels entrapped air from freshly placed concrete and packs the aggregate particles together so as to increase the density of concrete. It increases significantly the ultimate strength of concrete and enhances the bond with the steel reinforcement placed with the concrete slab
complaints
the term used to describe a situation where a client, customer or member of the community complains in the concrete industry
compliments
the term used to describe a situation where a client, customer or member of the community compliments a member(s) of the concrete industry
compression test
the most common form of concrete test utilised to test the tensility of concrete or its strength i.e., it ability to withstand pressure
the computer
the term used throughout the concrete industry for the computers used to diagnose faults, mechanical issues and problems with concrete trucks, trucks, machinery and equipment
coolant
a liquid additive either blue, green or pink in colour placed in radiators to cool the engine whilst running
conc
slang for concrete
concrete broker
an online hub or portal connecting the public to the concrete and associated industries
a concrete broker
a representative of concrete broker who provides the public with three (3) providers of the product and/or service they are searching for
concrete curing
the process in which membrane-forming curing compounds are used to retard or reduce evaporation of moisture from concrete. Often sprayed on after placement they are light in colour and form a film above the surface of concrete as it is setting
concrete density
the weight of concrete, which is approximately 2,400 kilograms per cubic metre of concrete
concreter’s picnic day
a celebratory day held annually for those in the concrete industry
cones
industry slang for witches hats used on site and in traffic able areas
confined space
the term given to working in inaccessible, enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not intended or designed primarily for human occupancy, within which there is a risk of a lack of oxygen
consistency
a term used to describe the flowability and workability of concrete, or in layman’s terms, “the way the concrete hangs together’. Concrete consistency is often measured using a slump test to determine whether the load has been batched appropriately and in accordance with specification
contamination
when concrete is contaminated by oil, waste, or other deleterious materials whilst in its plastic i.e., wet state
a core sample
a sample taken from the core of a concrete slab to determine its compressive strength in instances where their may be a suggestion of concrete underperformance or concrete failure
a core test
a test taken from sections of a concrete slab following a concrete pour when the concrete is in its hardened state i.e., already set. The core test is used to determine the compressive strength of concrete. It is generally regarded to be not as accurate as a compressive test taken during a concrete pour, however it represents a good guide as to the ultimate compressive strength of concrete
Council
councils are local government bodies who regulate concrete and concrete sites to ensure they meet and adhere to building specifications, regulations and building codes
cover
the term given to the least distance between the steel reinforcement, when placed in concrete, and the top of the concrete slab, i.e., its surface, e.g., 100mm
cowboys
inexperienced concrete, steel and construction workers
craze cracking
a phrase used to describe the development of a network of fine random cracks caused by the shrinkage of the surface layer. Generally, craze cracks develop at an early age and are apparent the day after the pour. They are only shallow cracks caused by inadequate finishing i.e., excessive troweling or incompetent curing, i.e., no use of aliphatic alcohol in hot and windy conditions
cream
smooth, creamy easy to place, work and finish concrete with traditionally a large amount of fines, cementitious materials and water
crete
the concrete industry slang or terminology for concrete
crew
the name given to a concrete or contractor’s employees
crib
industry terminology for food, i.e., morning, afternoon tea and lunch
crib room
where agi drivers spend a large component of their working life
crusher dust
a fine manufactured raw material utilised in the manufacture of ready mix concrete and suitable for use in the sub base of concrete slabs
crushing plants
plants used to recycle demolished recycled concrete for future use as rubble as road base, fill and building material
cubes
industry speak for cubic metres of concrete
curing compound
a compound sprayed or applied to surface of concrete, usually in the form of a liquid substance, to protect the surface layer of the concrete slab from drying out faster than the underlying layers which can result in cracking and other forms of slab degradation
curing concrete
a concrete surface should be hard enough to prevent surface damage from placement activities including steel and other structures. Taking time to ensure concrete has fully cured prior to “getting on it” as we say in the industry is crucial to avoid cracking, concrete damage and slab degradation
cut and bend
a process wherein steel reinforcing bar is cut and bent to suit on site specifications
cutter and bender
equipment utilised to cut and bend steel reinforcing into stirrups, U bars L and Z bars to be delivered loose or welded into cages
cylinders
cylindrical apparatus used to house concrete whilst in its plastic and hardening states prior to compression testing
D
dags
medium sized pieces of hardened concrete appearing from concrete trucks during concrete pours. Dags are a common cause of concrete pump blockages
damage
the extent of loss following an accident, incident or injury or alternatively the cost of a concrete slab, product or service
damage
(from carbonation, chlorides, sulphates and distilled water). These forms of concrete damage can be referred to as concrete degradation
Danlys
a standard sleeved Plate Dowel Cradle system designed to efficiently limit deflection in contraction joints in concrete slabs and pavements
darts
slang in the concrete industry for cigarettes
a Dacron barrel
an agitator barrel manufactured by Dacron Pty Ltd
the dawn patrol
slang for concreters on their way home from a night out or evening dalliance as opposed to being on their way to a concrete pour
daylight savings
a time change from October to April extending daylight hours for backyard and DIY concreters
decorative concrete
the term given to decorating or improving the aesthetic appeal of a concrete surface. Examples include stamped impression concrete, stencil patterned concrete, coloured concrete and a range of sealers i.e., coloured and same day concrete sealers
de-dagging
the time consuming process of jackhammering dry, hardened “dags” of concrete from agi barrels
deemed competent
industry speak for having suitable or sufficient skill, knowledge, experience for a job within the concrete industry i.e., operating a front end loader. In other words, properly qualified for a specific purpose
degradation
concrete can be damaged by fire, aggregate expansion, sea water effects, bacterial corrosion, calcium leaching, physical damage and chemical
degreaser
a powerful solvent used to clean grease, oil and concrete from trucks, plant and equipment engines and chassis throughout the concrete industry
delamination
when fresh concrete is placed and compacted, the solids (cement and aggregate) settle. This natural settlement causes excess mix water and entrapped air to be displaced (called bleeding), and the lighter materials migrate toward the surface. Delamination occurs when the fresh concrete surface is sealed or densified by troweling while the underlying concrete is still plastic and continues to bleed and/or to release air. The result is a light coloured, flaky, weak concrete surface that peels and flakes off when walked on or driven over
demurrage costs
otherwise known in the concrete industry as the cost a concrete plant charges their concrete clients and customers to return excess or leftover concrete from a concrete pour
dickhead
a rather unfortunate term used to describe someone who thinks they know more about concrete than they do
a dipstick
a disparaging remark made about an underperforming member of a concrete crew
diesel
the staple fuel within the concrete and associated industries
difflock
in wet, steep or geographically challenged locations a difflock is used throughout the concrete industry to avoid bogging concrete trucks, plant and equipment. A locking differential may provide increased traction compared to a standard, or “open” differential by restricting each of the two wheels on an axle to the same rotational speed without regard to available traction or differences in resistance seen at each wheel
a digger
another term for an excavator
a digger bucket
used to discharge concrete on inaccessible concrete and construction sites
divorce
an all too common occurrence for members within the concrete industry where personal, financial and emotional trauma all take their toll on those involved
DIY’ers
individual concreters who chose to form and pour their own concrete slabs
dockets
a piece of paper representing both confirmation and receipt for the delivery of concrete, aggregates, sand, raw materials and products throughout the concrete industry. Once signed for this document forms a material link in the relationship between the supplier and their customer
a dog
a derogatory term for a disliked member of the concrete community
the dogs
slang for a favorite pastime of many concrete industry participants, greyhound racing
discharging
the term given to the process of releasing concrete from the back of the agi barrel onto the ground, into a pump or a wheelbarrow for placement onto a concrete slab
don’t come Monday
a phrase used to describe a situation where an employee or contractors services are no longer required
dope
the term young concreters give to describe good concrete
dowels
short lengths of steel reinforcing bar used to connect, tie or knit adjoining slabs of concrete to avoid cracking when placed under load
the down hill slope
the phrase used to describe the latter stages of a concrete pour
drain
the term for the water pipes and public water courses built by the concrete and construction industries transferring water from public subdivisions and amenities to the ocean, waterways and water storage facilities
driveway boys
a term used to describe concreters who specialise in placing driveway concrete
drive tyres
the tyres that transmit the force into a vehicle i.e., a truck to drive the truck into motion. The drive tyres can usually be found in the centre of a truck
dry it out
the industry term given to a load of concrete that is too wet when batched and needs drying out, either through the addition of more cement, ash, mansand, sand or aggregates from the loading bay, or through the expiration of more time prior to delivery to site
a drum
industry speak for an agi barrel
drum
a popular brand of tobacco
dual cab
a concrete ute or 4WD vehicle with seats in the back in addition to the front as well as a tray on the back
dumping fee
the fee charged to dump excess concrete or materials either at a tip, back at the concrete plant or even at a recycling or concrete crushing plant
a dumpy
industry speak for the dumpy level, an optical instrument used to establish or verify points in the same horizontal plane. It is used in surveying and building and throughout concrete pours with a vertical staff or tripod stand, to measure height differences and to transfer, measure and set the height of a slab both before and during the pour
dune sand
the fine beach sand used in the manufacture of ready mix concrete and in slabs, building and construction sites throughout the concrete industry
on site dunny
an on site toilet, often of a portable nature
durry
slang for cigarette
dust
industry speak for crusher dust
dust resister
a compound spread over newly placed concrete slab to harden the surface and reduce if not eliminate concrete dusting
dusting
a condition where the surface of a newly poured concrete slab turns to dust when walked or driven on
E
early mornings
one thing everyone in the concrete industry is used to
ears
industry speak for ear protection i.e., earplugs or earmuffs
efflorescence
sometimes referred to as the leaching of concrete, efflorescence occurs when water percolates through poorly compacted concrete or through cracks or along badly made joints, the lime compounds with in the concrete leached out which leads to the formation of salt deposits on the surface of concrete, known as efflorescence
eight wheeler
an eight wheel concrete truck carting mostly 7.2, 7.6 or even 8 cubic metres of concrete to site
eighty slump concrete
the industries most specified slump
eighty two (82)
a popular size of steel reinforcing mesh 6m x 2.4m with 8mm strands running across its surface for use predominantly in H Class slabs, shed slabs and heavily traffic able areas
engineering
industry speak for the engineering inspections required before a concrete pour can proceed
EPA
an abbreviation for the Environmental Protection Authority
epoxy
a liquid compound often utilised to close up concrete cracks
esky
a cooling device where drinks, crib and smoko are kept on site and in trucks throughout the concrete industry
escort
no thats not it! An escort in the concrete industry is an onsite courier directing and guiding employees, agi trucks, contractors and visitors to and from site
estimators
individuals charged with the responsibility of estimating the costs associated with a concrete and construction job or project
evaporation
the process wherein water leaves the surface of a concrete slab as a liquid to form a gas or vapour within the atmosphere
exposed aggregate concrete
concrete that is placed and then hosed off or power washed from the surface in order to expose the aggregates within the concrete, producing a rough though aesthetically appealing and often colourful finish
eye wash station
a water station utilised on site and at cement, concrete and quarry plants to wash out an individuals eyes following contamination from a spill, cement powder, dust or chemicals
eyes
industry speak for safety glasses
F
Fairwork
an independent government funded body charged with responsibility of administering industrial relations laws throughout the concrete industry
fallen on the sword
a phrase used to describe an individual who is perceived to have failed or at the very least, not succeeded
falling away
a phrase used to describe a situation in which the level off a concrete slab is lowering in height or “falling away” to the naked eye
female agi drivers
strong attention to detail, good housekeeping skills and an ability to be punctual, courteous to clients and well presented are all traits leading to increased numbers of female agi drivers in what was once a male dominated arena
a few inches
the phrase used to describe everything in the concrete industry from spotters when reversing in agi trucks to a concrete pump, to concreters who are “just short” on a concrete pour to form workers and steel fixers who are seeking an item to be moved by “a few inches”
fifteen (15) km radius
the distance from a concrete plant within which no excess delivery charges, cartage rates or surcharges apply fine aggregates – aggregates less than 5mm in size
fines
the name attributable to fine aggregates, sand and even cement and ash less than 5mm in size. Fines are seen as being useful when placing concrete to improve the workability of concrete, and when pumping to improve the flowability of the concrete
fins
the narrow aluminium or steel that is welded to the inside of a concrete trucks barrel to enable concrete to be either brought forward i.e., mixed, or pushed back, i.e., pushed back
finishers
concreters that finish slabs
fire extinguisher tagging
all fire extinguishers require tagging on an annual rate if not earlier to ensure they are not out of date and fit for purpose
fish n chips
a treat within the concrete industry
five (5) minutes
the phrase used by batchers and concreters throughout the concrete industry to describe the length of time before your load of concrete shall be arriving on site
fixers
slang for steel reinforcing personnel charged with responsibility of placing, tying and fixing steel reinforcing bars and mesh into place on site in order to meet the engineering specifications required
flakey
a term given to a concrete surface that is weak and either crumbling, flaking off or separating from the hardened concrete below
flaps
the rubber semi circular apparatus attached to the bottom of the first concrete chute on agi trucks which when turned over reduces road spillage from concrete that is left in the chute after loading, slumping, transporting or discharging concrete
flats
the term used to describe flat sections or pieces of structural steel
flex tests
an abbreviation for a flexural test. A test to determine the tensile strength of concrete, i.e., its ability to elongate and be pulled apart under pressure, before shearing or cracking
flights
the name given to the aluminum or steel manufactured fins welded to the inside of a concrete barrel enabling fresh concrete to be pushed either forward i.e., into a mix status or backward, i.e., into discharge via the agi remote or in cab cradle
floats
trucks with low level trays used to transport machinery, plant and equipment to and from site in the concrete and construction industry
flogstick
an unfortunate term given to members of the concrete industry who are disrespected or subject to criticism
flowability
the term given to the ability of concrete to flow, when poured, shot i.e., down chutes, or pumped
footings
the term given to the holes, pits and piers in a concrete slab which form the nucleus of the slab’s foundations
fork
slang for a fork lift
fork ticket
industry speak for the certification required to operate a fork lift
form
slang for form work
form work
all the boards, timbers, form ply, nails, props, nuts and bolts utilised in the forming up i.e., structural preparation of concrete slabs
formies
slang for form workers
form ply
sheets of ply or chipboard with a smooth or matted finish usually 2400mm x 1200mm or 1800mm x 1200mm in size utilised to construct shutters for footings, walls or other building structures
four b’ two
a 4 x 2 inch piece of timber most commonly used throughout the concrete industry to construct formwork shutter for footings, walls and other building structures
a fourby
industry slang for a 4WD vehicle
ferns
crane like machines used to lift objects on and off the ground, trucks and other plant, machinery and equipment
fridge
a standard item in the concrete industry. Whether its in a site shed, a truck, a concrete plant or a concrete ute, fridges and bar fridges keep the goods cool
Fridy
concrete industry slang for the day of the week when it seems everyone wants to pour concrete in 2017, Friday
fuelies
industry slang for fuel companies who deliver fuel and diesel to site
fundamentally stable
a position from which trucks, vehicles, plant, machinery and equipment does not move when placed into neutral i.e., it doesn’t roll either backward or forward when in neutral
a funnel
an implement used everywhere in the concrete industry to fill everything from concrete tools to trucks and earthmoving gear with fuel. oil, diesel and water among other things
G
gal
industry slang for steel and reo that has been galvanised
gal dowels
industry slang for dowels that have been galvanised
gaps
the industry term for intervals during a concrete pour when there are no concrete trucks either on site or on the concrete pump
gas
another term for fuel, alternatively a major energy source used throughout the concrete industry to drive fork lifts, welders and other plant, machinery and equipment
GB
abbreviation for general blend cement, cement blended with greater than 5% of supplementary cementitious materials present
gear
slang for concrete tools, machinery , plant and equipment
genny
slang for a generator
gibberish
slang for “I can’t understand what you are talking about”
Gladstone
industry speak for cement powder produced from Gladstone, a town in the north of QLD
goggles
worn in the concrete industry when grinding, welding and boiler making
going off
the industry term for concrete that sets quickly or indeed is setting quickly
Goliath
industry speak for a brand of cement powder originating from Maria Island in Tasmania
go slow
a phrase used to describe retarder, the chemical admixture that when added to ready mix concrete delays the setting time of concrete i.e., from 90 minutes to a number of hours depending on the dosage rate i.e., one, two, three or four percent
goey
industry slang for accelerator, the chemical admixture used to assist wet concrete to “go off” i.e., set faster than would otherwise be the case were it to be delivered free of chemicals
gone fishing
a phrase to describe one of the members within the concrete industry’s favourite pastimes, going fishing
gone country
a phrase for someone who has gone “back to their roots” and out to the country
a good bloke
a good person to deal or work with in the concrete industry
good crete
slang for good concrete loads
a good operator
an experienced and professional concreter or operator of machinery, plant and equipment in the concrete and associated industry’s
a goose
a less than popular member of a concrete crew
got away
a situation where a concrete slab that has commenced hardening i.e., to set, before the concreters have had time to commence finishing the concrete. This situation may arise through inexperience, a lack of labour, hot weather or the age of loads. Retarder is one chemical admixture used to prevent this situation occurring as it delays the setting time of concrete
got on it too early
an industry phrase used to describe a situation in which concreters have not afforded concrete enough time to hydrate whilst in its plastic state, before they have commenced troweling and finishing the slab, potentially leading to complications when the concrete has finally set including efflorescence, flakiness, peeling, blistering, plastic shrinkage cracking, spalling and other forms of slab degradation
GP
an abbreviation for General Purpose cement, the basic ingredient of ready mix concrete in Australia facilitating the hydration, glueing together and ultimately the setting of concrete
grading curve
a term used to describe the bell curve used by mix design, cement and concrete plants to allocate the relative quantities of specific raw materials i.e., sand and aggregates to their mix
the grate
a steel grooved grate found at the top of concrete pump hoppers to prevent dags and other large objects or materials from entering and blocking up the pump
grey stuff
industry slang for ready mix concrete
a grinder
a tool used throughout the concrete industry to machine and repair or reconfigure tools, plant and equipment
grout
commonly known throughout the concrete industry as an extremely though not always wet concrete mix high in cementitious material and water, utilised to fill or indeed plug and cap everything from drill holes, gore holes, pits, voids and other geographical and man made structures
a gun
an individual who is seen as being very good at their craft
guns
industry speak for the water guns used to hose down and release water from the water tank of a concrete truck
gunslingers
industry slang for highway patrol police officers
gurney
a high pressure hose used to wash everything form concrete trucks, concrete slabs, tools and all the plant, machinery and equipment throughout the concrete industry
gutters
low points on concrete slab surface where pools or ponds of water tend to gravitate
gypsum
slows the reaction of water and cement
H
H Class
the name given to concrete house slabs on H2 (clay based soil). Most slabs in Australia are raft based slabs built upon waffle pods. H Class slabs may require additional footings and increased steel reinforcing (i.e., SL 82) and concrete (i.e., 25mpa) concrete, leading to additional costs in the building stage
a haircut
the phrase used to describe when an individual or organisation within the concrete industry loses money on a concrete job or project
a hammer test
a test performed by a Schmidt hammer, also known as a Swiss hammer or a rebound hammer, to measure the elastic properties or strength of concrete. The concrete tester hammers the surface of a hardened or hardening concrete slab to determine its surface hardness and penetration resistance. The test is often conducted in situations where there may be some concern over the integrity of the concrete poured
Hanson
a major player in the concrete industry supplying and delivering concrete, aggs and other raw materials
hard troweling
is where a concrete finisher uses a steel trowel to densify the surface of the concrete producing a hard, smooth surface. Repeated passes of steel troweling will result in a burnished finish, which has a mirror-like, aesthetically appealing appearance
hardened state
a phrase used to describe when concrete has hardened and set
Harley
slang for Harley Davidson, a popular motor bike
HC
an abbreviation for a Heavy Combination license
HE
an abbreviation for high early strength concrete
head concreter
the leading hand in a concrete crew
the heat
slang for the police
heights
the different levels on a concrete slab. Good concreters, concrete pump linesmen, form workers and steel fixers all need to have a good grasp of their heights
helicopters
concrete industry speak for the troweling machines used to finish the surface of fresh concrete after placement
hessian
a material used by many old timers including Italian concreters throughout the concrete industry to cure concrete and keep concrete moist and well protected from the elements i.e., heat, wind and rain
hiab
a crane like apparatus mounted to the tray of a flat bed truck utilised to load and unload steel reinforcing and other materials on and off building sites within the concrete industry
hiab ticket
the phrase given to a work cover requirement for operating a hiab truck within the steel reinforcing and concrete industries
high strength concrete
concrete in excess of 40mpa, i.e., 50,60,70 or even 80mpa concrete used in industrial, mining and commercial developments or infrastructure where large load bearing capacity is required
hit rock
the phrase given to describe the situation in which rock is hit during a concrete slabs preparation when digging into the sub base for piers, footings or foundations
Holmium
industry speak for Holmium Lafarge, a large supplier of cement, ready mix concrete and aggregates within the concrete industry
holding the baby
the phrase used in the concrete industry when someone is left to deal with all the complications, problems and “stuff up’s” associated with a particular concrete pour or project
homies
slang for home builders
hoodies
slang for the hooded vests, jackets or jumpers supplied by concrete plants, concrete tool suppliers, workwear and apparel providers throughout the concrete industry
hooks
the steel hook shaped apparatus attached to the end of steel chains used to tie down steel, pick up steel reinforcing or pull out concrete truck, pumps, trucks, plant, machinery and equipment from boggy and sticky locations throughout the concrete industry
hoops
steel reinforcing bars cut, bent and manufactured into circles to be delivered either loose or welded to steel reinforcing cages for tying, fixing and placing on site into piers, footings or foundations prior to or during the concrete pour
the hopper
the steel or aluminium cast apparatus attached to the rear end of a concrete pump into which concrete is discharged during a concrete pour. Concrete pump hoppers hold approximately .2 to .4 metres of concrete and need to be washed out thoroughly following a concrete pour to avoid future blockages or issues when pumping down the track
hoppers
the steel or aluminium cast apparatus attached to the rear end of concrete agitator trucks to facilitate ready mix concrete truck loading without spillages and wastage
the horses
slang for horse racing or horse race betting
a hot load
a load that has the leftovers of previous loads in its barrel when a new load is batched at the plant. Hot loads therefore tend to be inconsistent and they are renowned for “going off” and setting much faster than normal loads
HR
abbreviation for Heavy Rigid vehicles
humidity
the level of humidity has a significant impact on the characteristics of concrete and the outcome of a concrete pour as low relative humidity may result in excess evaporation and ultimately concrete cracking or other forms of slab degradation
hurry up
industry speak for accelerator, the chemical admixture used to speed up the setting time of concrete
hydration
the process wherein the cement particles glue and stick together to bind with the ash, aggregates, sand other raw materials to form concrete. For the process of hydration to occur water must be added to the ready mix concrete mix
hydration staining
the process in which salt and other potentially deleterious substances flow to the surface of a freshly poured concrete slab causing light grey and even white stains to appear upon the surface
HYMIX
a leading player in the concrete industry. Affiliated with Hanson Concrete HYMIX are most commonly seen throughout the eastern seaboard of Australia delivering concrete in the yellow agi’s
I
illegal dumping
a whole new industry wherein concreters, concrete plants and members of the public face large fines and potential incarceration for illegally dumping concrete, raw materials and rubbish on building sites, down drains or into water ways throughout Australia
in the good old days
a phrase used to describe when the world was a much better place, “in the good old days”
incident or accident report
a written report summarising the events that took place surrounding an on or off site incident or accident including such things as witness statements, any damage or injuries and possible causes or reasons for the incident or accident
independents
cement, concrete and quarry plants or trucking fleets
independently owned
and not aligned to the big three in the Australian concrete industry Boral, Hanson or Holmium Lafarge
induction
the term used to describe the site or employment based orientation or training familiarising the employee, contractor or visitor with the policies, procedures and general rules i.e., road rules, pertaining to a specific site or organisation. Inductions take up to a day usually and may or may not be at the cost of the employee and/or contractor
ink
slang for tattoo’s
inspection
the term used to describe inspections on a concrete or job site by engineers, council, surveyors or building supervisors
Italians
slang for Italian concreter, some of the best known and most respected concreter’s in the industry
its on the road
the phrase used by concrete batchers and batch plants all over Australia which may, or may not mean (depending on who you talk to) your load of concrete has been batched, slumped, and is now on the road travelling to site
its on its way
the phrase used by concrete batchers and batch plants all over Australia which may, or may not mean (depending on who you talk to) your load of concrete has been batched, slumped, and is now on its way travelling to site
J
jack
industry slang for Jack Daniels, a popular brand of Rum
jack the dancer
slang for cancer
jackets
the standard dress for concreters during winter
jerry can
a can used to carry fuel and diesel in the concrete industry
Johnny cash
slang for cash
joints
separations in concrete slabs or structures either man made i.e., through saw cutting or manufactured e.g., through precast, enabling slabs to expand, contract and ostensibly breath in all types of weather without cracking, crumbling or falling apart
JSA
an abbreviation for a job safety analysis, a safety document signed by participating employees, contractors and on site personnel, devised to integrate accepted safety and health principles and practices into a particular task or job operation. In a JSA, each basic step of the job is to identify potential hazards and to recommend the safest way to do the job, i.e., cutting steel is the hazard, wearing gloves is the safest way to mitigate the risk of hand cuts and/or abrasions
juice slang
for the chemical admixture accelerator, used to speed up the setting time of concrete during a concrete pour
just wash the fins in
the phrase used in the concrete industry where a batcher or concrete supervisor instructs an agi driver to simply “wash the fins” of their concrete truck in, as opposed to adding additional to the load at the slump stand. In other words, the load is wet enough as it is
K
kerb
slang for kerb and gutter concrete mixes which are batched somewhat drier than alternate mixes as a consequence of their need to stand up without slumping the ground
kerb machine
a machine used to accept concrete from the back of a concrete truck and then discharge onto the ground in a kerb and gutter format, i.e., for placement on the edge of new roads, carparks and subdivisions
kerbies
slang for concreters specialising in the placement of kerb and gutter concrete
key
slang for keyjoint, a popular concrete and reinforcing accessory for concrete jointing made from aluminum steel
kids
the term for on site apprentices or trainees
kiln
cement kilns are used for the processing stage of manufacture of Portland and other types of hydraulic cement, in which calcium carbonate reacts with silica-bearing minerals to form a mixture of calcium silicates as a consequence of the application of extreme heat
knee pads
worn by concreters to protect their knees during concrete pours
knitting
the process wherein one load of concrete is knitted, joined or “married” into the next load without cracking or imperfections through either vibrating, working with concrete tools or good management
L
L bars
a steel reinforcing bar cut and bent into an L shape
L4 or L5
the lower discs present in the lumbar sacral spine which give many concreters medical bills and grief in later life
a largie
slang for a large beer bottle
laser
the term given to the concrete tool known as a laser screed, a mechanically powered device making screeding large sections of a concrete slab in short periods of time possible
Lawsie
a popular Australian radio announcer listened to by many throughout the concrete industry
left overs
a phrase used to describe concrete that is left over at the completion of a concrete pour that is either to be returned to the concrete plant, recycled or utilised elsewhere on site
a level
concreter terminology for a spirit level
levels
an industry term referring to the surface levels of a concrete slab. Maintaining accurate levels is key to a successful concrete pour
LH
an abbreviation for low heat cement
licensed concreter’s
as is true of other trades, concreters are licensed on a state-by-state basis. In order to ensure all concreters adhere to nationally recognised standards, similar training and experience is required in every state before a concreting licence is issued
a line
a concrete line pump
a linesman
an individual who works the rubber hoses on a line pump
loader
concrete industry speak for a front end loader, used throughout the industry to load weigh bins with materials, trucks with aggregates, sands and other raw materials or waste. A common site on concrete, building and construction sites loading and unloading dirt, gravel and fill
loader driver
an individual deemed competent to operate a front end loader, charged with responsibility of loading and unloading trucks, weigh bins and other plant and equipment throughout the concrete industry
loading bay
the designated delivery area within the concrete industry, the loading bay is often a cordoned off area from which the delivered and/or picked up items are checked off and dispersed to site
locals
individuals familiar with the nearby surrounds of a particular concrete or construction site
locks
the industry name given to the padlocks used to disable or disengage machinery, plant and equipment during times when repairs, maintenance, shut downs, electrical, mechanical or engineering works are taking place
Lod’s
industry speak for owner drivers in concrete plants or transport companies, LOD’s are individuals who drive a truck which they, or the organisation they represent own’s, as opposed to company fleet drivers who drive a truck the concrete or transport company owns
log book
a book used to record the hours of employees and contractors both on and off site, the log book is also commonplace in the truck and transport world where concrete truck drivers and other delivery drivers are required to record their hours behind the wheel for RMS and fatigue management purposes
lollipops
the signs used by traffic management firms to direct traffic during roadworks and infrastructure project, i.e., stop and go
long necks
slang for large bottles of beer
long longs
a phrase used to describe the need to wear both long pants and long sleeves on site
long sleeves
the phrase used to describe the need to wear long sleeves when on site
loose
the industry term to describe situations when steel reinforcing bars are delivered “loose”, in order to be tied on site, as opposed to having been delivered in a welded state
lost it
the phrase used to describe a situation where a slab has been lost. In other words where the concreters have been unable to finish placing and troweling the surface of the slab before it has hardened and set. Concrete slabs may lost due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to inadequate labour, inexperience, poor service from the concrete plant or extreme weather conditions
M
M Class
medium class concrete house slabs built on a medium soil type with a mixture of clay, silt and sand often referred to as a
loamy based soil. These house slabs cost slightly less than H Class slabs with the standard size SL72 being utilised for steel reinforcing and the 20mpa or 20/20/80 mix design being the specified
Macca’s
a breakfast stopover for many in the concrete industry
maintenance payments
payment divorced members of the concrete industry are forever referring to
make a block
a phrase in the concrete industry referring to when an agi driver or concrete plant employee is asked to make a concrete block with the proceeds of left over or returned concrete
mansand
industry slang for manufactured sand or man made sand, a raw material ingredient utilised in the manufacture of ready mix concrete in addition to slab sub bases and road base
mass concrete
is defined as any volume of concrete with dimensions large enough to require that measures be taken to cope with the generation of heat from hydration of cement and attendant volume change to minimise cracking
master finish
a popular brand of concrete tools used throughout the Australian concrete industry
mastic
an industry term for concrete jointing made from the resin of trees. Often referred to as tarjoint
measure up
the phrase used to describe when a concrete measures the amount of concrete required in a slab, i.e., the estimated quantities, prior to calling a concrete plant to order and book it in
mediation
situations where a third party counsellor, arbitrator or intermediary becomes involved to assist in the resolution of a dispute within the concrete industry
a medical
industry speak for a medical examination
mesh
steel reinforcing mesh manufactured in sheets of varying weight usually 6m x 2.4m in diameter
a message
the phrase used to describe a situation where additional concrete is required to complete a concrete slab and the batch plant is to be notified the exact quantity when ascertained on site via “a message’ from site
a mini
industry speak for minimix i.e., small concrete trucks
minimum four hours
the phrase used to describe the minimum amount of hours an individual employee must be paid when called in to work in the concrete industry
the missus
slang (albeit somewhat sexist) for a concreter’s spouse
mix
the mix button on a concrete agitator trucks remote control engaging the barrel into a mix rotation
mix designs
a process of selecting suitable ingredients and determining their relative proportions with the objective of producing concrete with certain minimum workability, strength and durability, as economically as possible
moisture probes
small instruments used by concrete plants and quarries to ascertain the moisture content of sands and aggregates prior to manufacturing ready mix concrete
a milk run
the phrase used to describe a situation wherein concrete travels from and is discharged at different site locations from the same batch or the same load of concrete, in the one concrete truck
Mondy
concrete industry slang for Mondays, the start of our working week
mpa
an abbreviation for megapascal strength, the capacity of concrete to withstand pressure when under load (i.e., causing it to reduce in size). It is measured by a compression test
MSDS sheets
an abbreviation for Material Safety Data Sheets, a document that contains information on the potential health effects of exposure to chemicals, or other potentially dangerous substances, and on safe working procedures when handling chemical products
N
N or N Class concrete
is concrete that is manufactured to meet the specification of a normal or standard mix design i.e., 20mpa concrete with 20 mm aggregate at 80 slump or 20/20/80 to which it is referred
N12
stock reinforcing bar for house slabs and throughout the industry
N16
stock reinforcing bar for many shed and warehouse slabs
NATA
an abbreviation for the National Association of Testing. Authorities created by the Australian Government in 1947 to provide a national laboratory accreditation system for testing concrete. A NATA accredited laboratory gives confidence in the technical capability of a laboratory and the reliability of its test results
NATA approved
concrete testers, testing laboratories and testing procedures that have been approved by the NATA accreditation system
natural
an industry term for concrete delivered free of chemical admixture enhancements i.e., free of retarder and accelerator
NCR
an abbreviation for a non conformance report for non conformance by a contractor or personnel on a building or construction site or project
near miss
an incident where someone or something was almost injured or damaged. Near misses are required to be reported to avoid similar incidents occurring in the future
NHVS
an abbreviation for the National Heavy Vehicle Regulation System wherein concrete plants, quarries and transport companies throughout the concrete industry self regulate their own fleet maintenance and servicing i.e., outside the more common RMS regulation system of annual registration checks and inspections
ninety minutes
the time allocated as the Australian standard on many job specs from which concrete must be batched and delivered to a job site. Concrete delivered after ninety minutes has elapsed is more often rejected by the site supervisor or client
ninety seconds
the preferred time taken to mix a load of concrete at the concrete plant slump stand to ensure the concrete has fully homogenised into a consistent load
Ninety two (92)
the term used to describe sheets of 6m x 2.4 steel reinforcing with 9mm strands running across the surface for use in warehouses, industrial slabs and heavily traffic able areas
NRL
abbreviation for the National Rugby League, one of the favourite pastimes of many throughout winter in the concrete industry
O
the office
slang for a concreters ute or truck
oil
the fluid of choice for plant, machinery and equipment throughout the concrete industry
old mate
slang for the person paying the bills on a concrete site
old timers
individuals who’ve been around concrete sites for a good few years
the ombudsman
a third party government or industry appointed official positioned to review, mediate, resolve and determine the outcome of disputes within the concrete industry
on hold
a phrase used to describe when a concrete pour is pending or paused for a period of time due more often than not to inspection delays, concreters being delayed in traffic or delays with inspections including Council, engineering or building supervisors and testers
on the drink
slang for members of the concrete industry drinking alcohol for extended periods of time
on the gas
slang for members of the concrete industry taking drugs i.e., crystal meth amphetamines for an extended period of time
on the make
slang for someone in the concrete industry who is not actually doing what it is they are purporting to do
on the punt
slang for members of the concrete industry who are betting on horse racing
on the smoke
slang for members of the concrete industry who are smoking marijuana for extended periods of time
on the take
slang for someone in the concrete industry who is taking more than they are receiving from an employer, contractor, project, or customer or client
a one oh three (103)
a pre start inspection on trucks, plant and equipment to ensure they are it for purpose and free from defect
opening up
a phrase to describe when the surface of freshly poured concrete opens up when being screeded, troweled and finished
out of service tags
the tags placed on machinery, plant and equipment throughout the concrete industry when it is unable to be driven, operated or used due to a defect or mechanical issue which may cause injury, harm or an accident if started and operated
out the back
slang for an individual who is in the toilet
over it
a phrase used by an individual to express their dissatisfaction with a particular concrete job, project or site
overs
industry speak for left over concrete when the over estimating or ordering of quantities has occurred
overtime
after an eight hour day employees within the concrete and associated industries are entitled to receive overtime payments for their labour
P
paper
slang for toilet paper
papers
slang for cigarette papers
particle density
a term used in the concrete industry to define the density of the particles that make up cement powder, the major ingredient in the manufacture ready mix concrete, together the particle density of other raw materials e.g., sand. The weight of the particles and their volume is important so the relative density value is used in concrete mix calculations
payday
the day when the concrete industry is paid
peeling
a phrase used to describe a situation wherein the surface newly placed concrete peels or separates from the underlying surface
piers
are more often than not cylindrical holes dug into the sub base of a concrete slab prior to pouring concrete. They are used to hold load bearing beams and structures i.e., in house and shed slabs
petrographics
an abbreviation for petrographic testing, the use of microscopes to examine samples of rock or concrete to determine their mineralogical and chemical characteristics. Utilised by concrete plants when developing their concrete mix designs
pie
a meat pie is the staple diet for many in the concrete industry
a pineapple
a phrase used to describe a situations when an employee receives a disciplinary warning or “dressing down” from their superior
a pink slip
a registration check for vehicles more than five (5) years old
Pioneer
the former name of Hanson Concrete
a pipe thickness test
a test conducted on a concrete pump at monthly intervals to ensure the concrete pumps pipes are of adequate thickness to continue pumping without cracking, breaking, leaking and failing in an incident which can result in either significant injury or even death
pipes
the term used to describe cylindrical pipes made of aluminum, steel or cast iron mounted to a concrete boom or line pump to facilitating the discharge and transfer of fresh concrete from the concrete truck to the concrete slab
plant opening fee
a set fee to open a concrete plant during out of hours including nights, weekends or public holidays
plastic state
when concrete is first mixed it is sift and can be molded and placed into different positions and even different shapes. This stage is known as the plastic state
plasticiser
a chemical admixture used to increase the plasticity, flexibility, flowability and workability of concrete in order to reduce its brittleness
plastic shrinkage
a term used to describe situations when high evaporation causes the surface of a concrete slab to dry out before it has set, resulting in cracks known as plastic shrinkage cracks
pointed trowel
is a tool with a handle and flat metal blade and a pointed head used for leveling, spreading, shaping and smoothing out fresh concrete
pre start
a 15 minute check on trucks, plant and equipment prior to use to ensure it is ‘fit for purpose’ and free from defects
piss
the phrase used in the concrete industry to describe extremely wet concrete that tends to segregate i.e., fall apart during placement. The additional water causes not only difficulty during the placement stage , it can result in lower strength concrete as too much water reduces the compressive strength of concrete
a piss test
the phrase used to describe a urine test conducted on a building, construction or concrete site to test employees, contractors and visitors to the site for dugs, e.g., THC, marijuana, meth amphetamines and so on
the pit
the place where servicing, mechanical repairs and maintenance take place in the concrete industry
pits
deep trenches on civil and building projects for footings, retaining walls, utilities and drainage
pliers
a tool used to tie steel, cut and bend wire and perform innumerable other tasks throughout the concrete and steel reinforcing industries
plumbers
crack slang for the exposure of an individuals butt crack whilst bending over when working within the concrete, building and construction industries
pods
industry speak for waffle pods
plans
the term used to encompass architectural and engineering plans throughout the concrete industry wherein the building specifications pertaining to your house slab or concrete project can be found
planks
long flat lengths of timber used to stand on when finishing large concrete slabs. Planks are often used to place concrete screeds and other tools on when travelling to and from site
plastic
rolls of black polyurethane plastic either black, orange or white usually 50m x 4m placed underneath a concrete slab providing protection from ground water and deleterious interference from the concrete slabs sub base, i.e., clay and moisture
a plus
the phrase used to describe a situation wherein a concreter, supervisor or owner requires an additional load of concrete to complete a concrete pour. On large pours or in situations where the amount of concrete required is unclear, concreters often wait until the final truck they have ordered has been fully discharged to “measure up’ how much concrete is required. That way they can avoid over ordering and paying for excess concrete that was not required. The danger in waiting for a plus is that if the agi truck has some distance to travel, or if the weather is hot and unforgiving, a cold joint may arise as the concreter’s have difficulty knitting together the last load delivered, to the plus that is ultimately delivered
polished concrete
according to our friends at Wikipedia polished concrete is concrete that has been treated with a chemical densifier and ground with progressively finer grinding tools. The grinding tools are usually progressive grits of diamond grinding cup wheels and diamond polishing pads. Typically, concrete is not considered polished before 400 grit, and it is normally finished to either the 800, 1500, or 3000 grit level. Stains and dyes are often applied to enhance polished concrete as well as other options such as scoring, creating radial lines, grids, bands, borders, and other designs. Polished concrete is becoming a popular alternative to carpet and floorboards in floors throughout Australian homes today
polymer
or polymer impregnated concrete is one of the widely used polymer composite. It is nothing but a precast conventional concrete, cured and dried in oven, or by dielectric heating from which the air in the open cell is removed by vacuum
polyfibres
small fibers added to concrete to provide reinforcement in order to increase the senility , i.e., flexural strength of concrete. Polyfibres are manufactured from polypropylene and used in a number of different applications including footpaths and cycleways, shotcrete for slope stabilisation, drains and small bridge abutments, non structural slabs, i.e., bus shelters, large slab on ground areas, concrete roundabouts for Main Roads Standards and precast concrete pits, headwalls and valve covers
ponding
the practise the wetting down of a fresh concrete surface to protect the hydrating concrete from the elements including wind, sun or rain, and reduce the onset of plastic shrinkage cracking as a result of excess evaporation. The goal is to enable the entire concrete structure, toward both the top and bottom layers, to set evenly i.e., in unison
the ponies
slang for a favourite pastime in the concrete industry, horse racing
pools
a situation wherein bleed or conditioning water form in sections upon a freshly poured concrete slab’s surface at the lowest points in pools
poor form
a phrase used to describe the situation where an individual or an organisation within the concrete industry underperforms
Portland cement
the most common type of cement in use around the world used in the manufacture of ready mix concrete
pozzolans
siliceous and aluminous materials which, in themselves, possess little or no cementitious value but which will, in finely divided form and in the presence of water, react chemically with calcium hydroxide at ordinary temperature to form compounds possessing cementitious properties, i.e., silica fume. Pozzolans are used throughout the concrete industry in varying quantities to supplement cement powder in the manufacturing of ready mix concrete
PPE
an abbreviation for Personal Protective Equipment i.e., safety clothing and apparel
precast
a growth industry wherein concrete is manufactured through the use of moulds i.e., beds for use in bridges, roadways, retaining walls and other large infrastructure projects before travelling to site
pre fab
industry speak for steel that has been prefabricated, i.e., welded before travelling to site e.g., welded cages
pre start
a 15 minute check on trucks, plant and equipment prior to use
to ensure it is ‘fit for purpose’ and free from defects
professional
a classy concrete job
a project
a long job, scope of works or contract
PTO
an abbreviation for the power take off in a truck, plant or equipment. PTO’s are commonly used within the concrete industry as a mechanism used to engage the barrel on a concrete truck
a pump ready mix
slang for a concrete pump operator
push it through
a phrase used to the process where a concrete blockage is required to be pushed through the line or boom in an attempt to resolve blockage issues
put a board in it
a phrase to describe a situation where a pour is stopped in the middle of or during a concrete pour and a board (i.e., a false wall) is placed along the fresh concrete to prevent a cold joint from eventuating.
Q
quote
a phrase to describe a concrete or steel quote
R
radar
a hand held police operated device used to monitor the speed limit of trucks, vehicles and motorists in general on Australian roads
a rake
or a concrete rake to which they are referred are a popular concrete tool used to maneuver and even out a concrete slab’s surface during placement
a rasp
old fashioned slang for sexual intercourse
rated
a device installed in late model trucks preventing them from travelling over 100km per hour, i.e., except in certain circumstances e.g., down a steep hill
ready mix
the term in the concrete industry for concrete batch plant manufactured concrete, sold traditionally by the cubic meters
recycle plants
plants that specialise in recycling excess, left over or demolished concrete
recycled water
water that has been used before in a cement, concrete or quarry plant that has been either washed, reticulated or recycled for further use
recyclers
on site plant that separates the cementitious material from the sands and aggregates from used, left over or even demolished concrete
Red Bull
the drink of choice for many young concreters throughout the industry
re-flighting
the process where concrete fins are replaced within the concrete agitator’s barrel
rejected
the term given to concrete that is rejected on site for being outside specification, i.e., too wet, too old or an incorrect mix remotes – the electrical device placed in a concrete truck or in an agi drivers hand to engage barrel rotation to either the transit, mix, or discharge position
Relative Humidity Index
relative humidity is the actual amount of moisture in the air compared to the amount of moisture that the air could hold if saturated, expressed as a percent. While concrete is drying, the surface will generally have a lower moisture content than deeper down in the slab. It is important not to pour slabs during times of low relative humidity as excessive evaporation can lead to surface cracking as the concrete slab surface dries faster than the concrete below
reo truck
the term for a truck commonly fitted with a hiab that is used to deliver steel reinforcing and accessories to site
reps
slang for sales or company representatives throughout the concrete industry
re-skinning
the process where the outside wall, or skin as it is referred, of a concrete truck barrel is replaced
rest break
the period of rest required by truck drivers and delivery drivers to adhere with fatigue management and RMS legislation
RHS
an abbreviation for a hollow structural steel rectangular in shape used throughout the concrete industry by boilermakers and onsite personnel
a ring
dustry speak for concrete that has not been ordered with the batch plant, but will be ordered via a phone call. Concreters order concrete on a ring in situations where they need “to measure up” toward the end of a concrete slab to ascertain clearly the quantity required to be ordered, or in situations where it is unclear what the weather is doing, e.g., whether it is going to rain or not
inrisk assessment
a document used to evaluate the potential risks that may be involved in a projected activity within the concrete industry
RISI ticket
a card showing you have performed the Rail Industry Safety Induction and can perform work on Rail sites
RMS compliant
a phrase used to describe concrete mix designs that are not certified by the Roads and Maritime Services Authority, but which comply with the specifications, i.e., parameters of their mix design
RMS inspectors
Roads and Maritime service personnel charged with the responsibility of performing inspections on heavy vehicles and other concrete industry vehicles, both on and off the road, to assess their road worthiness
RMS specs
industry speak for the specifications required on an RMS project
Road Ranger
a manual gearbox system used predominantly in older agi’s and trucks. Road Ranger drivers require a separate or additional license certification and training to drivers of trucks with an automatic transmission system
roadies
slang for beers drunk by passengers in concrete utes and vehicles on the way home “on the road” from a concrete pour
rock
industry speak for the aggregates used to manufacture ready mix concrete
on the roids
slang for concrete individuals or concrete crews who are perceived to have been using steroids
roll over protection
new vehicle modifications ,i.e., on concrete trucks, made to reduce the chance of “rolling over” whilst in transit
rollies
slang for roll your own cigarettes
round
slang for either round i.e., not normal or N Class steel reinforcing bars. Round bars are commonly used to make dowels, stirrups or other reinforcing bars including, L, U and Z bars
round dowels
dowels made from round i.e., not normal steel reinforcing bar used to connect, tie or knit adjoining slabs of concrete to avoid cracking when placed under load
round rock
industry speak for aggregates that are round in circumference and not sharp edged or elongated in shape. Round rock is easier to place given its smooth, round texture and most commonly used in the placement of exposed aggregate concrete
rubber
the term used to describe the rubber hoses connected to the end of a concrete line or boom pump
rubber boots
appropriate foot wear for concreters when placing wet concrete
run it out
the phrase used when an agi driver is instructed to discharge left over concrete on site in a relatively straight line from the back of their truck as they drive forward until their concrete has all run out and the barrel is empty
S
S concrete or S class concrete
an abbreviation for special class concrete, concrete that is outside normal mix design categories. In other words, concrete that is ordered with characteristics specific to the client or customers job, rather than a normal mix designed at the concrete plant
same day courier
vehicles used throughout the concrete industry to ferry parts, tools and deliveries to and from site
same day sealer
a concrete sealer recommended to be applied the same day as a concrete pour, to assist in protecting the concrete slab surface from the elements, i.e., weather
satnav
an abbreviation for satellite navigation systems used to monitor concrete truck, truck and vehicle movements throughout the concrete industry
Saturday rates
time and half or double time wage rates based on Industrial Relations legislation in Australia
Satdy
the day of the week when concreters may or may not receive time and a half then double time pay, i.e., depending on their employer. A day when weekend warriors and DIY concreters get their feet wet. When those lucky enough to have the day off free of additional Saturday and out of hours charges from concrete plants, can go to the ponies, then the horses, and perhaps the dogs, the AFL, or even the NRL, the van or the boat. Or perhaps partake in other concrete industry pastimes, like getting on the drink, chatting with the missus or eating fish n’ chips
a saw cut
the term for a cut in newly placed concrete to create a concrete joint. Usually cut in a straight line preferably within 24 hours of a concrete pour saw cuts reduce the incidence of concrete cracking within a concrete slab
SCM’s
qn abbreviation for Supplementary Cementitious Materials, including silica fume, flyash, blast furnace slag and other materials used to supplement, and more often than not reduce the price of, or the cost to produce General Blend cement and/or ready mix concrete
a scraper
the device used by concrete agi drivers to scrape the concrete down their chute during or after a concrete pour
a screed
the name given to the long flat concrete tool used to level concrete during placement. Often made of aluminum screeds are usually one to three metres in length and have a small oval shaped handle attached to them enabling both hands to maneuver them back and forth
screeding
the term given to leveling fresh concrete during placement with a screed
scumbag
a rather unfortunate name given to an individual who does not pay a concreter or plant for their products and services
scumbags
a rather unfortunate title given to organisations who do not pay members of the concrete industry for their goods and services
Schmidt test
a test wherein a Schmidt hammer, also known as a Swiss hammer or a rebound hammer, is used to test the surface hardness and penetration resistance of a newly poured concrete slab. The Schmidt test is commonly performed in situations where there are concerns over the integrity of the concrete in a newly poured slab
scope of works
the parameters of a job, project or contract of works including but not limited to the site specifications, engineering drawings and plans together with steel reinforcing and concrete notes
screens
the pieces of equipment, with or without a vibrator, made of wire mesh and steel in varying sizes, used to sort and categorize aggregates, sand and other raw materials based on their size
SD
abbreviation for the standard deviation concrete plants allow for when formulating mix designs
sealer
a curing compound or liquid substance sprayed or applied to the surface of newly poured concrete to protect concrete when placed from traffic, wear and tear and the elements i.e., hot weather
segregation
the industry term used to describe a situation where fresh concrete is not consistent, does not hang together and breaks up or separates into different sizes and clusters of raw materials i.e., rock, due to the fact it is either too wet, missing a mix design ingredient, inappropriately batched, or poorly mixed through
separation cracks
large concrete cracks caused by incorrect concrete placement, inconsistent mix designs or inadequate slab preparation separation cracks are also the result of a failure to adequately cure concrete i.e., protect it following placement
seven bells
slang for seven o’clock in the morning, the time everyone in the concrete industry seems to want to pour concrete
seven day test
a commonly requested concrete test where the testing laboratory is asked to crush a concrete cylinder seven days after the concrete pour to ascertain the megapascal (MPA) strength of the concrete
seven three 7/3
industry speak for the 7mm/3mm aggregate utilised in the manufacture of kerb mixes throughout Australia
seventy two (72)
industry speak for SL72 steel reinforcing mesh, one of if not the most commonly used mesh in the concrete industry in Australia suitable for most house slabs, driveways and footpaths
shears
steel reinforcing cutters
shit crete
slang for poor or underperforming concrete
the shop
the place where the concrete industry buys lunch
shopped
a phrase to describe when a concrete or a member of the concrete industry is given up or dobbed in by a mate, an acquaintance or a third party
short
the term used to describe a something every concreter fears, “being short of concrete” at the completion of a concrete pour
shot through
a phrase used to describe when an individual or group of individuals have left a concrete or construction site, either for the day, or for good
shoot it
a phrase used to describe the practise of discharging concrete onto the ground during a concrete
a shovel
the most used tool on a concrete site
shutters
the phrase used to describe the formwork in concrete construction used as a mould for a structure i.e., walls, in which fresh concrete is poured only to harden subsequently. Shutters are traditionally made and constructed on site by form workers using lengths of thick timber boards i.e., 4 x 2’s, and form ply
sieve test
a test used to ascertain the particle size distribution of sands, aggregates and other raw materials for grading purposes
signature
industry speak for the client or customer signature on a concrete or delivery docket. Customers are often required to sign for waiting time and water additions in addition to receipt of their load
silica
a supplementary cementitious material, because of its chemical and physical properties, it is a very reactive pozzolan. Concrete containing silica fume can have very high strength and can be very durable
site inductions
the onsite orientation and training required by new employees, contractors and visitors to site performed to familiarise them with site protocol, procedures, safety and operational issues
six wheeler
a six wheel concrete truck, one of if not the most driven agi in the industry carrying more often than not five (5) to six (6) cubic metres of concrete to site
Sixty two (62)
industry speak for SL62 sized steel reinforcing mesh used throughout the concrete industry on slabs upon which predominantly foot traffic, as opposed to vehicles, shall traverse, i.e., patios, pergolas and pool surrounds
sketchy
the phrase given to an individual or situation within the concrete industry light on detail and somewhat unclear
skint
slang for out of money or broke
SL
abbreviation for shrinkage limited cement
a slab
the finished product following a concrete pour upon which houses, sheds, warehouses and most buildings are constructed
the slammer
slang for jail
sleep
industry speak for retarder, the chemical admixture used to slow down the concrete setting time by delaying the hydration process as cement follicles are in fact coated with a chemical that prevents them from joining , gluing or knitting together until the retarder has dissolved and been dispersed
slides
a concreters aid enabling them to work from above a concrete slab without opening up, scuffing and effecting the slab surface when working on it i.e., troweling
slippery
slang for concrete that is wet
slump
a measure of the consistency of concrete. The higher the slump, the wetter the concrete
slumping a load
concrete agi drivers and personnel slump loads using both the naked eye and slump gauges attached to the rear of concrete trucks. Slumping a load requires the driver to fully mix the load through for a period of not less than 90 seconds, taking time to mix for a further 90 seconds in instances where additional water is added to the concrete load
slump stand
the stand or platform from which agi drivers and members of the concrete industry stand to slump loads of freshly batched concrete within a concrete plant. Water is added as and when needed according to the slump of the load required
slump stand hose
the hose used to add water to a fresh load of concrete after batching. In addition the slump stand hose is used to wash the fins and rear end of a concrete truck when slumping concrete
slump stand pressure
industry speak for the water hose pressure at the slump stand in a concrete plant, which may be influenced by the amount of water being utilised elsewhere throughout the plant
slump test
a concrete test to used to determine the slump of concrete. The concrete slump test measures the consistency of fresh concrete before it sets. It is performed to check the workability of freshly made concrete, and therefore the ease with which concrete flows. It can also be used as an indicator of an improperly mixed batch. If the concrete falls away and flattens right out during a slump test, it is a high slump i.e., wet concrete, if it stands right up, it is a drier mix and therefore a low slump concrete, e.g., 60 slump
slurry
a flyash and water based mixture used to clean out the pipes and hoses of a concrete pump prior to commencing a concrete pour to alleviate potential pump blockages
a small load
a load of less than 3 cubic metres of concrete (in some instances 4 cubic metres). Small loads often attract an additional surcharge from Ready mix concrete plants
small load fee
the fee attributable to loads of a reduced size i.e., one (1), two (2) or three (3) cubic metres of concrete, charged by ready mix concrete plants to cover the delivery costs associated with a small load i.e., diesel, driver wages and wear and maintenance costs for wear and tear
smoko
slang for morning tea
snapchat
an online social media platform enabling the transfer of photos via mobile phones, used by many young concreters in the industry
snapped
a term used to describe a situation in which concrete “goes off” or sets extremely quickly
the sock
industry speak for the rubber cylindrical shaped hose that transports cement powder and flyash into concrete trucks during the batching process at ready mix concrete plants
soilies
slang for soil testers
soup
slang for runny, sloppy and wet concrete spacers – a plastic accessory used to separate and support waffle pods
spalling
a concrete term often referred to as concrete cancer. Its main symptom is concrete flaking from the surface of the affected area accompanied by nearby staining. Staining can be a first symptom, with a commonly held misconception being it is caused by the weathering process, i.e., when concrete freezes. Improper finishing of concrete is seen as the most common cause of spalling in Australia sparkies slang for electricians
specs
an abbreviation for job, building, and engineering specifications
a spill
an unfortunate unplanned mishap wherein concrete is spilt from the back of a concrete agi on the way to, or on site. Concrete spills, oil spills or any form of raw material spill is not appreciated in the concrete industry and often leads to the need for an incident report and resultant disciplinary action, not to mention a good clean up
a spotter
an individual charged with the responsibility of reversing and directing concrete agi’s, plant, and equipment whilst onsite
a spray
slang for a situation where an employee of or contractor in the concrete industry receives a verbal reprimand or dressing down from their manager, superior or client
sprays
an aluminum or metal apparatus used within cement, concrete and quarry plants to condition and moisten raw materials i.e., aggregates and sand prior to their manufacture in ready mix concrete
SR
an abbreviation for sulphate resisting cement make concrete
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
is defined as the condition of an aggregate (used to manufacture ready mix concrete), in which the surfaces of the particles are “dry” (i.e., surface adsorption would no longer take place), but the inter-particle voids are saturated with water
stainless steel
utilised throughout the concrete and steel reinforcing industries due to its chloride resistant properties enabling it to withstand even the most corrosive of chloride environments i.e., exposure to moisture and salt water
star pickets
shortened steel posts often used as a substitute for wooden formwork pegs in hard ground by many concreters
steel cap pegs
are formwork pegs made with steel caps on top to protect the timber from splitting when being banged into the ground by a sledgehammer
steel caps
industry slang for steel cap boots
steel chairs
steel bar chairs used to support mesh and reo in a concrete slab ranging from as small as 10mm in height up to 360mm where additional cover is required
steel density
is defined as the unit mass of steel per unit volume
steel fibres
are used to strengthen concrete by resisting tensile cracking. They are small and hook like in shape and most commonly added to ready mix concrete during batching at the concrete plant. They are costly to add however are seen as providing much greater flexural strength than unreinforced concrete
steelies
slang for steel tier’s, fixers and steel workers in general
steer tyres
the steer tyres are the tyres on a vehicle, i.e., truck that turn or steer the truck. They are usually located up the front of a truck
stencil crete
the process of decorating concrete by resurfacing it or overcreting it. Stencil crete is a popular application on concrete driveways, pathways, patios, stairs and pool and barbecue surrounds
stickyback
another term for ableflex. A 100% polyethylene foam expansion joint and space filler strip, used as a gap seal in concrete
sticky concrete
concrete that doesn’t flow and work easily during placement and finishing as it hangs or sticks together
stirrups
reinforcing bars cut and bent at angles used to support either bars, trench mesh or mesh in a concrete slab
on stop
a term for an individual or organisation unable to buy concrete due to either non payment or a poor payment history
a straight edge
an aluminum or steel trowel, i.e., sometimes stainless steel, with a wooden, plastic or aluminium handle, that creates a straight edged groove along the edge of freshly laid concrete
Straya day
slang for Australia Day, a national public holiday in Australia a sweeper the term given to a concrete sweeper, a road registered vehicle used to clean up concrete spills
string line
the line of string used on building, concrete and construction sites to keep the slabs measurements, heights and levels in check
strip blocks
a phrase used to describe the process of stripping concrete blocks at a concrete plant, in other words taking their concrete moulds from their perimeter once the concrete block inside has hardened
sugar
a product kept in concrete trucks and concrete plants throughout Australia to significantly delay the setting time of concrete in the event of a mechanical emergency or unforeseen event on site
suits
slang for professionals or business people and management who visit a concrete site
summer mix
a mix designed by concrete plants to take into account the hot Australian summers, a summer mix often, but not always has some retarder placed in it to delay the setting time of the concrete and provide protection against rapid set times on hot and windy days
supervisor
an individual charged with the responsibility of supervising employees and contractors on a building, concrete or construction site
surveying
each concrete slab that seeks to have development approval requires surveying and a surveyor’s inspection to ensure it is located within the parameters detailed by the surveyor in their report. Surveying is more often than not the term given to a site or site personnel who are awaiting final clearance from their surveyor
SWMS
an abbreviation for Safe Work Method Statement, a document used to identify and controlling health and safety hazards and risks on sites throughout the concrete industry
T
TAB
a place many in the concrete industry have heard about or visited at frequent or infrequent intervals at the end of their concreting day
tagged out
the term used in the concrete industry
take 5
the small safety forms carried around in pockets throughout the concrete industry take 5’s are used to identify potential hazards on site and note down strategies to mitigate the risk of their occurrence
t’s
slang for t shirts
tape
the term used to describe one of the most purchased concrete and steel reinforcing accessories, pvc tape. Tape is used to tie plastic and other site materials together when preparing slabs prior to the pour
Tare weight
sometimes called unladen weight, tare weight is the weight of an empty vehicle i.e., a concrete truck or container. By subtracting it from the gross weight (the fully loaded weight), the weight of the load carried (the net weight) may be determined
tared off
concrete agi trucks and other machinery, plant and equipment need to be weighed at frequent intervals on weigh bridges to be “tared off” for RMS, contractual and loading purposes
tarjoint
a jointing solution made from mastic i.e., a byproduct of the resin from a tree, sometimes referred to a jointex, tarjoint is sold in narrow strips a few metres in length
tarps
an industry staple used to cover everything from newly poured concrete slabs to concrete tools, machinery and parts, as protection from the weather
TCM
abbreviation for total cementitious material
tearing
a term used to describe a situation in which the surface of freshly poured concrete breaks apart or tears when being finished with a float, trowel or troweling machine
temp fence
industry speak for temporary fencing, required to prevent access to site from the public and unwanted intruders for safety and security purposes
temp fence feet
the feet made of either concrete or plastic that support temporary fence panels
temp fence panels
usually made of aluminum or steel posts the panels are usually 2.4 metres in length and approximately 1.2 metres or up to 1.8 metres in height held together by metal clamps and supported plastic moulded feet
a ten (10) hour break
the work cover requirement for a break between shifts for the majority of employees and contractors within the concrete industry
a ten wheeler
the ten wheel concrete truck is becoming popular within concrete plants throughout Australia given its ability to carry up to nine (9) cubic metres of concrete in one load i.e., delivery. Ten wheelers reduce concrete plant wages, fuel bills and delivery times in situations where large volumes of concrete are required over larger distances
tender
a written invitation sent to potential suppliers of a good or service to inform them about the information required for the buyer to choose among them. Issuing a tender document typically begins the tender process by which a business selects qualified and interested suppliers based on such things as their price, availability and proposed delivery terms
tensile strength
the ability of concrete to resist tension, i.e., be pulled apart
testers
industry speak for concrete testers, the trained personnel assigned the responsibility of testing the slump, compressive and flexural strength of concrete by taking fresh concrete samples on site and dispersing them, once rodded i.e., compacted into cylinders. Cylinders are more often than not left on site overnight to cure and returned to the testing laboratory the next day
the bank
a popular excuse for many in the concrete industry to leave work early
the hump
slang for Wednesday, the middle of the week
they’re lost
a phrase no concreter, customer or client wants to hear from a concrete plant batcher during a concrete pour when relaying the concrete agi drivers location on the way to site during a concrete pour
three day test
a commonly asked for concrete test performed by testing laboratories to determine the early strength of concrete. Usually requested in situations where the concrete may be required to come under pressure or under load, e.g., traffic, shortly after placement
throw on
the phrase used to describe concrete colour that can be applied by “throwing it on” the surface of fresh concrete, as opposed to being added to the mix at the concrete plant
a ticket
a written form of certification exemplifying or illustrating an individuals completion of a designated skill or proficiency in a particular task or competency, i.e., a fork lift ticket, a boom pump operator ticket or a rail ticket
tie wire
used throughout the concrete industry, most commonly to tie steel reinforcing bars and mesh
ties
slang for bag or bar ties used to tie bar chairs, steel reinforcing and other steel and concrete accessories throughout the concrete industry
timbers
the form boards and sheets of timber used to construct concrete slabs, shutters, and form work throughout the concrete industry
tin snips
used predominantly to cut, tie and fix steel tin snips come in handy on most concrete sites
the tip
the phrase used throughout the concrete industry to describe the local refuse tip
thirty days
the length of time afforded to account customers to pay their cement, concrete or quarry account within the concrete industry
thread tape
the tape used to protect threads on bolts, taps and other apparatus throughout the concrete industry
tipping off
a phrase used to describe the process of unloading raw materials i.e., sand, rock, aggregates, gravel and fill on site
tired
a term used by those in the concrete industry to express their tiredness, lack of sleep and at times lack of motivation
tool box
a place to secure, store and transport tools to, from and on site
a toolbox talk
is a discussion in which staff, employees, contractors, visitors and on site personnel gather to keep abreast of onsite, safety, industry, organisational and operational developments which impact on the way they perform their daily duties
toolies
slang for tradespeople
tractor
the piece of machinery often used to pull concrete agi’s and vehicles out of boggy situations on concrete slabs throughout rural Australia
tradies
industry slang for qualified tradespeople i.e., electricians, carpenters and plumbers
trainee
a member of the concrete industry undergoing training
transit
the slightly forward motion a concrete barrel is engaged in during transit to and from site
trench
a long often deep hole dug for footings, foundations, drainage, services or the construction of retaining walls on a concrete site
trowel finish
the finishing i.e., closing up, of a concrete surface after placement using a concrete trowel
a truck
industry slang for a concreter’s ute
truck allocation
the task of allocators i.e., batchers in a concrete plant, is to logistically position trucks in an effective manner to ensure productivity is maximised at all times and customer needs are being met, e.g., why send three (3) metres of concrete one hour away in a large truck when you have a small truck on site and need a large load delivered elsewhere
a truck and dog
a truck with a dog or trailer on the back enabling the transportation of additional material to and from site i.e., approx. 32 tonnes
truck productivity
a popular phrase used to describe the effectiveness of truck allocation and truck utilisation within the concrete industry
truck wash
a popular solvent based cleaning agent used to wash trucks throughout the concrete industry
turn key
concrete terminology for a good operation
twenty twenty
the contemporary cricket game keeping many in the concrete industry up at night over summer
twenty eight (28) days
the time usually allocated for concrete to reach its target strength ,i.e., 20, 25 or 32mpa
twenty twenty eighty 20/20/80
the most common concrete mix design throughout the concrete industry 20mpa concrete, with 20mm aggregate, at 80 slump is the most asked for house slab and driveway concrete in Australia
two way
the common medium of communicating throughout the concrete industry two way radios are housed in agi trucks, loaders, delivery vehicles, 4WD’s and concrete utes everywhere
U
U bars
a steel reinforcing bar bent into the shape of a U
under lights
the phrase given to finishing a concrete pour under lights, due often to failure of the slab set during daylight hours, or as a consequence of the need to pour early in the morning due to hot temperatures
unfair dismissal
a claim made by an employee within the concrete industry who perceives they were treated inappropriately and terminated without due cause
upstairs
slang for management in the concrete industry. A place where many employees throughout the industry don’t enjoy visiting
ute mesh
a thin gauge form of steel reinforcing or aluminum mesh used in the back of concrete utes and trucks throughout the concrete industry
V
the van
slang for the caravan, the place where many within the concrete industry choose to spend their spare time and holidays
varies
a variation to a standard building contract that was not within the initial terms and conditions or scope of work
a verbal
a verbal warning is the first stage of the disciplinary process in the concrete industry where an employee is counseled and reprimanded verbally over an incident or behaviour that is contrary to the terms and conditions of their employment contracts
vibrating
the process in which fresh concrete is vibrated using a mechanical concrete tool known as a vibrator to eliminate air pockets, water bubbles and voids within wet concrete, facilitating the consolidation of concrete during its plastic state
a vibrator
a mechanical device with a steel head used to vibrate fresh, i.e., wet concrete
a visitor
a visitor to a concrete, building or construction site
voids
the term used to describe air pockets within a concrete slab
W
waffle pods
the Waffle Pod Slab System is seen by many as a better way of building concrete slabs for new homes, extensions or commercial industrial buildings. The Waffle Pod Slab Systems allows for more accurate specification of concrete quantities, reduces waste and provides a substantial boost to building site efficiency. Waffle Pod are made from polystyrene and are 1090mm square. They come in four thicknesses for use on different sites: ‧ 175mm – Suitable for “A” Soil Classification sites and special purposes ‧ 225mm – Suitable for “S” and “M” Soil Classification Sites ‧ 300mm – Suitable for “M” and low “H” Soil Classification Sites ‧ 375mm – Suitable for “H” Soil Classification Sites
waiting time
the time from which concrete plants, quarries and delivery firms throughout the concrete industry commence charging additional fees to compensate them for wages, fuel, etc. Waiting time charges often begin to accrue after 45 minutes though they may commence earlier depending on the size of load being delivered
wash in water
a phrase used to describe the amount of water left in an agi barrel after an agi driver has washed his truck on a concrete or job site. This may influence the amount of water added when next loaded at the concrete plant
wash out area
the area on site designated to wash out concrete agi trucks after they have discharged their load
wash out bay
the bay at which concrete agitator trucks are hosed in and washed out at the end of a concrete load delivery, or at the end of a days work
wash out water
the phrase given to the water poured into a concrete agitator truck to enable its barrel to be washed out at the end of a delivery or at the end of a days work. The wash out procedure seeks to prevent the build up of dry or hardened concrete setting within the inner walls or drum of the concrete barrel
water additions
the specific amount of water added during a concrete pour. Frequently noted by delivery drivers on the concrete delivery docket
water reducer
a chemical admixture applied at the batching stage into ready mix concrete. Among other things water reducers are used to decrease the porosity of concrete, reduce their water content and in doing so increase the strength of concrete. Water reducers come in different strengths with mid range water reducers being popular today
weather
industry speak for wet and/or windy weather on the day of a concrete pour
a wedge
slang for $100 dollars
wedge pit
a pit constructed on a concrete plant or site to wash concrete truck water into
weekend surcharge
a surcharge charged by concrete plants and those within the concrete industry to cover the additional overtime costs associated with weekend work
weekend warriors
members of the public and “Do It Yourself” concreters who only concrete on weekends
weigh bins
the bins used to weigh up material prior to a concrete or raw material load on sites throughout the concrete industry
weigh bridge
the RMS or privately operated loading bridges used to weigh trucks, heavy machinery, vehicles and equipment throughout the concrete and associated industry’s
a wet load
a load that is wetter than the specified slump. The additional water whilst making the concrete somewhat easier to place can lead to longer set times, segregation and weaker strength concrete
wet areas
areas on a building site where plumbing amenities are located including, but not limited to the kitchen and bathroom areas
wet it up
a phrase commonly used by concrete pump operators to add water to concrete during a concrete pour
where there’s smoke there’s fire
an industry phrase suggesting that where there is talk, innuendo or rumours of something, there may actually be some truth involved
where’s my load?
one of the most used phrases in the concrete industry worldwide
White Card
Anyone who works on a construction site in Australia has to do construction induction training and get their White Card. You can do the training online or in person, and it takes at least one day
winter mix
the mix design employed by concrete plants throughout Australia during the winter months where slightly less water and a small of amount of accelerator are utilised to reduce the setting times of concrete during our cooler months
wooden float
a wooden concrete tool with a smooth flat wooden head and handle used to provide fresh concrete with a smooth level finish free from imperfections
workability
a phrase used to describe the ability of fresh concrete to be worked i.e., placed. Whilst workability is a priority for many concreters it isn’t necessarily for concrete plants and their customers as the additional fines and water that promote workable concrete, can result in concrete that is of weaker strength than less pliable concrete mixes
the world of concrete
an annual concrete convention for the industry world over more often than not convened in the US city of Las Vegas
Work cover
a government body responsible for managing each State’s workplace safety, injury management and workers’ compensation programs
Workers Comp
the term given to the publicly sponsored system that pays monetary benefits to workers who become injured or disabled in the course of their employment. Workers compensation premiums in the concrete industry due to the perceived risks inherent in what is ostensibly a manual labour force
the wreckers
the phrase used to describe motor wreckers who supply parts from wrecked trucks, pumps and vehicles to the concrete industry and its participants
a written
industry speak for a written disciplinary as a result of a breach of employee or contractor duties and/or responsibilities
X
X marks the spot
Y
the yard
another term for a concrete plant
you’re late
the two most spoken words to agi drivers throughout Australia
Z
Z bars
a steel reinforcing bar bent into the shape or a U
