Time and Materials (T&M) Contract
A contract type where the contractor is paid for actual labor and material costs rather than a fixed price.
Topographic Survey
A detailed mapping of land elevations, contours, and natural or man-made features to inform site planning and design.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The full cost of a facility over its lifespan.
Trenchless Technology
Construction methods, such as horizontal drilling or pipe jacking, used to install underground utilities without extensive excavation.
Turnkey Project
A construction project where the contractor delivers a fully operational facility, ready for immediate use by the owner.
U-Value (Thermal Transmittance)
A measure of how well a building material conducts heat, with lower values indicating better insulation performance.
Underpinning
A construction technique used to strengthen or stabilize existing foundations by extending them deeper or adding support structures.
Unit Price Contract
A type of construction contract where the client pays a set rate per unit of work completed, such as per cubic yard of concrete poured.
Universal Design
The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect
The phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures due to heat absorption by buildings and pavements, mitigated through reflective materials and green roofs.