definition
strict definition
foundation work begins
The first permanent physical element of a structure's foundation is put in place.
Foundation work on a structure begins with the permanent physical installation of the first piece of its supporting structure in the earth. This event marks the beginning of the construction phase.
Excavation removes earth but does not by itself install a supporting element. Its start can therefore precede the start of foundation work.
A groundbreaking ceremony can occur before or after physical work begins. The foundation milestone is established by the first permanent supporting element, independently of the ceremonial date.
Related definitions
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completion
A structure is basically finished on the outside, and at least partly ready for use. -
construction halted midway
Construction stops before completion for at least 10 days in an irregular interruption, excluding routine breaks. -
cornerstone laid
The date when a ceremonial or real stone is laid in or on the ground in celebration of the start of construction. -
excavation begins
Earth moving and removal begins in preparation for and in service of construction. -
facade installation begins
The first elements of a structure's outer facade surface are attached in their designed positions. -
facade installation complete
The final non-window section of the designed facade is installed, completing that part of the enclosure. -
facade painting begins
The first application of the original coat of paint to a built object's facade begins. -
facade painting ends
The last application of the original coat of paint to a large portion of a facade is finished. -
final-phase work resumes
Construction on a structure whose framework was already complete continues after having stopped. -
first tower crane assembled
The first tower crane used in the construction of a structure begins operations. -
first window installed
The first window on the surface of a structure is fixed in its designed place. -
foundation work resumes
Foundation work resumes at or below a structure's base after an irregular stoppage lasting at least 10 days. -
framework completed
The whole framework of a structure is assembled in place, and the structure has attained its general size and shape. -
framework resumes
Work on an unfinished structural frame resumes after an irregular stoppage lasting at least 10 days. -
groundbreaking ceremony
A celebratory event marking the recent, actual, or impending commencement of construction. -
horizontal addition begins construction
Continuous work starts on a new addition at the side of an existing structure. -
horizontal addition completed
A new extension to the side of an existing structure is finished and ready for use. -
last tower crane dismantling begins
The last tower crane used in the construction of a structure begins to be dismantled. -
last window installed
The last window separating a structure's interior from the outside is fixed in its designed position. -
maximum height reached
The highest element included in a structure's architectural height is fixed in its designed position. -
roof installation begins
The first roof materials, including its cladding or supporting understructure, are fixed during initial construction. -
roof installation ends
All materials of the original roof, including cladding, understructure, and insulation, have been fixed in place. -
site cleanup begins
A reasonably continuous phase of site clearance or excavation begins in preparation for initial foundation construction. -
structural core tops out
The structural core of a building's inner framework reaches its designed maximum height during construction. -
structure rises above base
The first elements of a structure are fixed in their places above its base level. -
vertical addition begins construction
Continuous construction starts on a significant addition resting on top of an existing built object. -
vertical addition completed
A significant addition resting on top of an existing built object is physically finished and ready for use.