B
HomeLibrariesCode AISearchProjectsBookmarksAddress
FeedbackHelp Desk
Libraries
Estimate & calculate
CalculatorsChecklists
PricingLog in
Division 100 — General Provisions

101Definition and Terms

GA · 2021 Standard Specifications✓ Full text on BuildSpecBook pages 11–21 Save this section

Ask about Section 101

Get a cited answer from the section text. Click the citation to check it.

One cited answer a day is free. Start a 14-day trial for unlimited, no card required.

SECTION 101 — Definitions and Terms

Whenever in these Specifications or in other Contract Documents the following terms or pronouns in place of them are used, the intent and meaning shall be interpreted as follows:

101.01Abbreviations

Wherever the following abbreviations are used in the Specifications or on the Plans, they are to be construed the same as the respective expressions represented. Abbreviation Term AAN American Association of Nurserymen AAR Association of American Railroads AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials ACI American Concrete Institute AGC Associated General Contractors of America AIA American Institute of Architects AIEE American Institute of Electrical Engineers AISC American Institute of Steel Construction AISI American Iron and Steel Institute AMS Aerospace Materials Specification ANSI American National Standards Institute ARA American Railway Association AREA American Railway Engineering Association ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers ASLA American Society of Landscape Architects ASTM American Society of Testing and Materials AWPA American Wood Preservers’ Association AWWA American Water Works Association AWS American Welding Society CRSI Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute DOT Georgia Department of Transportation EEO Equal Employment Opportunity FHWA Federal Highway Administration FSS Federal Specifications and Standards, General Services Administration GDT Georgia Department of Transportation IES Illuminating Engineering Society

SECTION 101 — Definition and Terms

Abbreviation Term MUTCD Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices NEC National Electrical Code NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association NESC National Electrical Safety Code NFPA National Fire Protection Association SAE Society of Automotive Engineers SPIB Southern Pine Inspection Bureau SSPC Steel Structure Painting Council UL Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

101.02Acceptance Plans

A defined method of taking and evaluating measurements for the purpose of determining the acceptability of a lot of material or construction.

101.03Advertisement

The public announcement as required by law, inviting bids for work to be performed or materials to be furnished.

101.04Available Day

Any calendar day exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and Legal Holidays on which the Engineer determines that the Contractor is not prevented from accomplishing at least five hours of productive work on the controlling item or items of work which would normally be in progress at that time by causes beyond his control, and not due to his fault or negligence, including but not restricted to unsuitable weather and its aftermath, suspension order of the Engineer, acts of God, acts of public enemy, fire, flood, epidemic, quarantine, strikes, or freight embargo.

101.05Award

The formal acceptance by the Department of a Bid.

101.06Base Course

One or more layers of specified material of designed thickness placed on a subgrade or a subbase to support a surface course.

101.07Bid

See Proposal.

101.08Bid Item

A specifically described unit of work for which a price is requested in the proposal.

SECTION 101 — Definition and Terms

101.09Bidder

A qualified individual, firm or corporation, or combination thereof, submitting a written Proposal for the Work advertised.

101.10Board

The State Transportation Board for Georgia Department of Transportation.

101.11Bridge

A structure, including supports, erected over a depression or an obstruction, such as water, a highway or a railway, etc., and having a track or passageway for carrying traffic, water or other moving loads and having an opening measured along the center of the roadway of more than 20 ft. (6 m) between under copings of abutments or extreme ends of openings for multiple boxes.

A.Bridge Length

The overall length of a structure measured along the center of the roadway between backs of abutment backwalls or between ends of bridge floor.

B.Bridge Roadway Width

The clear width of a structure measured at right angles to the center of the roadway between the bottom of curbs or, if curbs are not used, between the inner faces of parapet or railing.

C.Bridge Complete

An entire bridge including its substructure and superstructure.

D.Completed Bridge Site

Unless otherwise shown on the Plans or indicated in the Proposal, a Completed Bridge Site is one in which all grading is completed to subgrade elevation (except for the stage construction providing a bench for the end bent). The minimum acceptable length of completed full-depth embankment shall equal the maximum width of fill between slope stakes at the particular end of bridge. This minimum length of full-depth embankment will b e meas ured along the roadway centerline away from the end-of-bridge station. In cut sections, a Completed Bridge Site shall be considered to be complete when the excavation is down to the s ubgrade elevation and extends 50 ft. (15 m) beyond the outer limits of the bridge in each direction. In all cases, positive surface drainage shall be in place and functioning and all temporary erosion control measures shall be installed, functioning, and maintained.

101.12Calendar Day

Every day shown on the calendar beginning at 12:00 midnight.

101.13Chief Engineer

The Engineering Executive appointed by the State Transportation Board, or other authority as may be provided by law, and acting for the Department within the authority and scope of duties assigned.

101.14Commissioner

The Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

SECTION 101 — Definition and Terms

101.15Completion Date

The calendar date by which the Contract shall be completed when such date is shown in the Proposal in lieu of the stipulation of a number of available days or calendar days.

101.16Contract

The written agreement between the Department and the Contractor setting forth the obligations of the parties thereunder, including, but not limited to, the performance of the Work, the furnishing of labor and materials, and the basis of payment. The Contract includes the Advertisement, Proposal, Contract Form and Contract Bond, Specifications, Supplemental Specifications, Special Provisions, general and detailed Plans, Notice to Proceed, and also any Supplemental Agreements that are required to complete the construction of the Work in an acceptable manner, including authorized extensions thereof, all of which constitute one instrument. No oral agreement or orders are to be considered as valid or as a part of the Contract.

101.17Contract Bond (Performance and Payment Bond)

The approved form of security executed by the Contractor and his Surety or Sureties, which guarantees complete execution of the Contract and all Supplemental Agreements pertaining thereto, and the payment of all legal debts pertaining to the construction of the Project.

101.18Contract Item (Pay Item)

A specifically described unit of work for which a price is provided in the contract.

101.19Contract Time

The number of available days or calendar days allowed for the completion of the Contract, including authorized time extensions. If a Completion Date is shown in the Proposal, the Contract Time then shall be the period between the issuance of the Notice to Proceed and the calendar date shown in the Proposal as the completion date.

101.20Contractor

The individual, firm, corporation or combination thereof or governmental organization contracting with the Department for performance of prescribed work.

101.21Culvert

Any structure under the roadway with a clear opening of 20 ft. (6m) or less measured along the center of the roadway.

101.22Department

The Department of Transportation, State of Georgia.

101.23Easement

A right, other than the acquisition of title, acquired to use or control property for a designated purpose.

SECTION 101 — Definition and Terms

101.24Engineer

The Chief Engineer of Georgia, acting directly or through a duly authorized representative.

101.25Equipment

All machinery, apparatus, and tools necessary for the proper construction and acceptable completion of the work, plus the necessary repair parts, tools, and supplies for upkeep and maintenance.

101.26Extension Agreement

A written agreement entered into by and between the Department and the Contractor extending The Work beyond its original boundaries and prescribing additional work to be done including the basis of payment and time allowed for completion.

101.27Extra Work

An item of work not provided for in the Contract as awarded but found essential to the satisfactory completion of the Contract within its intended scope.

101.28Force Account

A method of payment for Extra Work when a Supplemental Agreement is not arrived at between the Engineer and the Contractor.

101.29General Terms

Whenever the following words or similar terms appear herein, they shall be understood to imply “by or to the Engineer,” unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning: “acceptable,” “approved,” “authorized,” “called for,” “considered necessary,” “contemplated,” “deemed,” “designated,” “directed,” “established,” “given,” “indicated,” “ordered,” “permission,” “permitted,” “required,” “satisfactory,” “specified,” “sufficient,” “suitable,” “suspended,” “unacceptable,” “unsatisfactory,” “unsuitable.”

101.30Highway—Road—Street

Each of these words is a general term denoting a public way for the purpose of vehicular travel including the entire area within the Rights of Way.

101.31Holidays

In the State of Georgia, holidays occur on: Date Holiday January 1 New Year’s Day 3rd Monday in January King’s Birthday January 19 State Holiday 3rd Monday in February Washington’s birthday April 26 State Holiday Last Monday in May National Memorial Day

SECTION 101 — Definition and Terms

Date Holiday July 4 Independence Day 1st Monday in September Labor Day 2nd Monday in October Columbus Day November 11 Veterans’ Day 4th Thursday in November Thanksgiving Day December 25 Christmas Day I f any of these Holidays fall on Sunday, the following Monday is considered to be the Holiday; if any of the Holidays fall on Saturday, the preceding Friday is considered to be the Holiday.

101.32Inspector

The Engineer’s authorized representative assigned to make a detailed inspection of Contract performance of any or all portions of The Work or materials thereof.

101.33Invitation for Bids

See 101.03 Advertisement.

101.34Laboratory

The testing laboratories of the Department or any other testing laboratory that may be designated by the Engineer.

101.35Liquidated Damages

The fixed charges assessed against the successful Bidder or the Contractor for failure to execute the Contract or to complete the Contract within the Contract Time.

101.36Materials

Any substances specified for use in the construction of the work.

101.37Materials Allowance

Payment for materials on hand as defined in Subsection 109.07, not to be confused with Partial Payments for work completed.

101.38Median

The portion of a divided highway separating the traveled ways for traffic moving in opposite directions.

101.39Minor Structures

Any structure not defined as a bridge.

SECTION 101 — Definition and Terms

101.40Notice to Contractors

A written Notice soliciting Proposals, mailed to Contractors, suppliers and others in the Construction Industry, which will indicate with reasonable accuracy the quantity and location of the Work to be done or the character and quantity of the material to be furnished and the time and place of the opening of Proposals.

101.41Notice to Proceed

Written notice to the Contractor to proceed with the Contract Work.

101.42Pavement Structure

The combination of subbase, base course, and surface course placed on a subgrade to support the traffic load and

distribute it to the roadbed.

101.43Pay Item

See 101.18 Contract Item (Pay Item).

101.44Performance and Payment Bond

See 101.17 Contract Bond (Performance and Payment Bond).

101.45Plans

The approved plans, profiles, typical cross sections, working drawings and supplemental drawings or exact

reproductions thereof, which show the location, character, dimensions, and details of The Work.

101.46Prequalification

The procedure established and administered by the Department by virtue of which prospective Bidders are required to

establish their responsibility and competence in advance of submission of Proposals.

101.47Project

The specific section or sections of the transportation system together with all appurtenances and construction to be

performed thereon under the Contract.

101.48Proposal

The offer of a Bidder, on the prescribed form, to perform The Work and to furnish the labor and materials at the

prices quoted.

101.49Proposal Guaranty

Acceptable surety furnished by a bidder as a guaranty that he will enter into a contract and will furnish contract

performance and payment bonds if a contract is awarded to him.

101.50Right-of-Way

A general term denoting land, property, or interest therein, usually, but not required to be, in a strip, acquired for or

devoted to a highway and its appurtenant structures. 7777777777

SECTION 101 — Definition and Terms

101.51Roadbed

The graded portion of a highway within top and side slopes, prepared as a foundation for the pavement structure

and shoulder.

101.52Roadside Development

Those items necessary to the complete highway which provide for the preservation of landscape materials and

features; the rehabilitation and protection against erosion of all areas disturbed by construction through seeding,

sodding, mulching and the placing of other ground covers; such suitable planting and other improvements as may

increase the effectiveness and enhance the appearance of the highway.

101.53Roadway

The portion of a highway within the limits of construction.

101.54Salvaged Material

Material having value that is to be removed, preserved, or stockpiled as directed for later use by the Department.

Specific reference is made to Subsection 610.3.05.A.

101.55Shall or Will, Should, May

As used in these Specifications, the following definitions apply:

SHALL or WILL—A mandatory condition. When certain requirements are described with the “shall” or “will” stipulation,

it is mandatory that the requirements be met.

SHOULD—An advisory condition. Considered to be recommended but not mandatory.

MAY—A permissive condition. No requirement is intended.

101.56Shoulder

The portion of the roadway contiguous with the traveled way for accommodations of stopped vehicles, for emergency

use, and for lateral support of base and surface courses.

101.57Sidewalk

That portion of the roadway primarily constructed for the use of pedestrians.

101.58Skew or Skew Angle

The acute angle between the centerline of the roadway and a line parallel to a pier, bent, or abutment of a bridge or

parallel to the centerline of a culvert. 8888888888

SECTION 101 — Definition and Terms

101.59Special Provisions

A.Special Provision

Additions or revisions to the Standard or Supplemental Specifications, applicable to all projects.

B.Project Specific Special Provision

Additions or revisions to the Standard Specifications, Supplemental Specifications, or Special Provisions,

applicable to a specific Project. A Project Specific Special Provision will be identified by the PI Number and

County in the title block. This includes Special Provision 150.

101.60Specifications

A general term applied to all directions, provisions and requirements pertaining to performance of the work.

101.61Standard Specifications

A publication titled:

“DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, STATE OF GEORGIA STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS, CONSTRUCTION OF

TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS.”

Transportation systems are defined as all modes of transportation, including but not limited to, highways, airports,

rail and ports.

101.62State Highway Engineer

See 101.13 Chief Engineer of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

101.63State

The State of Georgia.

101.64Station

When used as a term of measurement will be 100 linear ft. (1 km) measured horizontally.

101.65Structures

Bridges, culverts, catch basins, drop inlets, retaining walls, cribbing, manholes, end walls, buildings, sewers, service

pipes, underdrains, foundation drains, and other features that may be encountered in The Work and not otherwise

classified herein.

101.66Subbase

The layer or layers of specified or selected material of designed thickness placed on a subgrade to support a

base course.

101.67Subcontractor

Any individual, firm, corporation, or combination thereof to which the Contractor with the written consent of the

Department sublets any part of the Contract. 9999999999

SECTION 101 — Definition and Terms

101.68Subgrade

The top surface of a roadbed upon which the pavement structure and shoulders are constructed— generally the top

12 in. (300 mm) within cuts and fills.

101.69Subgrade Treatment

Modification of subgrade material by stabilization.

101.70Stabilization

Modification of soils or aggregates by incorporating materials which will increase load bearing capacity, firmness, and

resistance to weathering or displacement.

101.71Substructure

All of that part of the bridge structure below the bearings of simple and continuous spans, skewbacks of arches and

top of footings of rigid frames, including backwalls, wingwalls and wing protection railings.

101.72Superintendent

The Contractor’s authorized representative directly and solely responsible for the supervision and direction of

the work.

101.73Superstructure

The entire bridge structure except the substructure.

101.74Supplemental Agreement

A written agreement entered into by and between the Department and the Contractor covering modifications or

alterations to the original Contract, and establishing any necessary new Contract Items, any other basis of payment,

and any time adjustments for The Work affected by the changes. This Agreement becomes a part of the Contract

when properly executed and approved.

101.75Supplemental Specifications

Approved additions to or revisions of the Standard Specifications.

101.76Surety

The corporation, partnership or individual, other than the Contractor, executing a Bond furnished by the Contractor.

101.77The Work

The Work shall mean the furnishing of all labor, materials, equipment, superintendence and other incidentals necessary

or convenient to the successful completion of the Project and the carrying out of all the duties and obligations

imposed by the Contract.

101.78Titles (or Headings)

The titles or headings of the Sections and Subsections in these Specifications are intended for convenience of

reference and shall not be considered as having any bearing on the interpretation of the Specifications. 10101010101010101010

SECTION 101 — Definition and Terms

101.79Traveled Way

The portion of the roadway for the movement of vehicles, exclusive of shoulders and auxiliary lanes.

101.80Treasurer

The Treasurer of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

101.81Working Drawings

Any supplementary drawings or similar data which the Contractor is required to submit to the Engineer for approval

including but not limited to stress sheets, shop drawings, erection plans, falsework plans, framework plans, cofferdam

plans, and bending diagrams for steel.

101.82Related References

Listing of Specifications and documents contained in the Section are intended for convenience of reference and shall

not be considered as having any bearing on the interpretation of the Specifications..

Get an email when 101 changes

Georgia revises spec sections through supplementals and new editions. We check this one every week and email you the day it changes. Free, no account.

Source: Standard Specifications for Construction of Transportation Systems, 2021 Edition. Pages 11–21 of 2,050. View official source ↗

Ask about this section

Scoped to Georgia 2021 Standard Specifications, Section 101 — Definition and Terms. Every answer cites the section it came from, with a verification date — don’t trust a percentage, click the citation.