ISO 6707-2:2017

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 6707-2
Third edition
2017-11
Buildings and civil engineering
works — Vocabulary —
Part 2:
Contract and communication terms
Bâtiments et ouvrages de génie civil — Vocabulaire —
Partie 2: Termes relatifs aux marchés
Reference number
ISO 6707-2:2017(E)
©
ISO 2017

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ISO 6707-2:2017(E)

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ISO 6707-2:2017(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
Annex A (informative) Alphabetical index of US synonyms .24
Bibliography .27
Alphabetical index of terms .28
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ISO 6707-2:2017(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following
URL: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 59, Buildings and civil engineering works,
Subcommittee SC 2, Terminology and harmonization of languages.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 6707-2:2014), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— the document has been substantially restructured;
— specific subclauses for information and data, communication and collaborative working, and
measurement related to contracts have been introduced;
— all definitions have been reviewed and revised where appropriate;
— the entries have been renumbered so that all definitions are contained within Clause 3;
— the indicator of national terms, e.g. US, has been moved from before to after the term;
— entries relevant to this document, which were previously in ISO 6707-1, have been relocated into
this document.
A list of all parts in the ISO 6707 series can be found on the ISO website
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ISO 6707-2:2017(E)

Introduction
With the growth in the number of international construction projects and the development of the
international market for construction products, there is an increasing need for agreement on a common
language in relation to communications and contracts. This document defines terms relating to
buildings and civil engineering works in two specific areas:
— communication systems, methods and documentation;
— contracts.
It includes
— fundamental concepts, which may be the starting point for other, more specific, definitions,
— more specific concepts, used in several areas of communications and contracts such as project
information, financial information, and
— concepts from related concept fields used additionally in building and civil engineering and
designated by borrowed terms.
It replaces ISO 6707-2:2014 which dealt only with contract terms. It will make the communication of all
types of information and data between contractors and clients and their design teams easier, as well as
the drafting and interpretation of contracts.
The change in scope will make the document more useful to organizations of all sizes and be a
complement to the terminology that is evolving for Building Information Modelling (BIM).
Terms relating to life cycle are contained in ISO 6707-3. Only “life-cycle cost” is included in this
document.
Preferred and admitted terms
International preferred terms are listed in boldface type. Where a preferred term is specific to
a particular English-speaking country, e.g. the United States of America, etc., it is given below the
international preferred term and is annotated with the respective country code. Where no preferred
terms are listed indicating usage in a specific geographical location, this signifies that the international
preferred term is the accepted term in English-speaking countries. A term beneath the preferred term(s)
not given in boldface type is an admitted (non-preferred) synonym. A country code is assigned to an
admitted term if it is specific to an English-speaking country. US synonyms and alternative spellings
are listed in Annex A so they may be readily compared with international preferred terms.
Where a given preferred term designates more than one concept, each concept has been treated in
a separate entry and a note to entry included to indicate that a homograph exists and to provide a
reference to the other term entry.
To facilitate the locating of any term given in the document, irrespective of preference or country of
origin, the alphabetical index lists all preferred and admitted terms.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 6707-2:2017(E)
Buildings and civil engineering works — Vocabulary —
Part 2:
Contract and communication terms
1 Scope
This document defines terms applicable to contracts and communication in relation to buildings and
civil engineering works.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 6707-1, Buildings and civil engineering works — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions in ISO 6707-1 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
NOTE Where terms in definitions are defined in this document, the relevant terms are in italics, and the
term number is given after the relevant term. Where terms in definitions are defined in ISO 6707-1, the terms are
also in italics but no term number is given.
3.1 Base terms relating to contracts and communication
3.1.1
contract
legally enforceable agreement to supply goods, carry out construction work and/or provide services
3.1.2
organization
person or group of people that has its own function with responsibilities, authorities and relationships
to achieve its objectives (3.2.38)
[SOURCE: ISO 55000:2014, 3.1.13]
3.2 Terms relating to information and data
3.2.1
information unit
single piece of information
EXAMPLE Window identifier (3.2.43), room depth.
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3.2.2
general information
reference information, US
information prepared for a wider audience than that involved in a particular project
3.2.3
project information
information produced for, or utilized in, a particular project
3.2.4
management information
information utilized by management or produced to serve a management function
3.2.5
document
container for persistent information that can be managed and interchanged as a unit
[SOURCE: BS 1192:2007+A2:2016, 3.4]
3.2.6
record
document (3.2.5) stating results achieved or providing evidence of activities performed
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:2015, 3.8.10, modified — the Notes to entry were omitted.]
3.2.7
elevation
view on a vertical plane
[SOURCE: ISO 10209:2012, 3.17]
3.2.8
plan
view, section (3.2.9) or cut, in a horizontal plane, seen from above
[SOURCE: ISO 10209:2012, 3.47]
3.2.9
section
representation showing only the outlines of an object lying in one or more cutting planes
[SOURCE: ISO 10209:2012, 3.61]
3.2.10
two-dimensional
drawing (3.2.27) having or seeming to have two dimensions (3.6.6), such as width and height and no depth
Note 1 to entry: In modelling (3.2.41), a two-dimensional drawing (3.2.27) is always considered as a static
document (3.2.5) as it is a drawn rendition or snapshot of the design's model (3.2.34) files.
3.2.11
three-dimensional
drawing (3.2.27) having or seeming to have length, width and depth
Note 1 to entry: Three-dimensional models (3.2.34) are always considered to be dynamic as they are made up of
model files that are x-ref or reference files.
3.2.12
datum
reference point for a series of measurements
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3.2.13
reference grid
framework of lines to which information can be related
3.2.14
network
description in mathematical or diagrammatic form of a system on interconnected parts
3.2.15
node
element of a network (3.2.14) that represents a junction or a network
3.2.16
link
element of a network (3.2.14) between two nodes (3.2.15)
3.2.17
computer graphics
methods for converting data to or from graphic displays by a computer
3.2.18
brief
program, US
document (3.2.5) that states the requirements for a project
3.2.19
plan of work
staging plan, US
project plan, US
document (3.2.5) that details principal stages (3.3.4) in the design, construction work and maintenance
of a project and identifies the main tasks (3.2.55) and people
3.2.20
programme
progress schedule, US
statement of sequence and timing of starting and completing construction work or parts of it
3.2.21
tender
bid, US
written offer to carry out at a stated price (3.7.5) or rate an order for the supply of goods or services or
the carrying out of construction work under given conditions
3.2.22
specification
technical specification
document (3.2.5) that sets out detailed requirements to be satisfied by a product, material, process or
system and the procedures (3.2.50) for checking conformity to these requirements; or that sets out the
properties of a product
3.2.23
project specification
specifications, US
specification (3.2.22) for a specific project that prescribes the construction work and the materials
to be used
3.2.24
general specification
assembly of standard specifications (3.2.22) for buildings and civil engineering works, setting out the
technical performance and characteristics required for the generality of projects
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3.2.25
particular specification
assembly of standard specifications (3.2.22) for a specific class of buildings and civil engineering works
setting out performance and characteristics required, and intended as a complement to a general
specification (3.2.24)
3.2.26
schedule
document (3.2.5) in the form of a table, or that gives details of items or tasks (3.2.55) to be performed
3.2.27
drawing
technical information given on an information carrier, graphically presented in accordance with agreed
rules and usually to scale
3.2.28
diagram
drawing (3.2.27) showing the functions of the objects (3.2.40) composing a system and their
interrelations using graphical symbols
[SOURCE: ISO 10209:2012, 11.52.1, modified — the scope of application was deleted.]
3.2.29
production drawing
shop drawing, US
drawing (3.2.27) for construction works or the manufacture of components completely sized and bearing
all the annotation required
3.2.30
as-built drawing
drawing (3.2.27) that records the details of a construction works following its completion (3.5.23)
3.2.31
construction enterprise qualification certificate
certificate issued by a qualification body to a qualified construction enterprise (3.8.4)
3.2.32
maintenance manual
document (3.2.5) that contains advice on care and servicing requirements of construction works
3.2.33
operational manual
procedure manual, US
document (3.2.5) that gives advice on the use of equipment and on operating a facility
3.2.34
model
representation of a system that allows for investigation of the properties of the system
[SOURCE: ISO 29481-1:2016, 3.15]
3.2.35
information model
formal model (3.2.34) of a set of facts, concepts or instructions (3.5.20) to meet a specific requirement
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 12911:2012, 3.5]
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3.2.36
design process
process determining properties for an intended construction works before it is made physical
[SOURCE: ISO 12006-2:2015, 3.3.5, modified — “the built environment” was replaced by “an intended
construction works”]
3.2.37
pre-design process
design process (3.2.36) determining properties for the design process
3.2.38
objective
result to be achieved
Note 1 to entry: An objective can be strategic, tactical, or operational.
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:2015, 3.7.1, modified — Notes 2 to 5 were omitted.]
3.2.39
execution
act or process of carrying out construction work
3.2.40
object
part of the perceivable or conceivable world
[SOURCE: ISO 29481-1:2016, 3.17, modified — the scope of application was added and Note 1 to entry
was omitted.]
3.2.41
modelling
use of shared digital representation to facilitate design, construction and operation processes to form a
reliable basis for decisions
3.2.42
mathematical modelling
technique using purely mathematical means for predicting behaviour under the influence of several
variables
Note 1 to entry: Examples of behaviour that can be predicted include that of a structure or a scheme.
3.2.43
identifier
UID
unique and unambiguous expression in a written format either by a code, by numbers or by a
combination of both to distinguish variations from one to another among a class of substances, items or
objects (3.2.40)
[SOURCE: ISO 26683-1:2013, 3.21]
3.2.44
article number
manufacturer's reference number or other identifier (3.2.43) for a product or for the constituents of
a product
3.2.45
global trade item number
GTIN
identifier (3.2.43) for trade items used to look up product information in a database
[SOURCE: ISO 16757-1:2015, 2.13]
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3.2.46
globally unique identifier
GUID
identifier (3.2.43) given to a product that guarantees its uniqueness throughout its entire life
Note 1 to entry: Once the designed product is realized as an asset, then this can be complemented with an asset
tag, bar-code or other identifier.
[SOURCE: ISO 15686-4:2014, 3.1]
3.2.47
product catalogue
compilation of information about products
Note 1 to entry: A product catalogue can be related by its article numbers (3.2.44) to price (3.7.5) lists.
[SOURCE: ISO 16757-1:2015, 2.15]
3.2.48
information delivery manual
IDM
documentation which captures the business process and gives detailed specifications (3.2.22) of the
information that a user fulfilling a particular role (3.2.57) would need to provide at a particular point
within a project
[SOURCE: ISO 29481-2:2012, 3.1]
3.2.49
knowledge library
collection of information models (3.2.35) that express knowledge about kinds of things (concepts) and
that are stored and retrieved as electronic information
Note 1 to entry: A knowledge library may include definition models (3.2.34) and requirements models.
[SOURCE: ISO 16354:2013, 3.1.1, modified — Note 1 to entry was deleted; the reference to definition
models and requirements models was transferred from the definition to the new Note 1 to entry.]
3.2.50
procedure
specified way to carry out an activity or a process
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:2015, 3.4.5, modified — Note 1 to entry was omitted.]
3.2.51
interaction schema
formal description of the rules with which sent and received messages must comply
[SOURCE: ISO 29481-2:2012, 3.4]
3.2.52
exchange requirement
ER
defined set of information units (3.2.1) that needs to be exchanged to support a particular business
requirement at a particular process phase (3.3.5) (or phases)/stage (3.3.4) (or stages)
[SOURCE: ISO 29481-1:2016, 3.9]
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3.2.53
transaction
cooperative interaction between two entities, involving the exchange of information or the processing
of some request by one entity on behalf of the other
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 14776-413:2007, 3.1.132]
3.2.54
traceability
ability to trace the history, application or location of that which is under consideration
[SOURCE: ISO 10795:2011, 1.225, modified — the Notes to entry were omitted.]
3.2.55
task
activities required to achieve a goal
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-11:1998, 3.9, modified — the Notes to entry were deleted.]
3.2.56
review
activity undertaken to determine the suitability, adequacy or effectiveness of the subject matter to
achieve established objectives (3.2.38)
[SOURCE: ISO Guide 73:2009, 3.8.2.2 modified — “and” was changed to “or”, and Note 1 to entry was
omitted.]
3.2.57
role
set of competencies and/or performances that is associated with a task (3.2.55)
[SOURCE: ISO 22600-1:2014, 3.19]
3.3 Terms relating to communication and collaborative working
3.3.1
computer aided design
CAD
use of a computer for design and drafting
3.3.2
possession of site
contractor's (3.8.6) occupation of a site in order to carry out construction works
3.3.3
commissioning service
post-occupancy, US
service to advance a construction works or installation from the stage (3.3.4) of static completion (3.5.23)
to full working order
3.3.4
stage
phase, US
distinct period in a project used as a management tool
Note 1 to entry: The situations in which some stages (3.3.4) are designated as phases (3.3.5) is not consistent in
English speaking countries and between countries [see more specific terms, e.g. design development stage, US
(3.3.10), and design development phase, US (3.3.8)].
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3.3.5
phase
stage, US
portion of work that arises from splitting up a project in accordance with a definite programme (3.2.20)
or agreement
Note 1 to entry: The situations in which some phases (3.3.5) are designated as stages (3.3.4) is not consistent in
English speaking countries and between countries [see more specific terms, e.g. design development stage, US
(3.3.10) and design development phase, US (3.3.8)].
3.3.6
completed phase
phase (3.3.5) that the parties agree has been completed
3.3.7
conditional phase
extra work, US
supplementary phase (3.3.5) carried out only if the client (3.8.2) so approves
3.3.8
pre-contract stage
design development phase, US
stage (3.3.4) covering events up to the point when a contract (3.1.1) is placed
3.3.9
sketch plan stage
schematic design phase, US
conceptual stage, US
stage (3.3.4) at which alternative outline proposals are evaluated and a preferred solution produced
sufficiently to obtain client (3.8.2), user and statutory approval, and then developed into a design
solution fully integrated with constructional, structural and service requirements
Note 1 to entry: In the UK, it is usual to divide this stage into two: outline design stage, and final sketch or scheme
design stage.
3.3.10
detail design stage
design development stage, US
stage (3.3.4) at which the architect (3.8.24) or engineer (3.8.25) moves from approved scheme designs
to the detailed documents (3.2.5).
3.3.11
temporary works
works undertaken during construction work or works to stabilize or protect an existing building
or structure, neither works of which are intended or required to form part of the completed
construction works
3.3.12
assigned provisions
products, materials and plant brought onto the site or identified at a place of manufacture or storage off
the site for a specific project
3.3.13
setting out
layout, US
laying out, US
establishment of marks and lines to define the position and level of the elements for the construction
work so that work can proceed with reference to them
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3.3.14
land survey
process of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional (3.2.11) position of points and the distances
and angles between them
3.3.15
building survey
report on the condition of a building, usually prior to purchase
3.3.16
feasibility study
evaluation of a proposed project, the practicability of its achievement and the design, financial,
economic, social and environmental implications
3.4 Terms relating to types and parts of contracts
3.4.1
design and construct contract
design/build, CA US
package deal, US
contract (3.1.1) based on a brief (3.2.18) provided by the client (3.8.2), under which the contractor
(3.8.6) designs and carries out the construction work
3.4.2
develop and construct contract
fast track contract, US
contract (3.1.1) based on a sketch design prepared by the client (3.8.2) under which a contractor (3.8.6)
produces production drawings (3.2.27) and constructs
3.4.3
negotiated contract
contract (3.1.1) based on financial and other terms that have been discussed and agreed between a
client (3.8.2) and a contractor (3.8.6)
3.4.4
management contract
management fee contract, US
contract (3.1.1) under which a contractor (3.8.6) provides consultation during and after the design
stage (3.3.4) and is responsible for planning and managing all post-contract activities on site and for the
performance of the whole contract
3.4.5
professional service contract
contract (3.1.1) for professional services, typically those related to design and consultancy services
3.4.6
labour-only contract
labor only contract, US
contract (3.1.1) for the supply of labour (3.8.23)
3.4.7
public works contract
contract (3.1.1) between a public body and a contractor (3.8.6) to carry out construction work
3.4.8
serial contract
contract (3.1.1) that is one of a series planned to be completed over a stipulated period
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3.4.9
initial phase contract
contract (3.1.1) for the carrying out of the first phase (3.3.5) of a project in which, if further phases
proceed, the same contractor (3.8.6) will be required to carry them out
3.4.10
cost reimbursement contract
contract (3.1.1) based on cost (3.7.1) expended
3.4.11
cost plus contract
cost reimbursement contract (3.4.10) under which the contractor (3.8.6) is paid for their actual
expenditure plus a percentage or other sum as previously agreed
3.4.12
target cost contract
estimated cost contract, US
percentage contract, US
cost reimbursement contract (3.4.10) under which a preliminary target cost (3.7.1) is estimated and, on
completion (3.5.23) of the work, the difference between the target cost and the actual cost is apportioned
between client (3.8.2) and contractor (3.8.6) on an agreed basis
3.4.13
firm price contract
GMP contract, US
contract (3.1.1) under which the price (3.7.5) cannot be amended despite changes in economic conditions
3.4.14
variation of price contract
escalation contract, US
contract (3.1.1) under which the price (3.7.5) is amended to reflect changes in economic conditions
3.4.15
formula variation of price contract
unit cost contract, US
variation of price contract (3.4.14) in which the price (3.7.5) is amended by the application of a previously
agreed formula
3.4.16
fixed price contract
lump sum contract, US
contract (3.1.1) under which the contract sum (3.5.31) is given in a tender (3.2.21) or is based on a
schedule of rates (3.4.23)
Note 1 to entry: The final sum (3.5.39) may be amended due to changes in economic conditions.
Note 2 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “lump sum contract”. See 3.4.17.
3.4.17
lump sum contract
fixed price contract (3.4.16) based on a single tendered amount
Note 1 to entry: In the US, there is a homograph for the term “lump sum contract”. See 3.4.16.
3.4.18
term contract
contract (3.1.1) that enables the client (3.8.2) to order work during a prescribed period at agreed rates
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3.4.19
measured term contract
term contract (3.4.18) based on a schedule of rates (3.4.23), where the construction work is measured
subsequently
3.4.20
measurement contract
payment contract, US
contract (3.1.1) in which the contract sum (3.5.31) is ascertained on completion (3.5.23) by measuring
the construction work done and valuing it on the basis of an agreed schedule of rates (3.4.23)
3.4.21
sub-contract
subordinate contract (3.1.1) under which construction work is carried out by someone other than a
party to the main contract
3.4.22
contract document
document (3.2.5) that forms part of a contract (3.1.1)
3.4.23
schedule of rates
contractual basis for valuing construction work, consisting of a series of descriptive items detailing
construction work to be done by a contractor (3.8.6), and against each of which a money value is entered
by them or consisting of an officially recognized list of descriptive items detailing construction work
and the price (3.7.5) for each
3.4.24
condition of contract
requirement, US
one of the detailed provisions incorporated in a contract (3.1.1) laying down the rights and duties of
the parties or the functions of the people connected with the contract or the procedures (3.2.50) for
administering the contract
3.4.25
conditions of contract
document (3.2.5) that contains the detailed provisions incorporated in a contract (3.1.1), laying down
the rights and duties of the parties, the functions of the people connected with the contract and the
procedures (3.2.50) for administering the contract
3.4.26
abstract of particulars
general conditions, US
supplemental general conditions, US
supplement to the conditions of contract (3.4.25) that provides information on people involved, the
period of construction work and maintenance period (3.5.30)
3.4.27
articles of agreement
client-contractor agreement, US
preliminary section of a contract (3.1.1), setting out the basic elements on which the parties have agreed
Note 1 to entry: Examples of basic elements are the names of parties, location, scope, sums payable, etc.
3.4.28
bonus clause
provision in a con
...