FieldNews
Subscribe

Daily oil & gas and construction news for subcontractors

IndustryGlossary Term

Tied-Arch

A bridge or structural design where a curved arch is connected to a horizontal tension member, preventing the arch from spreading. Subcontractors may encounter tied-arch structures on pipeline crossings, access bridges, or heavy industrial sites. Rigging, lifting, and load planning must account for the unique stress distribution in these structures.

Related Terms

Fractionation

Industry

The process of separating raw natural gas into sellable components like propane, butane, and ethane at a processing facility. Subcontractors often support fractionation plants through instrumentation, maintenance, and turnaround work. Understanding the process helps crews align their scope with plant operating priorities.

Third-Party Contracting

Industry

An arrangement where a primary contractor hires an outside company to perform specialised work on a project. For subcontractors, this defines your position in the contracting chain and affects payment terms, liability, and site access. Knowing your tier level helps clarify who you invoice and who manages your compliance requirements.

Wet Utilities

Industry

Underground systems that carry water, sewage, or other liquids, including water mains, storm drains, and sewer lines. Subcontractors must locate and mark these lines before any excavation to avoid costly damage or work stoppages. Wet utility work often requires specialised crews and municipal permits.

Membrane Separation

Industry

A filtration process that uses semi-permeable membranes to separate gases or liquids by molecular size or pressure. Common in natural gas processing and produced water treatment on field sites. Subcontractors may install, inspect, or maintain membrane units as part of facility service scopes.

PMC (Project Management Contractor)

Industry

A PMC is the company hired by an owner to oversee and manage an entire project on their behalf. As a subcontractor, the PMC is typically your primary point of contact for approvals, invoicing, and scope direction. They control schedule and budget, so understanding their reporting requirements is essential for getting paid on time.

Modular Camp

Industry

A prefabricated, relocatable accommodation facility used to house workers on remote oil & gas or construction sites. Units are shipped and assembled on-site, then dismantled when the project ends. Subcontractors may bill camp costs separately or include them in their overall project pricing.

Stay sharp on field operations

Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe to FieldNews
A community project byAimsio