I'm hoping Joe (magooagain) might be able to help here!

Latest translation is a construction industry standard subcontractor contract.

The thrills are hard to bear in this game.

Part of the contract refers to 2nd fix subcontractors specifying where they want recesses/holes/channels, etc left, made or formed into first fix structures, and the trouble they will be in if they get them wrong.

The French term is "Réservation", but I'll be buggered if I can find a similar English term.

<Ben Stein> Anyone?... Anyone...?</Ben Stein>

Its taken me half an hour to remember what i think it might be Jim. Preamble. But i cant be sure. I will have a fish about mate.

Non conformance. .????

Thanks fellas.
If it helps, I think it specifically refers to the holes/recesses/channels, etc that are formed into concrete castings and slabs. Is there a generic name for them?

Anything on here

http://www.dictionaryofconstruction.com/terms-by-letter.php?letter=A

In situ?

Conduite? Ducting? Trunking?

Jim, I refer to them chase's, ducts and conduits when writing specs for fit out works, not sure that helps though.

performance specification
Definition
A description of the desired results or performance of a product, material, assembly, or piece of equipment with criteria for verifying compliance.

I think it's a case of French having a single term for all the "hollow" bits you can form into concrete, whereas we use different ones for each.
Thanks for your help!

Isn't this just part of the formwork design?

Maybe "formwork design" is what I'm looking for...?

No I dont think thats quite right. I would say formwork is what is used to define the structure as a a whole. So would be say be controlling the concrete in an r/c wall. You would typically install your ducting for services throught the formwork before hand which is why its important to locate them correctly, get it wrong and your into corring holes to reinstall new ducts.

Atleast that my experience but most of my stuff is underground so above ground works may vary.

<Ben Stein> Bueller?... Bueller?...Bueller...?</Ben Stein>

No, I think you are quite right; I just don't know the generic term!

I can only guess without knowing the true context, but it maybe that it's not a building term specifically. The term reservation in the context of one trade being dependent on another may translate more like " to make an appropriate allowance".

Reservation in this case being similar to 2nd fix reserving a route or channel for the cabling, pipe work, ducting etc. or 1st fix making correct allowance for it in terms of position and dimensions.

It would pre-formed allowance aimed at specific trades/requirements. Possibly maybe?

Maybe I'm getting the wrong end of the stick. Jim when you say "and the trouble they will be in if they get them wrong." who is the "they"? is it the 2nd fix sub-con or the preceding trade?

Both?

specification

Definition

A detailed and exact statement of particulars, especially a statement prescribing materials, dimensions, and workmanship for something to be built or installed.

Can't you use the word recess. Because that's what they are essentially. Not sure if its used in the building trade.

It's a tricky translation, as it's been machine-processed, meaning I just see small sections in a .rtf document.

Basically, this section covers 2nd fix subcontractors providing advance notice in the form of plans and calculations, of the recesses/ducts/shafts/whatever that they want the first fix main contractor (or other subcontractor) to create in the structures that they are responsible for. This is to determine a) who is responsible for filling/sealing the various holes, etc afterwards and b) that if the subcontractor gives the wrong information on the plans, then rectification will be at his expense, not the main contractor's.

The other terms used along with "réservations" are: scellement (sealing) and raccords (connections).

I hope this makes it a bit clearer...?!

Jim
Then in that context I tend to think that "reservation" may be being used to mean something like "allowance". That is, where the 2nd fix contractor is "reserving" in advance the location / position / dimensions for whatever they will subsequently come along and install (e.g. pipework, ductwork, cabling etc.).

If the 2nd fix con specifies this information (that the 1st fix will rely on) incorrectly then they (2nd fix) will bear the liability. If the 1st fix con doesn't follow the spec correctly then they (1st fix) will be liable.

I think Joe's definition is probably the closest so far: "pre-formed allowance" aimed at specific trades/requirements.

I'm only guessing, but similar to booking a hotel room, "reservation" in this case is maybe equivalent to the 2nd fix trade reserving the exact position (in terms of position and dimensions etc.) where they'll subsequently install their kit (whatever that may be).

Thanks for your help Chris (and indeed everyone!)

I think you've definitely got the meaning of the use of réservation; it just seems as though we don't have a specific word in English (which often happens).

I'm happy with pre-formed allowances. I'll use it and see if it flies. I'll soon find out if the client doesn't like it!

Bit late to be helpful, but I'd call the recesses / holes you describe box outs.

Thanks, Mansilla and everyone. Job sent back, so if it's not right I'll have to look again!

Well here I am Jim, contrary to recent accusations

Anyway, if they send it back, I would just go with "trous" and be done with it,