Which term describes mandatory actions, procedures, or prohibitive practices?

The term that best describes mandatory actions, procedures, or prohibitive practices is "shall." In construction and engineering contexts, "shall" indicates a requirement that is not optional—meaning compliance is necessary and expected. This term is used in specifications and regulations to convey that certain actions must be taken or certain practices must be followed without exception.

In contrast, terms like "should," "will," and "must" offer varying degrees of obligation. "Should" implies a recommendation rather than a strict requirement, leaving room for alternative solutions. "Will" is often used to indicate future actions but does not inherently convey obligation. "Must" is also seen as a strong directive, but "shall" is the traditional term used in legal and technical contexts to denote enforced compliance, making it the most precise choice for indicating mandatory behavior.

Thus, "shall" is the correct term for describing actions that are compulsory or that establish non-negotiable standards.