Hi, my name is Magalie and I study at CEGEP of Sherbrooke since 2024. I study in Sciences and I will graduate in May 2026. Next year, I will go in building engineering at Sherbrooke's university. To help me communicate in English for my next job, I made a glossary of 20 terms that will help anybody who is interested in buildings, particularly engineering. Each word will have a definition, and for the majority of them, the source came from google. In addition, each word will have an example, an audio file, a translation and the part of speech.
buckling
noun
To bend something or become bent, often as a result of force, heat, or weakness.
Example: The bridge started buckling under pressure during the storm.
en: déformation
building codes
noun
A set of ordinances or regulations and associated standards intended to regulate aspects of the design, construction, materials, alteration and occupancy of structures which are necessary to ensure human safety and welfare, including resistance to collapse and damage.
Example: The opening was delayed by almost seven years due to violations in the building code.
en: code du bâtiment
carbon footprint
noun
A measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc.
Example: Using public transport significantly lowers your personal carbon footprint.
en: empreinte carbone
energy efficiency
noun
The practice of using less energy to provide the same service or output, minimizing waste by doing more with less.
Example: The new, more energy-efficient refrigerator uses 30% less electricity than the old model.
en: efficacité énergétique
footings
noun
The lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level.
Example: Build the arch resting on top of this solid foundation.
en: fondation
framework
noun
An essential supporting structure of a building, vehicle, or object.
Example: The building is supported by a steel framework.
en: charpente
galvanized
verb
Coated with a protective layer of zinc.
Example: The crew used galvanized nails to build the fence.
en: galvanisé
insulation
noun
The act of covering something to stop heat, sound, or electricity from escaping or entering.
Example: Better insulation reduces heating costs.
en: isolation
live load
noun
The weight of people or goods in a building or vehicle.
Example: The bridge design must account for a maximum live load of heavy truck traffic during rush hour.
en: charge d'exploitation
load calculation
noun
A load calculation determines the required capacity of a system (HVAC or electrical) by analyzing demand factors like building size, insulation, and equipment.
Example: Before installing the beams, a load calculation was required for safety.
en: calcul de charge
load-bearing wall
noun
A critical structural element that supports the vertical weight of the building—such as floors, roof, and upper walls—and transfers these loads down to the foundation.
Example: We can't knock through there because that's a load-bearing wall.
en: mur porteur
masonry
noun
The bricks and pieces of stone that are used to make a building.
Example: The old building's facade consists of red brick masonry.
en: maçonnerie
plan
noun
Drawing from which something is made or built.
Example: The architect showed us the house plans that she had drawn up.
en: plan
rebar
noun
A steel reinforcing rod in concrete.
Example: The workers placed steel rebar in the foundation to reinforce the concrete.
en: barres d'armature
schedule
noun
A list of planned activities or things to be done showing the times or dates when they are intended to happen or be done.
Example: We are currently behind schedule due to unexpected technical delays, but the team is working to recover.
en: échéancier
sheathing
noun
A protective layer designed to shield the underlying structure against external elements, such as weather conditions and physical damage.
Example: Workers installed plywood sheathing on the roof.
en: revêtement intermédiaire
specifications
noun
An act of describing or identifying something precisely or of stating a precise requirement.
Example: All products are made exactly to the customer's specifications.
en: cahier des charges
surveying
noun
Examine and record the area and features of (an area of land) so as to construct a map, plan, or description.
Example: The engineers are surveying the site for the new bridge.
en: arpentage
torsion
noun
The action of twisting or the state of being twisted, especially of one end of an object relative to the other.
Example: The drive shaft is designed to withstand high levels of torsion during acceleration.
en: torsion
waterproofing
noun
To put a special substance on the surface of something that will prevent water from going through it.
Example: The contractor applied a membrane to the foundation to ensure proper waterproofing of the basement.
