This is my first glossary of my second English course. My name is Alpha, It has been 3 years I am in this program. This glossary will help people to communicate and know all the tools in civil engineering.
Blueprint
noun
a design plan or other technical drawing
Example: Clearly there was no single BLUEPRINT for the construction of these structures and, even among the well-preserved broch towers, no two are exactly alike.
fr: Plan
Building permit
noun
A building permit is an official, mandatory document issued by local government authorities (municipalities) that authorizes the construction, renovation, demolition, or structural alteration of a building.
Example: An authentic building permit is an official, government-issued document authorizing construction, renovation, or demolition. It typically contains a permit number, property address, owner info, project description (e.g., "build 12x10 deck"), inspector signature, and zoning compliance, ensuring structural safety and compliance with local building codes.
fr: Permis de construire
Drainage system
noun
A drainage system is a natural or engineered network of channels, pipes, and structures designed to collect, convey, and remove excess surface water or groundwater from an area.
Example: A DRAINAGE SYSTEM could be implemented to reduce the water that is allowed to build up in the cracks which decreases strength.
fr: Système de drainage
Excavation
noun
The action of excavating something, especially an archaeological site.
Example: This will include EXCAVATION at various sites, field work, and scientific methods such as the investigation into climatic change.
fr: Excavation
Foundation
noun
The lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level.
Example: In many cases the strength of soil, which determines the FOUNDATION size and type is an unknown until the construction starts on site. The soil excavation can create serious problems as the trial pits may not always determine all the issues related to FOUNDATION design.
fr: Fondation
Grading
noun
Arrange in or allocate to grades; class or sort.
Example: The registration system is a good monitor to ensure the traceability of the products and to maintain the quality, although there have been some cases where conflict over the identification of planting materials harvested from the boundary area of the provenances or the zones has led to the biased GRADING of seeds in the market.
fr: Nivellement
Load-bearing wall
noun
A load-bearing wall is a vital structural element that supports the weight of the roof, floors, and ceiling above it, transferring that load down to the foundation.
Example: Removing or altering these walls without proper reinforcement can lead to structural failure or collapse.
fr: Mur porteur
Manhole
noun
A small covered opening in a floor, pavement, or other surface to allow a person to enter, especially an opening in a city street leading to a sewer.
fr: Regard
measuring tape
noun
A tape measure or measuring tape is a long, flexible ruler used to measure length or distance.
fr: Ruban à mésurer
Pavement
noun
The hard surface of a road or street.
Example: These handcrafted, durable, and aesthetic surfaces reflect centuries of urban culture, particularly in Portuguese-speaking regions
fr: Chaussée
Reinforced concrete
noun
Concrete in which wire mesh or steel bars are embedded to increase its tensile strength.
Example: Fortunately, the production process could be carried out worldwide to improve the efficiency during manufacturing process as standard modules of 36m x 36m x 5m vaulted steel frames (roof), 9m x 9m REINFORCED CONCRETE frames, with standard 1m-grid waffle floor were employed in most part of the PTB.
fr: Béton armé
Retaining wall
noun
A retaining wall is a sturdy structure engineered to hold back soil, rock, or water, preventing erosion and enabling the creation of level, usable areas on steep or sloped terrain
Example: An authentic, common, and structurally sound example of a residential retaining wall is a 3-to-4-foot gravity wall built from interlocking concrete blocks or natural stone. These walls rely on their own weight and backward-leaning, battered construction to resist soil pressure, requiring no additional reinforcement
fr: Mur de soutènement
Sewer line
noun
The main underground pipe responsible for transporting wastewater and sewage from a building’s plumbing system (toilets, sinks, showers) to a municipal sewer system or septic tank.
Example: There are several common types of fixture drains that you may find in your home, including tub drains, shower drains, and sink drains
fr: Conduite d'égout
Surveying
noun
Examine and record the area and features of (an area of land) so as to construct a map, plan, or description.
Example: SURVEYING encompasses activities such as site SURVEYING, site investigation and site inspection.
fr: Arpentage
Water main
noun
A main line in a water supply system.
Example: Watermains are underground pipes that deliver a steady supply of fresh, clean drinking water to residents and businesses.
