Hi, my name is Rayane Afi and I have been studying civil engineering for three years now. My glossary is for everybody who is curious about civil engineering.
A glossary is an alphabetical list of terms or words found in or relating to a specific subject with explanation and it can help people to find information about a word. There is a lot of different definition across the internet (Wikipedia, Grammarly and other dictionary) so that's where I got my information and I want the reader to look at different glossary to have a good idea of a word they are looking for.
Aggregate
Noun
Granular material such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone used as a main component in concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials.
Example: Coarse aggregate is mixed with cement and water to produce concrete
fr: Granulat
Asphalt
Noun
A black, sticky, and highly viscous petroleum-based material used in road construction and roofing, often mixed with aggregates to form pavement.
Example: The workers applied a new layer of asphalt to resurface the highway.
fr: Asphalte
Backfill
Noun
Material such as soil, sand, or gravel used to refill an excavation around foundations, walls, or pipes after construction work is completed.
Example: After the foundation was completed, the crew placed backfill around the walls to provide support.
fr: Remblai
Building permit
Noun
An official approval issued by a local government that allows the construction, renovation, or demolition of a building according to specified plans and regulations.
Example: Before starting the new house, they had to obtain a building permit from the city.
fr: Permis de construction
Civil engineering
noun
Civil Engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways.
Example: I study civil engineering
fr: Ingénieur civil
Column
Noun
A vertical structural element that transmits loads from the structure above to the foundation below, often supporting beams or slabs.
Example: The engineer designed the concrete columns to support the building’s upper floors.
fr: Colonne
Drainage
Noun
The system or process of removing excess water from soil, roads, or structures to prevent flooding, erosion, or structural damage.
Example: Proper drainage around the foundation prevents water from seeping into the basement.
fr: Drainage
Excavation
Noun
The process of removing soil, rock, or other materials from the ground, usually to prepare for foundations, trenches, or other construction work.
Example: The crew began excavation for the building’s foundation early in the morning.
fr: Déblai
Expansion joint
Noun
A gap or space built into a structure to allow for movement caused by thermal expansion, contraction, or other forces, preventing cracking or structural damage.
Example: Expansion joints were installed in the bridge to accommodate changes in temperature.
fr: Joint de dilatation
Formwork
Noun
A temporary or permanent mold into which concrete or similar materials are poured to shape and support them until they harden.
Example: The workers set up the formwork before pouring the concrete for the column.
fr: Coffrage
Foundation
Noun
The lowest structural element of a building that transfers loads from the structure to the ground safely and prevents settlement or movement.
Example: The foundation must be designed properly to support the weight of the entire building.
fr: Fondation
Manhole
Noun
An opening, usually covered, that provides access to underground utilities such as sewers, storm drains, or electrical conduits for maintenance and inspection.
Example: The maintenance team opened the manhole to inspect the sewer pipes.
fr: Regard
Reinforcement
Noun
Materials, usually steel bars or mesh, added to concrete or masonry to increase its strength, durability, and resistance to tension or bending.
Example: The engineer placed steel reinforcement inside the concrete slab to prevent cracking.
fr: Armature
Retaining wall
Noun
A structure built to hold back soil or rock from a slope or excavation, preventing erosion or collapse.
Example: The retaining wall was constructed to prevent the hillside from sliding onto the road.
fr: Mur de soutènement
Slab
Noun
A flat, horizontal structural element, usually made of reinforced concrete, used for floors, roofs, or pavements.
Example: The concrete slab was poured to create the ground floor of the house.
