Civil engineering is about creating and keeping up the stuff we use daily, like roads, bridges, buildings, and water and transport systems. These engineers make sure our communities have safe and lasting places to live and work. Here is the basic terms of civil engineering to know.
asphalt
noun
A mixture of dark bituminous pitch with sand or gravel, used for surfacing roads, flooring, roofing, etc.
Example: Workers placed new asphalt on the highway.
fr: asphalte
beam
noun
A long, sturdy piece of squared timber or metal spanning an opening or part of a building, usually to support the roof or floor above.
Example: The beam supports the floor above.
fr: poutre
bridge
noun
A structure carrying a road, path, railroad, or canal across a river, ravine, road, railroad, or other obstacle.
Example: Engineers designed a new bridge over the river.
fr: pont
concrete
noun
A heavy, rough building material made from a mixture of broken stone or gravel, sand, cement, and water, that can be spread or poured into molds and that forms a mass resembling stone on hardening.
Example: The bridge is made of reinforced concrete.
fr: béton
drainage
noun
The means of removing surplus water or liquid waste; a system of drains.
Example: Good drainage prevents flooding.
fr: drainage
foundation
noun
The lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level.
Example: A strong foundation prevents cracks in buildings.
fr: fondation
highway
noun
A main road, especially one connecting major towns or cities.
Example: The highway connects two cities.
fr: autoroute
infrastructure
noun
The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Example: Strong infrastructure improves cities.
fr: infrastructure
load
noun
A weight or source of pressure borne by someone or something.
Example: The bridge must carry heavy loads.
fr: charge
pavement
noun
Any paved area or surface.
Example: The pavement was repaired after winter.
fr: chaussée
reinforced concrete
noun
Concrete in which wire mesh or steel bars are embedded to increase its tensile strength.
Example: Reinforced concrete is used in buildings.
fr: béton armé
retaining wall
noun
A retaining wall is a rigid, engineered structure designed to hold back soil and manage significant changes in ground elevation.
Example: A retaining wall prevents soil movement.
fr: mur de soutènement
slope
noun
A surface of which one end or side is at a higher level than another; a rising or falling surface.
Example: The slope helps water drain away.
fr: pente
structural engineering
noun
The branch of civil engineering that deals with large modern buildings and similar structures.
Example: Structural engineering ensures building safety.
fr: génie des structures
survey
noun
A general view, examination, or description of someone or something.
