Hi, my name's Mohamed, and I'm a Civil Engineering student. It's my third year in this program. My glossary is useful for anyone who is beginning to explore the construction industry because we have to understand different terms in the field to communicate to the projects' participants. This glossary helps solve that problem by providing definitions of essential terms. I made this glossary with 16 terms related to the construction process, including definitions, practical examples, audio, and images. For each words, I add a definition, an audio, a translation in French, an image, and an example.
beam
noun
A horizontal structural element that supports loads.
Example: The beam carries the weigh of the floor above us.
en: poutre
blueprint
noun
A technical drawing showing the design of a structure.
Example: The engineer reviewed the blueprint before construction began.
en: plan technique
column
noun
A vertical structural element that supports loads from above.
Example: The columns transfers the building's load to the foundation.
en: colonne
concrete
noun
A strong building material made from cement, sand, gravel, and water.
Example: Concrete is widely used in bridges and buildings.
en: béton
contractor
noun
A person or company responsible for construction work.
Example: The contractor managed the project.
en: entrepreneur en construction
culvert
Noun
A structure that allows water to pass under a road.
Example: The culvert prevents water from flooding the road.
en: Ponçeau
drainage
noun
A system that removes excess water from an area.
Example: Proper drainage prevents flooding.
en: drainage
excavation
noun
The process of removing soil before construction.
Example: Excavation is required before laying the foundation.
en: excavation
foundation
noun
The lowest part of a building that supports the structure and transfers loads to the ground.
Example: A strong foundation prevents buildings from settling or cracking.
en: fondation
grade
noun
The slope or level of land.
Example: The road grade must allow water runoff.
en: pente
live load
noun
Temporary or movable weight on a structure.
Example: People inside a building create live loads.
en: charge d'exploitation
load
noun
The weight or force that a structure must support.
Example: Engineers calculate the load to ensure the bridge can support heavy trucks.
en: charge
pavement
noun
A paved surface such as a road or side walk.
Example: Engineers designs pavement to support traffic loads.
en: chaussée
soil
noun
The upper layer of earth where structures are built.
Example: Engineers test the soil before construction.
