Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y

Urbanismo

Escuela Profesional de Ingeneria Civil

EVIDENCE PAF:
“MODERN GLOSSARY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

TERMS, TOOLS AND MACHINERY

COURSE:

ENGLISH I

ESTUDENT:

Cesar Manuel Lizano Castillo

TEACHER:

Mg. Yessica Elizabeth Garcia Sanchez

Pimentel – Perú

December – 2021
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PRESENTATION

This glossary will be used mainly for the Civil Engineering career, information and

definitions were compiled on concepts related to this professional career, it includes all

those little known terms accompanied by their respective information and

exemplification; it will try to give clear and precise definitions so that readers can have

a simpler reading in such a way that they can understand the terms of this glossary; the

importance of this work is to better understand some terms that sometimes we use but

we do not know their definitions very well. It will allow us to have new study

opportunities, differentiating us from others, being a very useful tool for the reader,

since it emphasizes a correct explanation of the subject.

INDICE

PRESENTATION.........................................................................................................

DEVELOPMENT...........................................................................................................................
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 A - C...............................................................................................................................

 D - F............................................................................................................................

 G - I.............................................................................................................................

 J - L.....................................................................................................................................

 M - O............................................................................................................................

 P - R.............................................................................................................................

 S - U..............................................................................................................................

 V - X............................................................................................................................

 Y - Z....................................................................................................................................

CONCLUSIONS.........................................................................................................

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................

“MODERN GLOSSARY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TERMS, TOOLS AND

MACHINERY”

1. ADDITIVE adj

/ ˈÆdətɪv /
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Definition: Material used to modify, impart or improve the most special

properties of concrete.

Example: At this time of the year it is very cold so that the concrete dries

quickly, we will add additives.

2. ADOBE n

/ əˈdəʊbi /

Definition: Mud mixed with straw that dries in the sun and takes the form of

bricks, many houses are made with this material.

Example: The adobe house did not withstand the earthquake.

3.

AGGREGATES

/ ˈÆɡrɪɡət /
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Definition: Granular materials used for the production of concrete and

mortars.

Example: In construction, certain aggregates are added to cement to make it

stronger.

4. ALUMINUM n

/ ˌÆljəˈmɪniəm /

Definition: Very light gray material that is often used for the manufacture of

utensils.

Example: It was very expensive to put aluminum in the structure of that

building, but it will be worth it.

5. ALLOY n

/ ˈÆlɔɪ /
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Definition: The process by which a metal is formed by mixing two types of

metal together, or by mixing metal with another substance.

Example: Some metals used in the construction of the hospital were alloys.

6. AQUEDUCT n

/ ˈÆkwɪdʌkt /

Definition: Structure that goes under a bridge which allows the transport of

water.

Example: The aqueducts in my city are very helpful for homework.

7. ARMOR n

/ ˈⱭːmə (r) /
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Definition: Reinforcement is the name given to the structure formed by a set

of linear pieces assembled, which is used to support the pitched roof of some

buildings.

Example: The strength of reinforcement for reinforcement in large buildings

and bridges.

8. ASPHALT n

/ ˈÆsfælt /

Definition: A viscous, sticky material composed mainly of a mixture of tar

used for paving roads.

Example: The streets of the district of La Victoria have an asphalt layer in

very poor condition.

9. BACKHOE n

/ ˈBækhəʊ /
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Definition: Heavy machinery consisting of excavating equipment, used in

road construction.

Example: I traveled to Cajamarca and at a road construction site I saw several

backhoes.

10. BAKELITE n

/ ˈBeɪkəlaɪt /

Definition: Type of hard plastic used in the past for insulating electrical

equipment.

Example: My grandfather was an engineer and had lots of Bakelite in the

garage.

11. BASE n

/ beɪs /
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Definition: Placement, on the subgrade defined in the designs, shaping and

compaction of gravel, broken stone, grit, or other granular material approved

by the Interventory.

Example: Before building a project, the base on which it is to be constructed

is studied.

12. BLOCK n

/ blɒk /

Definition: A large piece of a compact material in the form of a rectangular

parallelepiped made of large.

Example: For the construction of a house, they will use blocks instead of

bricks.

13. BLUEPRINTS n

/ ˈBluːprɪnt /
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Definition: Photographic information of a structure drawn with lines and

geometric shapes.

Example: The architect left us the task of making a very difficult plan.

14. BRACKET n

/ ˈBrækɪt /

Definition: Sustaining element, which receives the weight or on which new

ideas, forms and opportunities for action are supported.

Example: Before filling the roof, supports must be made to support the

concrete.

15. BRICK n

/ brɪk /
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Definition: Construction material made of baked clay used especially for

walls of different buildings.

Example: In recent days the price of bricks has been skyrocketing.

16. BRIDGE n

/ brɪdʒ /

Definition: A strong and rigid structure that connects two points that are

distanced by a river or lake.

Example: There is a very strong bridge on the Reque River.

17. CALAMINE n

/ ˈKæləmaɪn /
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Definition: Material used in construction as a type of earthenware, it is

mainly composed of a mixture of cement and asbestos.

Example: In rural areas most of the houses are covered with calamine

because of the constant rains.

18. CEMENT n

/ sɪˈment /

Definition: Powder composed of clay and lime that hardens when mixed

with water, it is used to fix different types of structures.

Example: The engineer ordered to buy one hundred sacks of cement for the

construction.

19. CERAMICS n

/ səˈræmɪk /
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Definition: Object made mainly of clay that has been hardening with the heat

of the sun.

Example: The floor of my room will look beautiful with the ceramic tile my

dad bought.

20. COATING n

/ ˈKəʊtɪŋ /

Definition: Its function is to cover the walls and partitions with special

constructive solutions, which aim to provide protection to the internal

structure.

Example: It was necessary to do an overlay to my apartment.

21. COLUMN n

/ ˈKɒləm /
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Definition: Vertical elements that are specially designed to withstand

compression and bending forces.

Example: At my university they have put in some very sturdy columns for

the new classrooms.

22. COMPACTION n

/ kəmˈpækʃən /

Definition: Procedure in which force is usually applied to the floor to flatten

the surface and hide some empty spaces.

Example: There is a lot of noise on the street, they are probably compacting

the tracks again.

23. COMPACTOR n

/ kəmˈpæktə (r) /
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Definition: Its main function is to produce the densification of the soil by its

own weight and a dynamic load by means of an eccentric mass that rotates

around the axis of the roller producing a vibration.

Example: After using the compactor, the area will be paved.

24. CONCRETE MIXER n

/ ˈKɒŋkriːt mɪksə (r) /

Definition: Machine containing a rotating drum where aggregates and

cement are mixed.

Example: Several concrete mixers are missing from engineer Luis'

construction site.

25.

CONSTRUCTION n

/ kənˈstrʌkʃn /
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Definition: Process by which an infrastructure or building is built and

improved over time.

Example: The construction of buildings improves the sustainable

development of the country.

26. CORROSION n

/ kəˈrəʊʒn /

Definition: Process by which metallic elements are slowly destroyed,

especially by chemical action.

Example: All the iron they bought for the bridge was in a state of corrosion.

27. CRACK n

/ kræk /

Definition: The process of deterioration of an object which causes it to split

into different parts.

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Example: The walls of my friend's house have many cracks.

28. CUTTER n

/ ˈKʌtə (r) /

Definition: Tool used to make precision cuts in wood or other material.

Example: The wood cutter broke down at the end of the formwork.

29.

DENSIMETER

/ dɛnˈsɪmɪtə /

Definition: Instrument used to measure the relative density of liquids.

Example: In the lab I was taught how to use the densimeter for the first time.
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30. DITCH n

/ dɪtʃ /

Definition: Long channel that is specially constructed for the foundations.

Example: The trenches they made for the foundations turned out to be very

deep.

31. DRILL n

/ drɪl /

Definition: Machine or tool with a very fine point which is used to make

holes in certain types of surfaces.

Example: We will use the drill to drill the remaining pavement.

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32. DYNAMICS n

/ daɪˈnæmɪk /

Definition: Study of various factors that may be capable of producing

alterations in a system.

Example: For the dynamics class I was asked to solve many exercises.

33. EARTHQUAKE n

/ ˈꞫːθkweɪk /

Definition: Sudden and violent tremor of the earth's surface caused by the

collision of tectonic plates.

Example: The earthquake of Lima in the 18th century devastated the lives of

many people.
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34. EXCAVATOR n

/ ˈEkskəveɪtər /

Definition: Very heavy machine that has the function of excavating or

extracting certain surfaces.

Example: The excavator they had kept in storage eventually broke down.

35. FACADE n

/ fəˈsɑːd /

Definition: Visible part of the exterior walls of a building or other thing in

relation to its location.

Example: The facade of my company needed a remodeling.

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36. FILES n

/ faɪl /

Definition: Sets of sheets containing the specifications of a work.

Example: The municipality fined one construction site for not having all the

required records in order.

37. FINISHING verb.

/ ˈFɪnɪʃ /

Definition: Finishes are those materials that are placed on a black work

surface. They are the final materials that are placed on the structure.
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Example: Some finishing touches are needed before the new mall in

Chiclayo is inaugurated.

38. FISSURE n

/ ˈFɪʃə (r) /

Definition: Defect in a constructive element or member that may cause it to

break.

Example:

39. FLUID MECHANICS n

/ ˈFluːɪdməˈkænɪk /

Definition: Study of the behavior of fluids in both statics and dynamics.

Example: I was left with a lot of exercises in the fluid mechanic’s course.
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40. FORMWORK n

/ ˈfɔːmˌwɜːk /

Definition: A composition of timber boards and nails used specially to give

a stable form to reinforced concrete.

Example: The formwork will be placed in the afternoon when it is cooler.

41. FRONT LOADER n

/ ˌFrʌnt ˌend ˈləʊdər /

Definition: Heavy machinery vehicle used for front-end digging, powered by

a hydraulic system.
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Example: Twenty front loaders were needed for the construction of Los Incas

Avenue.

42. GEOLOGY n

/ dʒiˈɒlədʒi /

Definition: Science that deals mainly with the study of soils, including rocks.

Example: That geology course I took the other day will do me a lot of good

for my exam tomorrow.

43. GYPSUM n

/ ˈDʒɪpsəm /
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Definition: White mineral used in construction as a type of paste for grips

and joints.

Example: The masons bought plaster to put the finishing touches on my

house.

44. GROUTING n

/ ɡraʊt /

Definition: Substance used between wall and floor tiles in kitchens,

bathrooms and many other areas.

Example: They were going to grout the ceramic tile in my bathroom after

the concrete set.

45. HAMMER n

/ ˈHæmə (r) /
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Definition: Tool with a handle and a metal head used to break things or hit

nails.

Example: Several hammers were lost on site, so we had to buy more.

46. HANDRAIL n

/ ˈHændreɪl /

Definition: A long, narrow bar that is attached to the stairs of the houses.

Example: In my house there are very large handadrail for the safety of my

younger siblings.

47.

HARDENING n

/fɾa'γwaðo/
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Definition: The process known as setting, which concrete goes through to

harden.

Example: In construction, cement is allowed to set for two days to gain

strength.

48. HARNESS n

/ hɑːʳnɪs /

Definition: A set of straps that are placed under a person's arms and buckled

around his or her body to hold a piece of equipment in place or to prevent the

person from moving from one place.

Example: Safe construction requires that all employees wear harnesses.

49. HIGHWAY n

/ ˈHaɪweɪ /
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Definition: Transport route through which several vehicles or automobiles

pass.

Example: Every day the road is congested with vehicular traffic.

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50. HYDRAULIC JACK n

/haɪˌdrɑː.lɪk ˈfluː.ɪd/

Definition: Machine that allows lifting large loads by manually operating a

lever.

Example: The hydraulic jack is too heavy to transport on foot.

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51. HYDRAULICS n

/ haɪˈdrɒlɪks /

Definition: Machinery that works with the compression of liquids in its

interior.

Example: The site's hydraulic machines began to fail.

52. HYDROLOGY n

/ haɪˈdrɒlədʒi /

Definition: Scientific study of the movement of water in the earth

Example: Carlos really enjoys his job at the central hydrology service.
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53. LEVEL RULE N

/ ˈLevlˈRuːlər /

Definition: An instrument used to measure the verticality or horizontality of

an element or object.

Example: The bricklayer used the level ruler to measure the walls

54. MASKING TAPE n

/ ˈMɑːskɪŋ teɪp /

Definition: Masking tape used to keep an area clean where painting is to take

place.

Example: A lot of tape was needed to paint the school.

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55. MESH n

/ meʃ /

Definition: Material made of a type of netting of wires, plastics or threads.

Example: The masons use a mesh to prevent people from entering the

construction site.

56. MORTAR n

/ ˈMɔːtə (r) /

Definition: This material is a mixture of cement, sand, water and lime that is

often used to bond stones and bricks.

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Example: The master builder is in charge of making mortars with high heat

resistance.

57. NAIL n

/ neɪl /

Definition: A very hard, thin, long metal object used to hold or support other

objects.

Example: A lot of nails were required to make the formwork.

58. NICHE n

/ niːʃ /

Definition: A hole or cavity in a wall used to place the corpse or ashes of a

deceased person, especially in cemetery buildings.

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Example: The Day of the Dead is celebrated in November, and everyone is in

his or her niche.

59. ODOMETER n

/ əʊˈdɒmɪtə (r) /

Definition: An instrument used to measure certain distances between different

types of objects.

Example: I was asked to bring an odometer for my materials technology

class.

60. PAVEMENT N

/ ˈPeɪvmənt /
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Definition: Flat part of a paved road on which cars can pass.

Example: The pavements of Los Incas Street are very deteriorated.

61. PEDIMENT n

/ ˈPedɪmənt /

Definition: Triangle-shaped part above the entrance of an ancient Greek-style

building.

Example: My house has a small gable.

62. PIPE adj

/ paɪp /

Definition: Conduits used especially for transporting water or other similar

types of fluids.

Example: The main avenue pipelines are under maintenance.

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63. PLASTERBOARD n

/ ˈPlɑːstəbɔːd /

Definition: Material used for the construction of interior partition walls and

ceiling and wall coverings.

Example: The municipality agreed to use plasterboard for the new school.

64. PLUMB verb.

/ plʌm /

Definition: The process of casting a probe or plumb line into a body of

water to determine its depth.

Example: Whenever I go to a construction site I see how they use plumb

bobs.
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65. PLYWOOD n

/ ˈPlaɪwʊd /

Definition: Thick wood made by gluing thin layers of wood on top of each

other.

Example: I was able to get several meters of plywood for my model.

66. POLYSTYRENE n

/ ˌPɒliˈstaɪriːn /

Definition: Very light bank-colored plastic, which is mainly used to keep

objects from losing heat.

Example: The polystyrene we put in the factory will combat the winter very

well.
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67. POLYVINYL n

/ ˌPɒlivaɪnl ˈklɔːraɪd /

Definition: Strong plastic material used for a wide variety of products, such as

clothing, pipes, covers, etc.

Example: Polyvinyl is widely used for pipes.

68. PULLEY n

/ ˈPʊli /

Definition: Set of wheels on which there is a chain or rope to help lift heavy

objects.

Example: These pulleys are very resistant; they could withstand several kilos

of brick.
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69. RAMP n

/ ræmp /

Definition: Slope that joins two parts of a road, road building, when one is

higher than the other.

Example: In the ESSALUD hospital there are many ramps for disabled

people.

70. REINFORCED CONCRETEC n

/ ˌRiːɪnˌfɔːst ˈkɒŋkriːt /

Definition: Highly resistant construction material composed of concrete and

steel bars in its interior.

Example: The strength of the reinforced concrete was not what we expected.
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71. ROD n

/ rɒd /

Definition: A long straight piece made of steel, wood, glass or metal, strong

and resistant, mostly used in the columns of buildings.

Example: The school's columns are deteriorating due to the poor quality of

the rods.

72. SAFETY HELMET n

/ ˈseɪftɪ ˈhɛlmɪt /

Definition: Helmet used on construction sites to protect the head from

injury.

Example: Several construction employees were involved in an accident due

to not wearing safety helmets.

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73. SANDPAPER n

/ ˈSændpeɪpə (r) /

Definition: Rough material made of a type of resistant paper used for

smoothing uneven surfaces.

Example: He repainted his house after several years, but he used sandpaper

to remove the old paint.

74. SANITATION n

/ ˌSænɪˈteɪʃn /

Definition: The process of eliminating human waste.

Example: There are many parts of Chiclayo where sanitation is poor.

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75. SCAFFOLDING n

/ ˈSkæfəldɪŋ /

Definition: Structures of posts and boards that allow working at height.

Example: The scaffolding they brought for the building was not sufficient to

reach the height provided.

76. SCANTLING n

/ ˈskæntlɪŋ /

Definition: Piece of sawn timber, such as a beam, having a small cross-

section, used mainly in architectural plans and structures.

Example: My cousin Jorge was asked to bring a scantlings for his blueprint

class.
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77. SCREWDRIVER n

/ ˈSkruːdraɪvər /

Definition: Tool with a narrow blade that has a special shape at the end,

which is used to turn screws.

Example: The screwdrivers that were brought in for the new building were

of poor quality

78. SEALANTS n

/ ˈSiːlənt /

Definition: A substance placed on a surface to prevent air or water from

entering or escaping from it.

Example: After sanding my wall remove the dust and apply a coat of sealer.
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79. SEWER n

/ ˈSuːə (r) /

Definition: Underground pipes that carry wastewater to locations outside the

city.

Example: Engineers are reviewing the sewer plans.

80. SHOVEL n

/ ˈƩʌvl /

Definition: Tool with a long handle and a wide metal part with curved

edges, used to move earth, snow, sand, etc.

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Example: To move the remaining material from their house they used

shovels.

81. SIDEWALK n

/ ˈSaɪdwɔːk /

Definition: Flat part next to a track or road through which people pass.

Example: My family's construction company started working on sidewalk

construction.

82. SILICONE b

/ ˈSɪlɪkəʊn /

Definition: A colorless polymer that is made especially from silicon and

serves as a good insulator.

Example: Several silicon bars were purchased to seal the electrical cables.
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83. SIGNAGE n

/ ˈSaɪnɪdʒ /

Definition: Specifications and signs giving instructions or directions to the

public.

Example: Every time I travel to Trujillo, I see much signage.

84. SLAB n

/ slæb /

Definition: Slabs are used for floor paving, roofing and wall cladding.
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Example: The slab in my grandmother's house was not suitable for a second

floor.

85. SPATULA n

/ ˈSpætʃələ /

Definition: Tool consisting of a flat metal blade with a handle similar to a

knife with a rounded tip, used for cleaning or scraping paint.

Example: My father is going to buy a putty knife and new paint for the house.

86. STEEL n

/ stiːl /

Definition: Strong and resistant metal composed of an alloy of iron and

carbon.

Example: The hulls were made of steel, so they were very strong.
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87. STRUCTURE n

/ ˈStrʌktʃə (r) /

Definition: An assembly of elements that form a very distinguished shape.

Example: The structures of the Peruvian sierra are very interesting.

88. TAPE MEASURE n

/ ˈTeɪp meʒər /

Definition: A long, thin piece of plastic or other flexible material used to

measure the length of objects or surfaces.

Example: The engineer used a tape measure to measure the width of the

columns.
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89. TAR n

/ tɑːr /

Definition: A thick, sticky black liquid that hardens when cold; obtained from

coal and used especially in road construction.

Example: The city's pavements were left half-finished due to lack of tar.

90. TELESCOPIC LADDERS n

/ ˌTelɪˈskɒpɪk ˈLædə (r) /

Definition: This type of ladders reaches greater heights because they are

extensible. The height they reach allows access to high places, where there is

no space for the installation of scaffolding.

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Example: In order to paint the facade of my house we use a telescopic

ladder’s

91. THEODOLITE n

/ θiˈɒdəlaɪt /

Definition: A mechanical-optical measuring instrument used to obtain vertical

and horizontal angles, in most cases, an area in which it has high accuracy.

Example: Surveyors charge extra for theodolites.

92. TOPOGRAPHER n

/ təˈpɑgrəfər /

Definition: Specialist in charge of making topographic maps of a region.

1

Example: They urgently needed a surveyor for the new school they were

going to build.

93. TOPOGRAPHY n

/ təˈpɒɡrəfi /

Definition: Study of the physical characteristics of different types of

landforms.

Example: The materials technology teacher brought a surveying device to

class.

94. VALVE n

/ vælv /
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Definition: A device used to control the flow of a liquid or gas, allowing it to

move in one direction only or a pipe.

Example: My neighbor's house flooded because of a missing valve.

95. VARNISH n

/ ˈVɑːnɪʃ /

Definition: A liquid that is painted on wood, metal or other items and forms a

hard, shiny surface that can be seen through when dry, mostly used for

finishing.

Example: I built a small house with varnish finishes.

96. VIBRATOR MDVR n

/ ˈVaɪbreɪtər /
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Definition: Machine used to compact thick concrete just poured.

Example: Engineer Carlos showed the entire class how to use a vibrator on

concrete.

97. WALL n

/ wɔːl /

Definition: A long, solid structure that rises directly from the ground, it serves

to separate plots of land and is mainly made of brick and concrete.

Example: The walls of that old house could not withstand the earthquake.

98. WINDOW n

/ ˈWɪndəʊ /
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Definition: Transparent material used for the decoration of houses and

buildings.

Example: The windows of the building are very large.

99. WOOD n

/ wʊd /

Definition: Material coming from tree trunks, it is very hard and difficult to

break, it is used in constructions or in certain cases as a fuel.

Example: A lot of wood is needed to raise the columns of the building.

100. YELLOW LINE n

/ ˌJeləʊ ˈlaɪn /

Definition: This type of line is used to separate lanes on roads and

sidewalks.
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Example: A child almost died for crossing the yellow line too fast.

CONCLUSIONS

 The glossary allows us to know words and/or terms that are

alphabetically ordered, which allows us to identify and use them.

 These certain Civil Engineering terms in the glossary; provide their

meaning, spelling and, in the case of certain languages, establish

their pronunciation and syllabic separation.

 The glossary, which is responsible, among other tasks, for compiling

the dictionaries whose information it provides varies according to the

type of dictionary in question.

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 It gives us a great importance that the glossary has in the life of an

engineering professional and in English we will have many doors

and opportunities.

REFERENCES
Aceros Arequipa . (2018). Herramientas de construcción indispensables en la obra.
Recuperado de https://www.construyendoseguro.com/herramientas-de-
construccion-indispensables/

Blanco, H. (22 de Mayo de 2012). Glosario de términos (Ingeniería civil) . Recuperado

de Slideshare: https://es.slideshare.net/henrywhite776/glosario-ingenieria-civil

Collins . (2021). Diccionario de Ingles . Recuperado de

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/es/diccionario/ingles/geology

DeepL . (2018). Traductor de textos . Recuperado de

https://www.deepl.com/es/translator#en/es/pulley

Fundación Laboral de la Construcción . (2016). Terminos tecnicos del sector de la

construccion . Recuperado de
https://www.diccionariodelaconstruccion.com/buscar/procesos-productivos-
obra-civil

Glosarios . (2015). Ingeniería Civil (Español-Inglés). Recuperado de

https://glosarios.servidor-alicante.com/ingenieria-civil_es-en
 1

Matus, I., & Blanco, M. (2015). Materiales de construcción . Recuperado de

https://topodata.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Apuntes-de-Materiales-de-
Construccion.pdf

Oxford Learner´s Dictionaries. (2021). Diccionario gramatical de inglés. Recuperado

de Universidad de Oxford:
https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/pulley?
q=pulley

PELÉ . (1 de Febrero de 2018). Materiales de construcción: principales tipos y

propiedades. Recuperado de https://grupopele.com/materiales-construccion-
principales-tipos-propiedades/

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