Professional Documents
Culture Documents
UNIT 1
TUNNELS
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Outline the content of the article “Tunnels” containing main information.
• Write sentences using the simple past and the modal verbs in the passive voice.
PRE-READING
Task 1. From the list below tick (√ ) all the words related to tunnels.
- underground Chambers √ - Fresh water
- Transportation - ground condition
- boring machine - excavation
- span - drilling test holes
- mountainous - highways
- dynamite - bridges
WHILE-READING
Task 2. After reading the text below write a subtitle for each section on the line. Check your
answers with a partner.
TUNNELS BASIC
A)____________________________
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Technical English II-Civil Engineering Soruco E., Flores R,, Orcini C.
B)_________________________________
Holland Tunnel
There are three steps to a tunnel's success. Today, engineers know that there are three basic steps to
building a stable tunnel. The first step is excavation: engineers dig through the earth with a reliable
tool or technique. The second step is support: engineers must support any unstable ground around them
while they dig. The final step is lining: engineers add the final touches, like the roadway and lights,
when the tunnel is structurally sound.
D)_________________________________
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Hoosac Tunnel interior Based on the setting, tunnels can be divided into three major types:
Soft-ground tunnels... are typically shallow and are often used as subways, water-supply systems, and
sewers. Because the ground is soft, a support structure called a tunnel shield, must be used at the head
of the tunnel to prevent it from collapsing.
Rock tunnels... require little or no extra support during construction and are often used as railways or
roadways through mountains. Years ago, engineers were forced to blast through mountains with
dynamite. Today they rely on enormous rock-chewing contraptions called tunnel boring.
Task 3. Work in pairs. Answer the following questions according to the text.
a) Why did engineers start to build tunnels?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
b) Who built the most extensive network of tunnels in the ancient World?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
c) How many steps are there to build a tunnel?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
d) What kind of tools do engineers use to build tunnels?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
e) Where can engineers build tunnels thanks to technology?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Task 4. Complete the table with the appropriate information according to the reading.
Check your answers with your partner.
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Task 5. Work in pairs. Based on the reading classify the tunnels according to the setting.
POST-READING
Task 6. Work in groups. Write about a tunnel in Bolivia, following the format below (See
Annexes).
Tunnel Name
Setting
Characteristics
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Task 7. Represent the logical structure of the text “Tunnels” in an outline. Check your
answers with a partner.
LANGUAGE REFERENCE
Ex:
A tunnel shield, must be used at the head of the tunnel
Tunnels can be divided into three major types.
Task 8. Identify past sentences in the text and copy them. Check your answers with a
partner.
a) ...............................................................................................................
b) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
c) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
d) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Task 10. Write four sentences of your own using different verbs and subjects and the past
tense.
a) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
b) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
c) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
d) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Task 11. Read the text and find sentences with modal verbs in the passive voice
a) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
b) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
c) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
d) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Task 12. Fill in the gaps with modal verbs (must, can, may, might, should be + verb) in
passive voice.
a) Tunnels … can be bored … (can bore) through mountains, under rivers, etc.
b) A tunnel ……………………… (must support) to prevent a possible decline.
c) Rock tunnels …………………. (can build) with modern boring machines and avoid the use
of dynamite as in the past.
d) Civil engineer students …………………….. ( prepare) to be able to build tunnels.
Task 13. Write your own sentences using modal verbs in passive voice.
a) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
b) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
c) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
d) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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GLOSSARY
Bore: Make (a hole) in something, esp. with a revolving tool: they bored holes in the sides. The drill can bore through rock.
Perforar
Blast : Blow up or break apart (something solid) with explosives: quantities of solid rock had to be blasted away | the explosion
blasted out hundreds of windows. Explosión. Verb. Detonar explosivos
Chambers : An enclosed space or cavity : an echo chamber. • A large underground cavern. Cámaras
Dig : Make (a hole, grave, etc.) by breaking up and moving earth in such a way : he took a spade and dug a hole.cavar, excavar
Drill : A hand tool, power tool, or machine with a rotating cutting tip or reciprocating hammer or chisel, used for making holes.
taladro. Verb. Taladrar
Haul : Transport in a truck or cart : Bennie hauls trash in North Philadelphia. Arrastrar, acarrear
Lining : Cover the inside surface of (a container or garment) with a layer of different material : a basket lined with
polyethylene. • Form a layer on the inside surface of (an area); cover as if with a lining : hundreds of telegrams lined the walls.
Revestimiento interior
Sewage : Waste water and excrement conveyed in sewers. Aguas servidas/ Alcantarillado
Support :verb. 1 Bear all or part of the weight of; hold up : the dome was supported by a hundred white columns. Soportar/ dar
soporte
Subways :1 An underground electric railroad. 2 Brit. A tunnel under a road for use by pedestrians. Metros, subterráneos
Tunnel shield : Protector de tunnel,refuerzo
Wastewater : adj. 1 (of water or a material, substance, byproduct) eliminated or discarded as no longer useful or required
after the completion of a process. Agua de desecho
Watery highways : Canales.
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STUDENTS’ NOTES
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UNIT 2
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Translate sentences that include passive voice structures, sentences about a successful
transportation system.
• Summarize the article “Intelligent Transportation Systems” in Spanish.
PRE-READING
Task 1: In pairs match the words and the Spanish translation.
WHILE-READING
Task 2: Skim the article and tick ( √ ) the central idea from the options given below.
vehicular.
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Interest in ITS comes from the problems caused by traffic congestion and the synergy of new
information technology. Congestion reduces the efficiency of transportation infrastructure and
increases travel time, air pollution, and fuel consumption.
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Task 4: Read the paragraph and choose the most suitable translation.
Intelligent transportation systems vary in technologies applied, from basic management systems
such as automatic number plate recognition or speed cameras to monitoring applications, such
as security systems and parking guidance.
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TASK 5: Work in groups and read the information about the subtitle “INDUCTIVE LOOP
DETECTION” in detail and write (IN SPANISH) three ideas you understand.
a) …………………………………………………………………………………………..
b) …………………………………………………………………………………………..
c) …………………………………………………………………………………………….
Task 6: Read the subtitle “CORDON ZONES WITH CONGESTION PRICING” and answer the
question in ENGLISH.
POST-READING
Task 7: Work in groups and answer the questions (IN SPANISH). Your answers should be
developed in one paragraph, minimum six lines long.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………....................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................……………………………………………………
Task 8: Work in pairs and write a summary of the article in Spanish considering the principal
ideas developed in each paragraph.
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LANGUAGE REFERENCE
Passive Voice
SUBJ + VERB TO BE + PAST PARTICIPLE + COMPLEMENT
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Task 9: Copy and translate two sentences that have a PASSIVE VOICE structure from the
article.
a) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
T. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
b) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
T. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Task 10. In pairs complete the sentences using the suitable verb form.
a) Automatic number plate recognition is used (use) for monitoring toll collection and
other applications.
b) (Chile 2009-201…) Inductive loops ………………………….. (place) in roadbeds to detect
vehicles as they pass over the loops to estimate the speed, length, weight and the
distances between them.
c) Engineering data and methods ………………….(study) for solving problems in the
planning, design, construction and operation of various transportation modes in Brazil
in 2011.
d) Transportation systems planning …………..………. (consider) a truly transdisciplinary
approach to effective results.
Task 11: Translate the sentences into Spanish using the semantic method.
a) Intelligent Transportation Systems have not been restricted to Road Transport; they
also include the use of information and communication technologies for rail, water
and air transport.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………….
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c) Transportation systems were and still are closely interrelated with other systems that
are external to them.
………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
GLOSSARY
Plate: A flat piece of metal on which a car number is engraved. Placa de auto
Speed: The rate or a measure of the rate of motion of a car. Velocidad
Toll: A fixed charge or tax for passing across a bridge or along a road. Peaje
Drive through: Area for clients who drive up to a window and remain in their automobiles. Ventanilla de atención desde el
volante
Toll gate: A gate devoted to tall collection. Puesto de peaje sobre carretera
Cordon zone: To form a cordon around an area so as to prevent movement in or out. Zona acordonada, zona delimitada
Charge: To impose a duty, responsibility, or task . Monto a pagar
Fee: A fixed sum charged. Tarifa
Booth: A small compartment or boxlike room. Cabina
Gridlock: A traffic jam in which no vehicular movement is possible. Paralización total de tráfico
Fuel: A material such as wood, coal, gas, or oil burned to produce energy. Combustible
Air pollution: The condition in which air is contaminated. Contaminación del aire
Inductive loop: It is an electromagnetic communication or detection system. It is considered the most reliable traffic
detection method available. Dispositivo electromagnetico inductivo
Lane: A lane is a part of the roadway. Carril
Roadbed: The foundation of a road. Capa de asfalto
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STUDENTS’ NOTES
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UNIT 3
HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
OBJECTIVES
The students will be able to:
• Translate sentences that include terms formed using suffixes and prefixes.
• Summarize the article “Hydraulic Engineering” in English considering just the main
information.
PRE-READING
Task 1: Work in pairs and match the word with their definitions.
1. Bridges ____ The deeper part of a river or harbor, especially a deep
navigable passage.
6.Sanitary Engineering
__1_ Structure spanning and providing passage over a gap or
7.Environmental barrier, such as a river or roadway.
Engineering
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WHILE-READING
Task 2: choose the right word that finishes the idea below.
The words: collection, storage, control, transport, regulation, measurement, and use are
related to……………………….
The modern hydraulic engineer uses the same kinds of computer-aided design (CAD) tools as
many of the other engineering disciplines while also making use of technologies like
computational fluid dynamics to perform the calculations to accurately predict flow
characteristics, GPS mapping to assist in locating the best paths for installing a system and laser-
based surveying tools to aid in the actual construction of a system.
Applications
Common topics of design for hydraulic engineers include hydraulic structures such as dams,
levees, water distribution networks, water collection networks, sewage collection networks, storm
water management, sediment transport, and various other topics related to transportation
engineering and geotechnical engineering.
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Related branches include hydrology and rheology while related applications include
hydraulic modeling, flood mapping, catchment flood management plans, shoreline management
plans, estuarine strategies, coastal protection, and flood alleviation.
A dam is a barrier that impounds water or underground streams. Dams generally serve the
primary purpose of retaining water, while other structures such as flood gates or levees are used
to manage or prevent water flow into specific land regions. Hydropower and pumped-storage
hydroelectricity are often used in conjunction with dams to generate electricity. A dam can also be
used to collect water or for storage of water which can be evenly distributed between locations.
Dams can be classified by structure (arch dams, gravity dams, arch-gravity dams, barrages,
embankment dams), by use (saddle dam, weir, check dam, dry dam, diversionary dam,
underground dam, tailings dam), by material (steel dams, timber dams), by size and other types.
Task 3. Read the text above then complete the sentences. Check your answers with a
partner.
a) Hydraulic engineering as a sub-discipline of civil engineering is concerned with……the flow
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Task 4. Circle if the statements are true or false. Check your answers with a partner.
a) Hydraulics is the field that deals with the flow and control of highways. T F
b) Hydropower and pumped-storage hydroelectricity are used
in conjunction with dams to generate electricity. T F
c) Hydraulic engineers don’t use modern tools to develop their projects T F
d) Dams can be classified by structure, by use, by size and by material T F
e) This area of civil engineering is intimately related to the design of
tunnels, highways, and airports. T F
Task 5. Answer the following questions according to the text about ‘Hydraulic Engineering’.
a) According to the text, what kind of projects do hydraulic engineers develop?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
b) Where is a hydraulic structure located?
…………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………
c) What is the purpose of building hydraulic structures?
……………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………
d) What type of tools do hydraulic engineers use to develop a hydraulic structure?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
e) What are the branches related to hydraulic engineering?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
POST-READING
Task 6: Write three kinds of DAMS that you are interested in reading more about.
Types of Dams
By…………….. By………………. By…………………
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Task 8. Transfer the information from the reading ‘Hydraulic Engineering’ to the diagram
below.
GI
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LANGUAGE REFERENCE
Word Formation
The most common processes of Word formation in English are by combining words and prefixes or
suffixes.
Prefixes. They are added to the beginning of a word.
Task 9. Work in pairs. Complete the tables below with two more words; you can use your
dictionary.
Task 10. Work in pairs. Copy from the text ‘Hydraulic Engineering’ six sentences containing
prefixes and suffixes, and then translate them.
Prefixes
a) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………
……..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
b) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
c) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Suffixes
d) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
e) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
f) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Task 11. Write the translation from the following words. Then check your answers.
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GLOSSARY
Alluvial: Made of sand, Earth, etc., left by rivers or floods. Aluvial, aluvión.
Boundary: Line that marks a limit, dividing line. Límite, frontera.
Channels: Sunken bed of a river, stream or canal. Canal.
Catchment area: From which rainfall flows into a river, reservoir, etc. Cuenca colectora.
Catchment flood management plans: Planes de manejo de inundaciones de cuenca.
Coastal protection: Of or near a coast. Protección costera
Cooling-water facilities: Equipment that make possible to cool water. Instalaciones de refrigeración de agua.
Conveyance: Thing that conveys. Conducción, acarreo.
Culverts: Drain that crosses beneath a road, railway, etc. Alcantarilla.
Computer-aided design tools: Herramientas de diseño computarizado asistido.
Deposition: Removing from power, dethronement. Desposición, destitución, sedimento.
Divert: Turn something or somebody from one course to another. Desviar (río)
Decrease: Cause something to become smaller or, diminish. Disminuir.
Disrupt: Cause disorder in something. Interrumpir.
Estuarine strategies: estuary: Wide river mouth into which the tide flows. Estrategias de estuario (estuario: desembocadura
de ríos caudalosos en forma de embudo).
Endangered: Cause danger to something. Poner en peligro.
Flood: Great quantity of water over a place that is usually dry. Inundación.
Floodgate: Gate that can be opened or closed to control the flow of water. Compuerta de Dique o represa.
Flood alleviation: Mitigación de inundaciones.
Flood mapping: Cartografía de inundaciones.
Features: Distinctive characteristic, Características.
Figure out: Come to understand something. Deducir, resolver.
Flumes: Cañada por donde pasa un río, saetín.
Fluids: Able to flow freely as gases and liquids do, not solid or rigid. Fluidos.
Flow: Move freely and continuously. Fluir.
GPS mapping: Cartografía GPS
Harbour: Place of shelter for ships. Puerto, anclaje.
Harm: Damage, injury. Dañar.
Hydraulic modeling: Modelo hidráulico.
Impound: To shut up in or as if in a pound; confine. Encerrar.
Increase: Amount by which something increases. Incrementar.
Inland lake: Situated in the interior of a country. Lago interno.
Laser-based surveying tools: Instrumentos de medición a laser.
Levees: Embankment built to prevent a flooded river from overflowing. Dique.
Loss: Act, instance or process of losing. Pérdida.
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STUDENTS’ NOTES
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
• Estaire, Sheila. La enseñanza de lenguas mediante tareas: principios y planificación
de unidades didácticas. Tareas EPA. 1999.
• Fuchs, Marjorie and Bonner, Margaret. Grammar Express. Longman. 2002.
• Hall, Eugene. The Language of Civil Engineering in English. Prentice Hall, 1977.
• Hutchinson, Tom and Waters, Alan. “English for Specific Purposes”. Cambridge
University Press. England. 1987.
• MahdiErfani, Seyyed et al. Integrating Task-based Instruction as an Alternative
Approach in Teaching Reading Comprehension in English for Special Purposes: An
Action Research. Theory and Practice in Language Studies. Academy Publisher. 2011.
• http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/building/bridge/index.html
• http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova
• http://www.english4civilengineering.com
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