When it comes to industry lingo, civil engineers have a language all their own. To help you navigate common phrases you might hear on job sites or in project meetings, we’ve created this two-part series that include common civil engineering terms, complete with definitions and how they impact the real estate development process.
40 Civil Engineering Terms You Might Hear In A Real Estate Project Meeting (M-Z)
In the first part of this series, we shared 28 Civil Engineering Terms beginning with the letter A-L. Today, we’ll share 40 Civil Engineering Terms starting with the letters M-Z in this second series installment. So keep reading to expand your vocabulary and learn more!
1. Macadam:
This type of pavement is constructed by laying down successive layers of small, compacted stones. Civil engineers often use this method to create a firm foundation for other types of pavement, such as asphalt.
2. Manhole:
A hole in the ground that provides access to an underground utility or sewer system. This is typically outfitted with a metal cover to prevent anyone or anything from falling in.
3. Masonry:
A type of construction that uses bricks, stones, or concrete blocks to create walls or other structures. Civil engineers frequently use masonry to construct retaining walls, support columns, or other load-bearing structures.
4. Master Plan:
A planning document that establishes a long-term vision for an area and provides guidance for future development. A team of architects, planners, and engineers usually creates this.
5. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
A document that provides information about the hazards of a material and how to safely handle it. This isn’t only restricted to chemical substances; it can also be used for other materials such as asphalt or concrete.
6. Materials Testing:
The process of testing construction materials (such as soil, concrete, or asphalt) to determine their strength and suitability for a particular project. This is an essential step in the civil engineering design process to ensure that materials meet the required specifications.
7. Matrix:
A solid material that binds together the particles of an asphalt or concrete mix. The matrix is what gives these materials their strength and durability.
8. Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP):
The highest pressure that a pipeline or other pressure vessel can safely operate at without exceeding its design limits. The manufacturer or engineer usually specifies this.
9. Metallurgy:
Metallurgy is the study of metals, their physical and chemical properties, and how they are produced. This knowledge is vital for civil engineers because it helps them select the appropriate materials for a project.
10. Microclimate:
The climate of a small, well-defined area that can be different from the climate of the surrounding area. This is important to consider when designing buildings or other structures, as the microclimate can impact the comfort of occupants or the performance of a building.
11. Moment:
A force that tries to rotate an object around a point. Without the ability to resist large moments, structures such as bridges would collapse, which makes this an essential consideration in their design process.
12. Municipal Engineering:
This civil engineering section focuses on planning and constructing public works, like water and sewer systems, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.
13. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW):
This is another term for garbage or rubbish. It includes both organic and inorganic waste that is produced by households and businesses. Civil engineers sometimes work on projects to manage MSW, such as landfills or incinerators.
14. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS):
Air quality standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that must be met by states to protect public health. These standards are important for civil engineers to consider when designing projects that could impact air quality, such as power plants.
15. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA):
A law that requires the federal government to assess the environmental impact of its actions. This includes approving or funding projects that could impact the environment. NEPA is an important law for civil engineers to be familiar with, as it can impact the approval of their projects.
16. Natural Ventilation:
The process of using air movement to ventilate a space without the use of mechanical systems. Considering this when designing structures is vital since it could lead to decreased energy consumption.
17. Non-Potable Water:
Water that is not suitable for drinking. It can be used for other purposes, such as irrigation or industrial uses. Civil engineers often need to consider the treatment of non-potable water when working on water supply projects.
18. Occupancy Load:
The maximum number of people that are allowed to be in a building or other space at one time. The safety of a building’s occupants is a priority for civil engineers, as an unsafe structure can lead to disaster. This consideration influences the size and number of exits or other safety features incorporated into the design.
19. Operating Pressure:
The amount of pressure that a pipeline or other pressure vessel is currently subjected to is called the operating pressure. This must be considered when designing or modifying a system, as too much or too little pressure can adversely affect its strength and stability.
20. Operations and Maintenance (O&M):
The activities associated with the upkeep of a facility or system. This can include tasks such as repairs, inspections, and replacement of parts. O&M is often performed by civil engineers after a project is completed.
21. Pavement:
A material that is used to construct roads, sidewalks, and other surfaces. There are many types of pavement, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Civil engineers must consider the type of pavement that is best suited for the project at hand.
22. Pile:
A pile is a long, cylindrical member that is driven into the ground to support a structure. This is often used in foundations or to stabilize slopes. Piles can be made of wood, concrete, or steel.
23. Pollutant:
A substance that contaminates the air, water, or land. Pollutants can come from natural sources, like volcanoes, or human activities, such as factories. Civil engineers must consider how their projects could impact the environment and what measures can be taken to mitigate the pollution.
24. Potential Hazard:
A condition that could lead to an accident or other undesirable event. Potential hazards must be identified and addressed to prevent accidents. This is especially important in the design of safety-critical systems, such as nuclear power plants.
25. Riprap:
Riprap is a layer of large, rough stones that are used to protect against erosion. Riprap is often used on slopes, shorelines, or riverbanks. This is often used in conjunction with other methods, such as vegetative cover, to provide stability.
26. Risk:
The chance that something bad will happen. Risk is often quantified by looking at the probability and severity of an event. Civil engineers must consider risk when designing projects, as some risks may be too great to justify the project.
27. Sump:
A sump is a pit that is used to collect water. This can be used in drainage systems or to remove water from an area that is prone to flooding.
28. Stormwater:
Stormwater is water that originates from precipitation, such as rain or snow. This water can often cause flooding or other problems if not properly managed. Stormwater management is a vital part of many civil engineering projects.
29. Superstructure:
The part of a structure that is above the ground, such as the floors and roof. The superstructure must be designed to support the loads that are applied to it.
30. Survey:
The purpose of a survey is to collect data about a certain area so that maps or other representations can be made. Surveys are frequently used in the early phases of civil engineering projects.
31. Suspended Load:
A suspended load is a type of sediment that is carried in water. This can include sand, clay, or other materials. The suspended load can impact the design of bridges, dams, and other structures.
32. Tendon:
Tendons are long, slender reinforcements made of steel or other tough materials that are used to provide extra strength in concrete.
33. Topography:
The topography of an area is the physical features that are present. This can include the elevation, slope, and aspect of the land. Topography must be considered when designing civil engineering projects.
34. Utility:
A utility is a service that is provided by a company, such as electricity or water. Utilities must be considered when designing civil engineering projects.
35. Veneer:
Veneers are thin layers of material used to cover surfaces for either aesthetic or functional purposes. You’ll often see them on walls or floors.
36. Watershed:
A watershed is an area of land draining to a common water body, such as a river or lake. Civil engineers consider watersheds when designing projects that could impact water quality.
37. Weathering:
The process by which rocks and other materials are broken down by the action of water, wind, or other agents. Weathering must be considered when designing projects that will be exposed to the elements.
38. Weirs:
Weirs are structures that are used to control the flow of water. They are often used in rivers or streams to prevent flooding.
39. Wind Load:
The wind load is the force that’s exerted on a structure by the wind. Civil engineers consider wind load when designing structures that will be exposed to high winds, such as bridges.
40. Zoning:
Zoning is the process of dividing land into areas for different uses. This can include residential, commercial, or industrial areas. Zoning is something every civil engineer must take into account when designing civil engineering projects.
This two-part blog series explains some of the most important civil engineering terms you might hear throughout the real estate development process. These terms can be challenging to understand for those unfamiliar with the field. But it’s essential to have a basic understanding of them to communicate effectively with those working on your development project.
We hope this series has helped you become more familiar with the lingo. If you haven’t read through part one, you can find it here.
Did we miss any important terms? Let us know in the comments below.
