Mechanics and Materials

Structural Engineering Vocabulary Definitions

• Stress: The internal force per unit area within a material that causes it to deform or change shape, measured in units of force per unit area (e.g., psi).
• Strain: The deformation or change in shape of a material due to stress, measured as a ratio of the change in length to the original length.
• Deflection: The downward or lateral movement of a structural element, such as a beam or column, under load.
• Moment: The turning effect of a force around a pivot or fulcrum, measured in units of force times distance.
• Shear: The force that causes a material to deform by sliding or rotating along a plane, measured in units of force per unit area.
• Tension: The force that causes a material to stretch or elongate, measured in units of force per unit area.
• Compression: The force that causes a material to shrink or shorten, measured in units of force per unit area.
• Torsion: The twisting force that causes a material to rotate around its longitudinal axis.
• Bending: The deformation of a structural element, such as a beam or column, due to an external force that causes it to change shape.
• Buckling: The sudden failure of a structural element, such as a column or beam, due to excessive compression or other external forces.
• Truss: A structural element composed of triangles formed by connecting beams or bars.
• Beam: A structural element that spans a distance and supports loads along its length.
• Column: A structural element that supports loads by resisting compression.
• Foundation: The base of a structure that transfers loads to the ground.
• Footing: The part of a foundation that distributes the load of a structure to the ground.
• Slab: A structural element that is a flat, horizontal plate.
• Wall: A structural element that provides lateral support and resists external forces.
• Lateral load: A force that acts perpendicular to the direction of the structural element.
• Gravity load: A force due to the weight of the structure itself.
• Load-bearing: Capable of supporting loads.
• Reinforcement: The addition of materials, such as steel bars or fibers, to enhance the strength and durability of a structural element.
• Concrete: A composite material made from a mixture of cement, water, and aggregate.
• Steel: A metal alloy made from iron and carbon.
• Timber: A type of wood used for structural purposes.
• Masonry: A type of construction material made from stone, brick, or concrete blocks.
• Structural analysis: The process of evaluating the behavior of a structure under various loads and conditions.
• Finite element analysis (FEA): A numerical method used to analyze the behavior of complex structures by dividing them into smaller elements.
• Structural design: The process of creating a structure that meets the required loads and conditions.
• Building code: A set of regulations that govern the design, construction, and use of buildings.
• Load combination: The combination of different loads that a structure must support.
• Safety factor: A factor used to ensure that a structure can withstand unexpected loads or failures.
• Serviceability: The ability of a structure to perform its intended function without significant degradation.
• Ductility: The ability of a material to deform without breaking.
• Stiffness: The resistance of a material to deformation.
• Strength: The ability of a material to withstand external forces without failing.
• Stability: The ability of a structure to resist external forces and maintain its equilibrium.
• Vibration: The oscillatory motion of a structure due to external forces.
• Seismic: Relating to earthquakes or seismic forces.
• Wind: A force that acts on a structure due to wind loads.
• Fatigue: The degradation of a material due to repeated loading and unloading.
• Corrosion: The degradation of a material due to chemical reactions with its environment.
• Creep: The slow deformation of a material over time due to constant loading.
• Deformation: The change in shape or size of a material due to external forces.
• Failure mode: The manner in which a structure fails under load.
• Structural integrity: The ability of a structure to maintain its integrity and function without significant degradation.
• Structural health monitoring: The process of monitoring the condition and performance of a structure over time.
• Structural rehabilitation: The process of restoring or improving the condition of a structure.
• Structural retrofit: The process of modifying an existing structure to improve its performance or extend its lifespan.
• Structural inspection: The process of evaluating the condition and performance of a structure.
• Structural testing: The process of evaluating the behavior of a structure under controlled conditions.

Cement and Concrete

• Cement: A binding adhesive material used in the construction industry, also referred to as Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).
• Curing: The process of maintaining the internal moisture added to cement-based products, such as cement mortar and concrete, to help the cement achieve its full strength after hydration.

Foundation and Substructure

• Foundation: The substructure that is constructed below the ground level on which the superstructure is built, transferring the load of the superstructure to the hard underground strata without exceeding the limits of the load-bearing capacity of the soil.
• Cantilever: A structural member that is embedded into the structure from one end and the other end is protruded to support the overhanging structure of the building.

Masonry

• Brick Masonry: Any construction work built by using bricks and joined together with cement mortar, constructed in different thicknesses and a common form of masonry work.
• Rubble Masonry: Any construction work built by using different types of stones and joined together with cement mortar, constructed in two types: coursed rubble masonry and uncoursed rubble masonry.

Plumbing and Drainage Systems

• Plumbing System: A system of water supply lines, drainage lines, and vent pipes designed for a specific project, designed as per the prevailing building code in the respective country.
• Drainage System: A system designed to remove waste and rainwater from a building, including pipes and other components that ensure proper drainage and prevent water accumulation.

Architectural Terms

• Arcade: A series of arches with their supporting columns or piers.
• Arris: The meeting of two surfaces producing an external angle.
• Base: The immediate area above the plinth, a building having no plinth, immediately above footings.
• Basement: Part of a building (usually a storey) below ground level.
• Bay: The space between two piers, columns, or projections.
• Bay Window: A window projecting outward from a wall and reaching up to the ground.
• Bevel: Any inclination of two surfaces other than 90 degrees (either greater or less).
• Blocking Course: A course of stones (or only one stone) placed on the top of a course to add to its appearance and also to prevent the cornice from overturning.

Other Terms

• Bressummer: Joist embedded in concrete; beam over verandah posts on which purlins of sloping roofs rest, also means a beam which carries a wall.
• Brick Core: Brickwork filled in between the top of a lintel and the soffit of a relieving arch.
• Brick Flogging: Brickwork filled in between wooden posts or studs (for making a wall).
• Bull's Eye: A circular or oval opening in a wall.
• Buttress: A projection of masonry built into the front of the wall to strengthen it for lateral stability against thrust from an arch, roof, or wind pressure.
• Chamfer: To cut off, in a small degree, the angle or arris formed by two faces, usually at an angle of 45 degrees.
• Chase: A recess made inside of a wall to accommodate pipes or electric wiring, etc.
• String Course: A horizontal (usually ornamental) course projecting along the face of a building (usually introduced at every floor level or under windows or below parapets) for imparting architectural appearance to the structure and also keeping off the rainwater.
• Throating: Term used for making a channel or groove on the under side of string courses, copings, cornices, or sun-shades, etc., to prevent rainwater from running inside towards the walls.
• Underpinning: The process of supporting the existing structure for renewing or repairing the lower walls or foundations.
• Vault: An arched masonry structure (with series of arches).
• Veneered Wall: In a wall in which the facing material is merely attached to and not properly bonded into the backing.
• Voussoir: The wedge-shaped structure component of a stone arch.
• Weathering: Action of sun and rain on structures or soils.

Branches of Engineering

• Structural Engineering: The branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of structures such as buildings, bridges, and dams.
• Geotechnical Engineering: The branch of engineering that deals with the behavior of earth materials and the design of structures that interact with these materials.
• Environmental Engineering: The branch of engineering that deals with the application of engineering principles and practices to protect and improve the environment.
• Transportation Engineering: The