Technical English Bachelor Course – Unit 1-1 Vocabulary

A collection of technical vocabulary from Unit 1-1 of the Technical English Bachelor course, covering structural engineering terms and general academic vocabulary.

column

A vertical structural element used as a support or pillar; also refers to a vertical section of text in a newspaper.

to reinforce

To strengthen or provide extra support to a material or structure.

reinforced concrete

A composite material in which concrete's relatively low tensile strength and ductility are counteracted by the inclusion of reinforcement having higher tensile strength or ductility, often steel.

beam

A structural element that primarily resists loads applied laterally to the beam's axis; can also refer to a ray of light or radiation (e.g., X-rays).

X-rays

A form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation used in medical imaging and material inspection.

literal

Taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or exaggeration (adverb form: literally).

suspension bridge

A type of bridge in which the deck is hung below suspension cables on vertical suspenders.

earthquake

A sudden and violent shaking of the ground, sometimes causing great destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action.

feature

A distinctive attribute, characteristic, or aspect of something.

bar (reinforcing bar, re-bar)

A steel rod or mesh of steel wires used as a tension device in reinforced concrete; also used to refer to a solid rectangular block or a venue where drinks are served.

structure

A building or other object constructed from several parts arranged together, or the way in which parts are organized.

application

The practical use or relevance of something; can also refer to a formal request such as a job application.

compressive strength

The maximum compressive stress a material can withstand without fracture.

durability

The ability of a material or structure to remain functional and withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time.

ease

The quality of being done without great effort or difficulty.

investigation

The action of researching or examining something thoroughly to discover facts or information.

composite things

Materials or substances made up of several distinct parts or different constituent materials.

stress-strain-relationship

The relationship between the internal forces (stress) within a material and the resulting deformation (strain).

$$E = \text{modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus)}$$

A quantity that measures an object or substance's resistance to being deformed elastically when a stress is applied to it.

inherent

Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.

defects

Shortcomings, imperfections, or flaws in a material or system.

chiefly

For the most part; mainly or primarily.

permeability

The quality of a material or membrane that causes it to allow liquids or gases to pass through it.

moisture

Liquid (usually water) diffused or condensed in relatively small amounts, specifically referring to solid substances.

humidity

The concentration of water vapor present in the air or a gas.

to crack

To break or split without complete separation of the parts.

crack

A narrow opening or line of breakage on the surface of a material.

to subject

To cause or force someone or something to undergo a particular experience or condition.