Comprehensive definitions of technical terms from A to F, including structural mechanics, geotechnical engineering, materials, and construction practices.
The supporting structure at the ends of a bridge that retains the earth of the approach embankment and supports the bridge span. It transfers loads from the bridge superstructure to the foundation.
Granular material (sand, gravel, crushed stone) used in concrete and asphalt mixtures. Aggregates occupy about 60-75% of the volume of concrete and provide bulk and stability.
Material other than cement, water, and aggregates added to concrete immediately before or during mixing to modify its properties.
A force applied along the longitudinal axis (centroidal axis) of a structural member (like a column or tie), causing either tension or compression without inducing bending moment (in ideal cases).
The internal moment induced in a structural element when an external force is applied perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. It causes the member to bend.
The maximum average contact pressure between the foundation and the soil which should not produce shear failure in the soil.
The mass of a granular material (soil, aggregate) per unit volume, including the volume of solid particles, water, and voids.
A hydraulic binding material that sets and hardens when mixed with water. Portland Cement (OPC) is the most common type used in construction.
The process of maintaining adequate moisture and temperature in concrete after placement to allow hydration of cement to continue, ensuring strength development and durability.
A vertical compression member that supports axial loads and sometimes bending moments, transferring them from beams/slabs to the foundation.
Permanent static forces acting on a structure due to its own weight and fixed components (walls, floors, roofing). These loads do not change in magnitude or position over time.
The length of reinforcing bar embedded in concrete required to transfer the stress from the steel to the concrete through bond, preventing slip.
A measure of the relative density of coarse-grained soils (cohesionless), expressed as a ratio of the difference between the maximum void ratio and natural void ratio to the difference between max and min void ratios.
The ratio of stress to strain within the elastic limit of a material. It measures the stiffness of a material. Higher modulus means less deformation under load.
The distance used in structural analysis calculations to determine moments and shears. It depends on the support conditions and end bearings.
The force exerted by soil on a retaining structure. Three states exist: At Rest, Active (soil pushes outwards), and Passive (soil resists movement).
Aggregates passing through a 4.75 mm IS sieve and retained on a 0.075 mm sieve. Typically sand (natural or manufactured).
The ratio of the ultimate strength (or capacity) of a component to the actual working stress (or demand). It accounts for uncertainties in material properties, loads, and construction.
The lowest part of a structure in direct contact with the ground, designed to transmit the load of the structure safely to the soil below without exceeding its bearing capacity or causing excessive settlement.
An empirical factor obtained by adding the cumulative percentages of aggregate retained on a standard series of sieves and dividing the sum by 100. It indicates the average size of the particles.