Civil Engineering Glossary for Building Construction

Civil Engineering Glossary for Building Construction

EVstudio’s world-class team of civil engineers brings expertise, precision, and creativity to every project. We deliver site development solutions that balance functionality, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. From grading and drainage design to utility coordination, we add exceptional value by addressing complex site challenges. Below is a glossary of 50 essential civil engineering terms and acronyms relevant to building construction.

1. As-Built Drawings
   Final drawings showing all completed construction details and changes made during the project.
2. Backfill
   Material used to refill excavated areas, providing support around structures or foundations.
3. Berm
   Raised earth used for drainage control, erosion prevention, or landscaping.
4. Bioswale
   Landscape feature that filters stormwater using vegetation and soil.
5. Boundary Survey
   Process defining property lines and boundaries on a project site.
6. Catch Basin
   Underground drainage structure that collects surface runoff and directs it to storm sewers.
7. Civil Site Plan
   Detailed layout showing site features like utilities, grading, and drainage.
8. Compaction
   Process of increasing soil density to improve load-bearing capacity.
9. Culvert
   Structure allowing water flow under a roadway or embankment.
10. Cut and Fill
    Earthmoving process balancing excavation (cut) and embankment (fill) to achieve desired site grades.
11. Detention Basin
    Temporary stormwater storage area reducing peak runoff flow.
12. Drainage Easement
    Legal right allowing stormwater drainage infrastructure on private property.
13. Earthwork
    Process of excavating, grading, and compacting soil for construction purposes.
14. Erosion Control
    Methods to prevent soil loss caused by water, wind, or construction activity.
15. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
    Agency regulating floodplain management and issuing flood zone maps.
16. Finished Grade
    Final elevation of ground level after construction grading is complete.
17. Floodplain
    Low-lying land area susceptible to periodic flooding.
18. Geotechnical Report
    Document analyzing subsurface soil conditions for construction suitability.
19. Grading Plan
    Drawing showing earth contours, cut-and-fill areas, and proposed site elevations.
20. Green Infrastructure
    Sustainable systems managing stormwater using natural processes like bioswales and rain gardens.
21. Hydrology
    Study of water flow, distribution, and behavior on a site.
22. Impervious Surface
    Surface like asphalt or concrete that prevents water infiltration into the ground.
23. Infiltration Basin
    Area designed to allow stormwater to soak into the ground.
24. Invert Elevation
    Lowest inside elevation of a pipe, culvert, or drainage structure.
25. Level of Service (LOS)
    Measure evaluating traffic flow efficiency on roadways.
26. Load-Bearing Capacity
    Maximum weight soil can support without significant settlement.
27. Manhole
    Underground access point for utility inspection, maintenance, or repair.
28. Mass Grading
    Large-scale earthmoving to establish site elevations for construction.
29. NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System)
    Permit program regulating stormwater discharge to protect water quality.
30. Offsite Improvements
    Infrastructure improvements outside the project boundary, like road or utility upgrades.
31. Onsite Retention
    System designed to keep stormwater onsite to minimize runoff impact.
32. Pavement Section
    Layered components of roadway or parking lot surfaces, including base and asphalt.
33. Permeable Paving
    Surface material allowing water infiltration, reducing runoff.
34. Preliminary Plat
    Initial plan showing proposed lot layout, streets, and utilities for subdivision development.
35. Retention Pond
    Permanent pond holding stormwater for gradual release or infiltration.
36. Right-of-Way (ROW)
    Legal right for public access or utilities across private property.
37. Runoff Coefficient
    Value estimating stormwater runoff based on surface characteristics.
38. Sanitary Sewer
    Underground system carrying wastewater from buildings to treatment facilities.
39. Sedimentation Basin
    Area trapping sediment from stormwater before it enters drainage systems.
40. Setback
    Required distance between a structure and property lines or easements.
41. Site Development Permit
    Authorization required for earthwork, drainage, and infrastructure improvements.
42. Slope Stabilization
    Techniques preventing soil movement on steep or unstable slopes.
43. Soil Bearing Capacity
    Maximum load soil can support without excessive settlement or failure.
44. Storm Sewer
    Piping system transporting rainwater runoff to designated drainage areas.
45. Stormwater Management Plan
    Document outlining strategies to control runoff, erosion, and flooding on a site.
46. Structural Fill
    Engineered soil placed to provide support for construction projects.
47. Subgrade
    Compacted soil layer beneath pavements or foundations.
48. Utility Easement
    Legal allowance for public or private utility infrastructure on private land.
49. Wetlands Delineation
    Identification and mapping of regulated wetland areas requiring environmental protection.
50. Zoning Regulations
    Local laws governing land use, density, and site design requirements.

At EVstudio, our civil engineering team delivers innovative and cost-effective solutions tailored to each project’s challenges. With expertise in grading, drainage, stormwater management, and infrastructure design, we ensure project success. Partner with EVstudio to turn complex sites into functional, sustainable, and buildable spaces.