TRAFFIC ENGINEERING GLOSSARY and/or persons entering and leaving an enclosed

area.
AADT
Annual average daily traffic; it is estimated as the Crest vertical curve
total volume counted over one year divided by the A vertical curve with the parabolic curve drawn
number of days in the year. below the two tangents

ADT Critical gap

Average daily traffic; obtained by averaging traffic Describes the minimum gaps needed by drivers of
volume over a number of days at least 2 days and minor road vehicles.
less than 365 days.
Cycle
Blackspots One complete indication of green, yellow, and red
Hazardous or accident-prone locations signals.

Broken back curve D/D/1

A curve characterized by a short tangent between A single-server queuing system with regularity of
two sub-curves in the same direction. both arrivals and departures.

Capacity Delineators
The maximum hourly rate at which persons or Small reflective panels or buttons mounted on
vehicles can reasonably be expected to traverse a guide posts or guard fences as an effective aid for
point or uniform section of a lane or roadway night driving.
during a given time period under prevailing
roadway, traffic, and control conditions. Density
The number of vehicles in a given length of road at
Channelization an instant point in time.
Geometric improvement normally applied at
intersections to simplify movements of vehicles to Design speed
lead drivers to face one conflict at a time. The maximum safe speed that can be maintained
over a specified section of highway when
Clearance interval conditions are so favourable that the design
The sum of yellow and all-red period in between features of the highway govern.
phases.
Dijkstra’s algorithm
Clothoid A procedure used in route assignment stage of the
A spiral that serves as a transition path as the four-step model to determine the shortest path
vehicle enters or leaves a circular curve. from one node of the network to another.

Compound curve Diplomatic vehicles

A two-arc simple curve having its centers on the Motor vehicles by a foreign government or by their
same side of the common tangent. diplomatic officials in the Philippines.

Cordon counts Disaggregate choice model

Counts used to determine the number of vehicles A method used for determining modal split, which
assumes that a person will use a particular mode Greenshield’s model
with maximum utility for him. A traffic flow model describing linear relation
between speed and density.
Easement curve
See clothoid. Harmonic mean speed
See Space mean speed.
ETC
Electronic Toll Collection; an ITS application; see Intergreen
also ITS. See Clearance interval.

Expressway Interrupted flow

A major divided highway designed for high-speed Flow occurring at intersections or driveways where
travel, having few or no intersections; also called vehicles are required to stop by any cause outside
freeway or limited access highway. the traffic stream such as traffic signs (STOP or
YIELD), traffic signal lights, etc.
FIFO
First-in First-out, i.e., the first one that arrives at the Intersection
service station gets served first and therefore is the The point where traffic flow converges and where
first to leave the system as well. direction of travel changes.

Flow Rate ITS

The number of vehicles passing a point during a Intelligent transportation system; the application of
specified period of time. information and communication technologies for
surface traffic and transportation systems.
For hire vehicles
Motor vehicles authorized to be used as public Jeepney
vehicles by virtue of a franchise granted by the An indigenous mode of public transportation in the
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Philippines; a postwar creation, it was inspired by
Board. the GI jeeps that the American soldiers brought
with them to the country during the 1940s.
Generalized cost
A term that puts costs on quantifiable and Kendall’s notation
sometimes unquantifiable costs that may be A notation used to describe queuing system.
incurred during a trip using a specified mode.
Level of service
Glass beads A qualitative description of how a certain facility is
Materials used to enhance the wet-night performing.
reflectivities of pavement markings.
LIFO
Grade-separation Last-in first-out; i.e., the last one that gets in gets
Eliminates the problematic crossing conflicts of the our first, See also FIFO
different movements of vehicles; flyover/overpass,
underpass, or full-blown interchanges are some of M/D/1
the examples. A single-server queuing system which assumes that
the arrivals of vehicles follow a negative
exponential distribution, a probability distribution highways.
characterized by randomness. Departure is
assumed to be regular as in the D/D/1. (See also Passing sight distance
D/D/1.) The shortest distance required for a vehicle to
safely pull out of a traffic lane, pass a vehicle
M/M/1 traveling in the same direction and return to the
A single-server queuing system that assumes correct lane without interfering either with the
negative exponential for both arrival and departure overtaken vehicle or opposing traffic.
distributions. (See also M/M/1).
Pavement markings
M/M/N Traffic control devices that take the form of lines,
A multiple-server queuing system that assumes symbols, messages, or numerals and may be set
negative exponential for both arrival and departure into the surface of, applied upon, or attached to the
distributions. (See also M/M/1). pavement.

Maximum speed limit PCU value

The 85th percentile speed used for speed Passenger car unit equivalent of the different types
regulation. of vehicles.

Minimum speed limit Pedicab

The 15th percentile speed used for speed A bicycle with a sidecar; nonmotorized mode of
regulation. public transportation. See also bicycle.

Modal split Phasing

A part of the four-step model with the objective of A process by which right of way is given to
determining which mode of travel is used by a trip particular movements in a logical manner with the
maker. primary purpose of minimizing the number of
conflicts.
Moving observer method
A method developed by the Transport Road Pneumatic rode tube
Research Laboratory in the UK that is used to Used as detector, it senses vehicle pressure and
obtain information on traffic volume, speed, and sends a burst of air pressure along a rubber tube
density of a given section of road. when a vehicle’s tires pass over them; the pulse of
air pressure then closes an air switch and sends an
Official/government electrical signal that marks the passage of a vehicle.
Motor vehicles owned by the Philippine
government. Private vehicles
vehicles Motor vehicles owned by private individuals or
companies and are not intended to be used for
Offset hire.
The difference in the start of green of two
signalized intersection. Raised pavement markers
Small rectangular or dome-shaped devices that are
Parabolic vertical curve fixed or embedded to the pavement to simulate or
Curve used for the design of the profile of supplement painted pavement markings.
Reserve capacity SCOOT
Difference between the existing traffic volume and Split Cycle Offset Optimization Techniques; third-
available capacity. generation system in which the signal timings are
free to evolve in response to detected traffic
Reserve curve volumes and queues.
A two-arc simple curve having its centers on
opposite sides. Screen line counts
Classified counts taken at some points along a line
“Right of Way” rule that bisects a given area.
Rule which states that when two vehicles arrive at
the same time at the intersection, the vehicle on the Semaphore
right has the priority. A visual signalling apparatus with flags, lights, or
mechanically moving arms, as one used on a
Road pricing railroad; used also for controlling intersections.
A method of alleviating congestion by charging any
vehicle entering the restraint zone a special fee to Shock wave
depending on the level of congestion in the area. A phenomenon brought about by the motion or
propagation of a change in density and flow.
Rotary
A form of unsignalized intersection in which all the Simple curve
vehicles move counter clockwise in one-way A circular arc between two tangents.
fashion.
Space mean speed
Roundabout Speed based on the average travel time of vehicles
See rotary. in the stream within the section.

Route Assignment Spacing

A part of the four-step model which is used to The distance between two vehicles measured from
assign trips or vehicles to a given road network. the front bumper of one vehicle to that of another.

Sag vertical curve Spot speed

A vertical curve with the parabolic curve drawn Arithmetic mean of the speeds of vehicles passing a
above the two tangents. point within a given interval of time.

Saturation flow rate Stopping sight distance

The maximum flow rate occurring at the stop line The shortest distance required for a vehicle
once traffic initially in queue is given green time traveling at the assumed running speed to stop
indication. safely before reaching a stationary object in its
SCATS path.
Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System; third-
generation system in which the signal timings are Superelevation
free to evolve in response to detected traffic Banking of the roadway necessary to counteract the
volumes and queues; the system installed in Metro centrifugal force that is acting on the vehicle.
Cebu and some parts of Metro Manila.
Test car technique Traffic management
A method for travel time studies that makes use of A term used to embody the activities undertaken by
a test vehicle which is driven over the road section a highway transportation agency to improve
under study. The driver is instructed to travel at a roadway system safety, efficiency, and effectiveness
speed that in his opinion is representative for both providers and consumers of transportation
of the speed of the traffic stream. services.

Thermoplastic materials Traffic regulation

Materials that can be heated to a liquid state, Covers all aspects of the control of both vehicle
reshaped, and cooled to form a new object; (registration, ownership, mechanical fitness,
regarded as the most successful of all pavement accessories, size, and weight) and driver (age, ability
marking materials when properly applied. to operate specific types of vehicles, financial
responsibility).
Time headway
The time interval between passages of consecutive Traffic signal
vehicles at a specified point on the road with a unit A visual signal to control the flow of traffic and
of time per vehicle. pedestrians at intersections or at midblocks.

Time mean speed Traffic signs

See Spot speed. Traffic control devices necessary to give information
as to routes, directions, destinations, etc. Their
Time occupancy function becomes more relevant when used to
The total time a detector is occupied divided by the warn road users of hazards and in regulating any
total time of observation. prohibitive action at specific places and/or at
specified times.
Traffic accident
An unexpected and undesirable event, especially Transportation engineering
one resulting in damage or harm. A field or branch of civil engineering that deals with
the application of technology and scientific
principles to the planning,
Traffic control devices
functional design, operation, and management of
Means by which the road used is advised as to
facilities for any mode of transportation to provide
detailed requirements or conditions affecting road
for the safe, rapid, comfortable, convenient,
use at specific places and times so that proper
economical, and environmentally compatible
action may be taken and accident or delay avoided.
movement of people and goods.

Traffic death
Tricycle
Defined by UN Organization (Geneva) as one that
A three-wheel, motorized mode of public
occurs within thirty days of the event.
transportation consisting of a motorcycle with a
sidecar. See also Pedicab.
Traffic engineering
That phase of transportation engineering that deals
Trip attraction
with the planning, geometric design, and traffic
The number of trips that is attracted to a certain
operations of roads, streets, and highways; their
zone.
networks, terminals, and abutting lands; and their
relationships with other modes of transportation.
Trip distribution
A part of the four-step model with the objective of
determining from which zones the trips are
generated and to which zones these trips are
bound.

Trip generation
The number of trips generated from a certain zone.

Two-way stop control

The major approaches without STOP signs have
complete priority over the minor approaches with
STOP signs.

Ultrasonic vehicle detectors

Detect volume, presence, classifications and speed
of vehicles; they are active acoustic sensors that
transmit sound waves toward detection zones at a
frequency ranging from 20 khz to 300 khz.

U-turn scheme
A traffic management shcme in w0hich
intersections are replaced by U-turn slots.
Operation is very similar to that of a roundabout
except that it favors a particular road, which is
assumed to be the major road.

Volume
See Flow rate.

FLUID MECHANICS / HYDRAULICS /

HYDROLOGY / WATER RESOURCES
ENGINEERING TERMINOLOGIES
CAVITATION– phenomenon whereby metal is used to carry water over a depression.
gradually eroded resulting in a very rough surface
of the metal with which the liquid comes in contact. DIKES– embankments used to exclude sea water
from lands subject to overflow.
PITTING– the damaging action of cavitation.
LEVEES- embankments used to exclude fresh water
RUBBER PIG BALL– a device used to clean sewers from lands subject to overflow.
if serious clogging has not occurred.
WASTEWAY TUNNEL– tunnel through which
SUBMERGED WEIR– a weir wherein the waste matter and sludge may pass through from
downstream water level is higher than the crest. the source to final disposal.

PITOT TUBE– an L-shaped tube open at both ends WATERWAY TUNNEL– tunnel through which small
that is placed in a stream with one end facing the vessels, such as barges, boats and launches can
current, wherein liquid rises in the vertical leg of the pass through.
tube and stands higher than the stream surface by
a distance “h”. STATIC PRESSURE– pressure caused by the fluids
at rest.
SEWERAGE– applied to the art of collecting,
treating, and disposing of sewage or the liquid DYNAMIC PRESSURE– pressure caused by the
conveyed by a sewer. fluids in motion.

INTAKE– consist of the opening, strainer, or grating IMPOUNDING RESERVOIR– artificial lake built for
through which the water enters, and the conduit the purpose of storing rainfall and stream flow for
conveying the water by gravity to a well or pump. use during those times when the natural supply is
insufficient to maintain the demand for water.
INFILTRATION– refers to the water that has leaked
into sewers rom the ground, through poor joints, CULVERTS - Conduit embedded through earth
cracked pipes, the wall of manholes, perforated embankment
manhole covers, and others.
FLUME – canals suspended and placed on trestle
COMBINED SEWER– designed to carry domestic
sewage, industrial waste, and storm sewage. EULER NUMBER– the inertia-pressure force ratio.

CHLORINATION– process of disinfecting and HYDRAULIC GRADE LINE (HYDRAULIC GRADIENT)

eliminating tastes and odor in water, wherein – line which connects the water levels in piezometer
chlorine in a certain dosage is introduced into the tubes placed at intervals along the pipe. It is the
water for disinfection. locus of the elevations to which liquid rises in
successive piezometer tubes.
INVERTED SIPHON– applied to a pressure pipe
carrying the flow of a canal or sewer across a ENERGY GRADE LINE (ENERGY GRADIENT) – a
depression. line higher than the hydraulic gradient by an
amount equal to the velocity head in the pipe.
TURNOUT– pipe through the canal embankment
for diversion of flow from the main canal to a HYDRAULIC JUMP– a sudden change in stream
smaller distribution canal. surface usually happens when flow changes from
supercritical to subcritical.
ELEVATED FLUME– a channel of wood, concrete,
or metal which is supported above ground and is
UNIT WEIGHT– the weight of a unit volume of a PIEZOMETRIC HEAD– the vertical distance from
fluid. the datum plane to the surface of the piezometric
liquid.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY– the ratio of its weight to the
weight of an equal volume of a standard substance. COEFFICIENT OF DISCHARGE– the product of the
coefficient of contraction and the coefficient of
MASS DENSITY– number of units of mass in a unit velocity.
volume of liquid.
WATER HAMMER– is a phenomenon when a
VISCOSITY– the evidence of cohesion between the liquid flowing in a pipeline is suddenly stopped by
particles of a fluid and is that physical property of the closing of valve, dynamic energy is converted
the fluid which causes it to resist the shear into elastic energy and a series of positive and
produced by the sliding motion of adjacent layers. negative pressure waves travel back and forth in the
pipe until they are damped by friction. Also defined
KINEMATIC VISCOSITY– ratio of viscosity to mass as the change in pressure, above or below normal
density. pressure, caused by sudden changes in the rate of
flow of water.
SURFACE TENSION– measures the strength of the
film formed at the surface of a liquid due to the HYDROGRAPH– a graphical, chronological
unbalanced downward attraction to which the representation of the flow of a stream. A plot of
molecules in the surface layer are subjected. streamflow against time.

HYDROSTATIC UPLIFT– an upward pressure VENA CONTRACTA– the section of the jet issuing
underneath a dam caused by seepage of water from an orifice where the contraction ceases.
under the dam.
HYDRAULIC RADIUS– the area of the cross-
PENSTOCK – pipes which transmit water to the section of the stream divided by the wetted
turbines. perimeter of the section.

SURGE TANK– usually installed on large pipelines WEIR– overflow structure built across an open
to relieve excess pressure caused by water hammer channel for the purpose of measuring the flow.
and to provide a supply of water.
PIEZOMETER– simplest form of manometer, a tube
GENERATORS– used to generate electric power tapped into the wall of a container or conduit for
through the rotation of a rotor which cuts magnetic the purpose of measuring the pressure.
lines of force.
Aqueduct– a term usually restricted to closed
MODULUS OF ELASTICITY (BULK MODULUS)– conduits of masonry built in place.
ratio of change in pressure to change in volume per
unit of volume. SEDIMENTATION– settling of suspended particles
in a liquid to the bottom of the containing vessel
METACENTER– point of intersection of the vertical for the purpose of clarification of the liquid.
line through the center of buoyancy and the
inclined axis of symmetry of a floating body. DIVERSION DAM– a structure constructed across
stream channels or other low reaches of ground to
METACENTRIC HEIGHT– distance from the center form basins in natural terrain.
of gravity of the floating body to the metacenter.
SIPHON– a bent tube wherein one of whose arms
is longer than the other.

CREST– edge or top surface of a weir with which

flowing liquid comes in contact.

BREAKWATER– barrier constructed around a port

area to shelter the interior water are against heavy
seas.

SEA WALL– a retaining wall which, in addition to

earth pressure from the land side, are acted upon
by the impact forces of the storm waves.

QUAY WALL– marine terminal may be located

parallel to the shore of the harbor with ship access
on the outboard side or at an angle to the shore
with ship access on one or both sides.

PORTS AND SHIPPING GLOSSARY

Backhaul
To haul a shipment back over part of a route that it
has already traveled; return movement of cargo,
usually opposite from the direction of its primary Broker
cargo destination. A person who arranges for transportation of loads
for a percentage of the revenue from the load.
Ballast keel
A heavy keel fitted to vessels to lower the center of Build-operate-transfer (BOT)
gravity and improve stability. A form of concession where a private party or
consortium agrees to finance, construct, operate
Ballast tanks and maintain a facility for a specific period and
Compartments at the bottom of a ship that are transfer the facility to the concerned government or
filled with liquids for stability and to make the ship port authority after the term of the concession. The
seaworthy. ownership of the concession area (port land)
remains with the government or port authority
Beam during the entire concession period. The
The width of a ship. concessionaire bears the commercial risk of
operating the facility.
Berth
A place in which a vessel is moored or secured; Build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT)
place alongside a quay where a ship loads or A form of concession where a private party or
discharges cargo. consortium agrees to finance, construct, own,
operate and maintain a facility for a specific period
Berth term and transfer the facility to the concerned
Shipped under a rate that does not include the cost government or port authority after the term of the
of loading or unloading. concession. The ownership of the concession area
(port land) vests in the private party or consortium
Berth dues (or quay dues or dockage) during the entire concession period and is
Charges for the use of a berth. Typically assessed transferred to the government or port authority at
based on the duration of a vessel’s stay and length the end of the concession period. As with the BOT,
overall (LOA). the concessionaire bears the commercial risk of
operating the facility.
Bill of lading
A document that establishes the terms of contract Bulkhead
between a shipper and a transportation company. It A structure to resist water; a partition separating
serves as a document of title, a contract of carriage, one part of a ship from another part.
and a receipt for goods.
Bulk vessel
Bond port All vessels designed to carry bulk cargo such as
Port of a vessel’s initial customs entry to any grain, fertilizers, ore, and oil.
country; also known as first port of call.
Bunkers
Bonded warehouse Fuel used aboard ships.
A warehouse authorized by customs authorities for
storage of goods on which payment of duties is C
deferred until the goods are removed.
Cabotage
Shipments between ports of a single nation,
Breakbulk
frequently reserved to national flag vessels of that
Loose, noncontainerized cargo stowed directly into
nation.
a ship’s hold.
 the general public at published rates.
Cargo tonnage
Ocean freight is frequently billed on the basis of Concession
weight or measurement tons. Weight tons can be An arrangement whereby a private party -
expressed in terms of short tons of 2,000 pounds, (concessionaire) leases assets from a authorized
long tons of 2,240 pounds, or metric tons of 1,000 public entity for an extended period and has
kilograms (2,204.62 pounds). Measurement tons are responsibility for financing specified new fixed
usually expressed as cargo measurements of 40 investments during the period and for providing
cubic feet (1.12 cubic meters) or cubic meters (35.3 specified services associated with the assets; in
cubic feet). return, the concessionaire receives specified
revenues from the operation of the assets; the
Carrier assets revert to the public sector at expiration of
Any person or entity who, in a contract of carriage, the contract.
undertakes to perform or to procure the
performance of carriage by sea, inland waterway, Conservancy
rail, road, air, or by a combination of such modes. In some countries, this fee is levied to retain upkeep
of the approaches to waterways and canals.
Cartage
Intraport or local hauling of cargo by drays or Consolidation
trucks (also referred to as drayage). Cargo consisting of shipments of two or more
shippers or suppliers. Container load shipments
Chassis may be consolidated for one or more consignees.
A frame with wheels and container locking devices
to secure the container for movement. Container
Steel or aluminum frame forming a box in which
Classification yard (also commonly known as a cargo can be stowed meeting International
shunting yard) Standard Organization (ISO)-specified
A railroad yard with many tracks used for measurements, fitted with special castings on the
assembling freight trains. corners for securing to lifting equipment, vessels,
chassis, rail cars, or stacking on other containers.
Cleaning in transit Containers come in many forms and types,
The stopping of articles (such as farm products) for including: ventilated, insulated, refrigerated, flat
cleaning at a point between the point of origin and rack, vehicle rack, open top, bulk liquid, dry bulk, or
destination. other special configurations. Typical containers may
be 10 feet, 20 feet, 30 feet, 40 feet, 45 feet, 48 feet,
Clearance or 53 feet in length, 8 feet or 8.5 feet in width, and
The size beyond which vessels, cars, or loads cannot 8.5 feet or 9.5 feet in height.
pass through, under, or over bridges, tunnels,
highways, and so forth. Container freight station
A dedicated port or container terminal area, usually
Cleat consisting of one or more sheds or warehouses and
A device secured on the floor of a container to uncovered storage areas where cargo is loaded
provide additional support or strength to a cargo- (“stuffed”) into or unloaded (“stripped”) from
restraining device, or a device attached to a wharf containers and may be temporarily stored in the
to secure mooring lines. sheds or warehouses.

Common carrier Container pool

A transportation company that provides service to An agreement between parties that allows the
efficient use and supply of containers; a common terminal for loading to a scheduled barge, vessel,
supply of containers available to the shipper as train, or truck.
required.
D
Container vessel
Daily running cost
Ship equipped with cells into which containers can
Cost per day of operating a ship.
be stacked; containerships may be full or partial,
depending on whether all or only some of its holds
Deconsolidation point
are fitted with container cells.
Place where cargo is ungrouped for delivery.
Container terminal
An area designated for the handling, storage, and
Demurrage
possibly loading or unloading of cargo into or out
A penalty charge against shippers or consignees for
of containers, and where containers can be picked
delaying the carrier’s equipment beyond the
up, dropped off, maintained, stored, or loaded or
allowed free time. The free time and demurrage
unloaded from one mode of transport to another
charges are set forth in the charter party or freight
(that is, vessel, truck, barge, or rail).
tariff.
Container yard
Dock or quay
A container handling and storage facility either
A structure attached to land to which a vessel is
within a port or inland.
moored.
Contraband
Draft (or draught)
Cargo that is prohibited.
The depth of a ship while in the water. Measured as
the vertical distance between the waterline and the
Contract carrier
lowest edge of the keel.
Any person not a common carrier who, under
special and individual contracts or agreements,
Dredging
transports passengers or cargo for compensation.
Removal of sediment to deepen access channels,
provide turning basins for ships, and maintain
Controlled atmosphere
adequate water depth along waterside facilities.
Sophisticated, computer controlled systems that
manage the mixture of gases within a container
Dry bulk
throughout an intermodal journey, thereby
Loose, mostly uniform cargo, such as agribulk
reducing decay.
products, coal, fertilizer, and ores, that are
transported in bulk carriers.
Customhouse
A government office where duties are paid,
Dunnage
documents filed, and so forth, on foreign
Material used in stowing cargo either for separation
shipments.
or the prevention of damage.
Customs broker
A person or firm, licensed by the customs authority
of their country when required, engaged in entering E
and clearing goods through customs for a client
(importer). Electronic data interchange (EDI)
Transmission of transactional data between
Cut-off time (closing time) computer systems.
The latest time a container may be delivered to a
EDIFACT without duties being applied. Also referred to as
Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, free port.
Commerce, and Trade. International data
interchange standards sponsored by the United Freight, demurrage, and defense
Nations. Class of insurance provided by a protection and
indemnity (P&I) club that covers legal costs
Eminent domain incurred by a shipowner in connection with claims
The sovereign power to take property for a arising from the operation of the ship.
necessary public use, with reasonable
compensation. Freight forwarder
Person or company who arranges for the carriage
F of goods and associated formalities on behalf of a
shipper. The duties of a forwarder include booking
Feeder service
space on a ship, providing all the necessary
Transport service whereby loaded or empty
documentation, and arranging customs clearance.
containers in a regional area are transferred to a
“mother ship” for a long-haul ocean voyage.
Freight payable at destination
Method of paying the freight often used for
Fixed costs
shipment of bulk cargo, the weight of which is
Costs that do not vary with the level of activity.
established on discharge from the ship.
Some fixed costs continue even if no cargo is
carried; for example, terminal leases, rent, and G
property taxes.
Gantry crane
Force majeure A crane fixed on a frame or structure spanning an
The title of a common clause in contracts, intervening space typically designed to traverse
exempting the parties from nonfulfillment of their fixed structures such as cargo (container) storage
obligations as a result of conditions beyond their areas or quays and which is used to hoist
control, such as earthquakes, floods, or war. containers or other cargo in and out of vessels and
place or lift from a vessel, barge, trucks, chassis, or
Foreign trade zone train.
A free port in a country divorced from customs
authority, but under government control. Gateway
Merchandise, except contraband, may be stored in A point at which freight moving from one territory
the zone without being subject to import duty to another is interchanged between transportation
regulations. lines.

Forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU) Good international practice

Unit of measurement equivalent to one forty-foot Term used in contracts, meaning the exercise of
container. Two twenty-foot containers (TEUs) equal that degree of skill, diligence, and prudence that
one FEU. would, in order to satisfy internationally accepted
standards of performance, reasonably be practiced
Free trade zone by an experienced person holding all applicable
A zone, often within a port (but not always), qualifications who is engaged in the same type or
designated by the government of a country for similar types of activity under the same or similar
duty-free entry of any nonprohibited goods. circumstances.
Merchandise may be stored, displayed, or used for
manufacturing within the zone and reexported Grounding
Contact by a ship with the ground while the ship is has not yet been paid.
moored or anchored as a result of the water level
dropping, or when approaching the coast as a Inducement
result of a navigational error. Placing a port on a vessel’s itinerary because the
volume of cargo offered by that port justifies the
Groupage cost of routing the vessel.
The grouping together of several compatible
consignments into a full container load. Also Inland carrier
referred to as consolidation. A transportation company that hauls export or
import traffic between ports and inland points.
H
Intermodal
Harbor dues (or port dues)
Movement of cargo containers interchangeably
Charges by a port authority to a vessel for each
between transport modes where the equipment is
harbor entry, usually on a per gross tonnage basis,
compatible within the multiple systems.
to cover the costs of basic port infrastructure and
marine facilities such as buoys, beacons, and vessel J
traffic management system.
Jetty (or pier)
Hand-over A structure that is perpendicular or at an angle to
Term used in contracts, meaning the process of the shoreline to which a vessel is secured for the
providing exclusive, unencumbered, peaceful, and purpose of loading and unloading cargo.
vacant possession of and access to a concession
area and the existing operational port infrastructure Jumboising
and also all rights, title (free of all encumbrances Conversion of a ship to increase cargo-carrying
and security), and interest in all the movable assets capacity by dividing and adding a new section.
and all the facilities by the government or the port
authority on the hand-over date for the conduct of K
terminal operations.
Keel
A flat steel plate running along the center line of a
Harbormaster
vessel.
An officer who is in charge of vessel movements,
safety, security, and environmental issues within a
Knot
port.
Measure of ship speed, equal to one nautical mile
(1,852 meters) per hour.
Heavy lift charge
A charge typically imposed when special lifting gear L
is required to handle a given piece of cargo, which
may be of either heavy weight or of large LASH
dimensions (often referred to as “out of gauge” Abbreviation for “lighter aboard ship.” A specially
when dealing with container vessels). constructed vessel equipped with an overhead
traveling gantry crane for lifting specially designed
Hold barges out of the water and stowing them into the
A ship’s interior storage compartment. cellular holds of the vessel (loading) and unstowing
(unloading) as well.
I
Loaded draught (or draft)
In bond
Depth of water to which a ship is immersed when
Cargo moving under customs control where duty
fully loaded. Longshoreman (or docker, port worker, or dock
worker)
Landlord port Individual employed locally in a port to load and
An institutional structure where the port authority unload ships.
or other relevant public agency retains ownership
of the port land and responsibility for port planning Lo-lo (lift-on lift-off)
and development, as well as the maintenance of Cargo handling method by which vessels are
basic port infrastructure and aids to navigation. loaded or unloaded by either ship or shore cranes.

Lender’s direct agreement M

Agreement between parties to a concession or BOT
Malacca-max
agreement (government or port authority and
Maximum size of container and bulk vessels (in
special purpose vehicle [SPV] or terminal operator)
terms of draught) that can cross the Malacca Straits.
and the lenders (usually banks or a consortium of
The Malacca-max reference is believed to be today
banks) setting out the rights and obligations of the
the absolute maximum possible size for future
lenders in relation to the government or port
container vessels (approximately 18,000 TEU).
authority regarding the facilitation of the financing
of a port project.
Main port
A large multipurpose port serving a number of
Lighter
countries and regions.
An open or covered barge towed or pushed by a
tugboat or a pusher tug and used primarily in
Management contract
harbors and on inland waterways to carry cargo to
An arrangement whereby the operation and
or from the port.
management of a facility is contracted by the public
authority to a specialized operator for a specified
Limited recourse financing
period and under specified conditions relating to
Project financing in which sponsors or governments
performance criteria, economic incentives, and
agree to provide contingent financial support to
maintenance and infrastructure commitments. The
give lenders extra comfort; typically provided
public authority retains ownership of the facility
during the construction and start-up period of a
and the commercial risk associated with its
project, which is generally the riskiest time in the
operation.
life of an infrastructure project.

Mezzanine financing
Line haul
A mix of financing instruments, including equity,
The movement of freight over the tracks of a
subordinated debt, completion guarantees, and
transportation line from one location (port or city)
bridge financing, the balance of which changes as
to another.
the risk profile of a project changes (that is, as a
project moves beyond construction into operation).
Liner
A vessel sailing between specified ports on a
Mixed cargo
regular basis.
Two or more products carried on board one ship.
Mobile crane
Lloyds’ Registry
General purpose crane capable of moving on its
An organization engaged in the surveying and
own wheels from one part of a port to another.
classing of ships so that insurance underwriters and
others may know the quality and condition of the
Moor
vessels involved.
To attach a ship to the shore by ropes.
N dry bulk and container vessels).

Neobulk cargo Permanent dunnage

Non-, or economically not feasible, containerizable Strips of timber fixed to the frames of a ship to
cargo such as timber, steel, and vehicles. keep cargo away from the sides of the ship to avoid
damage and condensation.
Nonrecourse financing
Project financing for which no loan guarantees or Pilferage
financial support is provided by the sponsors or Stealing of cargo.
governments to lenders for the project.
Pilotage
Nonvessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) The act of assisting the master of a ship in
A cargo consolidator in ocean trades who buys navigation when entering or leaving a port or in
space from a carrier and resells it to smaller confined water.
shippers. The NVOCC issues bills of lading,
publishes tariffs, and otherwise conducts itself as an Pilotage dues
ocean common carrier, except that it does not Fee payable by the owner or operator of a ship for
provide the actual ocean or intermodal service. the services of a pilot; the fee is normally based on
the ship’s tonnage, draft, or length.
O
Platform (or flat)
On-carrier
A shipping container without sides, ends, or a roof.
Person or company who contracts to transport
Normally 20 or 40 feet long, it is used for
cargo from the port or place of discharge of a sea-
awkwardly shaped cargo that cannot fit on or in any
going or ocean-going ship to another destination
other type of container.
by a different means of transport, such as a feeder
vessel, truck, train, or barge.
Plimsoll mark/load lines
A series of horizontal lines and a circle with a
Optional cargo
horizontal line painted amidships of both sides of
Cargo that is destined for one of the ship’s
the hull of a ship marking the level that must
discharge ports, the exact one not being known
remain above the surface of the water for the
when the goods are loaded.
vessel’s stability.

Overcarriage
Pontoon
The carriage of cargo beyond the port for which it
Flat-bottomed floating structure with a shallow
was intended.
draught.
P
Pooling
Pallet Sharing of cargo or the profit or loss fromfreight by
A flat tray, generally made of wood, but member lines of a liner conference.
occasionally steel or other materials, on which
goods can be stacked. There are two principal sizes: Port dues (or harbor dues)
the ISO pallet, which measures 1 x 1.2 meters, and Charges levied against a shipowner or ship
the europallet at 0.8 x 1.2 meters. operator by a port authority for the use of a port
(see also harbor dues).
Panamax
Maximum beam that allows vessels to pass through Port of refuge
the locks of the Panama Canal (specifically used for Port, not on a ship’s itinerary, which the ship calls at
due to some unforeseen hazard at sea and where Shed (also see warehouse)
the ship may undergo repairs, refuel, or rescue Covered area for the reception, delivery,
cargo. consolidation, distribution, and storage of cargo.
Note: A warehouse usually points at longer term
Port of registry storage, whereas a shed usually is used for shorter
Place where a ship is registered with the authorities, term storage.
thereby establishing its nationality.
Ship chandler
Preentry An individual or company selling equipment and
Presentation to the customs authorities of export or supplies for ships.
import declarations prior to the clearance of goods.
Ship’s tackle
Project financing All rigging and so forth used on a ship to load or
Financing wherein the lender looks to a project’s unload cargo.
cash flows to repay the principal and interest on
debt, and to a project’s assets for security; also Side loader
known as “structured financing” because it requires A lift truck fitted with lifting attachments operating
structuring the debt andequity such that a project’s to one side for handling containers.
cash flows areadequate to service the debt.
Spotting
R Placing a container where required to be loaded or
unloaded.
Rail-mounted gantry (RMG) or rail-mounted
container gantry crane
Spreader
used for container acceptance, delivery, and
A piece of equipment designed to lift containers by
stacking operations in a container yard.
their corner castings.

Reefer
Stackcar
Refrigerated container or vessel designed to
An articulated multiple platform rail car that allows
transport refrigerated or frozen cargo.
containers to be double stacked.

Relay
Stacktrain
To transfer containers from one ship to another.
A rail service whereby rail cars carry containers
stacked two high on specially operated unit trains.
Ro/ro
A shortening of the term “roll-on roll-off.” Ro/ro is
Stevedore
a cargo handling method whereby vessels are
Individual or firm that employs longshoremen (or
loaded via one or more ramps that are lowered on
dockers, dock workers, or port workers) to load and
the quay.
unload vessels.

Rubber-tired gantry (RTG) or rubber-tired container

Stevedoring charges
gantry crane
Fees for loading and stowing or unloading a ship.
Gantry crane on rubber tires typically used for
acceptance, delivery, and container stacking at a
Sto-ro
container yard.
A vessel with capacity for breakbulk cargo as well as
S vehicles or trailer borne cargo.

Stowage factor
The average cubic space occupied by one ton Toplifter
weight of cargo as stowed aboard a ship. Forklift truck capable of lifting a container by
means of its spreader.
Straddle carrier
Type of equipment that picks up and transports Towage
containers between its legs for movement within a Charges for the services of tugs assisting a ship or
container terminal. other vessels in ports.

Stripping (unstuffing) Tramp line

Unloading of a container. An ocean carrier company operating vessels on
other than regular routes and schedules.
Supply chain
A logistics management system that integrates the Transshipment
sequence of activities from delivery of raw materials A distribution method whereby containers or cargo
to the manufacturer through to the delivery of the are transferred from one vessel to another to reach
finished product to the customer in measurable their final destination, compared to a direct service
components. from the load port of origin to the discharge port of
destination. This method is often used to gain
T better vessel utilization and thereby economies of
scale by consolidating cargo onto larger vessels
Tare weight
while transiting in the direction of main trade
The weight of wrapping or packing; added to the
routes.
net weight of cargo to determine its gross weight.
Transshipment port
Terminal charge
A port where cargo is transferred from one carrier
A charge made for a service performed in a
to another or from one vessel of a carrier to
terminal area typically referring to handling
another vessel of the same carrier without the
associated with receipt, delivery, or inspection of
cargo leaving the port.
cargo via land-based operations.
Turnaround time
Throughput charge
The time it takes between the arrival of a vessel and
The charge for moving a container through a
its departure from port; frequently used as a
container yard off of or onto a ship.
measure of port efficiency.

Top off
Twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU)
To fill a ship that is already partly loaded with
Container size standard of twenty feet. Two twenty-
cargo. Typically occurs where there is a draught
foot containers (TEUs) equal one FEU. Container
restriction at the first load port—the ship loads a
vessel capacity and port throughput capacity are
quantity of cargo corresponding to the permissive
frequently referred to in TEUs.
draught, then fills up at the second port where
there is no restriction. U

Top stow cargo Unitization

Goods that are stowed on top of all others in a The consolidation of a quantity of individual items
ship’s hold because of their relatively low density into one large shipping unit for easier and faster
and the probability that they would be damaged if handling through methods such as palletizing,
over stowed. stripping, slinging and containerization.
Unloader Structure built alongside the water or perpendicular
Port equipment employed to unload ships carrying to the shore where ships berth for loading or
dry bulk cargo. (Note: Small movable and hoistable discharging goods.
unloaders are sometimes referred to as
“vacuvators.”) Wharfage
The charge that an owner of a facility (terminal or
Unmoor port) charges for the movement of cargo through
To remove the ropes that attach a ship to the shore. that facility.

Unstuffing (or stripping)

Unloading of a container.

Variable cost
Costs that vary directly with the level of activity
within a short time. Examples include costs of -
moving cargo inland on trains or trucks,
stevedoring in some ports, and short-term
equipment leases.

Vessel manifest
Declarations made by international ocean carriers
relating to the ship’s crew and contents at both the
port of departure and arrival. All bills of lading are
registered on the manifest.

Vessel traffic management system

Vessel control and management system (VTMS)
usually under the authority of the harbormaster,
comprising equipment (such as radars, tracking
software, and radio communications), personnel
(traffic operators), and regulations.

Warehouse (see also shed)

Covered area for the reception, delivery,
consolidation, distribution, and storage of cargo.
Note: A warehouse usually points at longer term
storage, whereas a shed usually is used for shorter
term storage. GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING TERMINOLOGIES

Waybill
Document, issued by a shipping line to a shipper, Adsorbed water - Water bound to soil particles
which serves as a receipt for the goods and because of the attraction between electrical charges
evidence of the contract of carriage. existing on soil particle surfaces and (dipole) water
molecule.
Wharf
Aquifer – Soil or rock layer (stratum) in which very small channels such as capillary-sized openings
groundwater moves easily (i.e. a stratum which is a because of affinity between soil and water, which
carrier of, or subsurface travel route for acts to increase the boundary of contact between
groundwater). Typically, aquifers consist of coarse- the two materials, and the surface tension property
grained soils or fractures, seamy rock. developed by water in contact with air. Capillary
flow can occur in the direction opposite to that of
Aquitard – Type of soil or rock layer (stratum) that the pull of gravity.
restricts or prevents the movement of subsurface
water. Typically, aquitard consists of fine-grained Chemical weathering – The process of weathering
soil such as silts or clays or sound rocks (solid, not whereby chemical reactions such as hydration,
fractured or seamy). solution, oxidation, and ion exchange break down
and possibly change rock and soil materials.
Arching - the transfer of stress from a yielding part
of a soil mass to an adjacent less yielding or Clays (clay mineral) – Very small soil particles
restrained part of the mass. having a crystalline (layered) structure, created as
the result of the chemical alteration of primary rock
Atterberg limits – The liquid limit, plastic limit and minerals. Most clay particles, because of their
shrinkage limit for soil. The water content where the mineralogical composition, are flat or plate-like in
soil behavior changes from the liquid to the plastic shape, with a large surface area to mass ratio. Clay
state is the liquid limit; from plastic to semi-solid particle dimensions are often smaller than 2µ.
state is the plastic limit; and from semi-solid to
solid state is the shrinkage limit. Coarse-grained soil – Those soil types having large
enough to be seen without visual assistance. The
Backfill – Soil material placed back into an area coarse-grained materials include the sand and
that has been excavated such as against structures gravel (or larger) soil particles.
and in pipe trenches.
Cohesion – The bonding or attraction between
Bearing capacity – the pressure that can be particles of fine-grained soil that creates shear
imposed by a foundation on to the soil or rock strength.
supporting the foundation.
Compaction - The process of increasing the
Boring – The method of investigating subsurface density or unit weight of a soil (frequently fill soil)
conditions by drilling into the earth. Frequently, soil by rolling, tamping, vibrating, or other mechanical
or rock samples are also extracted from the boring means.
for classification and testing.
Compressibility – The change, or tendency for
Borrow – Soil or rock material obtained from an change, that occurs in the thickness of the soil mass
off-site source for use as fill on construction and when it is subjected to compressive loading.
projects.
Conduit – Pipe that is buried in a soil mass or
Caisson – A large structural chamber used to keep passes through a soil embankment and carries
soil and water from entering into a deep excavation water or other fluid materials, electrical cables and
or construction area. Caissons may be installed by the like.
being sunk in place or by systematically excavating
below the bottom unit to the desired depth. Consolidation – The process by which compression
of a newly stressed clay soil occurs simultaneously
Capillarity – The movement of water, due to effects with the expulsion of water present in the soil void
other than gravity, through very small void spaces spaces. Initially, the newly imposed stress acting on
that exist in a soil mass. Water movement occurs in
the clay is imparted onto the water in the soil voids of 10 to 30m (30 to 100ft) are typical). Multiple
(pore water), and not onto the soil particles. poundings are provided at each drop location and
Because of the increased pressure, the water is closely spaced drop locations are utilized to
gradually forced out of the soil. As the pore water improve a construction site.
pressure is reduced, the magnitude of the stress
being imposed onto the soil particles is Earth pressure – Normally used in reference to the
correspondingly increased. Compression of the clay latera pressure of force imposed by a soil mass
layer occurs only as rapidly as pore water can drain against an earth-supporting structure such as
from the soil, and is related to the permeability of retaining wall or basement wall, or on a fictitious
the soil layer. vertical plane located within a soil mass. The
coefficient of earth pressure refers to the ratio of
Contamination (groundwater, soil) – A lateral pressure to vertical pressure existing at
degradation of lowering of the quality (of appoint in a soil mass.
groundwater or soil) which affects suitability for
conventional usage. The condition occurs because Earthquake – The shaking and movement of the
of exposure to, inclusion of, or mixing with earth which results when a release of energy occurs
undesirable biological, chemical or radioactive because of deep rock fracturing of shifting, volcanic
substances. eruption, or a large explosion.

Density – The mass per unit volume. In reference to Earthquake intensity – A numerical scale of
soil, the term often also indicates weight pre unit reference to indicate the damage and other effects
volume and is synonymous with unit weight. resulting at a given geographical location because
of an earthquake.
Dewatering – The procedure used to remove water
from a construction area such as pumping from an Earthquake magnitude – Value used to indicate
excavation or locations where water covers the the relative severity of earthquake events; the
planned working surface; the procedure used to numeric value is obtained by taking the logarithmic
lower the groundwater table in order to obtain a (base 10) of the maximum seismic wave amplitude
“dry” are in the vicinity of an excavation that would (in 0.001mm) recorded by a seismograph
otherwise extend below water. positioned 100km from an earthquake epicenter.

Dispersive clays – Clay soils that deflocculate in Effective stress – The actual particle-to-particle
still water and erode when exposed to a low- contact stress (or pressure) existing between soil
velocity flow of water. A clay-pore water system grains. This stress compensates for the possible
that has a high concentration of sodium ion tends buoyancy influence of water pressure. Effective
to have high dispersivity. stress releases directly to the shear strength
possessed by a soil.
Ditch conduits – Conduits installed in narrow
ditches or trenches that are subsequently backfilled. Expansive clays – Clay soils that experience
Drawdown – The lowering of the level of the significant volume expansion in the presence of
groundwater table that occurs in the vicinity of a water and shrink upon drying. Clays including the
water well (on dewatering equipment) when it is montmorillonite are especially noted for their
pumped. volume change characteristics.

Dynamic compaction – the procedure whereby Fill – Earth placed in an excavation or other area to
surface and near-surface zones of soil or fill are raise the surface elevation. Also referred to as earth
compacted by dropping a heavy weight (commonly fill or soil fill. Structural earth fill refers to the
5 to 15 tons) from a relatively great height (drops material that is placed and compacted in layers in
order to achieve a uniform and dense soil mass Groundwater table – The surface of the
which is capable of supporting structural building. underground supply of water. Also referred to as
the phreatic surface.
Fines or Fine-grained – Refers to silt and clay-
sized particles that exist in a soil mixture. Head – Shortened form of the phrase pressure
head, referring to the pressure resulting from a
Flow line – The path of travel traced by moving column of water or elevated supply of water.
water as it flows through a soil mass. Pressure would be computed from γ_w h, where
γ_w is the unit weight of water and h is the height
Flow net – A pictorial method used to study the or elevation of the water supply. The h term is the
flow of water through a soil. Used to indicate the pressure head.
path of travel followed by moving water and the
subsurface pressures resulting from the presence of Heave – Upward movement of soil and foundations
the water. supported on soil, caused by expansion occurring
in the soil as a result of such factors as freezing or
Footing – Type of foundation typically installed at a swelling due to increased water content. Frost
shallow depth and constructed to provide a heave refers to the vertical soil movement that
relatively large area of bearing onto the supporting occurs in freezing temperatures as ice layers or
soil. lenses form within the freezing soil and cause the
soil mass to expand.
Friction, Internal – The particle (solid to solid)
friction developed by cohesionless soils, and the Hydraulic gradient – Mathematical term
property responsible for most of the shear strength indicating the difference in pressure head existing
that this type of soil can develop. The angle of between two locations divided by the distance
internal friction, ∅, refers to the arc tan value of the between these same locations. Given the
sloped line that results from graphing the designation i.
relationship between shear strength and the
imposed normal stress for a soil. This strength In situ – Refers to soil when it is at its natural
property also applies to fine-grained soils when the location in the earth and in its natural condition.
effect of consolidation or drainage on the shearing
resistance of those soils is being studied. Isotropic – Pertaining to a soil whose properties
are the same in all directions.
Gabions – Stone-filled steel wire baskets that can
be assembled or stacked like building blocks to act Landslide – The relatively rapid lateral and
as retaining walls or provide slope and erosion downhill movement of a generally well-defined
protection. earth mass or land form due to gravitational forces.

Geosynthetics – Sheet like materials along with Laterite – The category of residual soil formed
other shapes manufactured of durable, from the weathering of igneous rock in tropical
nondegradable synthetics, such as polyester, regions that, through the process of its formation,
polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinylchlorides, will include high concentrations of iron and
buryl (synthetic), rubber, etc, to be used in aluminum sesquioxides with low concentrations of
construction assemblies that are in contact with the silica.
ground or included in earth fill, to provide functions
which enhance the performance of the Leachate – Liquid flowing from a solid waste
construction, such as reinforcement or drainage. landfill (usually, mostly water) which includes
contaminants or becomes polluted because of
contact with solid waste.
Limit equilibrium – A method analysis used to inspection. Pier is also used frequently to indicate
evaluate the stability of soil mass (such as in a slope heavy masonry column units that are used for
or foundation support) that could be involved in basement-level and substructural support.
movement associated with failure. The method
involves determining the soil shear strength on an Pile – The relatively long, slender, columnlike type
assumed failure surface as required to maintain of foundation that obtains supporting capacity
equilibrium or stability, and compares this value from the soil or rock some distance below the
with the actual shear strength of the soil; this ground surface.
comparison indicates if equilibrium will exist or if
the limits of equilibrium will be exceeded. Pipe bedding – Preparation of the surface that is
to support a buried conduit. Established bedding
Liquefaction – Loss of strength occurring in classes consider effects of contouring the
saturated cohesionless soil exposed to shock or supporting surface to the shape of the pipe, extent
vibrations when the soil particles momentarily loss of compaction, and placement of a supporting
contact. The material then behaves as a fluid. material such concrete or gravel. Generally,
preparation of bedding reduces the stresses that
Love waves – Earthquake-related shear-type will develop in the pipe (conduit) from an overlying
seismic waves which travel along the earth’s surface fill.
zone.
Piping – Erosion by subsurface water moving
Mechanical weathering – The process of through a soil zone, which result in the formation of
weathering whereby physical forces, such as frost continuous tunnels or “pipes” through which water
action and temperature changes, breakdown or then travels rapidly. Progressive erosion or cave-in
reduce rock to smaller fragments without involving of the ground results. The condition is associated
chemical changes. the movement of water through permeable dam
foundations.
Mineral – A naturally formed chemical elements or
compound having a definite chemical composition Plane strain – A state of strain in which all
and usually a characteristic crystal form. displacements that arise from deformation are
parallel to one particular plane.
Penetration test – Term generally applied to
subsurface investigative methods for determining a Plasticity – Term applied to fine-grained soils
strength-related property of a soil by measuring (particularly clays) to indicate the soils’ (plus
the resistance to advancement of penetration or included water’s) ability to flow or be remolded
boring equipment. without raveling or breaking apart.
Permafrost – The permanently frozen ground Plate tectonics – The concept that the earth’s outer
located in the northern regions of the earth. zone consists of a small number (10-25) of large
thick plates that “float” on a viscous underlayer and
Permeability – The ability of water (or other fluid) can move more or less independently. The
to flow through a soil by traveling through the void continents are carried on the plates and move with
spaces. A high permeability indicates that flow them; oceans are similarly carried on the plates and
occurs rapidly, and vice versa. expand or shrink as the distances between
continents change.
Pier – Category applied to columnlike concrete
foundations, similar to piles. The pier is generally Poisson’s ratio – The ratio of lateral unit strain to
considered the type of deep foundation that is the longitudinal unit strain in a body that has been
constructed by placing concrete in a deep stressed longitudinally within its elastic limit.
excavation large enough to permit manual
Pore pressure – Water pressure developed in the Revetment – A protective wall, assembly or facing
voids of a soil mass. Excess pore pressure refers to a of stone, concrete, or other durable material built to
pressure greater than the normal hydraulic pressure separate embankment or shore structure from wave
expected as a result of positions below the water corrosion.
table.
Riprap – The layer of boulder or crushed rock
Porosity – The relative volume of open spice (pores materials, typically ranging from 150 to 600 mm(6-
or voids) existing within the total volume occupied in to 24-in) in size, placed as a covering to protect
by a soil or rock mass. Mathematically, porosity n is the surface of earth dams and slopes against
equal to the volume of voids spaces divided by erosion.
total volume of the soil or rock material (the total
volume consists of the volume of the void spaces Rollers, compaction – The category of
plus the volume of solids). construction equipment utilized to compact (or
density) soil by rolling it. The compaction force
Pressuremeter – An instrumental used to typically results from the heavy weighs of the
determine the in situ strength of a soil zone equipment and/or vibrations transmitted from the
through measurement of the pressure-related equipment into the soil.
lateral expansion of a flexible cylinder that is at a
known depth on a borehole. Sand – The category of coarse-grained soil whose
particle sizes range between about 0.07 mm and 5
Primary (P) wave – Earthquake-related seismic or mm in diameter.
shock wave that travels through the earth with a
compression-dilation (push-pull) type of oscillation. Secondary (S) waves – Earthquake-related shear
type waves that travel through the earth, causing
Projecting conduits – Conduits in areas where up-and-down and side-to-side oscillation.
earth fill or earth embankment will be placed above
the installation. Seepage – Generally refers to the quantity of water
flowing through a soil deposit or soil structure such
Radon – An invisible, odorless, tasteless gas formed as an earth dam. Also may refer to the quantity of
from decay of uranium, radium, and polonium subsurface soil leaking into a building’s
found in some rock, soil, and waste materials. underground (basement) area.

Rayleigh waves – Earthquake-related seismic Seismic – Pertaining to an earthquake or earth

waves that travel along the earth’s surface zone vibration including one that is artificially induced.
with a rolling or rippling motion. Seismic exploration – The method of determining
Reinforced earth – Earth structures such as subsurface soil and rock conditions (without
embankment, retaining walls, and dam that are excavation) by inducing a shock wave into the earth
constructed in layers reinforced with fabrics, strips, and measuring the velocity of the waves travel
or fibers to increase strength of the soil mass. through the earth material. The seismic velocity
indicates the type of earth material.
Relative density – Term applied to sand deposits
to indicate a relative state of compaction Seismogram – the oscillating-line record of ground
compound to the lowest and most dense movements measured by the seismograph during
conditions possible. the earthquake event.

Retaining wall – A vertical structure designed to Seismograph – Instrument to measure the

resist the lateral pressure of soil and water behind horizontal and vertical movement or vibrations that
it. occur within the earth or at the surface because of
earthquake or other seismic waves. synthetic lapping cover when the size is filled to
function as a top seal.
Settlement – The downward vertical movement
experienced by structures or a soil mass as a result Sump – Small excavation or pit provided in the
of loading imposed onto the soil. floor of a structure, or in the earth, to serve as a
collection basin for surface water and near-surface
Sheetpilling - A pile with a generally flat cross underground water.
section, made to interlock with adjoining sections
to form a thin diaphragm wall or bulkhead; used to Terra-probe – A method of compacting thick
resist lateral force retained earth or water when put surficial and sand zones through the use of a
of temporary and permanent structures. vertically tubular probe; the probe is vibrated to the
desired depth, and then slowly withdrawn while
Sieve – Pan or traylike equipment having screen or continuing to vibrate. Closely spaced probe
mesh bottom; used in laboratory or field work to locations are utilized to compact a construction
separate particles of a soil sample into their various site.
sizes.
Till – Description gives to glacially transported
Silt – the category of fine-grained soil particles formations consisting of a heterogeneous mixture
(individual soil grains whose particle size is smaller of fine-grained and coarse-grained material.
than 0.07mm or too small to be seen without visual
aid) whose mineralogical composition remains Unit weight – The weight per unit volume of a
similar to rock they were derived from. material such as soil, water, concrete, etc. Typically
expressed as pound per cubic foot (lb/ft3), grams
Soil Sampler – The equipment used to extract soil per cubic centimeter (g/cm3), or kilonewtons per
samples from borings or test pits made in a cubic meter (kN/m3).
subsurface investigation.
Vadose zone – The subsurface soil zone that lies
Soil stabilization – Treatment of soil to improve its directly above the position of the groundwater
properties; includes to mixing of additive and other table. Usually, the zone is partially saturated with
means of alterations such as compaction or water that has migrated upward via capillary
drainage movement from the water table

Solid waste – Solid throwaway or disposable Vibroflotation – A method compacting thick

materials such as garbage and trash (nonliquids) surficial sand zones through the use of horizontal
generated by the residential and commercial sector vibrating cylinder termed a Vibroflot. The Vibroflot
of civilization, and nonusable residue or remains of is jetted to desired depth and slowly brought to the
mining and manufacturing operations. surface while it continuous to vibrate. The process
typically compact the soil in a 5ft zone surrounding
Solid waste (sanitary) landfills – Area or project the Vibroflot and a series of penetration are
where solid waste is burned as a means of disposal. provided to compact a construction site. Sand is
Typically, small volumes of solid waste such as a added to the zone surrounding the Vibroflot to
daily supply are discharged into an open make up the volume lost by compaction.
excavation, then covered with a layer of soil; a
landfill size consist of many buried zones or cells of Void ratio – The total volume occupied by a soil
waste, each enveloped with soil. Modern solid mass includes the soil particle per soil grains (which
waste landfill will include a synthetic bottom liner to is nature always exist between the particles became
function as a barrier to prevent the solid waste from of their irregular shape).
contaminating the surrounding earthz, and a
The void ratio is the ratio of the void space volume
to the volume of soil solids.
Water content – The ratio of the quantity of water
in soil (by weight) to the weight of the soil which
(dry soil), typically expressed as a percentage.
Well point – The performed end section of a
wellpipe that permits the ground water to be drawn
into the pipe for pumping.

MOST USED ENGINEERING TERMS

Beam
A structural member, usually horizontal, with a main
function to carry loads cross-ways to its
longitudinal axis. These loads usually result in
bending of the beam member. Examples of beams
are simple, continuous, and cantilever.
Beam-Column Dynamic Load
This is a structural member whose main function is This type of load varies over time.
to carry loads both parallel and transverse to the
Footing
longitudinal axis.
A footing is a slab of concrete under a column, wall,
Cantilever or other structural to transfer the loads of the
Cantilever refers to the part of a member that member into the surrounding soil.
extends freely over a beam, which is not supported
Foundation
at its end.
A foundation supports a building or structure.

Collateral Load G-Type Joist Girder

Collateral load is additional dead loads (not the A type of Joist Girder using joists located at panel

weight of people and not the weight of the building points where diagonal webs intersect the top chord

itself), such as plumbing, duct work, ceilings, and of the joist only.

other components of the structure. Gable

A gable is located above the elevation of the eave
Column
A column is a main vertical member that carries line of a double-sloped roof.

axial loads from the main roof beams or girders to Gage

the foundation parallel to its longitudinal axis. Gage can refer to the thickness of a sheet of
material or the distance between centerlines in a
Continuity
Continuity is the term given to a structural system set of holes, usually perpendicular to the joist or

describing the transfer of loads and stresses from joist girder.

member to member as if there were no Girder

connections. A girder is the main horizontal member spanning
between two main supports and carries other
Damping
Damping is the rate of decay of amplitude for floor members or vertical loads within the structure.

vibrations. Grade
The ground elevation of the soil.
Dead Load
Dead load describes the loads from the weight of Header
the permanent components of the structure. A member that carries other supporting members
and is placed between other beams.
Deflection
Deflection is the displacement of a structural Hip Roof
member or system under a load. A roof sloping from all four sides of a building.
Joist Reaction
A structural load-carrying member with an open Reaction is the force or moment developed at the
web system which supports floors and roofs points of a support.
utilizing hot-rolled or cold-formed steel and is
Seismic Load
designed as a simple span member.
Loads produced during the seismic movements of
Kip an earthquake.
1000 pounds.
Shear
Live Load Forces resulting in two touching parts of a material
Non-permanent loads on a structure created by the to slide in opposite directions parallel to their plane
use of the structure. of contact.

Load Span
An outside force that affects the structure or its The distance between supports.
members.
Structural Steels
Modulus of Elasticity (E) Steels suitable for load-carrying members in a
The value is usually 29,000 ksi for structural steels structure.
and is also called Young’s Modulus. It calculates the
Strut
slope of the straight-line portion of the stress-strain
A structural brace that resists axial forces.
curve in the elastic range.
Stud
Moment
A vertical wall member used to attach other
Moment is the tendency of a force to cause a
structures, such as walls.
rotation about a point or axis which in turn
produces bending stresses. Torsion Loads
A load that causes a member to twist about its
Moment of Inertia (I)
longitudinal axis.
A measure of the resistance to rotation offered by a
member’s geometry and size.

Pitch
Pitch is the slope of a member defined as the ratio
of the total rise to the total width