Essential Engineering & Construction Terminology

Engineering and Construction Glossary

This glossary provides definitions for key terms used in engineering, construction, and design projects, including their Spanish translations where applicable.

Cross-section (Sección transversal)

A cross-section gives a cutaway view of the joint between two panels.

Note (Notas)

A note gives a brief description or a reference to another related drawing.

Plan (Plano)

A plan gives a view of the whole deck, from above.

Schematic (Esquemático)

A schematic gives a simplified representation of a network of air ducts.

Specification (Especificación)

A specification gives detailed written technical descriptions of a panel.

Amplified

Amplified: made greater.

Elevation (Elevación)

Elevation gives a view of all the panels, from the front.

Exploded View (Plano detallado)

An exploded view gives a deconstructed view of how the panels are fixed together.

Artistic Design (Artístico)

Artistic design refers to general English design, for example, fashion design and interior design.

Assess, Determine, Quantify

Assess (evaluar), determine (determinar), quantify (cuantificar): to what extent.

Automated Guided Vehicles (Vehículos Guiados Automatizados)

Automated Guided Vehicles are driverless vehicles which operate in warehouses and factories.

Black Bolts (Pernos negros)

Black Bolts is a term used in civil engineering to describe ordinary bolts.

Budget (Presupuesto)

Budget: how much money is available, for example, the budget for building a new high-speed train.

Cable Tray (Bandeja de cables)

A cable tray is a narrow metal deck suspended from a ceiling or fixed to a wall which supports several cables.

Capacity (Capacidad)

Capacity: how much something needs to produce or carry, for example, how much power an electrical circuit must be able to carry.

Carve (Tallar)

Carve: to make something by cutting the surface of stone, wood, etc.

Concrete (Hormigón)

Concrete is a very hard building material made by mixing together cement, sand, small stones, and water.

Contractor (Contratista)

A contractor is a company that has been employed for a project or contract.

Core Drilling (Taladro de diamante)

Core drilling: Core-drilled holes are formed after concrete walls have been cast, using a diamond drill.

Crane (Grúa)

A crane is a tall metal structure with a long horizontal part which is used for lifting and moving heavy objects.

Design (Diseño)

Design: the collective word for all the information that’s given in order to produce or build something.

Design Brief (Diseño breve)

A design brief is a written summary used to specify design objectives.

Ductwork (Conductos)

Ductwork is the collective term for ducts or ducting – large-section pipes with circular or square profiles for carrying air.

Feasibility (Viabilidad)

Feasibility: the possibility of doing something.

Fabrication (Fabricación)

Fabrication: making something or putting something together.

Feasibility Study (Estudio de viabilidad)

A feasibility study is an examination of a situation to decide whether a suggested method is practical or achievable.