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Файл:Professional English for Civil Engineers. Educational and methodical manual.pdf
A.G. Sokolova, O.N. Soluyanova, M.T. Archakova
CONSTRUCTION
PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH
FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS
Educational and methodical manual
ISBN 978-5-7264-3655-5
Moscow
MISI – MGSU Publishing house
2025
© MGSU, 2025
UDC 811.111
The reviewers:
Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences A.V. Litvinov, Associate Professor
of the Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Economics, Patrice Lumumba RUDN University;
Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences I.K. Kirillova, Associate Professor
of the Department of Foreign Languages and Professional Communication
at the National Research University MGSU
Sokolova, Alla Germanovna.
Professional English for Civil Engineers : educational and methodical manual / A.G. Sokolo-
va, O.N. Soluyanova, M.T. Archakova ; Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Federal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Education “Moscow
State University of Civil Engineering (National Research University)”, Department of Fo reign
Languages and Professional Communication. – Moscow : MISI – MGSU Publishing house,
2025. – URL: http://lib.mgsu.ru/. – Title from the title screen. – Text : electronic.
ISBN 978-5-7264-3655-5 (network)
ISBN 978-5-7264-3656-2 (local)
The educational and methodical manual contains authentic materials for the development of students’
professional communicative competence in the field of business and professional communication.
For foreign students in the field of training 08.03.01 Construction.
Educational electronic publication
© MGSU, 2025
Учебное электронное издание
Соколова Алла Германовна, Солуянова Ольга Николаевна,
Арчакова Мадина Тархановна
ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНЫЙ АНГЛИЙСКИЙ
ДЛЯ ИНЖЕНЕРОВ-СТРОИТЕЛЕЙ
Учебно-методическое пособие
Редактор Л.В. Светличная
Корректор Ю.М. Викторова
Верстка и дизайн титульного экрана Д.Л. Разумного
Для создания электронного издания использовано:
Microsoft Word 2010, Adobe InDesign CS6, ПО Adobe Acrobat
Подписано к использованию 29.05.2025. Объем данных 1,5 Мб.
Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение
Московский государственный строительный университет».
Тел.: (495) 287-49-14, вн. 14-23, (499) 183-91-90, (499) 183-97-95.
высшего образования
«Национальный исследовательский
129337, Москва, Ярославское ш., 26.
Издательство МИСИ – МГСУ.
E-mail: ric@mgsu.ru, rio@mgsu.ru
Сontents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
1. STANDARDIZATION. METROLOGY. CERTIFICATION
1.1. Understanding Building codes and regulations ...................................................................................... 6
1.2. International building code (IBC)
1.3. Metrology as a science. Measurements ................................................................................................. 14
2. CONSTRUCTION DESIGN OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
2.1. Fundamentals of construction design of buildings and structures ....................................................... 19
2.2. Designing buildings and structures in computer-aided design (CAD) systems ................................... 23
3. BUILDING SERVICES
Bibliographic list
.............................................................................................................................................. 35
............................................................................................................................... 28
.......................................................................................................... 7
........................................................................ 6
....................................................... 19
INTRODUCTION
The educational and methodical manual is developed in accordance with the requirements of the
programme of the elective discipline “English language for Civil Engineers” for foreign Bachelor’s
students to master in the field of training 08.03.01 Construction.
The educational resource contains three sections which correspond to three basic topics of the
course outline “Standardization. Metrology. Certification”, “Construction design of buildings and
structures”, and “Building services”.
Each section includes several subject parts, discussing the topics within the scope of Civil Engineering with authentic professional texts and a system of exercises aimed at developing students’
foreign language competence. The revision exercises are not only comprehensive, but also creative,
allowing students to develop the skills of written and oral text creation, which are the basis of professional communication.
The materials of the aid can be widely used for classroom activities, independent work and selftuition of senior undergraduate students, as well as for carrying out midterm academic assessment.
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1. STANDARDIZATION. METROLOGY. CERTIFICATION
1.1. Understanding Building codes and regulations
Text 1
Building codes and regulations are usually understood by many citizens as a compulsory and inevitable government intervention. But would our cities really become crumbling infernos without building standards? Does the modern construction industry really need building standards? Is their value
overestimated?
The answer is quite obvious: timely updated building codes and practices establish the set of standards that ensure structural integrity and stability of buildings and structures and, at the same time,
provide public safety, health and well-being of building’s occupants. Engineering success is only considered success until it fails, that’s why building codes are generally renewed and updated basing on
real failures to prevent analogous failures from happening again.
First of all, the notion of a building code should be explained. A building code is defined as
a set of rules, standards, practices that control the design of buildings and structures, their construction and occupancy. Building codes are approved by governmental authorities or professional bodies
and are specific for a particular country. Their purpose is to ensure the safety, accessibility, sustainability of buildings and structures and to protect the health, safety and welfare of occupants.
While details of standards might vary, building codes regulate the construction, remodeling, modernization and retrofitting of commercial and residential buildings. Also, building codes can help
mitigate risks, prevent and avoid work-related accidents and fatalities, and also construct sustainable,
green and resilient buildings and structures.
To emphasize the importance of building codes for the construction industry, five compelling reasons can be outlined:
– the priority is given to the safety of building’s residents, occupants, builders, and the general
public, including those with limited abilities;
– ensuring the minimum standards for building’s structural integrity, fire safety, engineering
systems, and other vital aspects of design and construction of buildings and structures;
– specific requirements are to be set for building materials, structural design and construction
methods;
– uniformity of building codes and practices all over the world, so they can be understood
by architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors and construction laborers engaged
in the construction process;
– when building codes and practices are fully complied, a construction company can build up
a trustworthy reputation within the industry, which means that customers, investors, contractors
and stakeholders can place confidence in the construction projects meeting the building codes
and standards, i.e. adhering to buildings regulations manifests commitment to quality, ethical
responsibility, and devoted professionalism.
Moreover, building codes are supposed to minimize the risks associated with erection and operation of buildings. Various issues of the built environments should be addressed, such as structural
integrity of a building, fire safety, water supply and water disposal, ventilation, electrical systems,
energy efficiency, and accessibility for physically-impaired people.
Specific standards for structural design are of paramount importance since the building must withstand wind loads, earthquakes, snow loads, etc. Fire safety standards regulate the procedures of early
detection, suppression, and containment of fires, whereas codes for electrical systems and plumbing are
designed to prevent hazards and ensure the effective functioning of engineering systems. For example,
building codes might require electrical outlets to be located in specific locations within a room or require
the installation of energy efficient windows.
Accessibility codes contribute to the creation of accessible and sustainable environment, promoting inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. Specific codes also include sustainability standards
6
that set the requirements for water conservation, energy efficiency, waste management, and the usage
of “green” materials.
At the stage of design, the role of building codes is to dictate height and size of building, requirements for evacuation routes, the usage of quality building materials and engineering systems.
At the stage of construction, building codes guarantee compliance with standards of safety and quality control measures. Correspondingly, when the construction project is completed, building codes set the
timing for periodic inspections, maintenance, retrofitting and upgrades to provide compliance and safety.
Task 1. Read the text and specify whether the affirmation is mentioned in the text. Justify your answer.
Armation True False Not stated
Building codes are universal throughout the world and are not speci-
1
c to a particular country or region
Adhering to building codes and standards is not considered a legal
2
obligation for construction companies
Only architects must comply with building codes and regulations at
3
the stage of building design
Sustainability standards provide the requirements for the use of sus-
4
tainable eco-friendly building materials, energy-eciency, water conservation, and waste disposal
Compliance with building codes and practices help construction com-
5
panies to build up trustworthy reputation and attract new customers
Task 2. Match the term given in Bold in the text to its definition.
1. Building code
2. Fire safety
3. Green building
4. Built environment
5. Waste management
6. Structural integrity
a) the physical surroundings where people reside and work, including buildings,
bridges, roads and infrastructure
b) a set of rules, standards, practices that control the design of buildings and structures, their construction and occupancy
c) the condition of transferring the load on the building to the soil through the various structural members as per the building codes
d) a streamlined process for disposal, reduction, recycling, upcycling and prevention of waste
e) the set of measures, procedures, precautions and practices aimed at re prevention, minimizing risks of re-related accidents, ensuring safety of occupants
and property in the event of a re breakout
f) a building constructed by means of the environmentally responsible and re-
source-ecient processes throughout its life-cycle
1.2. International building code (IBC)
Task 3. In couples, read out by characters the interview with Anup Kumar Dey, an experienced
Piping and Pipeline engineer and a famous blogger.
Text 2
Journalist: Anup, can you explain in simple words, who develops International Building Codes
(IBC)? Is it an organization or professional body? How often do the codes need to be updated?
Anup Kumar Dey: In brief, the International Building Code is developed by the International Code
Council. Since the construction industry is broadly introducing and incorporating new technologies
and practices, the code is updated and published every three years.
Journalist: And what is the main purpose of IBC? Do we really need it? Or is it just another bu-
reaucratic red-tape?
Anup Kumar Dey: Of course, we need standards. We want the building to last its useful life, not
collapse during operation by any cause. IBC establishes just minimum standards for safe design
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and construction of buildings. But these standards must be uniform and consistent all over the world.
Moreover, they protect community at large from many hazards associated with inadequate construction and operation of buildings and structures.
Journalist: Anup, when did it all start? When was the first IBC developed?
Anup Kumar Dey: The International Code Council was established in 1994 but international build-
ing codes trace back their origin to the early 20th century. Already at that time the need for a unified
set of standards was understood. There were also earlier model codes, such as the Uniform Building
Codes, the Building Officials and Code Administrators International code, and others. And finally,
the first edition of the IBC was published only 2000, successfully adopting all the previous practices.
Journalist: That makes sense. And nowadays, what are the key provisions of International Building Codes?
Anup Kumar Dey: In a nutshell, the key provisions of IBC comprise classification of buildings, structural design, fire and life safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, as well as building materials and methods.
Journalist: Thanks a lot for clarifying this, Anup. And the last question, probably. What are
the main applications of IBC in architecture and construction?
Anup Kumar Dey: That’s a very good question, thank you for asking it. Firstly, the IBC sets guidelines during design and construction phases of buildings. Secondly, architects and builders are obliged
to obtain necessary building permits and approvals for implementation of construction projects. Thirdly, the IBC is needed for regulating timely building inspections, maintenance and renovation of buildings and structures. Moreover, the IBC includes provisions related to fire safety and prevention, accessibility and universal design. Finally, the codes regulate urban planning and zoning that comprise building
heights, parking zones arrangement, recreation zones arrangement, etc. To sum up, the IBC ensures consistency and harmonization in building regulations across different jurisdictions. So, the codes should be
read and understood by architects and engineers all over the world.
Journalist: Anup, thank you very much for your time for this interview. I hope our readers will
be able to clarify some points about building codes and practices for themselves through the answers
provided. Anyway, your blog is always helpful and very informative.
Task 4. Answer the questions below and discuss your opinion with your peers.
1. What building codes and standards are in place in your country and how often are they updated?
2. In your opinion, how will international codes develop in the future, in what direction? What
other aspects will be included?
3. What should be the penalties for construction companies and architectural bureaus for non-com-
pliance with building codes?
4. Give some examples of building structural failures caused by non-compliance with building
standards and practices. Illustrate your answer with photos and reports, if possible.
5. What are the principal differences in building codes for residential and industrial buildings?
Text 3
A tardy, scathing report on the Grenfell Tower re in London
The fire that tore through Grenfell Tower in London in 2017 took away 72 lives. The report released
seven years after the fire on September 4th casts blame in every direction. Grenfell burned rapidly because of its exterior cladding, which was added during renovations in the mid-2010s. The report finds
that one firm, Arconic, possessed test data showing that a type of panel could react dangerously to fire,
yet continued to tell the market that it was classified as safe. An insulation firm, Celotex, “embarked
on a dishonest scheme to mislead its customers”, submitting materials for testing that contained additional fire-resistant boards.
Fire had spread through cladding on other buildings before 2017. After one tower in London caught
fire in 2009, killing six people, some of its panels were tested. They burned so fiercely, while dripping
flaming debris, that the testing outfit feared for its equipment. Yet regulations stayed lax. Architects
and contractors assumed it was someone else’s responsibility to ensure that panels were safe.
8
Cuts to local-authority budgets left the inspector responsible for Grenfell Tower overseeing up to 130
projects. A national deregulation drive made civil servants loth to propose new safety measures.
In the past seven years, the architecture firm that worked on the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower has closed; people have changed jobs; politicians have come and gone. It is easier for everyone
to say that faults have already been fixed. This is a known drawback of slow inquiries. Soon after
the Grenfell fire, the Institute for Government, a think-tank, argued that the “window of opportuni-
ty for change” tends to close as systems and institutions move on after a disaster.
British public inquiries were not always so exhaustive. In May 1968 one corner of Ronan Point,
a new tower block in London, collapsed. An inquiry began the following day and concluded six
months later. The report was just 82 pages long. It avoided casting blame, arguing it was more important “that the eyes of all may be opened in the future”. The investigation led to stricter building codes
in Britain and other countries and ended the era of rapidly built, prefabricated towers.
Still, the country now seems committed to slow, excoriating public inquiries. The office building
in west London where the Grenfell Tower hearings took place is busy again, with a wide-ranging investigation into how Britain dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic. That might take even longer.
(From the Economist, September 4th, 2024 [1])
Task 5. Answer the following questions related to the text.
1. Why did the Grenfell Tower burn down so rapidly according to the report?
2. Have similar fire incidents caused by combustible exterior panels happened in London before
the case?
3. In your opinion, what steps should be taken by governments to avoid similar incidents in the future?
Task 6. Match the term given in Bold in the text to its definition.
1. Exterior cladding
2. Fire resistant
3. Deregulation
4. Refurbishment
5. Think-tank
6. Prefabricated towers
а) the process of upgrading, retrotting and enhancing existing buildings to enhance their functionality, aesthetics, and value
b) wrapping the surfaces of buildings that are in contact with air with highly protective insulation materials
c) an institution, corporation, or group of people specially gathered to study
a particular subject
d) high-rise buildings manufactured in a factory or plant and further assemble at
a construction site
e) the removal or reduction of government regulations in the construction industry with the purpose to operate more freely and remove corporate restrictions
f) something that can withstand the eects of re or can be treated with chemicals to reduce the risk of re ignition or propagation
Task 7. Do an independent research and correlate the infamous historical building and structure
collapses with officially identified causes. Motivate your answer and outline the implications of these
failures on the modern building codes and practices.
1. The collapse of “Galloping Gertie” bridge,
1940, Pierce County, Washington, the USA
https://komonews.com/news/local/tacoma-narrows-bridge-galloping-gertie-collapse-anniversary-1940-84th-washington-state-department-transportation-pierce-county-wsdot-puget-sound
2. John Hancock Tower’s falling windows.
The 1970s, Boston, Massachusetts, the USA
https://civildigital.com/failure-john-hancocktower-boston-mass/
а) Due to thermal stress, many of the building’s windows
became detached and fell hundreds of feet to the sidewalks below. Also, the tower swayed in the wind, so that
many upper-oor occupants complained of motion sickness.
b) The bridge could collapse as a result of ground mobility after winter due to snow melting, as well as due to wear
and tear of the concrete structure. Allegedly, the authorities were going to hold a tender for repairs. But neither
the auction nor the repair came to the matter.
9
End of the table
3. The Hyatt Regency walkway collapse, 1981,
Kansas City, Missouri, the USA
https://www.britannica.com/event/Hyatt-Regency-walkway-collapse
4. The Morandi bridge collapse, 2018, Genoa, Italy
https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/feb/26/
what-caused-the-genoa-morandi-bridge-collapse-and-the-end-of-an-italian-national-myth
5. The Paninsky bridge, 2024, Vyas’ma, Smolensk Region, Russia
https://crushmash.com/obekty/demontazh-paninskogo-mosta/
6. Lotus Riverside complex, 2009, Shanghai,
China
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/
the-lotus-riverside-project-an-apartment-blockthat-news-photo/94960828
7. Savar Building, 2013, Daka factory, Bangladesh
https://taproot.com/remembering-an-accident-savar-building-collapse/
8. The Walkie Talkie Skyscraper, 2021, London,
the UK (a solar death ray)
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2013/sep/06/walkie-talkie-architect-predicted-reection-sun-rays
c) The structure aged faster than anticipated, it corroded
heavily due to pollution from nearby factories and the salty
sea air. According to the report, by 1992 the trademark
concrete cables were heavily corroded but the company managing the bridge decided to add extra new cables
around the corroded ones, rather than replace them. It also
neglected to retrot the remaining two sets.
d) According to investigations, the cause was the construction of an underground parking garage on the south side
of the building. Excavated soil was dumped on the north
side, causing a sudden increase in soil pressure, exacerbated by heavy rains before the collapse. The complex
utilized prestressed precast concrete piles as the founda-
tion system. The soil ow reduced the stability of the deep
foundation and the piles broke, causing the building to tilt.
e) The building was rst built without authorization
and converted from commercial use to industrial use. The
building having been built on a lled-in pond, which compromised structural integrity. Three oors were added
without permission and substandard construction material was used.
f) Due to defective steel support rods, the walkways
could barely support their own dead loads of 64,000
pounds each. With the added weight of many occupants,
the fourth-oor bridges could no longer hold the weight
and collapsed down causing both structures to plunge
to the atrium oor.
g) The death ray of the building was discovered, radia-
tion reected from the building could’ve started res
and harmed pedestrians. Alterations were subsequently
made to the building’s design to nullify the eect.
h) The bridge could not withstand high wind loads as
the wind blew at 42 miles per hour. Wind-tunnel testing
is now mandatory for bride designs as well as the precautions aimed to lessen the detrimental impact of strong
winds on bridges.
Text 4
The construction industry remains horribly climate-unfriendly
The carbon footprint of buildings is growing. On the current path, carbon emissions related
to buildings are expected to double by 2050. It is true that in 2020 emissions from managing property
fell, after hitting a record high in 2019, according to the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, an industry body. But that was mostly owing to lockdowns, which lowered emissions from all
sorts of other activities too. Efforts to build greener played a minimal role.
Worse still, advances in building energy efficiency are stalling. The global rate of annual improvement fell by half between 2016 and 2019, according to Globalabc’s tracker, which measures indicators such as incremental investment in the energy performance of buildings, along with the share
of renewable-energy use.
Policymakers are scrambling to find solutions. New energy-efficiency standards for buildings
in England and Wales mean that one in ten offices in central London risks becoming obsolete in 2023.
Nearly 60 % could become unusable by 2027. Across the EU, where nearly two-thirds of the building stock relies on fossil fuels for heating and cooling, officials want nearly half of a building’s ener-
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