GLOSSARY
AABNCP advanced airborne control platform
AASHO American Association of State Highway Officials
AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
ABS acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (plastic)
AC asphalt cement
ACE armored combat earthmover
adj adjusted
ADR air base damage repair
AFCS Army Facilities Component System
AFM Air Force manual
AFP Air Force pamphlet
AFR Air Force regulation
agg aggregate
AHD average haul distance
AML airfield marking and lighting
ammo ammunition
APC armored personnel carrier
approx approximately
Apr April
AR Army regulation
ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers
ASTM American Society of Testing and Materials
- Atterberg Limits
Soil plasticity test used to measure soil cohesiveness: that is, cohesive or cohesionless.
ATTN attention
Aug August
av absolute volume
- average daily traffic (ADT)
The anticipated average number of vehicles per day that will use a completed facility.
banked cubic yardage (BCY)
Soil measured in its natural state.
average running speed
The speed expected to be maintained by most vehicles. It is equal to the total traveled distance divided by total time consumed.
base course or base
Base course consists of well-graded, granular materials that have a liquid limit less than 25 percent and a plastic limit less than 5 percent. The base course is the most important element in a road structure. It functions as the primary load-bearing component of the road, ultimately providing the pavement (or surface) strength. Therefore, it is made of higher quality material than subbase material.
bearing capacity
The ability of a soil to support a vehicle without undue sinkage of the vehicle.
benching
Terracing on a slope.
berm
A raised lip, usually of earth, placed at the top edge of a channel to prevent flow into the channel at places not protected against erosion.
bitumen or bituminous
The most common type of asphalt surface placed in the theater of operations.
Bn battalion
- borrow pit
An excavated area where material has been dug for use as fill at another location.
BTU British thermal unit
BVM Bays Village of Maryland
C Celsius
C cut
CAD computer-aided design
CAMMS Condensed Army Mobility Modeling System
- California Bearing Ratio (CBR)
A measure of the shearing resistance of a soil under carefully controlled conditions of density and moisture.
CDR commander
- CE 55
Laboratory compactive effort (CE) accomplished by the impact of 55 hammer blows per layer.
CES civil engineering squadron
CEV combat engineer vehicle
cf cubic feet
cfs cubic feet per second
CH clays, high compressibility (LL>50)
CI cone index
centerline
CL clays, low compressibility (LL<50)
cm centimeter
cm/sec centimeters per second
CMD command
CMP corrugated metal pipe
co company
- coarse-grained soil
A free-draining soil of which more than 50 percent by weight of the grains will be retained on a No. 200 sieve. For trafficability purposes, these are dry beach and desert soils usually containing less than 7 percent of material passing the No. 200 sieve. Gravels are not considered to pose a trafficability problem.
compacted cubic yards (CCY)
A measurement of compacted soil.
compaction
Process of mechanically densifying a soil, normally by the application of a moving (or dynamic) load.
compactive effort (CE)
Method used to compact the soil.
cone index (CI)
An index of the shearing resistance of soil. The CI is obtained with a cone penetrometer. The number represents resistance to penetration into the soil of the 30-degree cone with a 1/2-square-inch base area (actual load in pounds on cone base area in square inches), using a dial calibrated to produce an index of 300 when 150 lb of pressure are exerted on the handle. The CI reading is normally taken at the 0-inch (base of the cone) and at every 3-inch interval down to 18 inches or until the dial reaches the maximum of 300. A number of tests will be taken and each specified interval reading will be averaged. That average becomes the CI for the inch level.
CONUS continental United States
CPT captain
- critical layer
The soil layer that determines the rating cone index (for fine-grained soil) or cone index (for coarse-grained soil) of the area considered. Its depth varies with the soil profile and the weight and type of vehicle. Generally, the critical layer for fine-grained soils is 6 to 12 inches below the surface when subjected to passes of a vehicle. For coarse-grained soils, the critical layer is usually from the surface to a 6-inch depth for all vehicular passes.
crown
The difference in elevation between the centerline and the surface edge. The crown expedites surface-water runoff on the road. The amount of crown depends on the surface used. Surfaces such as concrete or bituminous materials require little crown because of their impermeability, but permeable surfaces such as earth or gravel require a large crown.
crown
The outside top of the culvert.
CSS cationic slow setting
cu cm cubic centimeter
cu ft cubic foot
CUCV commercial utility cargo vehicle
- culvert
An enclosed waterway used to pass water through a structure consisting of an embankment or fill.
cut or cutting
That portion of through construction produced by the removal of the natural formation of earth or rock, whether sloped or level. The terms sidehill cut and through-hill cut describe the resulting cross sections commonly encountered.
cut slope
The slope from the top of a cut to the ditch line (bottom of ditch). Sometimes it is called the back slope.
cy cubic yard
DA Department of the Army
DBH diameter at breast height
DD Department of Defense
Dec December
deg degree
dept department
- design hourly volume (DHV)
The number of vehicles that a road may typically be expected to accommodate in an hour. The DHV is 15 percent of the ADT.
design speed
The speed for which a facility is designed. Pertinent geometric features, such as horizontal curves and grades, may be based on design speed.
design storm
The storm of greatest intensity for a given period. For example, a "2-year design storm" is a storm expected to be equalled once in 2 years.
detention
The storage of water in depressions in the earth's surface.
dia diameter
- dip
A paved ford used for crossing dry, wide, shallow arroyos or washes in semiarid regions subject to flash floods.
ditch slope
The slope of the ditch extending from the outside edge of the shoulder to the bottom of the ditch. This slope should be relatively flat to avoid damage to vehicles driven into the ditch and to permit easy recovery.
diversion ditch
A ditch used to transport water away from roadways or airfields.
DMZ demilitarized zone
- drop
A structure that absorbs the impact energy of water as it falls vertically to a lower level waterway.
DT ditch time
E east
elev elevation
EM engineer manual
EM enlisted member
Engr engineer
EOD explosive ordnance disposal
- erosion
The transportation of weathered materials by wind or water.
EW east-west
F fill
F Fahrenheit
Feb February
- fill or filling
Material used to fill a receptacle, cavity, passage, or low place. Using material to fill a cavity or low place.
fill slope
The incline extending from the outside edge of the shoulder to the toe (bottom) of a fill.
fine-grained soil
A silt or clay soil of which more than 50 percent by weight of the grains will pass a No. 200 sieve (smaller than 0.074 millimeter in diameter).
FM field manual
- ford
A shallow place in a waterway where the bottom permits the passage of personnel and vehicles.
fpm feet per minute
fps feet per second
- frost action
Processes which affect the ability of soil to support a structure when accumulated water in the form of ice lenses in the soil is subjected to natural freezing conditions.
frost-susceptible soil
Soil in which significant ice segregation will occur when the necessary moisture and freezing conditions are present.
ft feet
FT Fort
ft/ft feet per foot
ft/in feet per inch
ft2/yd2 square feet per square yard
G gravel
- gabion
Large, steel wire-mesh baskets filled with stones, usually rectangular in shape and variable in size. They are designed to solve the problem of erosion.
gal gallon
gal/lb gallons per pound
gal/yd2 gallons per square yard
GC clayey gravel
- geometric design (geometry or geometric features)
Refers to all visible features of the road such as lane width, shoulder width, and alignment.
GLE grade-line elevation
GM silty gravel
gm gram
GP poorly graded gravel
- grade
To level off to a smooth horizontal or sloping surface.
ground icing
An icing whose source of water is from groundwater flow above permafrost.
groundwater table
The upper limit of the saturated zone of free water.
gunite
A mixture of cement, sand, and water sprayed from a high pressure nozzle onto a surface to protect it.
GW well-graded gravel
HMMWV high mobility, multipurpose wheeled vehicle
HP high point
HW high water
- hydraulic gradient
The slope in feet per foot of a drainage structure.
hydrologic cycle
The continuous process in which water is transported from the oceans to the atmosphere to the land and back to the sea.
icing
An irregular sheet or field of ice.
in inch
- infiltration
The absorption of rainwater by the ground on which it falls.
in/hr inches per hour
- in situ
Soil in its natural (undisturbed) state.
interception
The holding of rainfall in the leaf canopy of trees and plants.
Jan January
Jul July
Jun June
kg kilogram
kip kilopound (1,000 pounds)
km kilometer
kph kilometers per hour
- laminar flow
The type of flow that occurs when viscosity forces predominate and the particles of the fluid move in smooth, parallel paths.
lat latitude
lb pound
LIP length in place
liq liquid
LL liquid limit
LOC lines of communication
LP low point
M silt
m meter
Mar March
- mass diagram
Earthwork volume plotted on graph paper, showing cut and fill operations.
max maximum
- maximum towing force (T1)
The maximum continuous towing force in pounds a vehicle can exert. It is expressed as a ratio or percentage of vehicle weight.
MD Maryland
MH silt, high compressibility (LL>50)
mi mile
min minimum
min minute
ML silt, low compressibility (LL<50)
mm millimeter
MO maximum offset
MO Missouri
- mobility index (MI)
A number that results from a consideration of certain vehicle characteristics.
MOPP mission-oriented protective posture
mph miles per hour
MS medium setting
- N
Slipperiness symbol meaning not slippery under any conditions.
N north
N/A not applicable
NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NBC nuclear, biological, chemical
NCO noncommissioned officer
NE northeast
NFS nonfrost susceptible
No. number
Nov November
NP number of pipes
NRMM NATO Reference Mobility Model
NRS naval radio station
NS north-south
NSN national stock number
Ø offset
Oct October
OL order length
- P
Slipperiness symbol meaning slippery when wet.
PC point of curvature
perm permanent
- permafrost
Constantly frozen ground.
PFS possibly frost susceptible
PI plasticity index
PI point of intersection
POL petroleum, oils, and lubricants
- ponding
The accumulation of water at the upstream end of a culvert.
pop population
Pr probability
- Prime BEEF
prime base engineer emergency forces
psi pounds per square inch
PT point of tangency
PVC polyvinyl chloride
PVC point of vertical curvature
PVI point of vertical intersection
PVT point of vertical tangency
QSTAG Quadripartite Standardization Agreement
- rating cone index (RCI)
The measured cone index multiplied by the remolding index (RCI = CI x RI). The RCI expresses the soil-strength rating of a soil area subjected to sustained traffic.
RC rapid curing
RED HORSE rapid engineering deployable heavy operational repair squadrons, engineering
- remoldable sand
A poorly drained, coarse-grained soil, usually containing 7 percent or more material passing a No. 200 sieve. Poor internal drainage increases the water content greatly influencing the trafficability characteristics and permitting the remolding test to be performed. When wet, these soils react to traffic in a manner similar to fine-grained soils and are more sensitive to remolding.
remolding
The changing or working of a soil by traffic or a remolding test. The beneficial, neutral, or detrimental effects of remolding may change soil strength.
remolding index (RI)
The ratio of remolded soil strength to original strength. Soil conditions that permit the remolding test to be performed with ease will usually result in a loss of strength.
Reqd required
- required towing force (T2)
The force in pounds required to tow an operable, powered vehicle on level terrain.
RI remolding index
- riprap
Rocks or rubble placed in the bottom and on the sides of a ditch to prevent soil erosions.
river icing
An icing formed along rivers or streams and adjacent areas having a source of water above or below the riverbed.
roadbed
The entire width of surface on which a vehicle may stand or move. The roadbed consists of both the traveled way and the shoulders.
road classification system
An organized list of four road types based on the number of vehicles each is designed to accommodate in a 24-hour period. Road characteristics are based on average daily traffic.
roadway
The entire width within the limits of earthwork construction and is measured between the outside edges of cut or fill slopes. Roadway width does not include interceptor ditches if they fall outside the slopes. The roadway width varies from section to section depending on the height of cut or fill, depth of ditches, and slope ratios.
RR railroad
RRR rapid runway repair
RS rapid setting
RT road tar
RTCB road tar cutback
RTO radiotelephone operator
- S
Slipperiness symbol meaning slippery at all times.
S sand
S2 Intelligence Officer (US Army)
S3 Operations and Training Officer (US Army)
- sand grid
A honeycomb shaped geotextile measuring 20 feet by 8 feet by 8 inches deep when fully expanded. It is used to develop a beachhead for logistics-over-the-shore operations. It is also useful in expedient revetment construction.
SC supply catalog
SC slow curing
SCIP scarify and compact in place
SEATO Southeast Asia Treaty Organization
sec second
Sept September
SFC sergeant first class
- shoulder
That part of the top surface of an approach embankment, causeway, or cut immediately adjoining the roadway that accommodates stopped vehicles in emergencies and laterally supports base and surface courses.
shoulder slopes
These may be the same as the traveled way, but usually they are greater because shoulders are more previous than the surface course.
sight distance restriction factor
The percent of the total length of the road on which the sight distance is less than 1,500 feet.
slipperiness
The low traction capacity of a thin soil surface owing to its lubrication by water or mud without the occurrence of significant vehicle sinkage.
slope
The inclined surface of an excavated cut or an embankment.
slope ratio
The relative steepness of the slope expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance. Thus, a 2:1 slope ratio signifies that for every 2 feet horizontally there is a rise or fall of 1 foot. The value of the slope ratio used in construction depends on the properties of the soil and the vertical height of the slope. Ditch slopes may also be governed by the amount of water to be drained and the possibility of erosion.
SM silty sands and poorly graded sand-silt mixture
SOP standing operating procedure
SP poorly graded sand
- spring icing
An icing whose source of water is from subpermanent levels.
sq square
sq ft square feet
sq in square inch
Sr senior
SS slow setting
SSG staff sergeant
sta station
STANAG Standardization Agreement
- stickiness
The ability of a soil to adhere to the vehicle undercarriage or running gear.
stilling basin
A structure used to protect the culvert outlet against erosion.
subbase or subgrade
Describes the in situ soil on which a road, airfield, or heliport is built. The subgrade includes soil to the depth that may affect the structural design of the project or the depth at which climate affects the soil.
subsurface water
Water beneath the surface of the land.
superelevation
The transverse downward slope from the outside to the inside of the traveled way on a curve. It is usually expressed in inches of drop per horizontal foot or foot-drop per horizontal foot.
surface course
The surface course provides a smooth, hard surface on which the traffic moves. It may be constructed from asphalt or tar products, concrete, gravel, or compacted earth with certain types of binders. The surface course should be all-weather and should provide for the rapid runoff of water. The use of treated surfaces is limited to roads that have a long design life. A divisional road with a life expectancy of 6 months or less will receive only an earth or gravel surface.
SUSV small-unit support vehicle
SW southwest
SW well-graded sand
T1 maximum towing force
T2 required towing force
TBM temporary bench mark
TC training circular
temp temperature
- time of concentration (TOC)
The time it takes for an entire drainage basin to begin contributing runoff to a drainage structure.
TM technical manual
TN air transport
TO theater of operations
TOE table(s) of organization and equipment
TP transition point
- traction capacity
The ability of soil to resist the vehicle tread thrust required for steering and propulsion.
traffic lane
The traffic lane consists of the road surface over which a single lane of traffic will pass.
transpiration
The process by which water that has traveled from the ground through the plant's system is returned to the air through the leaf system.
traveled way
The road surface upon which all vehicles move or travel. For a single-lane road, the traveled way is the same as one traffic lane. For a multilane road, the traveled way is the sum of the traffic lanes. If a surface course is provided, it normally extends only across the traveled way.
turbulent flow
The type of flow that occurs when viscosity forces are relatively weak and the individual water particles move in random patterns within the aggregate forward-flow pattern.
US United States
USAES US Army Engineer School
USCS Unified Soil Classification System
UXO unexploded ordnance
VC vitrified clay
- vehicle cone index (VCI)
The index assigned to a given vehicle that indicates the minimum soil strength in terms of rating cone index (or cone index for coarse-grained soil) required for one pass or other passes (VCI) of the vehicle. Usually one and fifty passes are used as extremes.
VMC visual meteorological conditions
Vol volume
W1 weight of a towing vehicle
W2 weight of a towed vehicle
w/ with
w/o without
WF waste factor
wp wetted perimeter
W.R.C. wire rope cable
wt weight
WT weight type
yd yard
yr year
< less than
< less than or equal to
> greater than
> greater than or equal to
G change of grade
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