Bài giảng Anh văn chuyên ngành xây dựng - Dương Minh Châu

1
Dương Minh Châu
Chaudmce@gmail.com
KHOAXÂYDỰNG
KHOAXÂYDỰNG
P202B, 25/K7 Quang Trung
T: 0511-3 827 111 (ext 202)
E: khoaxaydung@duytan.edu.vn
Dương Minh Châu
Chaudmce@gmail.com
Duongminhchau@dtu.edu.vn
0912323573
ENGLISH FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS
ANH VĂNCHUYÊNNGÀNHXÂYDỰNG
2
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KHOAXÂYDỰNG
1.1.1 Read this text and complete charts A and B
The construction industry in the UK consists of four different sectors. The 
residential sector deals with houses and apartments. The industrial sector 
deals with big projects like factories and power plants. The infrastructure
sector is for projects like roads, bridges and tunnels. The commercial sector is 
for things like schools, hospitals and office blocks. The client pays for the 
project and hires general contractors to deal with subcontractors, equipment 
and materials.
Unit 1 The construction industry 
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Unit 1 The construction industry 
4
Dương Minh Châu
Chaudmce@gmail.com
KHOAXÂYDỰNG
Unit 1 The construction industry 
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Unit 1 The construction industry 
Complete these sentences with the verbs in the box
are consists of deal with hires pays for
a. The general contractor ________________ subcontractors.
b. General contractors__________ subcontractors, equipment and materials.
c. The team_________ a site manager, three roofers and a plumber.
d. Roads, bridges and tunnels ___________ infrastructure sector projects.
e. The client ____________________ the project.
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1.2.1 Write four things a general contractor does. Use the correct form of the 
verbs in the box.
deal with hire organize visit
1.2.2 Complete these sentences.
a.The..industryconsistsoffoursectors.
b.The..sectordealswithhousesandapartments.
c.The..sectordealswithroads,bridgesandtunnels.
d.The..sectordealswithschools,hospitalsandoffice
blocks.
e.The..sectordealswithfactoriesandpowerplants.
Unit 1 The construction industry 
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1.2.3 Complete this text with the words and phrases in the box.
about a project a new office block architect 
residential area subcontractor supplier
TodayIhavethreemeetings.First,Ihaveameeting(1).witha
clientanda(n)(2)inBulaq. The project is an apartment block in 
a(n)(3)Ihavealotofexperiencewithapartmentblocks,but
not in this part of Cairo. After lunch, I have a meeting with a new 
(4).onaconstructionsiteinAlNasrRoad.Thismeetingis
about labourers andequipmentfor(5)..Intheevening,Ihavea
meetingwitha(n)(6)todiscussmaterialsforaconstructionsitein
Tura.It’sabusydayasalways!
Unit 1 The construction industry 
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Listen and write the types of construction you hear.
1______________ 2____________________ 3____________________
4______________ 5____________________ 6____________________
Choose a role card. Introduce yourself to other students. Use the model below 
to help you. 
Unit 1 The construction industry 
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2.1.1 Look at three representations of a house. Name the types of 
drawing. Then read the text and check your answers.
1________________ 2_________________ 3_________________
Unit 2 Technical drawing
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There are many ways of putting a 3D object into 2D. Orthographic
projections can be found on all construction projects. These drawings show 
different views of the object, and can include elevations (a view from one 
side) and cross-sections (the view when you cut through an object). Another 
type of drawing shows exploded views, which are very useful for 
understanding the assembly of an object, in other words how it all fits 
together. A third type of drawing is the plan view, which allows us to see an 
object from above. A typical example of this is a floor plan. These are very 
useful when we want to look at the fittings in detail, in other words where 
objects like cookers and baths go.
Unit 2 Technical drawing
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1.2.3 Prints Read the email from an architect to a contractor. Then, choose the correct answers
I wanted to update you on my progress on the prints for the Gibson building.
I completed the orthographic projection of the building's exterior. This includes a plan view 
of the roof and elevations of all sides. I also completed section views of several interior walls. 
This will let you easily see where plumbing and other fixtures should be installed. The prints 
ofthebuilding’sinteriorsectionsarenotyetfinished.Ihavecompletedisometric drawings 
of several rooms. These prints produce three dimensional images because lines are drawn at 
thirty degree angles instead of horizontally. Unfortunately I am having trouble drawing some 
of the irregular wall features, such as moldings. The best way to show these is in oblique 
drawings. They have the most complex surface flat against the paper. 
This is a time-consuming process, but I am working as quickly as I can. For additional detail, I 
am also including some cross sections of these surfaces. For your reference, these will be 
vertically oriented.
I attached a rough sketch of the building layout. Please look it over and let me know if you 
have any questions or concerns. 
Thanks!
Unit 2 Technical drawing
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1.2.3 Prints
Unit 2 Technical drawing
1. What is the purpose of the email?
A. to correct an error in the building prints
B. to list what types of prints need to be created 
C. to explain why orthographic projections are not needed
D. to inform the contractor of what prints are complete an ... bout an error in the floor plan
2._ The floor plan IS for a new office building.
3._ The floor plan should not include appliance positions
Unit 2 Technical drawing
26
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2.3.4 Listen and complete the conversation
Contractor:Iwantedtotalkaboutthefloorplanfortheofficewe’rebuilding.
Architect: I received your email earlier. Were just starting to (1)________ 
_______the floor plan.
Contractor: That's great. Do you need any more (2)__________?
Architect: (3)__________ _________ __________ _________more about the 
purpose of the office?
Contractor:It’saprettystandard(4)___________________It’llhavealargeroom
for desks and some offices along the walls.
Architect: I see (5)__________ ____________desks should fit in the large room?
Contractor: The client wants (6)____________ _____________for fifteen.
Architect: Okay. Should standard bathroom and break room fixtures be included?
Contractor: Yes. There should be room for a full-size refrigerator in the break room.
Unit 2 Technical drawing
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2.3.5 Look at house plans A and B. Then listen. Does the speaker describe the 
house correctly?
Unit 2 Technical drawing
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KHOAXÂYDỰNG
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
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Dương Minh Châu
Chaudmce@gmail.com
KHOAXÂYDỰNG
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
30
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Chaudmce@gmail.com
KHOAXÂYDỰNG
3.1.1 Read the email about the cost of materials. Then, mark the statements as 
true (T) or false (F).
Charles.
You asked why the order was so expensive.
We need about two and a half bags of concrete for each structure. I rounded up to 
three bags per structure. There are ten structures. When you multiply that, it equals 
thirty bags. That part of the order was $150. The cost of concrete plus the cost of 
rebar came to over $600. When you add shipping costs, it totals $650.
I can subtract a few items to save money. The total minus the cost of rebar is around 
$175. Or, we can make several payments. The bill divided by three payments is 
about $215. We could pay the remainder with the last payment Let me know what 
you prefer. 
Barbara.
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
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3.1.1 Read the email about the cost of materials. Then, mark the statements as 
true (T) or false (F).
1. ___The company is working on thirty structures.
2. ___The cost of rebar was more expensive than the cost of concrete.
3. ___Shipping costs were about $175.
3.1.2 Match the words (1-5) with the definitions (A-E)
1_ subtract 2_ multiply 3_ add 4 _ round up 5 _ divide
A. to increase a number to a greater whole number, often ending in zero.
B. to split a number into equal amounts.
C. to take one number away from another.
D. to combine two or more numbers.
E. to add one number to itself a specific number of times.
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
32
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3.1.3 Listen to a conversation between a clerk and a construction company 
manager. Choose the correct answers.
1. What is the conversation mainly about?
A. rounding up a total B. adding items to an order
C. subtracting shipping costs D. dividing payments for an order
2. What is true of the total?
A. The woman wants to divide it. B. The man added to it incorrectly 
C. It is lower after subtracting items. D. It does not include shipping costs
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
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3.1.4 Listen again and complete the conversation
Clerk: Okay, Ms. Hoffman,I’ll(1)______________your invoice. What can I 
do for you?
Manager: I have to (2)________ _________ ____________of my order.
Clerk: Sure. (3)_________ ________ _________beams do you need?
Manager: I want to (4)________ _________to the original fifteen.
Clerk: So fifteen (5)__________five is twenty. Your new total (6)_______ 
_____$976.12.
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
34
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KHOAXÂYDỰNG
3.2.1 Read the guide about converting fractions, decimals, and percents. 
1. Reducing Fractions: Divide the numerator and denominator by the same 
number. Repeat if necessary until both cannot be divided into whole numbers.
2. Percentages: A percent is a fraction. Its denominator is 100. So 71% is 
equal to 71/100. In decimal form, this is 0.71.
It is usually easier to do calculations with decimals instead of fractions. 
Convert measurements that are fractions to decimal form.
3. Convert a fraction to a decimal: Divide the numerator by the denominator.
4. Convert a mixed number to a decimal: First, write the whole number. 
Place a decimal point to its right. Change the fraction to a decimal (see above). 
Then write it to the right of the decimal point.
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
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Then, mark the statements as true (T) or false (F).
1_ Divide the numerator and the denominator to reduce a fraction.
2_ The denominator of any percent is 100.
3_ Divide the denominator by the numerator to convert a fraction to a decimal.
3.2.2 Match the words (1-5) with the definitions (A-E)
1_ numerator; 2_ fraction; 3_ percent; 4 _ whole number; 5 _denominator
A. a number that is not divided into parts
B. the lower number of a fraction
C. a ratio of two numbers, expressed with one number written above the other
D. the upper number of a fraction.
E. a number that expresses a part of something per hundred.
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
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3.2.3 Fill in the blanks with the correct words and phrases
decimal convert percentage reduce mixed number
1. The expression 12 2/3 is a____________.
2. ____________that fraction to its simplest terms.
3. What ____________ of the insulation is installed?
4. Please __________ that fraction to a decimal.
5. ________numbers are usually more accurate than fractions.
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
37
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3.2.4 Listen to a conversation between construction worker and a manager
Choose the correct answers
1. What is the conversation mainly about?
A. reducing a fraction B. working with mixed numbers
C. comparing decimals and fractions D. convening a fraction to a decimal
2. How should the man write the result?
A. as a whole number B. as a decimal
C. as a mixed number D. as a percent
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
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3.2.4 3.2.5 Listen again and complete the conversation.
Worker: I (1)________ __________ ____________this. How do you convert 
a fraction to a decimal?
Manager: Ah. where are you (2)____________ __________?
Worker: Well, you (3)__________ ________ _________by the numerator, 
right?
Manager: No, you divide (4) _____________ ____________by the 
denominator.
Worker: Oh. I see. That makes a lot (5)__________ ___________.Thanks for 
the help.
Manager: You're welcome. I (6) ____________ __________with those, too.
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
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Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
Odd numbers 1, 3, 5, 7
Even numbers 2, 4, 6, 8
Prime numbers 2, 3, 5, 7
Common fractions ¼, ½, ¾ one-quarter, one-half, three fourths (quarters)
Decimal fractions 11.8 
eleven point eight (decimal fractions are separated
by a point and not comma)
Powers 42 73 84 four squared, seven cubed, eight to the fourth power
Roots 9 , 27
3 the square root of nine, the cube root of twenty seven
Percentages 28% twenty-eight per cent
Parameters 30m x20m thirty meters by twenty meters
Ratio/proportion 2 : 3 two to three
Long integers 2,582,934 
two million, five hundred eighty-two thousand, nine
hundred thirty four
Temperature 31°C thirty-one degrees Celsius/Centigrade
Area 80 m2 eighty square meters
Volume/capacity 53 m3 fifty-three cubic meters
Velocity 130 km/h one-hundred and thirty kilometres per hour
Acceleration 10 cm/s2 ten centimetres per second squared
Density 3.86 kg/m3 three point eight six kilograms per cubic meter
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3.3.1 Match the numbers in the box with the words below.
√
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
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3.3.2 Guinness Book of Records
Read the text aloud then match the subjects with their names and parameters
According to the Guinness Book of Records the tallest man in the world is Vimal
Singh, who is 2.72 m tall, and the shortest man is Younis Edwan, who is only 0.65 m. 
The heaviest man in the world is Morgan Reid with a weight of 635 kg, and the 
heaviest woman is Avinash Persaud, who weighs 725 kg. The oldest person in the 
world was Jeanne Calment, who died when she was 122 years and 164 days old. The 
oldest living person in the world is a Japanese woman, who is 114+ (as of February 
2010). She was born on 10 May 1895.
As for structures, the tallest structures are dozens of radio and television broadcasting 
towers that are around 600 m. The three tallest buildings in the world are the 828 m 
tall Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, the Taipei 101 in Taiwan, 
which is 509 m tall, and the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at 452 m. 
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
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3.3.2 Guinness Book of Records
The longest bridge is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, which was built 
in1956 in the USA. It is 38,344 m long, and the longest cross-sea bridge of 
32,500 m was built in China in the year 2005. The longest tunnel is the Seikan 
Tunnel in Japan, which is 53,850 m long, and the tunnel with the longest 
underwater section is the Channel Tunnel linking England and France since 
1994. It is 49,940 m long.
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
the highest waterfalls 
the tallest monument 
the longest river 
the highest mountain 
the largest average discharge
Mount Everest 
the Amazon 
Angel Falls 
the Great Pyramid of Giza 
the Nile 
219,000 m3/s
6,695 km
8,848 m
138.8 m
979 m
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Mathematics and descriptive geometry are an integral part of civil engineering 
studies. Designers draw shapes and patterns to create a project; other civil 
engineering specialists calculate the correct proportions of the designed structure. 
There are various shapes of lines, two-dimensional (2D) figures and three-
dimensional (3D) figures.
Lines: straight, curved, bent, horizontal, vertical, parallel, tapering, perpendicular. 
2D figures: square, rectangle, triangle, circle, semi-circle, pentagon, hexagon, 
octagon, trapezoid, trapezium, rhombus.
3D figures: cube, prism, sphere, hemisphere, pyramid, cone, cylinder.
A rectangle is a two-dimensional figure with two opposite sides that are parallel and 
the adjacent ones are perpendicular. A rectangle has four right angles. Something 
with the shape of a rectangle is rectangular, e.g., a long rectangular table. If we want 
to calculate the perimeter or area of a rectangle, we need to know how long and how 
wide the sides are. If we have the length and width of the rectangle, we can start 
calculating.
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
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A circle is a round shape consisting of a curved line that completely encloses a 
space and is the same distance from the centre at every point. Something in the 
shape of a circle is circular. A circle is cut in half by its diameter. Its two 
halves can be called semi-circles. The radius of a circle is the distance from its 
centre to the circumference.
A cube is an object like a box with six square sides that are all the same size. 
Cubic units are used for measuring volume. A sphere is a round object like a 
ball. A cube and sphere are both three-dimensional objects.
A cylinder is a three-dimensional object. Its cross-section is circular in shape, 
and its longitudinal section is rectangular in shape. In other words the cross-
section of a cylinder is shaped like a circle, and the longitudinal section is 
shaped like a rectangle. The cross-section of a cone is also circular in shape, 
but the longitudinal section is shaped like a triangle.
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
45
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Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
46
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Complete the sentences with the correct words
1. A tennis court is shaped like a ______________.
2. If we have the length and width of a room, we can calculate its ____________
or ______________.
3. The Great Wall of China is over 2,000km ______________.
4. The first Egyptian _______________ is over 140m high.
5. A two-dimensional figure that has three sides and three angles smaller than
90° is a _______________.
6. Volcanoes are shaped like a ______________.
7. A bar chart is _____________, and a pie chart is ______________ in shape.
8. The bottom and top of a _____________ are circular in shape.
9. A shape with five sides, usually of equal length and angles greater than 90°, is
called a ______________.
10. The two halves of a circle can be called ______________.
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
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3.4.2 Listen and write the conversation letter next to the shape. 
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes
48
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3.4.3 Listen to a structural engineer describing the dimensions of two beams: 
an I-shaped cross-section and a standard channel cross-section, and a rod 
Complete these tables.
Unit 3 Basic math, numbers and shapes