Unit 5 – Preparing the site for construction

Grammar – To + infinitive

When we want to talk about someone's intention or goal, about why they are doing something, we need to use 'to + infinitive'. In this case, the subject of the sentence is a person.

Example:

• I went to Prague TO obtain building permits. (not for obtaining/not for obtain)
• He recommended TO analyze the site.
• Civil engineers take extra measures TO control erosion or runoff.

Vocabulary

drainage
odvodnění

feasibility
proveditelnost

improper
nevhodný

removal
odstranění

elevation
vyvýšení

curb
obrubník

gutter
okap

runoff
odtok

municipality
obec, městský úřad

Exercise

1. Connect words with their definitions:

2. Reading text:

Here are ten things civil engineers do to prepare the site for construction.

Site analysis

Civil engineers survey the land and analyze the site TO assess the site's existing conditions and the surrounding land.

They do this to research and record a variety of environmental and geographical factors, including:

• Soil types
• Existing wildlife
• Climate conditions
• Connectivity with utilities
• Stormwater patterns
• Drainage options

Feasibility studies

Feasibility studies are a risk assessment tool used TO determine if it is safe TO build on the site at all. 

Feasibility studies consider all sorts of threats and geological conditions the site poses, such as: 

• Seismic hazards
• Ground stability 
• Unsuitable groundwater conditions

They'll recommend ways TO remediate the current conditions TO make it suitable.

Assist in building location 

Civil engineers determine where the most suitable build site is based on site analysis and feasibility studies.

Site grading

Site grading refers to levelling and stabilizing the ground.

During site grading, the civil engineer will decide if the site needs excavation. Improper site grading can affect everything from the building's structural integrity to how stormwater collects or runs off.

Civil engineers decide if existing structures and trees need removal.

Site design and layout

Site design and layout indicate how the entire site will look upon completion, including the:

• Location of buildings
• Elevation of the terrain
• Placement of roads for access to and from the site
• Spots for utility connections

Site details

Besides the overall site design, it's also the role of the civil engineer TO determine the proper placement of external features such as:

• Curbs
• Gutters
• Pavements
• Driveways

Site drainage

Having a proper drainage system in place is crucial for site preparation.

During site drainage planning, civil engineers will also decide if they must take extra measures TO control erosion or runoff, such as:

• Building detention ponds
• Erecting retaining walls
• Creating berms

Site utilities

Civil engineers ensure that a structure will work with the local utility companies, from water supply lines to gas and electric.

Utility departments provide the location of existing lines.

Site cost estimates 

Civil engineers provide cost estimates TO approximate how much it will cost to make the site  suitable for construction.

Prepare engineering construction documents

As part of the architectural design process, architects and engineers create blueprints detailing the structure. Civil engineers draft construction documents for site excavation and grading of the land before construction.

Local building codes and regulations vary by city and municipality. Therefore, site grading and excavation documents are often required TO obtain building permits.

2.1 Answer some questions – TRUE or FALSE:

2.2 Translate some sentences:

• Stavební inženýři dělají průzkum pozemku. 
• Stavební inženýři dělají extra opatření, aby kontrolovali/monitorovali erozi a odtok vody.
• Stavební inženýři musí připravit mnoho dokumentů, aby získali povolení ke stavbě. 

Solution

3. Video

Ve videu uslyšíte:

3.1 Watch the video and answer some questions:

• Which steps don’t belong (nepatří) to the site preparation procedure? 

  • Site evaluation

  • Building the frame of the house

  • Site plan design

  • Site testing

  • Moving in

  • Site surveying

  • Site clearing and grading

  • Landscaping and final touches

  • Site compaction

• Why do builders compact the soil?
• Must any connection lines that run from your building to the public sewer flow downhill or uphill? 
• What is important when selecting the right builder? 
• Why is it important to locate all underground utilities and structures before strating the construction? 

Solution

3.2 Translate some sentences:

• Vyhněte se práci na bahnitých staveništích. 
• Zde je několik základních tipů, jak zajistit úspěch vašeho projektu. 
• Komerční a zemědělské projekty stojí kolem 30 000 dolarů. 

Solution