This happens when water in the atmosphere falls to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
Precipitation
This is the term for the maximum gradient a roadway can have to ensure sage and efficient traffic flow
grade
This material, made by mixing cement, sand, gravel, and water, is one of the most common in construction.
concrete
This type of sewer collects wastewater from homes and businesses for treatment.
Sanitary Sewer system
This invisible gas, produced by burning fossil fuels, is a major contributor to global warming.
Carbon Dioxide
This device can open and close to control the flow of water in a river or canal.
Sluice gate
These poles are on the sides of highways
Delineators
This horizontal structural element supports loads and transfers them to vertical supports like columns or walls.
Beam
Modern sewer pipes are often made from this durable plastic material resistant to corrosion.
PVC
This waste management strategy involves turning food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil.
Composting
This type of irrigation saves water by delivering it directly to the roots of plants using small pipes and drippers.
Drip irrigation
These structures are placed along the sides of highways to absorb impact and redirect vehicles during crashes.
Guardrail
This type of bridge uses cables hung from towers to support the deck below.
Suspension Bridge
In wastewater treatment, this step removes large debris like sticks and trash before further processing.
Screening
This type of renewable energy harnesses power from the sun.
Solar energy
These tall walls or mounds are built along rivers to stop floodwaters from spilling into nearby land.
levees
This is the term for the curved section of a roadway designed to facilitate vehicle turning at intersections or roundabouts.
Radius of curvature
This force, caused by wind or earthquakes, acts horizontally on a structure.
Lateral force
Sewer systems are designed to use this natural force to move wastewater through pipes.
Gravity
This landmark U.S. law, passed in 1970, established regulations to control air pollution nationwide.
Clean Air Act
This step in cleaning water removes dirt and other particles by making them stick together.
coagulation
This term refers to the banking of a road at a curve, designed to help counteract the lateral force on vehicles.
Superelevation
The Eiffel Tower uses this type of structural framework made of interconnected triangles.
Truss
This method uses high-pressure water jets to clean sewer pipes and remove blockages.
Hydro jetting
This term describes the excessive growth of algae in water due to high levels of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Eutrophication