Glossary

Select the initial that begins the term you wish to read about.

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Glossary terms for letter: A

Alongshore

Parallel to and near the shoreline; same as LONGSHORE.

Amortization Period

The length of time used torepay a debt or mortgage or to depreciate an initialcost.

Amortization Rate

The price or rate of premium perunit of time that is paid by a borrower forrepayment of a debt or mortgage or by a purchaserto depreciate an initial cost.

Architectural Treatment of Floodwalls

Aesthetics consideration in the design of flood walls to blend them into the project surroundings. Whenever possible, the wall should appear to be a natural extension of the local topography. The basic design of these structures should be a coordinated effort between the design engineer, the architect, and the landscape architect.

Arch Dam

An Arch Dam is typically constructed in a location with Canyon walls and takes advantage of the arch action in the dam to transfer the forces in the dam to the rock canyon walls as well as the base. The design and shape of the dam is determined by the site conditions and the steepness and width of the canyon walls. The use of the arch action reduces the amount of concrete required to carry the load and is most commonly used for high head dams in deep canyons.