The Dicobat (short for Dictionnaire du Bâtiment et des Travaux Publics) is the leading technical dictionary for the building and civil engineering industry. Written by Jean-Paul Rolland, it provides accurate translations and definitions for terms in:
Le Dicobat (Dictionnaire de la Construction et du Bâtiment) est un outil de terminologie exhaustive. Il permet de comprendre les termes précis utilisés sur les chantiers, dans les bureaux d'études et par les architectes. : Plus de 25 000 définitions. Illustrations : Des milliers de schémas et dessins techniques. : Jean de Vigan et son équipe d'experts. dictionnaire dicobat pdf
: Use the specific Dicobat definitions in contracts and technical specifications to avoid ambiguity with contractors. Educational Support What is the Dicobat
Precision and Safety: Using accurate terminology (e.g., distinguishing a "bearing wall" from a "partition wall") is critical to structural integrity and preventing costly errors. Architects and engineers : Enhance your knowledge of
Many public libraries in France (Bibliothèque nationale de France, Cité de l’Architecture) have reference copies. Check if interlibrary loan is possible.
| Tool | Format | Price | Best For | |------|--------|-------|----------| | Grand Dictionnaire Terminologique (GDT) | Free online | €0 | French-English engineering terms (Québec-based) | | Termium Plus | Free online | €0 | Canadian government terminology – excellent for concrete/steel | | BTP Lexique (by CSTB) | PDF download | Free | 5,000 basic construction terms, no English translation | | Officiel du BTP | Printed/App | €30/year | Weekly updated, less depth than Dicobat | | Larousse du Bâtiment | Printed | €45 | Good for beginners, not for pros |
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