contenção

Contenção is a noun in Portuguese that denotes the act or result of containing, restraining, or limiting something that could spread, grow, or cause damage. It is used in diverse contexts, always referring to measures that reduce risk, impact, or escalation.

In civil engineering and geotechnics, contenção refers to structures and systems that hold back materials such as soil, rock, or water. Retaining walls, slope stabilization solutions, dikes, and sheet-pile barriers are examples. The objective is to maintain stability, control earth movements, and manage drainage to prevent failures or landslides.

In environmental and industrial settings, containment involves preventing the release or spread of contaminants. Barriers, berms, and containment basins keep hazardous substances localized; booms and absorbent barriers control spills on water or land, protecting ecosystems and human health.

In public health and security, containment encompasses strategies to limit transmission or escalation of threats. This includes quarantine and isolation measures during outbreaks, as well as cordon procedures or restrictions to prevent the spread of violence or illicit activities. In organizational contexts, containment also appears as cost containment, referring to policies and practices aimed at capping expenditures and improving efficiency.

Overall, contenção denotes a broad concept of creating barriers, controls, or policies to limit undesirable outcomes, adapted to the specific technical, environmental, or social domain.