CE111 | Civil Engineering and Society

Civil Engineering

-Is the oldest and quintessential engineering profession

-Is the design and construction of public works, such as dams, bridges and other large infrastructure projects.

Civil Engineering

It is one of the oldest branches of engineering, dating back to when people first started living in permanent settlements and began shaping their environments to suit their needs.

What do Engineers need to know?

-A global vision and approach to problem identification and problem solving in areas such as infrastructure, environment, facilities, and systems.

-A basic management knowledge base in areas such as business, resources, personnel management, communication skills, costs and value judgments, and time management.

-A solid foundation in personal and inter-personal attributes ethics.

-An involvement with engineering practice as the formal education evolve.

Civil Engineering Basics Knowledge

-Supervise project construction and maintenance. -Must possess a very broad skill set, from cost accounting to geology.

-Many civil engineers have jobs that require a very hands-on role in construction, while others may have positions more heavily weighted toward supervisory and administrative skills.

Civil Engineering Basics Technical Skills

➤Should have a level of Mathematics and Physics that allows for the identification and solving of engineering problems.

➤Be skilled in design techniques and working with maps, drawings, and models, as well as CAD software.

➤To be able to predict any possible future problems and find solutions for them.

Math skills

Civil engineers use the principles of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Tests of Building Materials

A good civil engineer should have proper knowledge of different tests of building materials. e.g.: Concrete Test: Slump test, compression test, split tensile test, soundness etc.

Investigation of soil

Various soil tests are conducted to determine the settlement and stability of soils before starting construction. So as a civil engineer, you should have enough knowledge of these tests which are performed at the site.

Uses of Surveying Instruments

Usages of surveying instruments like the total station, theodolite, etc. are also mandatory knowledge for every civil engineer. These instruments are used for marking and measurement.

Standard Codes Used In Construction

Every country has its standard safety specifications (e.g.: NSCP, NBCP) for construction-related works. All new construction should be done by following all the rules and procedures mentioned in the standard codes. Otherwise, the chances of failure of a structure will be always high.

Bar Bending Schedule

The bar bending schedule is an essential chart for civil engineers and civil engineering basics skill, It provides the reinforcement calculation of the RC beam such as cutting length, type of bending, the length of bending, etc.

Drawing and Design

Are the primary keys of an ongoing project. It provides all the required specifications of that project. Every site engineer should have the analyzing power of such drawings and designs.

Managerial Skills

When problems arise, it is common for people involved in the project on all levels to look to the engineer for guidance and resolution. Civil engineers must be able to step up to the task and manage a diverse team of professionals whilst maintaining the confidence of clients.

Scheduling

Project scheduling is a core project management skill.

Cost Control

Critical topic for project managers. Those without this skill will be at a disadvantage because budgets are tight. You need to show that you can deliver your project within the cost constraints and by managing the project finances intelligently.

Risk Management

The more 'routine' the project, the more it is likely to get outsourced or given to a functional manager who shows an aptitude for getting things done. Project managers will work on the more complex, transformative, unique endeavors that require decent risk.

Meetings Management

Being able to sense when a meeting is going off the rails and people aren't paying attention is a key skill for project managers. It's helped by sticking to the agenda but it's also about being able to read the body language of people in the room to check that you are getting through the material quickly and comprehensively.

Leadership Skills

Civil engineers take ultimate responsibility for the projects that they manage or research that they perform. Therefore, they must be able to lead planners, surveyors, construction managers, civil engineering technicians, civil engineering technologists, and others in implementing their project plan.

Decision-making

Civil engineers often balance multiple and frequently conflicting objectives, such as determining the feasibility of plans regarding financial costs and safety concerns. Civil engineers must be able to make good decisions based on best practices, their own technical knowledge, and their own experience.

Negotiation

Project managers with good negotiation skills will be an asset to their teams as they seek to resolve conflicts by finding the win-win scenarios for everyone.

Organizational skills

Be able to monitor and evaluate the work at the jobsite as a project progresses. That way, they can ensure compliance with the design documents. Civil engineers also often manage several projects at the same time, and thus must be able to balance time needs and to effectively allocate resources.

Problem-solving skills

Civil engineers work at the highest level of the planning, design, construction, and operation of multifaceted projects or research. The many variables involved require that they possess the ability to identify and evaluate complex problems. They must be able to then utilize their skill and training to develop cost-effective, safe, and efficient solutions.

Communication Skills

The ability to communicate effectively is a highly sought-after skill. Whether dealing with Management or a client, Engineers need to be able to clearly communicate ideas and give direction leaving no ambiguity. They must also be able to listen and benefit from the ideas of others in the team.

Written communication skills

From technicians to project managers, civil engineers at every level need to be able to communicate via written reports and correspondence concisely.

Civil Engineers

Play an extremely important role in the society. They are responsible for maintaining the overall safety of society in several ways including rural engineering. From constructing highways and buildings to bridges and tunnels, the responsibilities of civil engineers are many.

Civil Engineers

Are responsible for planning and overseeing different construction efforts and apply civil engineering principles to ensure that the constructed structures are safe and sturdy.

Civil Engineers main role

-Surveying

-Planning -Designing -Estimation -Executions of structures like --buildings --roads --bridges --railways --ports --airports --dams

Roles of Civil Engineers

➤To use scientific and engineering principles for solutions of different engineering problems

➤To solve engineering problems with the help of field experience, laboratory techniques, mathematical models, computer and information technology

➤To implement management techniques for better management of man, material, machines and money

➤To carry out planning of building as per its functional needs, as suggested by clients or user. He must plan the building as per the bylaws.

➤To carry out soil investigations for the design of foundation of structures.

➤To carry out principles of structures as per the principles of structural analysis and design. Ensures that the design is safe, durable and economical.

➤To prepare the estimates to know the probable cost of completion of work.

➤To invite tender and to select contractors for the work.

➤To carry out valuation of land or building for the purpose of finding its sale or purchase price or taxation.

➤Civil engineers must work for the general welfare of people.

Functions of Civil Engineering

Civil engineering functions can be classified in three categories:

-Before Construction

-During Construction

-After Construction

Before Construction

➤Feasibility Study

➤Surveying

➤Site Investigation

➤Planning

➤Design And Drawing

➤Estimating

➤Planning & Scheduling

Before Construction

-In the beginning technical feasibility, environmental impact assessment and economical viability of the project are studied. Surveying includes preparing site plan, contour map and measurement of field dimensions and level

-Soil investigation includes collecting data regarding soil and bearing capacity of soil.

-Based on the collected planning, designing, are carried and drawings are prepared. Estimates to know the probable cost of completion of work and detailed planning and scheduling are prepared to carry out different activities in time without delay.

During Construction

➤Dealing With Clients. Consulting Engineer And Contractors

➤Execution And Supervision

➤Quality Control

➤Costing

During Construction

-Owner, engineer and contractor are the three constituents of a construction team in engineering profession, hence continuous liaison among themselves is very essential for the speedy progress of the work.

-Execution of work is actual construction carried out on the site with materials and equipment's by the skilled and unskilled work force, under technical guidance and supervision or engineer in charge.

-During construction engineer must supervise the work carried out as per the specifications for quality control. Costing is the key procedure in arriving the actual cost of construction.

-During construction engineer must supervise the work carried out as per the specifications for quality control. Costing is the key procedure in arriving the actual cost of construction.

After Construction

➤Maintenance And Repairs

➤Valuation

➤After The Construction Regular Maintenance Of Structures Is To Be Carried Out. Valuation Is Carried Out For The Purpose Of Sale. Purchase And Many Others