Civil Engineering : Introduction
Considered as one of the oldest engineering disciplines, Civil Engineering
involves planning, designing and executing structural works. The profession
deals with a wide variety of engineering tasks including designing, supervision
and construction activities of public works like roads, bridges, tunnels,
buildings, airports, dams, water works, sewage systems, ports etc. and
offers a multitude of challenging career opportunities.
A civil engineer is responsible for planning and designing a project,
constructing the project to the required scale, and maintenance of the
product. A civil engineer requires not only a high standard of engineering
knowledge but also supervisory and administrative skills. The planning
part of their work involves site investigation, feasibility studies, creating
solutions to complications that may occur and the actual designing of
structures. They have to work with the guidelines of the local government
authority and get plans approved by the relevant authority. They may prepare
cost estimates and set construction schedules. Construction work involves
dealing with clients, architects, government officials, contactors and
the supervision of work according to standards. Their work also involves
the maintenance and repair of the project.
The major specialisations within civil engineering are structural, water
resources, environmental, construction, transportation, geo-technical
engineering etc. On most projects, civil engineers work in teams
or in coordination with many other engineers. They can find work as a
supervisor of a construction site or a managerial position or in design,
research as well as teaching in government services or private concerns.
They can also work as independent consultants.
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