Learning objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to;
- Define civil engineering
- Describe the history of civil engineering
- Explain sub-disciplines of civil engineering
- Explain the functions of civil engineering
- Explain the benefits of civil engineering
- Latest development in civil engineering
Civil engineering refers to a type of engineering that deals with designing, constructing, and maintaining the physical and naturally built environment. It includes public works like bridges, roads, canals, airports, dams, railways, and sewage systems.
Civil engineering is the second oldest discipline of engineering after military engineering. It is traditionally broken down into several sub-disciplines. Civil engineering can take place both in the public and private sectors.
History of civil engineering
The history of civil engineering is connected to knowledge in the fields such as structures, geography, materials science, geology, hydrology, soils, mechanics, environmental science, and project management.
Throughout ancient history and medieval ages, most construction and architectural design were conducted by artisans like carpenters and stonemasons. The infrastructure that existed was limited and repetitive in design.
An early example of a scientific approach to physical and mathematical problems applicable to civil engineering is the work of Archimedes in the 3rd century BC. His works brought the understanding of concepts like buoyancy and practical solutions like Archimedes’ screw.
The oldest practice of civil engineering started in the Indus valley in Egypt, and Mesopotamia in ancient Iraq. This occurred between 4000 and 2000 BC. The development of civil engineering during this period was mainly influenced by the abandonment of nomadic existence by the people. This created a need for the construction of more shelters. The need for transportation also increased during this period leading to the invention of the wheel as well as sailing.
Other historic examples of civil engineering constructions include;
- The pyramids in Egypt (2700- 2500 BC)
- The Qanat water management system
- The Parthenon in ancient Greece (447- 438 BC)
- The Appian way by Roman engineers (312 BC), and
- The Great Wall of China (220 BC).
Sub-disciplines of civil engineering
The sub-disciplines of civil engineering include;
- Structural engineering. It is concerned with the design and analysis of structures like bridges, buildings, and canals. It involves the identification of loads acting on a structure and the resulting forces and stresses from the load. After this analysis, engineers then design a structure capable of successfully supporting and resisting these loads. These loads include; the self-weight of the structure, moving wheel load, earthquake load, and load from changes in temperatures. Structural engineers must design structures that are effective and safe for use. Design considerations for engineers include; stability, strength, and stiffness.
- Construction engineering. It involves the planning and execution of construction projects. It deals with activities such as the transportation of all construction materials and site development based on the design established by other forms of civil engineering such as structural engineering. Some of the tasks of construction engineers include; evaluating logistical operations, monitoring the prices of supplies, and drafting and reviewing contracts.
- Environmental engineering. It involves activities such as the treatment of wastes (thermal, biological, and chemical wastes), purification of air and water, and remediation of contaminated sites. Environmental engineers also have the role of compiling information about the environmental consequences of human actions.
- Forensic engineering. It involves the investigation of components, materials, products, and structures to determine if they operate or function as intended. This is done to avoid damage of property or loss of lives. Their main purpose is to investigate the cause of failure and improve.
- Materials science and engineering. It involves studying the fundamental characteristics of materials like concrete and strong metals like steel and aluminum. It helps us understand the best materials to use for different works of engineering.
- Transportation engineering. It involves creating an environment where it is easy for people and goods to move from one place to another effectively. This involves designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure for transportation like rail systems, highways, airports, canals, and streets.
- Water resources engineering. It involves the collection and management of water. It is also concerned with the conveyance and flow of fluids, mostly water, both surface and sub-surface.
- Surveying. Surveying is the process of measuring certain dimensions on or near the surface of the earth. Surveyors help lay the route for other infrastructures such as railways, highways, and streets.
Functions of civil engineering
The functions of civil engineering are divided into three categories: functions performed before construction, functions performed during construction, and functions performed after construction.
1. The functions of civil engineering performed before construction include:
- Feasibility studies. This is an extensive study of the objective of construction and alternatives to the project. For example, feasibility studies may determine if to construct a bridge or a tunnel. While conducting this study, both economic and engineering problems must be considered.
- Site investigations. This is similar to feasibility studies but more extensive. This includes the study of soil mechanics to guarantee the safety of structures.
- Design. This is the application of design theory from fields like thermodynamics, hydraulics, and nuclear physics to design systems. It also involves research in technology and structural analysis of materials to come up with new advanced designs.
2. Construction. After feasibility studies, the engineer is tasked with the duty of construction. Following the pre-construction studies and design, the engineer is required to purchase materials and assemble a team to carry out construction.
3. Maintenance is a function of civil engineering carried out after construction. It involves temporary work to maintain a structure in good form.
Benefits of civil engineering
- It promotes transportation through the construction of roads, railways, canals, and bridges.
- It promotes the development of power by supporting activities like the mining of coal and oil, hydroelectric, and solar power generation.
- It promotes public health by enhancing waste disposal.
- It promotes different sectors of the economy such as agriculture through the development of irrigation systems.
Latest development in civil engineering
- Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM enhances project collaboration and visualization, integrating real-time data on materials, timelines, and costs, making construction more efficient and reducing errors
- Sustainable Materials: The use of eco-friendly materials like self-healing concrete, recycled resources, and bio-based insulation is rising, aiming to reduce the environmental impact and improve energy efficiency
- 3D Printing: 3D concrete printing is speeding up construction, allowing for precise, complex structures with minimal waste and reduced labor costs
- Smart Infrastructure: IoT technology in infrastructure (e.g., smart roads, self-monitoring bridges) is creating smarter, more responsive cities that efficiently manage resources and enhance urban living
- Robotics and Automation: Robots are increasingly used for tasks like bricklaying, material handling, and site monitoring, boosting productivity and safety while addressing labor shortages
- Off-Site Construction: Prefabrication and modular construction methods are becoming more popular for their speed, quality control, and reduced environmental impact by minimizing on-site waste
