What is Civil engineering: Definition and 191 Discussions

Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewerage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways.Civil engineering is traditionally broken into a number of sub-disciplines. It is considered the second-oldest engineering discipline after military engineering, and it is defined to distinguish non-military engineering from military engineering. Civil engineering can take place in the public sector from municipal public works departments through to federal government agencies, and in the private sector from locally based firms to global Fortune 500 companies.

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  1. Advanced Foundation Engineering by Dr. Kousik Deb (NPTEL):- Lecture 37: Soil - Foundation Interaction V

    Advanced Foundation Engineering by Dr. Kousik Deb (NPTEL):- Lecture 37: Soil - Foundation Interaction V

    COPYRIGHT strictly reserved to Dr. Kousik Deb (IIT Kharagpur) and NPTEL, Govt of India. Duplication is a punishable offence. Lectures: http://www.nptel.ac.in/courses/105105039/ Syllabus: http://www.nptel.ac.in/syllabus/syllabus.php?subjectId=105105039
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  2. Advanced Foundation Engineering by Dr. Kousik Deb (NPTEL):- Lecture 38: Soil - Foundation Interaction VI

    Advanced Foundation Engineering by Dr. Kousik Deb (NPTEL):- Lecture 38: Soil - Foundation Interaction VI

    COPYRIGHT strictly reserved to Dr. Kousik Deb (IIT Kharagpur) and NPTEL, Govt of India. Duplication is a punishable offence. Lectures: http://www.nptel.ac.in/courses/105105039/ Syllabus: http://www.nptel.ac.in/syllabus/syllabus.php?subjectId=105105039
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  3. Advanced Foundation Engineering by Dr. Kousik Deb (NPTEL):- Lecture 39: Soil - Foundation Interaction VII

    Advanced Foundation Engineering by Dr. Kousik Deb (NPTEL):- Lecture 39: Soil - Foundation Interaction VII

    COPYRIGHT strictly reserved to Dr. Kousik Deb (IIT Kharagpur) and NPTEL, Govt of India. Duplication is a punishable offence. Lectures: http://www.nptel.ac.in/courses/105105039/ Syllabus: http://www.nptel.ac.in/syllabus/syllabus.php?subjectId=105105039
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  4. Advanced Foundation Engineering by Dr. Kousik Deb (NPTEL):- Lecture 40: Soil - Foundation Interaction VIII

    Advanced Foundation Engineering by Dr. Kousik Deb (NPTEL):- Lecture 40: Soil - Foundation Interaction VIII

    COPYRIGHT strictly reserved to Dr. Kousik Deb (IIT Kharagpur) and NPTEL, Govt of India. Duplication is a punishable offence. Lectures: http://www.nptel.ac.in/courses/105105039/ Syllabus: http://www.nptel.ac.in/syllabus/syllabus.php?subjectId=105105039
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  5. J

    Do you have to be good at hand-drawing for civil engineering?

    I am in high school and am really bad at drawing and want to know if you have to be good at hand drawing and designing at civil engineering?
  6. D

    Force-Deformation Equations Application

    Just found this forum--hope there isn't a max post limit haha. I have been a bit stumped on this, but when doing problems about deflection and axial loadings, I am confused when to use which equation. I think I know that axial member need to be 2 force members, loaded only at the ends, and...
  7. Sarah Jones

    Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering for Aerospace?

    Hello, I am currently a senior in high school, I will be attending college in the fall of 2018 to pursue a career in Aerospace Engineering. I am a bit worried about a few things in this field. I am not sure if I need to get a degree in Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, when I look on...
  8. Kaitlyn M

    Programs Help deciding between civil engineering and physics

    Hello! So I am trying to decide what to do for my masters and would like some advice. I'm in Architecture as a major and physics as a minor currently, and want to master in either engineering physics or civil engineering. I find both very interesting and am pretty open to what I do after school...
  9. S

    Water Supply Reliability Modeling assignment + datasheet

    I am taking a my first water management course and I need your help getting through my first Water Supply Reliability Modeling assignment. It involves a data set that I must manipulate and a problem set. I am not a civil engineer, so I do not know where to start with this. The only hint I have...
  10. N

    What is the ideal thickness for a concrete slab for a chemical storage tank?

    Good morning forum, I'm currently in the middle of a project where I'm installing a new chemical storage tank outside. I need to lay a new concrete slab for the tank to lay on. My question is how thick should the concrete slab be? The tank will be stationary, when filled it will weigh...
  11. N

    Programs Looking for a minor with a Civil Engineering major

    Hello, I am going into my first year of college and going to be working torwards earning my major in Civil Engineering over the next five years. My school offers a chance to get an accelerated minor along with my major and I am unsure what to pursue. I have heard many other Engineers minor in...
  12. F

    Surface Runoff - Explained and Debated

    Homework Statement In my book , i was told that when the drainage of surface is high then the surface runoff will be low . However , i don't think it's correct . Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Definiton : Runoff can be described as the part of the water cycle that flows over...
  13. A

    Rienforced Concrete Column Cost Optimization with Genetic Algorithm

    Hi, I'm a Civil Engineering student doing my final project for my BE degree. I have developed a software that uses a genetic algorithm for optimizing reinforced concrete columns. I have tested my program with a 17 stories building, and got some very unusual results in the design but much...
  14. JEngineer

    Calculating Beam Sizing for Cargo Transport

    Good Day Guys, I need help in checking the beam size required to transport a cargo. What checks do i do? 1. Check actual BM with resisting moment of the beam 2. Check actual shear with the resisting moment of the beam How do i calculate following if I only know the type of beam used, i.e...
  15. Alex_C

    Engineering UOttawa vs UCarleton Civil Engineering

    Hello all, I have been accepted to Ottawa and Carleton both for civil engineering co-op, I was wondering if i could get some opinions on which might be the better choice! I have heard Carleton has a better social community, better administration and a focus on engineering. I have also read that...
  16. CivilSigma

    Courses Publishing School Project Report?

    In class, we were assigned a project about analysis of a loads, load paths and calculations of deflection of a girder in actual plans. My report ( a total of 50 pages) is divided into two sections : the first talking about some theory and the second presenting calculations. Do you think this...
  17. F

    Choosing Redundant Forces for Structural Stability?

    Homework Statement In this example , the author said that we can choose either G or E as redundant and ignore the force when we are doing the analysis ... I was told by my lecturer that when we are choosing the redundant forces , it''s important that after removing the redundant force , the...
  18. CivilSigma

    Other Which Branch of Civil Engineering is Math Heavy?

    I was wondering, which sub discipline of Civil Engineering in structures is math heavy? By heavy math, I mean something along the line of analysis of DE, integrals, differentials etc... not just basic arithmetic / statics. The highest level of maths I completed include Calculus 3 ( which dealt...
  19. CivilSigma

    Programs Structural/Geotechnical or Water Resource Specialization (Civil Engineering)

    Hello, May I ask any civil engineers on this forum for their input of pros/cons of specializing in structural / water resources engineering? I am having a hard time choosing between the two because I really enjoy both subject. I enjoy both topics and I am afraid that if I choose one over the...
  20. deon0783

    Civil Engineering - Bar Question

    Hey everyone, I'm at my limits here trying to solve a question, I can't seem to figure out how the lecturer gets the solution to the following problem... Can someone please direct me the correct methodology or better yet give me some guidance on what to do? Thank you. The Questions and...
  21. kuan9611

    Engineering Engineering Enrollment Statistics - Thoughts?

    Hi all! I'm an undergrad sophomore in engineering trying to decide on which major to pursue (namely civil/mechanical). Recently I came across this fascinating piece of publication, which contained a massive amount of data regarding engineering enrollments by major, demographic, and school...
  22. T

    Civil Engineering BS and Physics Master

    Hi all. I am studying civil engineering BS.But I am so interested in astrophysics.Can i have physics graduate and PhD. If I can do this, what should i do to make my dreams come true. Please be a light for my path. ( Sorry about my English)
  23. W

    I Multi-level extendable hammock posts

    Hi folks, I recently moved to a new house with a small backyard/patio. It's roughly 25ft x 25ft, mostly concrete bordered by an L-shaped Earth area. I'd like to place three hammock posts as shown in the first image. We like to dream big and want these posts tall enough to support two hammocks...
  24. Suraj alexander

    How to Solve Support Reaction (Virtual Work)?

    Hey guys, I was revising using some past papers for my structural mechanic module when I realized that I don't know how to do this problem: https://physicsforums-bernhardtmediall.netdna-ssl.com/data/attachments/83/83583-240450b2eac78c09f31d35a531383268.jpg If it was for the deflection of node...
  25. M

    Fluid mechanics civil engineering

    As shown in the attached image, a tank has an inclined wall at an angle of 450 to the horizontal. On this wall, there is a 1m square door that is hinged at A and has a simple latch at B. The distance between A and the free surface of sea water measured along the inclined wall is 2 m. (Specific...
  26. T

    Programs To continue with the geosciences or go geotech engineering?

    I have a bachelors in geophysics and am currently deciding between attending a school for a masters in geoscience/geophysics and attending a school for a masters in geotechnical engineering. They are both funded to a degree, with the geoscience masters being extremely well funded versus the...
  27. M

    How do I estimate stress in a non-prismatic shape?

    Homework Statement In a mathematics-based investigation, I am trying to estimate the stress through a voussoir (member) of an arch bridge. However, these members have non-uniform cross-sections. I don't need to know how to exactly calculate the stress in each part of the member, only the total...
  28. C

    [Fluid mechanics] Navier-Stokes and Hagen-Poiseuille

    Can the Hagen-Poiseuille equation be used for a vertical flow in the water tab or any flow that has circular cross-sections with varying diameters? If not, how can the Navier-Stokes equations or any other equations be used to describe a viscous incompressible free-falling vertical jet?
  29. C

    Symbolic relationship between the input and output load

    Homework Statement A testing device has the applied load located at the end of a loading bar. The loading bar is connected by a pin to the post. Find the symbolic relationship between the applied load(the "input" load) and the effective load applied the specimen(the "output" load). Homework...
  30. M

    Engineering How hard it is to become a lecturer in civil engineering?

    So I'm planning to become a lecturer in civil engineering while obtaining my MS degree in Structural Engineering. Is there anyone here already took or taking the same path I'm planning to? How hard it is to do both? Thanks.
  31. M

    Programs CS minor with Civil Engineering Major?

    I am currently getting a bachelors in civil engineering. How useful would it be for me to do a minor in computer science? If it matters, I am a junior and am hoping to go to graduate school. I don't know for sure which area of CE I want to go Into but I'm leaning towards environmental...
  32. T

    Can I become an EIT for a different discipline?

    Can I take the FE for Civil Engineering, and get EIT certification in Civil? I got my B.S. in Nuclear Engineering last December. I was not required to pass the FE to get it, and therefore decided to spend my time not studying. I performed atrociously. An opportunity has presented itself in...
  33. gacb17424

    Find reactions at supports and bending/shear/axial diagrams

    Homework Statement Force by uniform loading = 20(5) = 100kN Vertical component of the uniform loading = 20(5)(3/5) = 60kN Horizontal component of the loading = 20(5)(4/5) = 80kN vertical reaction at roller support = Vr vertical reaction at pin support = Vp Homework Equations Fx=0, Fy=0...
  34. I

    (APDL) use two sections in an static analysis (beam/column)

    Hi, I'm just start using APDL but i have been stuck trying to make an analysis with two diferent sections, i'd like to make a frame with two column and a beam but i don't know how, thank you.
  35. K

    Bachelor's in Civil Engineering with a Master's in....?

    Hello, I am new to this community and appreciate greatly any insight or guidance you may have. I am currently in my fifth and final year pursuing my bachelor's in civil engineering with no emphasis. I've worked full-time and part-time for the past year for a larger local firm, and will...
  36. markk

    How to calculate potential traction loss on a haul road

    Homework Statement This is a mining engineering question, but the section I need help with is more general: I am working through a long question regarding a given mine. In previous sections of this question, I have selected equipment based on required machinery outputs etc. I have now come to...
  37. zyn

    Engineering MS in Physics with Civil Engineering Degree

    Hello. I've been wondering for almost a year or so if there's a possibility for me to take MS in Physics after having my degree in Civil Engineering. I always loved engineering and physics that's why I want to study both of them. If it is possible, can you help me guys on how I can apply for MS...
  38. A

    Civil Engineering vs. EE Electronics

    So i have been selected for Higher Studies but very Confused between Civil engineering and Electrical Engineering Electronics... I have been offered Civil Engineering from NUST and EE Electronics FROM GIK... can u please advice me? i like Both fields. please tell me which has more requirement...
  39. S

    Engineering Mechanical Engineering vs Civil Engineering

    Hello everyone, I know this has come up a lot in the past but my situation is slightly different. As is everyones. Currently a second year general engineering student with a decision to make soon, MEng Mechanical or MEng Civil? I enjoy both subjects equally. But I will be taking an...
  40. J

    Engineering From Civil Engineering undergrad to Physics grad

    Hello,i am an undergraduate Civil Engineering student.When i finish my undergrad studies i want to pursue a masters degree in Physics(my ultimate goal is to get a PhD in Physics).Due to limitations in money i couldn't drop out of civil engineering and pursue an undergrad degree in Physics,so i...
  41. J

    I in deciding my specialization

    Hello everyone, I am civil engineering student from India. I am done with my undergrad with a cgpa of 8.5/10 and applied for colleges in America. I will be attending University of Texas at San Antonio for fall 2015. I am confused on which specialization that i need to opt for my graduation. They...
  42. P

    Concrete Columns: Building a 3-Floor House

    This is regarding a building a house with 3 floors. I have seen some masons are first do the concrete structure and then they do the brick structure. But I have seen some do the basement first and do the bricks first and in between they keep a space for columns and they pour concrete mixture in...
  43. J

    Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology

    Hello, all. I am currently a Junior in Mechanical Engineering. I was doing really well up until this current semester and my grades are starting to get lower and I have been losing interest in the material. I am considering switching to civil because their technical gpa requirements are a bit...
  44. R

    Civil vs Mechanical vs Computing

    There are probably numerous threads like this, I have read them all but I'm still undecided. I am a high school senior and applying to UK universities - I have applied to more than one subject (three, actually: civil, mechanical engineering and computing, all from Imperial College) and received...
  45. R

    How to find thickness of steel plate

    I have a 300 mm diameter hole in the ground surrounded by concrete. This hole will be covered by a steel plate. I need to get a machine of weight 2.5 tonnes across this hole safely without any bending of the steel plate. How would i calculate the required thickness of the plate? Thank you Ron.
  46. J

    Civil Engineering: What Skills Do I Need?

    I really like to be an engineer and I found that civil engineering is my interest.But I want to know what exactly I should be good at I am know in high school and I am good in math and physics.
  47. H

    Is My Concrete Roof Slab Design Adequate for a 3-Storey House on a Slope?

    Hi, I am designing a concrete roof slab that span across 12m long and 9m width for my living area. The support columns are placed in each 4 corners and they are 300mm x 300mm size. The concrete slab roof is cantilevered out by 1.8m on 3 sides (not all 4 sides) with the thickness of 150mm. At the...
  48. H

    Test Tracks: Banked Parabolic Curve Benefits

    Why test tracks are banked parabolic why not elliptical or circular or hyperbolic? what are advantages of parabolic curve over another curves?
  49. M

    Engineering Civil Engineering Bachelor's for a 29 year old

    My background: -BA Economics 2007 from a UC school -I took a year of Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and a few Stats courses as well to prepare for grad school in Econ. -I never took General Chem or Physics -Worked in finance. I realized early on that my job was more about...
  50. S

    Calculus 1 and 2 regards to Civil Engineering

    Hello Physics Forum, I am an aspiring civil engineer and I just stumbled across this website tonight. I am just now taking calc 2 and have pretty much started off on the wrong foot. This class is already a headache and we have just covered the first quarter of the class. I expect it to get...
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