Engineering and Technology


Civil Engineering


Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and water supply and sewage systems. Major specialities within civil engineering are structural, water resources, environmental, construction, transportation, and geotechnical engineering.

Specialisations

Civil engineers work as construction engineers, transportation engineers, hydraulic and irrigation engineers, geotechnical engineers, environmental engineers, public works engineers.

As structural engineers, they develop non-conventional construction materials and techniques, for example, special bridge structures, building framework, etc. Oil rigs, multi-storied car parks or office blocks are planned and designed by structural engineers to ensure that the structural framework of the building is strong enough to take the load for which the structure is meant. It is also designed to withstand heat, cold and tremors.

They are also involved in the assessment, planning and rebuilding of road networks, one-way systems, traffic lights, lanes, parking spaces, etc.

Water management engineers specialise in water supply, sewage systems and pollution control.

Employment

Civil engineers usually work near major industrial and commercial centres, often at construction sites. Some projects are situated in remote areas or in foreign countries. In some jobs, civil engineers move from place to place to work on different projects.

Many civil engineers hold supervisory or administrative positions, from supervisor of a construction site to city engineer. Others may work in design, construction, research, and teaching.