Questions and Answers
Which of the following are functions of a civil engineer? (Select all that apply)
What is a feasibility study?
An extensive study to assess project objectives and possible plans.
Soil mechanics was studied seriously starting from the mid-1930s.
True
What is the role of consulting engineers?
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What does the term 'turnkey' refer to in construction contracts?
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What must a contractor do after construction?
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Which of the following areas may be included in civil engineering? (Select all that apply)
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What is meant by 'sustainable development'?
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The prime professional is responsible for planning, designing, and preparing detailed drawings and specifications for a _______ contract.
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Name one example of civil engineering sub-discipline.
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What is a monorail?
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What is the focus of the course in CE 100?
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Which of the following are fields of Civil Engineering? (Select all that apply)
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Civil engineering is considered the second-oldest engineering discipline after military engineering.
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When was the first self-proclaimed civil engineer, John Smeaton, active?
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What is orientation in the context of civil engineering?
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What does the curriculum of a civil engineering program typically include?
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Civil engineering deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the __________.
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Which institution was the first to teach civil engineering?
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What is a civil engineer legally allowed to do?
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Civil engineers focus primarily on beautification and aesthetics of structures.
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What must an engineer complete to get certified?
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What designation does an engineer receive in the United States upon certification?
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Engineers in the United Kingdom are required to be licensed to practice.
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Which sub-discipline of civil engineering involves managing coastal areas?
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What is the focus of construction engineering?
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What does earthquake engineering focus on?
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Which engineering discipline deals with waste treatment and pollution management?
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What is the main goal of forensic engineering?
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Geotechnical engineering studies only soil.
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What does materials science in civil engineering focus on?
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What is site development also known as?
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Match the following engineering sub-disciplines with their focus:
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Water resources engineering solely concerns the analysis of above-ground water sources.
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What does hydraulic engineering focus on?
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What is the purpose of civil engineering systems?
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Study Notes
Course Overview
- CE 100 at Western Philippines University focuses on Civil Engineering orientation, covering design and management in various engineering fields.
- The curriculum spans multiple disciplines including structural, construction, geotechnical, water resources, transportation, and environmental engineering.
- Key references include codes and standards like ASTM, ACI, AISC, and the National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP).
History of Civil Engineering
- Civil engineering has roots dating back to 4000-2000 BC, with ancient practices seen in Egypt, the Indus Valley, and Mesopotamia.
- Notable ancient projects include the construction of the Egyptian pyramids and the Qanat water management system.
- The Parthenon in Ancient Greece and the Appian Way, a crucial Roman road, highlight significant civil engineering achievements.
Definition of Civil Engineering
- Civil engineering encompasses the design, construction, and maintenance of public works such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
- Distinguished from military engineering, it is one of the oldest engineering disciplines.
- Civil engineers may work in both public sectors (municipal to federal) and private sectors.
Key Concepts
- Orientation: Introduction program for newcomers in civil engineering.
- Infrastructure: The collection of public works that support the functioning of a society.
- Geotechnical Engineering: Involves understanding earth materials for effective engineering solutions.
Institutional Development
- The term "civil engineering" emerged in the 18th century; the first formal school was École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in France (1747).
- John Smeaton, recognized as the first civil engineer, helped form the Smeatonian Society in 1771.
Civil Engineering Education
- Typical civil engineering degrees require 3-5 years of study, integrating physics, mathematics, and specialized civil engineering topics.
- Norwich University established the first civil engineering program in the U.S. (1819), and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute awarded the first degree in 1835.
Professional Certification
- Certification for engineers typically involves obtaining a degree, relevant work experience, and passing exams.
- Designations vary by region: professional engineer (U.S., Canada), chartered engineer (Commonwealth), and European engineer (EU).
- Certification is significant for legal responsibilities, especially in the U.S. where professional engineers are mandated to submit engineering plans.
Sub-disciplines of Civil Engineering
- Primary sub-disciplines include:
- Structural Engineering
- Construction Engineering and Management
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
Civil Engineering vs. Architecture
- Civil engineering focuses on structural integrity and functionality, while architecture emphasizes aesthetics and design.
- The National Structural Code of the Philippines guides civil engineers in their design calculations, including various load considerations.
Historical Structures
- The Great Wall of China, built over several dynasties starting from the 7th century BC, serves as a major civil engineering feat amidst ongoing protection from invasions.
- Roman innovations such as aqueducts, bridges, and dams laid foundational principles that still apply today.
Role of Civil Engineers
- Civil engineers impact societal infrastructure, enhancing quality of life through improved public works.
- Their responsibilities include compliance with codes, ethics, and legal regulations related to construction projects.### Site Engineers
- Site engineers visit project locations, collaborate with stakeholders, and prepare construction plans.
- They apply principles from various civil engineering disciplines including geotechnical, structural, environmental, transportation, and construction engineering.
Coastal Engineering
- Focuses on managing coastal regions and includes flood and erosion defense mechanisms.
- The term "coastal management" encompasses newer techniques for mitigating erosion impacts.
- Example: Oosterscheldekering storm surge barrier in the Netherlands.
Construction Engineering
- Involves planning and executing construction activities, site development, and material transportation.
- Construction engineers handle higher business risks through contract drafting, logistical operations, and price monitoring.
Earthquake Engineering
- Concerned with designing structures that resist seismic forces.
- Aims to understand structural interactions with ground movement and adhere to building codes.
- Example: The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused significant liquefaction and damage, leading to rapid neighborhood rebuilding.
Environmental Engineering
- Addresses the treatment of chemical, biological, or thermal wastes and purification of air and water.
- Focus areas include pollutant transport, water purification, wastewater treatment, air pollution, and hazardous waste management.
Forensic Engineering
- Investigates failures in structures or components leading to injury or property damage.
- Aims to identify failure causes for performance improvement and to support legal investigations.
Geotechnical Engineering
- Studies soil and rock behavior to design safe foundations and structures.
- Challenges include predicting material properties and behavior due to soil variability.
Materials Science and Engineering
- Examines characteristics of materials like ceramics, metals, and polymers.
- Involves alloying and protective measures, crucial for applications in civil engineering.
Site Development and Planning
- Focuses on maximizing the development potential of sites while addressing environmental impacts and permitting issues.
Structural Engineering
- Deals with the design and analysis of structures ensuring they can support loads, including self-weight and environmental factors.
- Sub-disciplines include wind engineering and earthquake engineering.
Surveying
- Measures dimensions and creates graphical representations of the Earth’s surface using tools such as GPS and laser scanning.
- Civil engineers are trained in basic surveying and mapping techniques.
Land Surveying
- Separate profession focused on boundary surveys and subdivision plans.
- Licensed land surveyors perform legal boundary adjustments and construction surveying tasks.
Transportation Engineering
- Concerned with the efficient movement of people and goods, encompassing design and maintenance of transportation infrastructure.
Municipal Engineering
- Involves infrastructure design and maintenance, including streets, water networks, and waste management.
- Focuses on coordination of multiple infrastructure projects to serve community needs.
Water Resources Engineering
- Manages surface and groundwater resources, analyzing water quality and quantity.
- Hydraulic engineering focuses on fluid movement and infrastructure design related to water flow.
Civil Engineering Systems
- Advocates for systems thinking to manage complexity in civil engineering projects.
- Promotes a comprehensive understanding of all factors in project life cycles.
Civil Engineering Functions
- Divided into pre-construction (feasibility studies and design), during construction (collaboration with clients and contractors), and post-construction (maintenance and research).
- Feasibility Studies assess project viability and alternatives.
- Site Investigations are crucial for understanding ground conditions and preventing construction issues.
- Design incorporates advanced theories and utilizes modern technology for structure analysis.
Construction Management
- Engineers prepare specifications and oversee bid processes, ensuring project adherence to standards.
- Roles may extend to turnkey projects where contractors handle all aspects of construction from design to completion.### Contractor and Maintenance
- Contractors are typically incorporated companies securing contracts based on specifications and drawings by consulting engineers.
- Variations in projects must be approved by consulting engineers, who also approve detailed drawings.
- Contractors are responsible for maintaining works, including ancillary and temporary structures, during a post-construction maintenance period.
- Final payment to contractors is withheld until maintenance responsibilities are satisfactory to consulting engineers.
- Central and local government engineering departments focus on maintenance and often employ direct labor for this purpose.
Research in Civil Engineering
- Research is conducted by government agencies, universities, and industrial foundations.
- Notable government-controlled agencies include the U.S. Bureau of Standards and the UK’s National Physical Laboratory.
- Research areas include building standards, roads, hydraulic research, water pollution, and more.
- Some research organizations rely partially on funding from industry-related work.
Branches of Civil Engineering
- Thomas Tredgold noted in 1828 that civil engineering improves production and trade infrastructure (roads, bridges, canals, etc.).
- Modern civil engineering encompasses diverse fields: construction, transportation, maritime, hydraulic engineering, power, and public health.
Construction
- Construction work is a core element of almost all civil engineering contracts.
- Advancements in steel and concrete have shifted design control towards civil engineers rather than architects.
- Engineers focus on function and economic viability, influencing a building's structural design.
Transportation
- Historical contributions include Roman roads, canal systems, and railways, which significantly impacted the Industrial Revolution.
- Modern civil engineers handle complex transportation systems, conducting traffic studies, conventional and alternative transportation system design, and constructing roads, bridges, and tunnels.
Power
- Civil engineers play key roles in mining coal and metals, as well as designing and constructing power plants amid increasing electrical demands.
- Nuclear power station construction involves specialized design work, such as creating prestressed concrete pressure vessels.
- Civil engineers are integral to managing drainage and liquid waste disposal, enhancing pollution control and water reuse.
Environmental Responsibility
- Urban development in water catchment areas alters runoff, necessitating changes in flood prevention and control practices.
- Civil engineers focus on environmentally sustainable practices through effective design and waste management strategies, such as sanitary landfills.
Code of Ethics
- Civil engineers uphold integrity and serve the public, employers, and clients impartially while maintaining professional dignity.
- Critical ethical principles include prioritizing public safety, honesty, and continuous professional development.
- Engineers must avoid conflicts of interest and base their professional reputation on the merit of their work.
Key Concepts
- Conflict of Interest: When personal interest conflicts with professional responsibilities; relevant for public officials.
- Sustainable Development: Balancing current needs without compromising future generations' abilities; emphasizes responsible natural resource management.
- Prime Professional: An architect or engineer commissioned to oversee planning, design, and construction documentation for new or renovated facilities.
Exercise Prompts
- Identify sub-disciplines of civil engineering: coastal, structural, geotechnical, water, and transportation engineering.
- Discuss personal contributions to society and environmental enhancement as a civil engineer.
- Describe features and functions of transportation engineering elements like monorails and light rails.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamental functions of civil engineers and their role in construction projects. This quiz also explores concepts like feasibility studies, soil mechanics, and turnkey contracts. Discover how consulting engineers contribute to the field and the responsibilities that follow construction.
