Civil Engineering Fundamentals

Dr. Karl von Terzaghi

• Recognized as the Father of Soil Mechanics, laying foundational principles in civil engineering.

Bridge-Pier Loading

• Four types of bridge-pier loading include:
  • Vertical Loads: Forces acting straight down.
  • Inclined Loads: Forces acting at an angle.
  • Inclined Tensions: Tension forces acting at an angle.
  • Horizontal Thrusts: Forces acting horizontally, impacting stability.

Bridge Abutments

• Abutments must support at least part of the structural loads of a bridge.
• Those located on sloping ground need special design considerations for stability.

Sir Sanford Fleming

• A designer known for contributions to civil engineering, predicting safety measures in construction.

Grouting

• A critical technique in civil engineering, especially for building dam foundations.
• Developed by Albert François to improve structural integrity by filling gaps.

Water Supply

• Involves the study of water distribution, movement, and quality.
• The fall of rain serves as the primary source for most water supplies.

Water Conduit and Cistern

• Water Conduit: Channels or pipes that transport water.
• Cistern: An underground reservoir for storing water.

Water Cycle Dynamics

• Evaporation occurs when sunlight heats water.
• Surface runoff refers to water flowing over land surfaces.
• Vegetation intercepts some rainfall, impacting water availability.
• Percolation involves water absorption into the soil.

Rainfall Records and Stream Gauging

• Records provide data on the frequency, intensity, and duration of rainfall.
• Stream gauging measures discharge rates in bodies of water.

Hard Water

• Contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals, classified into two types:
  • Temporary Hard Water: Removable by boiling.
  • Permanent Hard Water: Remains unchanged when boiled.

Soft Water

• Characterized by low mineral content, making it more suitable for certain household uses.

Specific Uses of Hard and Soft Water

• Hard Water:
  • Drinking and Cooking
  • Gardening
• Soft Water:
  • Cleaning and Laundry
  • Bathing, Appliances, and Plumbing

Porous Stratum

• Refers to layers of rock capable of holding and transmitting water.

Water Management Concepts

• Water Storage: Dams built across rivers or streams for reservoir creation.
• Water Collection: Reservoirs gather significant amounts of water.
• Water Treatment: Processes ensure safety before water reaches consumers.

Groundwater Recharge

• Natural Recharge: Groundwater replenishment through natural processes.
• Artificial Recharge: Intentional efforts to increase groundwater levels.
• Various methods for recharge include:
  • Spreading Basins: Surface flooding techniques.
  • Recharge Pits and Shafts: Used effectively with low-permeability lenses.