Civil Engineering

Civil engineers are the linchpin of development, infrastructure and real estate sectors. Civil engineering is one of the most stable careers one can choose


The entire infrastructure of a nation (developed or developing) entirely rests upon the Herculean efforts of civil engineers, if you really think about it. Different types of power plants such as hydro, thermal, nuclear installations, and even non-conventional energy generating units are the handiwork of civil engineers. These professionals help to set up the intricate network of power lines, highways, rail roads, canals, and other irrigation works which criss-crosses the length and breadth of a country. This enviable list of achievements also includes construction of airports, sea ports, railway infrastructure, industrial plants, inland waterways, dams, bridges, and tunnels.

The aforementioned was but a fleeting glimpse of the vastness and the unending potential of this field. Now let us examine in brief the specialised branches of civil engineering.

Construction engineering

These engineers are involved in the construction of highways, railroads, airports, power plants, bridges, tunnels, skyscrapers, and so on. Construction engineers are also required to play their part in other branches of civil engineering as well. As per their abilities and position, these engineers generally take care of different aspects of construction as well as business management. They have to manage project planning, costing and budgeting, scheduling, quality assurance, quality control, on site layout survey, material testing, material procurement, and so on.

Hydraulic engineering

Also know as water resource engineering, this discipline primarily deals with various aspects of fluids. In this context, hydraulic engineers have to plan and supervise the proper utilisation of underground water as well as inland water bodies. These engineers primarily set up structures associated with different water bodies. They contribute to the development of hydroelectric plants, dams, irrigation and navigable canals, reservoirs, bridges, culverts, storm sewers, water pipelines, and so on.

Coastal and ocean engineering

Engineers associated with this branch of civil engineering are responsible for managing the coastal areas of the country. The main objective of these professionals is to monitor coastal areas and take adequate steps to protect them from sea storms, flooding, and erosion. These professionals also have a hand in the development of various sea port facilitates.
 
Transportation engineering

Development of infrastructure that facilitates transportation of people and goods from one place to another is the main objective of transportation engineers. These professionals are concerned with the development of city roads, interstate highways, railroads, airfields, pavements, canals, and urban mass rapid transport systems. They also play an active role in urban development and planning, traffic management, and betterment of the transport system in the country.

Materials engineering

Materials are an integral aspect of the construction domain. The branch of civil engineering that deals with material in the process of construction is known as materials engineering. These experts have to ensure the quality and durability of a vast variety of material used in the development of different edifices. Material engineers usually deal with materials such as cement, concrete, concrete additives, metals and alloys, polymers, paints, and so on.

Structural engineering

Structural engineers are responsible for analysing different types of stresses and strains that a structure has to endure during and after they have been build. The study generally involves the identification of different types of loads that would act upon a structure and plans for making the structure safer from these loads. Structural engineers are also concerned with the overall strength of a structure when it is build so that it can withstand the onslaught of natural elements as well as human interference.

Earthquake engineering

Seismic activity is the biggest enemy of all types of man-made structures. Experts who research the impact of earthquake on different types of edifices and implement quake resistant measures are referred to as earthquake engineers.

Urban engineering

Engineers responsible for the design and development of urban public utilities are categorised as urban engineering. Public works include structures such as city roads, pavements, fresh water pipelines, waste water disposal systems, public parks and so on. These engineers play an important role in urban planning as they are primarily responsible for setting up the core infrastructural requirements of an urban area.

Environment engineering

Although a relatively new field, this branch of civil engineering is rapidly gaining importance with the growing emphasis on environment protection and sustainability. These engineers have to develop strategies for protecting the environment from air, water, and land based pollution. They have to manage issues such as solid waste management, water treatment, air and water pollution, safe disposal of hazardous materials, and so on. Another dimension of this profile is the construction of buildings that are environmental friendly, energy efficient, and green.