Solving Real-World Problems with Civil Engineering
ENGINEERING 101 Engineering is using science and math as well as knowledge of forces of nature to figure out how to solve problems Engineers are involved in the many steps of creating problem solving structures products and processes They come up with an idea they design it they create it and then they make sure it works to Engineers may work with architects a construction crew and other people at a job site To design means to think up or plan something for a purpose 4
fix the problem Engineers also fix or improve existing structures products and processes Different kinds of engineers solve different problems However an engineer working in one field usually requires some knowledge of other fields The largest branches of engineering are electrical chemical mechanical and civil Electrical engineers for example design communication tools power plants and computers Chemical engineers deal with the production of chemicals for businesses Mechanical engineers often focus on machines such as engines and pumps Civil engineers design and build structures for public use Civil engineers designed the Leonard P Zakim Bridge a cable bridge in Boston Massachusetts 5
Civil engineering is one of the oldest fields of engineering As long as there have been people there has been a need for structures that help them live in their communities and environments There are several kinds of civil engineering Structural engineers make sure structures can stand up to forces such as hurricanes and earthquakes Architectural engineers often design the insides of WHAT IS CIVIL ENGINEERING Geotechnical engineers use computerized tools to locate and study different kinds of rocks 6
buildings Construction engineers plan for the materials and processes that will be used to create structures while geotechnical engineers determine if it is safe to build structures Water resource engineers handle water solutions such as how to get water to people and how to keep it clean Transportation engineers design highways and transportation systems for safe traffic flow Engineers talk at a dam in Mexico The dam’s power station creates electricity from running water How might the different kinds of civil engineers described on these pages work together on one project Think About It 7
