What is Civil engineering: Definition and 191 Discussions

Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewerage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways.Civil engineering is traditionally broken into a number of sub-disciplines. It is considered the second-oldest engineering discipline after military engineering, and it is defined to distinguish non-military engineering from military engineering. Civil engineering can take place in the public sector from municipal public works departments through to federal government agencies, and in the private sector from locally based firms to global Fortune 500 companies.

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  1. A

    Preparing for a Master's in Civil Engineering: Tips and Advice

    Hello good people of PF I'm going into my third year of undergrad civil engineering in university. So far my GPA is only 2.5/4 I have been lazy the past 2 years but I know i am capable of high marks.. After undergrad, I`m planning to get a Masters degree in the same field. I haven`t done...
  2. G

    Mechanical engineering graduate transferring to civil engineering

    i completed my mechanical engineering degree in 2004. having spent a while backpacking i returned and have been working for a friends civil engineering company as a labourer. i spent a while thinking about retraining after i got back and am now looking to study civil engineering. I am interested...
  3. W

    How Do You Calculate the Number of Footings Based on Soil Strength?

    hi all this must be a easy question for the civil people ...can any1 please help as i got no civil background. I've asked my brother who's doing phd in civil but he's too busy on his work. cheers heaps Homework Statement i've attached the question ;) Homework Equations ive...
  4. C

    Civil Engineering - Matrix Flexibility Method

    I have strayed from the template because I am querying a methodology, not an explicit case. This is Civil Engineering - Matrix Flexibility Method. Given "m" members and "n" nodes I can use this matrix to solve the basic member forces: (sorry about the size I don't know how to scale) As far...
  5. K

    Help Needed Solving Physics Problem for Civil Engineering Student

    hi I am a student of civil engineering and have never done physics,this question was on my exam paper and am wondering if anyone can help me solve it. A 0.5 kg ball is tied to a string 2 m long and the other end of the string is tied to a rigid support. The ball is held at an angle of 300 to...
  6. O

    Engineering Civil Engineering is hazardous to your job prospects

    This has already been posted in another thread (https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=375948), but I thought it would be more appropriate if it were here. Anyway, here's the article I got from my friend's school newspaper. Is there any truth in it? I'm a civil engineering major and am...
  7. O

    Civil Engineering is hazardous to your career prospects

    I've just read an article that my friend forwarded to me. It has me worried since I'm a civil engineering major, and I want to know whether things are really that bad. To be honest, I knew that CE wasn't the best engineering major to take because of the real-estate fueled recession, but this...
  8. R

    Engineering Diploma to Degree in Civil Engineering?

    Hi, I'll be graduating this year obtaining my Civil engineering Technology Diploma, but i wasn't sure if i should go back to university to get a degree in civil engineering. Is an extra 4 years worth all the trouble? Would the pay be that much of a difference? Couldn't a Civil Tech make as much...
  9. S

    Engineering Is a Masters in Civil Engineering Necessary for a Career in California?

    Hello, I'm a 3rd year civil engineering major/computer sciences and communication minor. With the economy at the state it is now, is it worth pursuing a masters or should I try to look for a job after college?
  10. A

    Civil Engineering with Concentration in Management?

    I'm currently finishing up my third semester in Civil Engineering. Recently a couple of my friends switched from standard "Civil Engineering" to "Civil Engineering with Concentration in Management" So this got me thinking if I should switch.. If i switch, I would not be taking...
  11. T

    Engineering Civil engineering or mechanical engineering

    Hi, Right now I am studying forest engineering at University of British Columbia but I am starting to regret choosing forestry since the industry is doing so bad. So I've decided to go into engineering since I am interested in it and it has good pay and good job outlook. But it is hard to...
  12. O

    Engineering Switching or not switching from Civil Engineering to Physics

    Hello, dear forum I am a Norwegian Civil and Environmental Engineering student, soon to finish my very first semester. I have a tough decision to make regarding my choice of studies, and I would greatly appreciate some input from you. Here's some information: My preferred future profession...
  13. N

    Engineering Mechanical vs. Civil engineering

    Hi everyone. I am a sophmore studying to get a bs in mechanical engineering. I am thinking about switching to civil engineering, and I need some suggestions about what degree to pursue. First off, I do not care much about salaries because I know either way I will be making more than enough...
  14. P

    Engineering Civil Engineering: Wages, Best Career Option & More

    Well, I really enjoy physics and I am interested by pretty much all of it. However, I really like the idea of civil engineering, you know, building bridges, tunnels, roads etc. But that's about it in terms of how much I know about the job. What is it really like? What are the wages like, and...
  15. T

    Engineering Civil Engineering job prospects

    I have mixed thoughts about this. Some people say this is the engineering that has the most job opportunities and others say it's the worst because the field is overpopulated. At least in the United States, how do you see this field? Good, bad, average and will it stay that way?
  16. E

    Civil Engineering or Astrophysics it's decision time.

    edit: I've decided to stick with CE. Though I do love the study of the universe, I don't think I would be able to hand graduate school and all the research that is packed along with it. The books I've read are enough to satisfy my interest in space and time. During this economy, I think I'm...
  17. W

    Engineering Electrical Engineering vs Civil Engineering

    Hi! As you can see from the title, I'm interested in both Electrical and Civil Engineering. I have very little time to make a decision. Saying go with what you like more wouldn't help me at all because I'm interested in both of them! Which one provides better job security and higher pay? What...
  18. C

    Engineering Civil Engineering and Green Energy?

    Does anyone know what sorts of opportunities are out there for CE's in Green Energy (such as solar and wind)?
  19. L

    Schools Civil Engineering - University of Waterloo Vs. University of British Columbia

    Civil Engineering -- University of Waterloo Vs. University of British Columbia Im currently a high school senior in Panama. I will graduate in one month with an IB Diploma. I am considering two universities right now, Waterloo and UBC both for civil engineering. In Waterloo I got into the...
  20. O

    Difference between Civil Engineering Physics and non C.E. Physics?

    Whats the difference? i know that after 3 years you become a c.e. but what about the other one? Dont know which one to apply for.
  21. J

    Civil Engineering: Ask Your Questions Here!

    Civil engineering ! Hello,I'm a student that is studying civil engineering and i can't see any subforum concerning civil engineering ! why is that ?:) Thanks ...and sorry if i posted this in the wrong section
  22. P

    Civil Engineering Vs Architecture?

    I have read quite a few sources about the differences between them but i'm, still in a dilema. Which subject is more related to house building and structure, i know civil engineer goes way beyond houses, to huge structures etc. But can one still do a degree in architecture and be licensed to...
  23. R

    Schools UBC, University of Toronto, Queen's or Waterloo for civil engineering?

    Hi, I am a Canadian high school student who has been admitted to the following universities: University of British Columbia (UBC), Queen's U, University of Waterloo, and University of Toronto, into the Faculty of Applied Science. I plan on being a civil engineering in the future, so...
  24. M

    Who are Some Renowned Civil Engineers Behind Iconic Structures?

    Homework Statement We are required to write an essay about a well-recognized engineer, who has designed numorous well-known structures(bridges, monuments etc.) internationally (preferably). Homework Equations I just need a couple of NAMES of those engineers and they have to have...
  25. K

    Civil Engineering with specialization in aviation or Aerospace Engineering

    I'm currently in 2nd bachelor in engineering (major mechanics and minor electrical engineering). My university offers a master in engineering with the option Aviation and Space Travel, but I can also switch to another university (in a different country) and do a master in Aerospace Engineering...
  26. R

    Engineering Is Civil engineering a stable career path ?

    I have read it is highly cyclical I have also heard that it is very stable. Is Civil Engineering a stable career ?
  27. S

    Studying Scope of studying in astrophysics after completing b.tech in civil engineering

    hi! i'm a 2nd yr civil engineering student. after completing my b.tech in this field is there any scope for me to make my career in space_technology or to study in astrophysics? is there any entrance exam? please... inform me.
  28. T

    Civil Engineering - Do All Engineers Study the Same?

    Hi, I was wondering something, since my uncle is a civil engineer. Well last week I was talking to him about his job, and he told me he's a civil engineer, and he mentioned water something, and told me he works with the drainage systems in cities and such, and helps increase the effect of...
  29. M

    I'm about to apply to U of Illinois in civil engineering.

    I'm a senior in high school and I live near the University of Illinois so I'm going to go there next year assuming I get accepted and everything. I'm not too passionate for anything but I like math and science so I figured engineering might be good. If I find out engineering isn't for me but I...
  30. S

    Any TECHNICAL CIVIL ENGINEERING DRAWING SITES

    Homework Statement cAN SOME ONE POST LINKS TO USEFUL TECHANICAL CIVIL ENGINEERING DRAWINGS SITES OR ANYTHING. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  31. A

    Civil Engineering Technology

    I'll be transferring to a school offering civil engineering after the years of trying out different majors, I think I'm finally going after what was meant for me. Excited yet disappointed that the degree isn't exactly civil engineering but civil engineering technology. I've researched what...
  32. V

    Programs What can I expect as a civil engineering major?

    Hello everyone! I am currently finishing up my physics and calc, and although it's been a little tough, I am determined to complete my studies. I don't know of any civil majors in this forum, however, I was hoping someone could share their experiences with me regarding the major. Thanks in...
  33. A

    Civil Engineering - Structures

    I was curious if anyone has this as a job/major? I'm 100% sure I'm going into it. I haven't done any job shadowing =(. I really want to, but, I personally don't know anyone who does it. For those who do it: How are the working conditions? I heard you work with a lot of people also. I was...
  34. S

    Schools Civil Engineering @ University of Miami

    What do you think? A. BSc in Physics with Medical applications@Kings College, University of London or B. Double Major Physics with Civil Engineering @ University of Miami (FL) Note option B takes 4 years while option A 3. Both options are identical financially because expenses are...
  35. Pyrrhus

    Graduate Studies in Civil Engineering

    Hey everybody, i am an undergraduate student of Civil Engineering. I'll be graduating in August 2007, hopefully. I am currently looking for Universities in Spain, USA and Canada for my graduate studies. I'll be focusing on Structural Engineering and Geomechanics. So far my list of...
  36. N

    Help with Civil Engineering Chemistry Homework

    Hi everyone! First of all let me say how happy i am that there is such a place where i can ask help with homework. I am studing civil engineering and i am having problems with chemistry :frown: :shy: I got homework to do and i finished all the tasks except this one and i would reallllyyyy be...
  37. Pyrrhus

    Finding the Right Hydrology Book for Civil Engineering Students

    Does anybody knows of a good hydrology book?? I am a civil engineering student, i want mostly applied stuff and at the undergraduate level.
  38. L

    Civil Engineering in US: Departments & Majors/Minors

    What civil engineering departments in the U.S. would you recomend? Also what would be a good major/minor to combine with civil engineering (Construction Engineering)?
  39. V

    Civil Engineering: Advice and Comments Wanted

    Hello, I posted this on the engineering thread but it hasn't gotten much attention. I just wanted to know if anyone has any comments, good or bad on civil engineering as a college major or even a career for that matter. Any comments/advice would be greatly appreciated.
  40. V

    Civil Engineering: Advice on Career Benefits & Challenges

    Does anyone have any advice on civil engineering as a career? What are the good/bad sides of the profession? Any advice would be greatly appreciated:)
  41. M

    What are the career options in Civil Engineering?

    I am planning on majoring in Civil Engineering in my first four years of college. After I get a bachelor's I figured I would work for about 2 or 3 years and figure out what I really like in the field, then go back to school and major in that. I've heard bad stories about going to work and then...
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