CIVIL ENGINEERING

INTRODUCTION
Civil engineering is a broad field of engineering that focuses on the design, construction, and
maintenance of infrastructure and the built environment. It encompasses a wide range of
disciplines and applications, including structural engineering, geotechnical engineering,
transportation engineering, environmental engineering, and construction management

It is one of the oldest engineering professions, and ancient engineering achievements due to civil
engineering include the pyramids of Egypt and road systems developed by the Romans.

American society of civil engineering defines civil engineering as the profession in which a
knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences gained by study, experience and practice is
applied with judgement to develop ways to utilize economically the materials and forces of the
nature for the progressive well being of man

Overall, civil engineering plays a crucial role in shaping the built environment and supporting
economic development, social progress, and environmental sustainability. Civil engineers apply
scientific principles, technological innovations, and interdisciplinary approaches to address
complex challenges and improve the quality of life for communities around the world

ROLES OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

i. Plan new townships and extension of existing towns.
ii. Providing shelter to people in the form of low cost houses to high rise apartments.
iii. Laying ordinary village roads to express highways.
iv. Constructing irrigation tanks, multipurpose dams & canals for supplying water to
agricultural fields.
v. Supplying safe and potable water for public & industrial uses.
vi. Protecting our environment by adopting sewage treatment & solid waste disposal
techniques.
vii. Constructing hydro-electric & thermal-power plants for generating electricity.
viii. Providing other means of transportation such as railways, harbor & airports.
ix. Constructing bridges across streams, rivers and also across seas.
x. Tunneling across mountains & also under water to connect places easily & reduce
distance

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 FEW CIVIL ENGINEERING STRUCTURES ACROSS THE WORLD

Banda Worli Sea Link Statue of Unity

Chenab Bridge Colosseum

Palm Island Leaning tower of Pisa

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 DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

1. Surveying

Surveying is an art and science of measuring the object on , above and below the earth. It's a
fundamental aspect of civil engineering, construction, land development, and many other fields.

Here's an overview of surveying:

i. Land Surveying: Land surveying involves measuring and mapping the Earth's surface,
including natural and man-made features such as mountains, rivers, roads, and property
boundaries. Land surveyors use various instruments such as total stations, GPS receivers,
and drones to collect accurate measurements of distances, angles, and elevations.
ii. Types of Surveys: There are different types of land surveys, including boundary surveys,
topographic surveys, construction surveys, and geodetic surveys. Boundary surveys
determine property lines and legal boundaries, while topographic surveys map the terrain
and features of a site. Construction surveys help guide the construction process by
providing precise measurements and layout information.
iii. Surveying Instruments: Surveyors use a range of instruments and technologies to
collect data accurately and efficiently. Traditional instruments include theodolites, levels,
and measuring tapes, while modern techniques utilize GPS, laser scanning, and drones
for remote sensing and data capture.
iv. Data Processing and Analysis: Once data is collected in the field, surveyors process and
analyze it to create maps, plans, and digital models of the surveyed area. This may
involve using specialized software for data processing, CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
software for drafting, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for spatial analysis.
v. Applications: Surveying has diverse applications across various industries. In civil
engineering and construction, surveys are essential for site planning, design, and layout.
In land development, surveys help determine property boundaries, assess terrain, and plan
infrastructure projects. Surveying is also used in environmental monitoring, resource
management, archaeology, and urban planning

Surveying using Total station Surveying using Auto level

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 2. Structural Engineering

Introduction
Structural engineering is primarily concerned with designing and constructing buildings and
structures that are safe and capable of withstanding the elements to which they will be exposed,
as well as improving the structural integrity of existing buildings. Structural engineering depends
upon a detailed knowledge of applied mechanics, materials science, and applied mathematics to
understand and predict how structures support and resist self-weight and imposed loads.
History
Historically, Structural Engineering, though intuitive, can be traced back in parallel with Civil
Engineering. There are numerous examples of outstanding structures, such as the monumental
structures including the Taj Mahal in India, and, many Roman structures, throughout this early
period of non-formal engineering. It is of interest to see how this early engineering evolved to
enable the construction of the modern day bridges and buildings of imposing dimensions, such as
the Burj Khalifa, Dubai, and the recently opened 1915 Çanakkale Bridge in Turkey, known as
Burj Bridge. This is the world’s longest suspension bridge span and would perhaps have been
unthinkable even a hundred years ago.

Different types of structures

Civil structural engineering includes all structural engineering related to the built environment. It
includes: Bridges, Dams, Earthworks Foundations, Offshore structures ,Pipelines ,Power
stations ,Railways ,Retaining structures and walls, Roads ,Tunnels, Waterways ,Reservoirs,
Water and wastewater infrastructure

Key aspects of structural engineering:

1. Design: Structural engineers use principles of physics and mathematics to design

structures that can withstand loads such as gravity, wind, snow, earthquakes, and soil
pressure. They consider factors such as materials, shape, and geometry to optimize the
performance and efficiency of the structure.
2. Analysis: Before construction begins, structural engineers perform detailed analyses to
predict how a structure will behave under various conditions. This involves using
computer simulations and mathematical models to assess factors such as stress, strain,
and deflection.
3. Materials: Structural engineers work with a variety of materials including concrete,
steel, wood, and composites. They select materials based on factors such as strength,
stiffness, cost, and environmental impact.
4. Construction: Structural engineers collaborate closely with architects, contractors, and
other professionals during the construction phase to ensure that the design is implemented
correctly and that the structure meets all safety and quality standards.
5. Maintenance and Inspection: After construction is complete, structural engineers may
be involved in ongoing maintenance and inspection activities to ensure that the structure
remains safe and functional throughout its lifespan. This includes conducting periodic
inspections, assessing structural integrity, and recommending repairs or upgrades as
needed

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 Different types of structures.

3. Building materials and Construction

Materials which are required for construction of buildings are referred as building materials.
Building materials are classified into three types

i. Natural Materials: - These are naturally occurring materials namely wood, stone, mud or
clay etc.
ii. Artificial materials: - These are man-made materials namely bricks, cement, glass &
steel.
iii. Composite materials: - These are combination of two or materials namely concrete,
plywood

Building materials are essential components of civil engineering, encompassing a diverse range
of materials utilized in construction projects worldwide. Concrete, a ubiquitous material in civil
engineering, is renowned for its compressive strength, versatility, and durability. Examples
include reinforced concrete, precast concrete, and high-strength concrete. Steel, prized for its
high tensile strength and ductility, is widely used in structural applications such as beams,
columns, and reinforcement. Wood, valued for its renewable nature and aesthetic appeal, finds
applications in framing, flooring, and siding. Masonry materials, including brick, concrete block,
and stone, offer durability and fire resistance, suitable for walls, facades, and structural elements.
Additionally, asphalt is utilized for road construction and roofing, providing a durable and
waterproof surface. Glass, prized for its transparency and aesthetic qualities, is used in windows,
doors, and curtain walls. Composite materials, such as fiberglass and carbon fiber, offer high
strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility, suitable for structural
components and architectural features. The selection of building materials depends on factors
such as project requirements, structural design, environmental considerations, and cost
constraints.

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 Different building materials

4. Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical engineering, also known as geotechnics, is the branch of civil engineering
concerned with the engineering behavior of earth materials. It uses the principles of soil
mechanics and rock mechanics to solve its engineering problems

This knowledge is applied to the design of foundations, retaining walls, earth dams, clay liners,
and geosynthetics for waste containment. The goals of geotechnical engineers could range from
the design of foundations and temporary excavation support, through route selection for railways
and highways, to the increasingly important areas of landfill disposal of wastes and groundwater
contamination. As such, the geotechnical engineer is involved in field and laboratory
investigations to determine the engineering properties of site soils and other geomaterials and
their subsequent use in the analytical study of the problem at hand.

Recent computational and computer advances are extending our ability to predict the behaviour
of soil and soil-water systems under a wide variety of conditions. In recent years, the activities of
geotechnical engineers have also involved geoenvironmental engineering. Geoenvironmental
engineers design strategies for the clean-up of contaminated soils and groundwater and develop
management systems for contaminated sites

Why Geotechnical Engineering is Important

Geotechnical engineering is important as it helps prevent damage to other buildings and

structures as a result of subsurface conditions. The calculations and tests undertaken by these
engineers help ensure safety and stability for structures and can mitigate against earthquakes,
slope stability shifts, ongoing earth settlement and more

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 Excavation of soil for engineering purpose

5. Water resource and irrigation engineering

Irrigation and water resource engineering is a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the
management, distribution, and utilization of water resources for agricultural, industrial,
municipal, and environmental purposes.

Here's an overview of irrigation and water resource engineering:

1. Water Resources Management: Irrigation and water resource engineering involves the
planning, development, and management of water resources, including surface water
bodies such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, as well as groundwater aquifers. This
includes assessing water availability, conducting hydrological studies, and implementing
strategies to ensure sustainable use and conservation of water resources.
2. Irrigation Systems: One of the primary applications of water resource engineering is
irrigation, which involves the artificial application of water to agricultural crops to
supplement natural rainfall and meet crop water requirements. Irrigation systems vary in
complexity and scale, ranging from simple gravity-fed systems to advanced pressurized
irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.
3. Hydraulic Structures: Water resource engineers design and construct various hydraulic
structures to control and manage water flow, storage, and distribution. These structures
include dams, reservoirs, weirs, barrages, canals, channels, and drainage systems.
Hydraulic structures are essential for regulating water supply, flood control,
sedimentation management, and navigation.
4. Water Supply Systems: In addition to irrigation, water resource engineering
encompasses the design and management of water supply systems for domestic,
industrial, and municipal use. This includes sourcing water from natural surface and

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 groundwater sources, treatment processes to ensure water quality and safety, and
distribution networks to deliver water to end-users.
5. Flood Control and Management: Water resource engineers play a crucial role in
mitigating the impacts of floods by designing and implementing flood control measures
such as levees, floodwalls, embankments, and drainage systems. They also conduct flood
risk assessments, develop floodplain management plans, and provide early warning
systems to minimize flood damage and protect lives and property.

Storage of water in dam and supply water to crops

6. Transportation Engineering

Transportation engineering is a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the planning, design,
construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure and systems. It
encompasses a wide range of modes of transportation, including roads, highways, railways,
airports, ports, and public transit systems. Here's an overview of transportation engineering:.

1. Public Transit Systems: Transportation engineers are involved in the planning, design,
and operation of public transit systems such as buses, trains, subways, and light rail
systems. They work to optimize routes, schedules, and service levels to provide efficient,
affordable, and accessible transportation options for urban and suburban communities.
2. Highway Engineering: Highway engineering focuses on the design, construction, and
maintenance of highways, expressways, and freeways. Transportation engineers design
roadways and pavements to accommodate various traffic volumes and loads while
ensuring safety and durability. This includes pavement design, materials selection,
geometric design, and roadside safety features.
3. Railway Engineering: Railway engineering involves the planning, design, construction,
and maintenance of railway infrastructure, including tracks, stations, signals, and rolling
stock. Transportation engineers work on projects ranging from high-speed rail systems to
urban commuter rail networks, ensuring efficient and safe rail transportation.

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 4. Airport Engineering: Airport engineering encompasses the planning, design,
construction, and operation of airports and aviation facilities. Transportation engineers
design airport runways, taxiways, aprons, terminals, and other facilities to accommodate
aircraft operations while ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory
requirements.

Different modes of transportation

7. Environmental engineering
Environmental engineering, the development of processes and infrastructure for the supply of
water, the disposal of waste, and the control of pollution of all kinds. These endeavours
protect public health by preventing disease transmission, and they preserve the quality of
the environment by averting the contamination and degradation of air, water, and land resources.

Environmental engineering is a field of broad scope that draws on

such disciplines as chemistry, ecology, geology, hydraulics, hydrology, microbiology, economics
, and mathematics. It was traditionally a specialized field within civil engineering and was called
sanitary engineering until the mid-1960s, when the more accurate name environmental
engineering was adopted.

Projects in environmental engineering involve the treatment and distribution of drinking water ;
the collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater; the control of air pollution and noise
pollution; municipal solid-waste management and hazardous-waste management; the cleanup of
hazardous-waste sites; and the preparation of environmental assessments, audits, and impact
studies. Mathematical modeling and computer analysis are widely used to evaluate and design
the systems required for such tasks. Chemical and mechanical engineers may also be involved in
the process. Environmental engineering functions include applied research and teaching; project
planning and management; the design, construction, and operation of facilities; the sale and
marketing of environmental-control equipment; and the enforcement of environmental standards
and regulation

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 8. Town Planning and Architecture

Town planning is the process of managing land resources. It involves the control of existing and
new developments, as well as strategy preparation to ensure manage future requirements. It is a
dynamic process that changes in response to policy, development proposals and local needs.

Town planners must try and balance the demands of landowners and developers, with the needs
and concerns of the community and the policy framework. If planning is successful, it can
provide protection for the environment, can promote and faciltiate regeneration, can help create
and sustain communities, and can create new and exciting places.

9. Earthquake Engineering:

Earthquake engineering is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering that designs and analyses

structures, such as buildings and bridges, with earthquakes in mind. Its overall goal is to make
such structures more resistant to earthquakes

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EFFECT OF INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES ON SOCIO – ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT OF COUNTRY

Infrastructure is supposed to facilitate and increase economic growth by providing better

connectivity and enhancing productivity and efficiency.
The infrastructure and its facilities play a vital role in the socio-Economic development of a
country and are mentioned as follows:
i. Increase in food production
ii. Protection from famine
iii. Safe domestic and industrial water supply
iv. Improvement in communication and transportation
v. Generation of hydro-electric power ‘
vi. Improvement in per-capita income and standard of living
vii. Increase in prosperity of people

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Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 1