Module 1 Introduction To Civil Engineeering
Module 1 Introduction To Civil Engineeering
Module 1 Introduction To Civil Engineeering
Surveying
Building Materials
Construction Technology
Geotechnical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Hydraulics, Water Resource & Irrigation Engineering
Transportation Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Architecture & Town Planning
1. Surveying: It is a science and art of determining the relative position of points on the earth’s
surface by measuring distances, directions and vertical heights directly or indirectly. Surveying
helps in preparing maps and plans, which help in project implementation. (Setting out the
alignment for a road or railway track or canal, deciding the location for a dam or airport or
harbor) The cost of the project can also be estimated before implementing the project. Now-a-
days, using data from remote sensing satellites is helping to prepare maps & plans & thus cut
down the cost of surveying.
Scope of Surveying….
To determine the dimensions & contours of any part of earth’s surface
To establish boundaries of land
To measure area & volume of land
To select suitable site for an engineering project
To provide modern method of surveying for building & construction ,transportation
,communication, mapping
2. Geo-Technical Engineering (Soil Mechanics): Any building, bridge, dam, retaining wall etc.
consist of components like foundations. The foundation is laid from a certain depth below the
ground surface till a hard layer is reached. The soil should be thoroughly checked for its
suitability for construction purposes. The study dealing with the properties & behavior of soil
under loads & changes in environmental conditions is called geo-technical engineering. The
knowledge of the geology of an area is also very much necessary.
4. Transportation Engineering: The transport system includes roadways, railways, air &
waterways. Here the role of civil engineers is to construct facilities related to each one.
Sometimes crucial sections of railways & roads should be improved. Roads to remote places
should be developed. Ports & harbors should be designed to accommodate, all sizes of vehicles.
For an airport, the runway & other facilities such as taxiways, terminal buildings, control towers
etc. should be properly designed.
6. Environmental Engineering (Sanitary Engineering): People in every village, town & city
need potable water. The water available (surface water & ground water) may not be fit for direct
consumption. In such cases, the water should be purified and then supplied to the public. For
water purification, sedimentation tanks, filter beds, etc. should be designed. If the treatment
plants are for away from the town or city, suitable pipelines for conveying water & distributing it
should also be designed. In a town or city, a part of the water supplied returns as sewage. This
sewage should be systematically collected and then disposed into the natural environment after
providing suitable treatment. The solid waste that is generated in a town or locality should be
systematically collected and disposed off suitably. Before disposal, segregation of materials
should be done so that any material can be recycled & we can conserve our natural resources.
7. Building Materials & Construction Technology: Any engineering structure requires a wide
range of materials known as building materials. The choice of the materials is wide & open. It
becomes important for any construction engineer to be well versed with the properties &
applications of the different materials. Any construction project involves many activities and also
required many materials, manpower, machinery & money. The different activities should be
Construction Technology:
The term infrastructure is widely used to denote the facilities available for the socio-economic
development of a region. The infrastructure facilities to be provided for the public include:
1. Transport facilities
2. Drinking water and sanitation facilities
3. Irrigation facilities
4. Power generation & transmission facilities
5. Education facilities
6. Health care facilities
7. Housing facilities
8. Recreation facilities
The well being of a nation is dependent on the quality & the quantity of the above services that
are provided to the public.
Development of infrastructure has number of good effects which can be listed as follows.
1. It is a basic necessity for any country or state.
2. It forms a part of business, research & education.
3. It improved health care & Cultural activities.
4. It provided housing & means of communication to people.
5. It provided direct employment to many number of skilled, semiskilled & unskilled laborers.