REPORT 1

Let ug begin!

Big Picture

Week 6-7: Unit Learning Outcomes-Unit 3 (ULO-3): At the end of the unit, you are expected
to

a. Recognize the different fields of civil engineering; how they differ to each
other, and be familiar with the roles that professionals in those various
fields are engage in.

Big Picture in Focus: ULO-3a. Recognize the different fields of civil engineering;
how they differ to each other, and be familiar with the roles that professionals in
those various fields are engage in.

Metalanguage

The most essential terms below are defined for you to have a better understanding
of this section in the course.

1. Structural Engineering. It is a specialty within the field of civil engineering which

focuses on the framework of structures, and on designing those structures to withstand
the stresses and pressures of their environment and remain safe, stable and secure
throughout their use.
2. Structural Analysis. It is the process of calculating and determining the effects of loads
and internal forces on a structure, building or object. Structural Analysis is particularly
important for structural engineers to ensure they completely understand the load
paths and the impacts the loads have on their engineering design.
3. Structural Design. It is a method or tool by which we find out safe and economical
specifications of a structure or a member of the structure sufficient to carry the load.In
other words finding out cross-sectional dimension, grade of material, amount of
reinforcement etc. necessary to withstand the internal forces that we have got from
structural analysis.
4. Construction Engineering and Management (CEM).involves the application of
technical and scientific knowledge to infrastructure construction projects. While
engineering focuses on design and construction management is concerned with
overseeing the actual construction, CEM often represents a blend of both disciplines,
bridging design and management or project execution.
5. Geotechnical Engineering. It is the study of the behavior of soils under the influence
of loading forces and soil-water interactions. This knowledge is applied to the design of
foundations, retaining walls, earth dams, clay liners, and geosynthetics for waste
containment.
6. Soil Mechanics. Branch of science that deals with the study of the physical properties
and behavior of the soil masses subjected to various types of forces.
7. Rock Mechanics. It is the study of the mechanical behavior of subsurface sedimentary
strata and rocks that are formed.
8. Soil Engineering. Application of the principles of soil mechanics to practical problems.
9. Foundation. Is that part of a structure which transmits building loads directly into the
underlying soil
10.Water Resource Engineering. It is a specialty of civil engineering that focuses on
water supplies, irrigation and waste disposal. It also addresses methods for controlling
water to avoid water-related damage and catastrophes.
11. Transportation Engineering. It is a branch of civil engineering that is involved in the
planning, design, operation, and maintenance of safe and efficient transportation
systems. These systems include roadways, railways, waterways, and intermodal
operations. Typically, the demand is the amount of traffic (people, cars, railcars,
barges) that is expected to use a particular transportation facility, while the supply is
the quantity and type of infrastructure components (roadways, bridges, pavements,
etc.). These systems are typically large and expensive.
12. Environmental and Energy. It is a branch of energy engineering which seeks to
efficiently use energy and to maintain the environment. Energy engineers require
knowledge across many disciplines. Careers include work in the built environment,
renewable and traditional energy industries.

REPORT 2

Essential Knowledge

3a.1 Structural Engineering

Structural engineering is one of the most fundamental engineering disciplines

because it deals directly with the structural integrity and strength of a building or
structure.

It involves the analysis and design of structures such as buildings, bridges, towers,
marine structures, dams, tunnels, retaining walls and other infrastructure.

It underpins and sustains the built environment, where structures must be safe,
serviceable, durable, aesthetically pleasing and economical.
What structural engineers do?

• use their creativity and scientific training to develop and maintain new and existing
structures and incorporate advanced materials.
• develop structural solutions to resist loads and other forces.
• devise ways to provide safe load paths for these forces.

Basic Tasks: to relate numerical quantities of physical forces to physical configurations of

force-resisting elements.

Analysis - is the process of determining forces in each element in a structure (such as a

beam) when the configuration of elements is already defined. 

Design - is the process of configuring elements to resist forces whose values are already
known. 

Analysis and Design - are complementary procedures in the overall process of designing
new structures.

Structural Design

Determines the type of structure that is suitable for a particular purpose, the
materials to be used, the loads and other actions that the structure must sustain, and the
arrangement, layout and dimensions of its various components.

Structural design involves detailed calculations to ensure that:

• the structure is stable
• all parts have adequate strength to resist the design loads
• the structure as a whole will remain serviceable throughout its design life and able
to perform its intended function
• involves the careful preparation of drawings that will communicate the engineering
design to the contractors who will build the structure.

Structural Analysis

It is an integral part of structural design.

•  It involves the calculation of the response of the structure to the design loads and
imposed deformations that it will be required to resist during its lifetime.
• In structural engineering, ‘deformation’ refers to when an object is changed
temporarily or permanently due to applied force. 
• These calculations allow structural engineers to select the right materials for the
structure, and to ensure that it will be suitable for the purpose for which it is being
built.

Structures are subject to vertical, or Gravity Loads and horizontal, or Lateral Loads.
Gravity loads include "dead", or permanent, load, which is the weight of the structure,
including its walls, floors, finishes, and mechanical systems, and "live", or temporary load,
which is the weight of a structure's contents and occupants, including the weight of snow.

Lateral loads are live loads include those generated by the wind, earthquakes, or
explosions. Structural elements must be designed so that, as a system, the structure can
resist all loads that will act upon it.

Construction surveying (otherwise "lay-out" or "setting-out"): to stake out reference

points and markers that will guide the construction of new structures such as roads or
buildings for subsequent construction.

Shear wall is a structural member used to resist lateral forces parallel to the plane of
the wall.  The vertical elements of the horizontal force resisting system. It is especially
important in high-rise buildings subject to lateral wind and seismic forces.
 
Prestressed concrete is a structural material that allows for
predetermined, engineering stresses to be placed in members to counteract the stresses
that occur when they are subject to loading. It combines the high strength compressive
properties of concrete with the high tensile strength of steel. It is now commonly used
for floor beams, piles and railways sleepers, as well as structures such
as bridges, water tanks, roofs and runways. Generally, prestressed concrete is not
necessary for columns and walls, however, it can be used economically for tall columns and
high retaining walls with high bending stresses.

Designing a society’s infrastructure presents enormous challenges, creatively and

intellectually. This is a fascinating career for those interested in building, mechanics and
mathematics and who would enjoy working in teams with other engineering disciplines,
architects, contractors and builders.
REPORT 3
3a.2 Construction Engineering and Management

Construction Engineering and management involves the application of technical and

scientific knowledge to infrastructure construction projects.While engineering focuses on
design and construction management is concerned with overseeing the actual construction,
CEM often represents a blend of both disciplines, bridging design and management or
project execution.

What does a construction engineering manager do?

• They are the players in the successful completion of construction projects.
• They are responsible for assembling teams of qualified engineers who can ensure
completion of a given project.

Work Responsibilities

Construction engineering managers often work out of a central office but may make
frequent visits to job sites and sometimes engage in on-location work with labor. They also
tour sites regularly to inspect the work being done and to ensure that proper standards in
the construction project are being maintained.He or she is often called upon to survey the
job site prior to the beginning of a project, addressing environmental issues and local laws
or codes that must be followed.

Before work commences, an engineering manager typically prepares a report on

their findings and collaborates with others involved with the project, including
governmental agencies, environmental associations, contractors, and subcontractors.

Professional Skills and Expertise

Construction engineering managers must possess a thorough understanding of laws,

regulations, and building codes, especially those that have a direct impact on the project at
hand. They must also be able to estimate the total cost of a given project with consideration
to:
▹ Site inspections
▹ Drainage, sewage, and elevation level tests
▹ Equipment and materials
▹ Labour

Construction engineering managers are also responsible for managing the workings
of various other entities involved in the project. They are responsible for providing expert
supervision from beginning to end while also keeping the project running on or ahead of
schedule and within budget.
 The job requires strong leadership and interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
Like any other kind of engineer, construction engineering managers need to possess strong
problem-solving, analytical, and mathematical skills.

Seven Types of Construction

1. Agricultural:

Typically, economical buildings, and other improvements, for agricultural purposes.

Examples include barns, equipment and animal sheds, specialized fencing, storage silos and
elevators, and water supply and drains such as wells, tanks, and ditches.

2. Residential:

Residential construction includes houses, apartments, townhouses, and other

smaller, low-rise housing, small office types.
3. Commercial:

This refers to construction for the needs of private commerce, trade, and services.
Examples include office buildings, "big box" stores, shopping centres and malls,
warehouses, banks, theatres, casinos, resorts, golf courses, and larger residential structures
such as high-rise hotels and condominiums.

4. Institutional:

This category is for the needs of government and other public organizations.
Examples include schools, fire and police stations, libraries, museums, dormitories,
research buildings, hospitals, transportation terminals, some military facilities, and
governmental buildings.

5. Industrial:

Buildings and other constructed items used for storage and product production,
including chemical and power plants, steel mills, oil refineries and platforms,
manufacturing plants, pipelines, and seaports.

6. Heavy civil:

The construction of transportation infrastructure such as roads, bridges, railroads,

tunnels, airports, and fortified military facilities. Dams are also included, but most other
water-related infrastructure is considered environmental.

7. Environmental:

Environmental construction was part of heavy civil, but is now separate, dealing
with projects that improve the environment. Some examples are water and wastewater
treatment plants, sanitary and storm sewers, solid waste management, and air pollution
control.

REPORT 4

3a.3Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering is the subdiscipline of civil engineering that involves

natural materials found close to the surface of the earth. It is the application of the
principles of the soil mechanics and rock mechanics to the design of foundations, retaining
structures and earth structures.

What do Geotechnical Engineers do?

• Evaluation of geotechnical hazards including potential of landslides

• Determination of bearing capacity, deformations of foundations, and likely
interactions between soil, foundation and the structure
• Assessment of earth pressure and the performance of retainingwalls
• Analysis of embankment behavior
• Strength of excavations, caves, tunnels
• Conducting of response analysis for a site

Geotechnical Applications

• Foundations

Shallow
Foundation
Deep

Foundation

• Underground and Earth-retaining Structures

 Tunnels Retaining Walls

• Excavations

• Embankments

• Dams
 • Earthworks

Site preparation work prior to building constructions

REPORT 5

Geotechnical Systems Engineering

Geotechnical engineers study the mechanical behavior of earth materials specifically

the state of rest or motion of soil bodies under the action force system (Harr, 2004).

Responsibilities
• Investigate& monitor subsurface conditions and surficial materials at a site
• Ascertain the relevant geotechnical properties of site materials
• Evaluate & monitor the geotechnical integrity of man-made and natural soil/rock
slopes and deposits
• Assess & monitor the risks associated with the site conditions
 • Carry out earthwork and structure foundation designs and monitor the geotechnical
performance of these designs
• Prescribe ground improvements to enhance the geotechnical integrity of a site

A geotechnical engineer need:

• an interest in the natural world
• practical and technical skills
• problem-solving skills
• planning and organisational skills
• strong written and oral communication skills
• the ability to work independently, or as part of a team.

Historical Developments

• The ancient Greek civilizations used isolated pad footings and strip-and-raft
foundation for building structures.
• Dykes were built during Indus and Chinese civilizations (around 2000 BC).
• Beginning around 2700 BC several pyramids were built in Egypt

• Geotechnical Engineering prior to 18th century

Charles Coulomb (1736-1806)

-a French Engineer, published his wedge theory of earth pressure in 1776,which is
the first major contribution to the scientific study of soil behaviour.

• Modern Day

Karl Terzaghi (1883-1963)

“Father of Modern Soil Mechanics”
-developed the theory of consolidation for clays.
- The consolidation of the theory was published in his book ”Erdbaumechanik” in
1925.

Arthur Casagrande (1902-1981)

-well-known for his ingenious designs of soil testing apparatus and research on
seepage and soil liquefaction

Ralph Peck (1912 – 2008)

-was an eminent civil engineer specializing in soil mechanics. He was awarded
the National Medal of Science in 1975 for his development of the science and art of
subsurface engineering, combining the contributions of the sciences of geology and
soil mechanics with the practical art of foundation design.
REPORT 6
3a.4 Water Resource Engineering

Water Resource Engineers develop new equipment and systems for water resource
management facilities in a specific country. The systems that Water Resource Engineers
create ensure that citizens are provided with a continuous supply of clean, uncontaminated
water for drinking, living, and recreational purposes.

The applications of water resource engineering:

• Design of various hydraulic structures such as breakwaters and dams, sewage

conduit.
• Management of waterways-flood and erosion protection.
• Hydroelectric-power development.
• Irrigation, water supply and navigation
• Environmental management

Different aspects that water resources engineering was used:

 Flood forecasting, flood management

 Reservoir operation
 Dam break analysis
 River ecology
 River management, navigation
 Sediment transport &river morphology
 Basin-wide water resource planning
 River water quality, point load and non-point assessments
 Conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater
 Watershed management
 Soil &groundwater contamination

Duties that a water resources engineer performs:

• Water treatment facilities

• Natural springs
• Underground wells
• Support land development projects
• Generate master plans
• Optimize water distribution system operations
• Storm water and wastewater systems
• Design plans and systems that intelligently and safely deliver clean water
• Make reliable renewal decisions
• Accurately model water system operations
• Deliver high-quality design solutions with minimal capital investments
• Reduce emergency response time
Planning, construction, implementation and maintenance tasks

A skilled and well-trained water resources engineer can create new systems and
equipment to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of water resource management and
water treatment. Water resources engineers analyze data from different areas to design
new systems or improve existing facilities to improve the cleansing effects of local water
treatment systems. Even as they do this, they have to take into consideration government
regulations, budgetary constraints, future requirements and more.

Systems and tools that water resources engineers use

• GIS and hydraulic modeling

• Infrastructure Design Suite software
• Slug tests and aquifer tests analysis software
• Streamflow-based programs
• Graphical User Interfaces
• Post Processors
• Water data analytics platform
• 2D and 3D CAD viewers and software

REPORT 7
3a.5 Transportation Engineering

• Transport or transportation is the movement of people, animals and goods from

one location to another. 
• Modes of transportincludeair,rail,road,waterand pipeline.
• Transportation engineering is the application of technology and scientific
principles to the planning, functional design, operation and managementof facilities
for any mode of transportation in order to provide for the safe, efficient, rapid,
comfortable, convenient, economical,and environmentally compatible movement of
people and goods.

Five Modes of Transportation

1. Railways
2. Roadways
3. Waterways
4. Pipe-lines
5. Airways

1. Railways

• Very large volumes of goods can be transported economically over long distances to
remote places.
 • Railways help to transport raw materials from extractive industries which are
located at the remote areas

2. Roadways

• Or Road transport forms an essential part of any transport activity, whether rail, sea
or air.
• It is essential as supplementary and complementary mode of transport. For
example, from terminal the railway station the goods have to be carried to the
destination by road.

3. Water Transport

• One of the oldest modes of transportation is water.

• In terms of time factor, they may be slow.
• Water transport could be of inland can carry more shipment at reduced cost over
longer distance.
• Water transport could be of inland type or oceanic transport.
• Inland water transport is used mainly for transport within a country.
• Oceanic water transport is used for overseas transportation

4. Pipeline
• It is used for the transport of crude petroleum, refined petroleum and natural gas.
• Also used for transportation of certain types of chemicals, pulverized dry bulk
materials such as cement and flour via hydraulic suspension system and sewage
and water in cities.

5. Air Transport

• Is the newest mode of transportation.

• The basic advantage of Air transport is its high speed. By air, the time required
maybe days by other modes of transport.
•

REPORT 8
What are the roles of Transportation Engineer?

The basic role of a transportation engineer is to develop plans for surface

transportation projects, according to established engineering standards and state or
federal construction policy. Prepare designs, specifications, or estimates for transportation
facilities. Plan modifications of existing streets, highways, or freeways to improve traffic
flow.

Below are the Job Duties and Tasks of Transportation Engineer:

• Prepare project budgets, schedules, or specifications for labor or materials.

• Supervise the maintenance or repair of transportation systems or system
components.
• Participate in contract bidding, negotiation, or administration.
• Evaluate construction project materials for compliance with environmental
standards.
• Investigate traffic problems and recommend methods to improve traffic flow or
safety.
• Direct the surveying, staking, or laying-out of construction projects.
• Estimate transportation project costs.
• Analyze environmental impact statements for transportation projects.
• Inspect completed transportation projects to ensure compliance with
environmental regulations.
• Review development plans to determine potential traffic impact.
• Present data, maps, or other information at construction-related public hearings or
meetings.
• Prepare administrative, technical, or statistical reports on traffic-operation matters,
such as accidents, safety measures, or pedestrian volume or practices.
• Evaluate transportation systems or traffic control devices or lighting systems to
determine need for modification or expansion.
• Evaluate traffic control devices or lighting systems to determine need for
modification or expansion.
• Develop or assist in the development of transportation-related computer software
or computer processes.
• Prepare final project layout drawings that include details such as stress calculations.
• Plan alteration or modification of existing transportation structures to improve
safety or function.
• Model transportation scenarios to evaluate the impacts of activities such as new
development or to identify possible solutions to transportation problems.
• Investigate or test specific construction project materials to determine compliance
to specifications or standards.
• Inspect completed transportation projects to ensure safety or compliance with
applicable standards or regulations.
• Confer with contractors, utility companies, or government agencies to discuss plans,
specifications, or work schedules.
• Check construction plans, design calculations, or cost estimations to ensure
completeness, accuracy, or conformity to engineering standards or practices.
• Design or prepare plans for new transportation systems or parts of systems, such as
airports, commuter trains, highways, streets, bridges, drainage structures, or
roadway lighting.
• Design or engineer drainage, erosion, or sedimentation control systems for
transportation projects.
• Design transportation systems or structures using sustainable materials or
products, such as porous pavement or bioretention structures.
• Develop plans to deconstruct damaged or obsolete roadways or other
transportation structures in a manner that is environmentally sound or prepares
the land for sustainable development.
REPORT 9
3a.6 Environmental and Energy

Energy – is a property of matter that can be converted into work heat or radiation.

Types of Energy
• Potential Energy – Potential energy is an energy which is due to an object’s position.
Example; Chemical Energy, Nuclear Energy, Mechanical Energy, Gravitational
Energy.
• Kinetic Energy – is that energy of an object due to its motion. Example: Radiant
Energy, Thermal Energy, Electrical Energy, Motion Energy.

Forms of Energy

• Mechanical
-Mechanical Energy is that energy which is store in object by the application of
force. Example: Stretched rubber band and compressed springs.

• Thermal Energy
- It is the internal energy in substance. Example: Geothermal Energy.

• Radiant Energy
- It is electromagnetic energy that travel in transverse way. Example: Solar Energy.

• Electrical Energy
- Is the movement of electrons. Example: Light and electricity.

• Chemical Energy
- It is an energy which is stored in the bond of atom or molecule. Example: Biomass,
Petroleum, Natural Gas and Coal.

• Nuclear Energy
- It is an energy which is stored in the nucleolus of atom. Example: Nucleus of a
uranium atom.

Classification of Energy Sources

• Renewable Energy
- Renewable energy sources are unlimited by rate of use or non-depleting. Example:
wind, solar, geothermal, Hydro, Bio Energy.

• Solar Energy
- Solar energy is a combination of light and heat which is produced by sun.

• Wind Energy
 - Wind energy is the energy of moving air.

• Bio Energy
- Bio energy is derived from biological source.

• Geothermal Energy
- Geothermal Energy that comes from the heat of the earth.

REPORT 10
Environment

The environment refers to the surroundings in which a person, animal and plant
lives.

Environmental Changes

Environment has been always changing some time slowly and sometime rapidly.
Man, and other organism are affected by these changes in the environment. Environment
changes are carried out in two ways.

• Natural Changes – these changes take place by natural process such as storms, flood
and earthquake.
• Artificial Changes – these changes are caused by human activities such as
transportation, industrial revolution, agricultural process etc.

Types of Pollution

• Air pollution – it is the contamination of air by smoke and harmful gases, mainly
oxides of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen.
• Water pollution – it is the contamination of any body of water (lakes, groundwater,
oceans, etc.)
• Land pollution – it is the degradation of the earth’s surface caused by a misuse of
resources and improper disposal of waste.
• Noise pollution – is any load sounds that are harmful to humans and animals.
•

What are the roles of Environmental Engineers?

Environmental engineers typically do the following:

• Prepare, review, and update environmental investigation reports
• Design projects that lead to environmental protection, such as water reclamation
facilities or air pollution control systems
• Obtain, update, and maintain plans, permits, and standard operating procedures
• Provide technical support for environmental remediation projects and for legal
actions
• Analyze scientific data and do quality-control checks
 • Monitor the progress of environmental improvement programs
• Inspect industrial and municipal facilities and programs in order to ensure
compliance with environmental regulations
• Advise corporations and government agencies about procedures for cleaning up
contaminated sites

What is the role of Energy Engineers?

The primary job of an Energy Engineer is to design, develop, or evaluate energy-

related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during
the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical
systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings;
lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.