Soran University

Faculty Of Engineering

Civil Engineering Department

First Stage

Application of Mathematics in Civil Engineering

Prepared by: Alend Azad

Supervised by: Dr. Mahfouz Rostamzadeh

2021 - 2022

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Abstract
Application of mathematics in various streams of engineering is well known by everyone. In civil
engineering there is several applications of mathematics tools to analyze or simplify various
problems like finite element analysis of structure, particle study in liquid, air and in solid state,
Determination of various Sectional properties etc. It is impossible to analysis of fluid mechanics,
rigid mechanics and solid mechanics without use of mathematical tools of trigonometry, calculus,
algebra and geometry.

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INTRODUCTION
Civil engineering is a profession that applies mathematical and physical science principles to
design and develop structures and
methods to utilize materials and forces of nature for the benefit of humanity. Civil engineers create
buildings, industrial plants and transportation infrastructure. Today, civil engineering is often
combined with environmental engineering as cities and countries place more focus on sustainable
building and protecting infrastructure from damage caused by natural disasters. In fluid mechanics
in the analysis of type of motion of fluid particle, type of flow, energy equation, continuity
equation, velocity potential, stream function etc. all can only be defined by application of
mathematics by using eulerian and langrangian approach of particle analysis, curl of function,
vector calculus etc. In structural analysis finite element method is very useful for analysis of multi-
storey structures, design of rigid pavements for roads, analysis of particle under various kind of
forces like seismic force, wind force etc. Various software’s of analyzing of civil structures are
based on FEM method of analysis like staad pro, etabs, ansys, sap etc. Many of important theorems
of engineering mechanics like Lami’s theorem, Varignon’s theorem, euler’s theorem etc. are the
key tools for analyzing of particles in rest or as well as in motion under the action of external
forces. Also in determining of various properties like area, volume, centroid, moment of inertia,
radius of gyration, slenderness ratio etc. of different sections like rectangle, triangle, circle and
compound section mathematics had played vital role.

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HOW MATHEMATICS USES IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
Civil engineering coursework involves the application of mathematical principles and skills to
real world problems. Classes such as
Structural analysis examine structures like trusses, beams and frames, and Concepts like
Virtual work, energy methods and influence lines. Mechanics of solids includes topics like internal
forces and deformation in solids, stresses and deflections in beams, and column theory and
analysis. Courses in fluid mechanics involve study of the properties of fluids, fluid dynamics and
dynamic similitude to analyze the flow of compressible and incompressible fluids in closed
conduits.

SOME OF THE MATHEMATICAL TOOLS THAT ARE USED IN CIVIL

ENGINEERING
1. Trigonometry
The branch of mathematics dealing with the relations of the Sides and angles of the
triangle and with the relevant function of any angles. Civil engineers use
trigonometry to calculate angles and elevation when a building is to be plan. Civil
engineers use Trigonometry often when surveying a structure. Surveying deals with
land elevations as well as the various angles of structures

What Are the Formulas for Heights and Distances?

Trigonometric ratios can be used to find heights and distances. Some useful relations are illustrated
by the below-given diagrams which help us to determine heights and distances.

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Example:
A man standing at a certain distance from a building, observe the angle of elevation of its top to
be 60∘60∘. He walks 30 yds away from the building. Now, the angle of elevation of the
building’s top is 30∘30∘. How high is the building?

Solution:
Let the height of the building be hh, and dd be the original distance between the man and the
building. The following figure depicts the given situation:

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2. Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Most civil engineering programs require courses in linear algebra and differential equations. These
courses are prerequisites for upper-division civil engineering courses.
Linear algebra, or matrix algebra, involves the study of solutions to systems of equations,
determinants and vector spaces, including function spaces, linear transformations and quadratic
forms.
Differential equations, is a more advanced mathematics course required by some civil engineering
programs. It includes topics like first-order differential equations, undetermined coefficients and
systems of linear differential equations, with a focus on applications to science and engineering.

Example: Consider a two dimensional truss

Assuming compressive forces, as shown, and some kind of arbitrary loads at each joint:

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3. Probability and Statistics
Measuring and analyzing risk is a key skill in engineering, and most civil engineering programs
require students take courses in probability and statistics to develop the skills and knowledge to
quantify risk and safety in their designs.
Courses in statistics cover topics like frequency interpretation of probability, probability theory,
discrete probability and combinatory, distribution and density functions, and sampling theory.
These courses also introduce the use of computer software to perform statistical analysis on the
kind of large data sets that are involved in engineering problems like primavera etc.

Example:
Fifteen lots of 100 sections each of 108-in. concrete pipe were tested for porosity.The number of
sections in each lot failing to meet the standards were:
Recored data for the number of sections fail to meet standards:

We classify and group the data:

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References:
1- Jain, M. (2017). Application of Mathematics in civil Engineering. International Journal of
Innovation in Engineering and Technology (IJIET), 8(3), 2319-1058.
2- Aung, A. A., & Wai, N. T. (2019). How Apply Mathematics in Engineering Fields

3- https://www.academia.edu/download/60494318/463_How_Apply_Mathema
tics_in_Engineering_Fields20190905-23816-1gj6q0y.pdf
4- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Waleed-Khan-
16/publication/326146404_On_the_performance_of_digital_image_processi
ng_technique_for_modeling_human_actions/links/5b3b20bbaca2720785053
ac5/On-the-performance-of-digital-image-processing-technique-for-
modeling-human-actions.pdf#page=334
5- https://turcomat.org/index.php/turkbilmat/article/view/2333

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