INTRODUCTION TO

CIVIL ENGINEERING
• BASIC UNDERSTANDING: WHAT IS CIVIL ENGINEERING/
INFRASTRUCTURE? BASICS OF ENGINEERING AND CIVIL
ENGINEERING; BROAD DISCIPLINES OF CIVIL ENGINEERING;
IMPORTANCE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, POSSIBLE SCOPES
FOR A CAREER
TUTORIALS

• DEVELOP A MATRIX OF VARIOUS DISCIPLINES AND

POSSIBLE ROLES FOR ENGINEERS IN EACH
WHAT IS CIVIL ENGINEERING/
INFRASTRUCTURE?
• CIVIL ENGINEERING IS A PROFESSIONAL A
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.
UNDERSTANDING CIVIL ENGINEERING
• Civil engineering is the improvement of civil society through the application of
scientific knowledge. Civil requirements in today’s society are focused on meeting
basic human needs and assisting people in their daily lives. These needs are met by
improving infrastructure and common utilities.

• Civil engineers understand the environment and how they can use it safely and
smartly to improve our quality of life. Environmental consideration ensures that all
structures and utilities they implement are safe, economical and environmentally-
sound. Education and skills are focused on understanding the environment and its
natural elements. Coupled with expertise in construction techniques and design skills
allows civil engineers to work on massive skyscrapers and bridges. The daily
activities of a civil engineer vary according to the industry they settle into. The most
common duties include design of structural elements, supervision of material
extraction and general project management. Generally they work as part of large
teams and will be sent out ‘on site’ to supervise and monitor the progress of a
project.
UNDERSTANDING CIVIL ENGINEERING
• As the civil world is so diverse, civil engineers have the most varied career
options out of all the major disciplines. They work on both the small and large
scale of construction and infrastructure. Opportunities exist for some to start
their own business and contract their services to private developers for large
projects.

• Students who excel at organizing and planning large projects are well suited to
this discipline. The civil course structure focuses on construction techniques,
environmental concerns and social impact. Compared with the other disciplines,
it is technically less challenging and broader in its content. If you strictly prefer
the calculation and mathematical side of things, chemical, electrical or
mechanical are more suitable. Civil engineers are very well rounded and are
educated in most areas of business and management. They tend to work on
larger projects as part of huge teams, with less opportunity for individual work.
 COMMON INDUSTRIES FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS
BELOW IS A LIST OF THE MOST COMMON INDUSTRIES
CIVIL ENGINEERS WORK IN. WITHIN EACH INDUSTRY
THERE IS A WIDE RANGE OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE
FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS.
• MINING AND DRILLING
• RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
• COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION
• URBAN PLANNING
• WATER AND GAS INFRASTRUCTURE
• SEWERAGE SYSTEMS
• RENEWABLE ENERGY
• TRANSPORTATION AGENCIES
• GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
CIVIL ENGINEERING SALARIES

• NOW THE IMPORTANT PART, HOW MUCH CIVIL ENGINEERS

GET PAID! ENGINEERS ARE PAID QUITE WELL, USUALLY
WELL ABOVE THE AVERAGE SALARY FOR MANY OTHER
PROFESSIONS. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THESE FIGURES
ARE NOT COMPARABLE BETWEEN COUNTRIES, ARE SUBJECT
TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME AND SHOULD BE USED ONLY AS
AN INDICATION OF AVERAGE SALARIES WITHIN EACH
DISCIPLINE.
SUB-DISCIPLINES OF CIVIL
ENGINEERING
THE SUB-DISCIPLINES OF CIVIL ENGINEERING ARE WELL
ESTABLISHED FIELDS WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH. A
GRADUATE MAJORING IN CIVIL ENGINEERING HAS
KNOWLEDGE IN MOST, IF NOT ALL OF THE SUB-DISCIPLINARY
AREAS. THEY DO NOT POSSESS EXPERTISE IN THESE SUB-
DISCIPLINES, ALLOWING THEM TO USUALLY LOOK AT THE BIG
PICTURE OF A PROJECT (LEADING TO MANAGEMENT
POSITIONS). IF YOU KNOW WHICH TYPE OF WORK OR FIELD
YOU WOULD MOST ENJOY, IT IS ADVISABLE TO CHOOSE THE
RELEVANT SUB-DISCIPLINE TO GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST
CHANCE OF SUCCESS.
ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING
• ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING IS A BROAD DISCIPLINE THAT INCLUDES
ALL METHODS IN BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. ARCHITECTURE
IS THE DESIGN OF BUILDINGS AND ARTIFICIAL STRUCTURES WITH A
LARGE EMPHASIS ON AESTHETICS. ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING
COMBINES BUILDING DESIGN AND AESTHETICS WITH A FOCUS ON
FUNCTIONALITY. THIS DISCIPLINE IS A MIX OF MANY OTHER DISCIPLINES
AND VARIES DEPENDING ON THE COUNTRY. ALL ARCHITECTURAL
ENGINEERS HAVE STRUCTURAL KNOWLEDGE AND AS WELL AS THE
CREATIVITY THAT ARCHITECTS ARE KNOWN FOR. GRADUATES MAY
SPECIALIZE IN ANY AREA OF COMMERCIAL BUILDING DESIGN SUCH AS
HEATING, VENTILATION, FIRE PROTECTION, ELECTRICAL OR ACOUSTICS.
SUPERVISION OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS IS A FUNDAMENTAL SKILL
OBTAINED IN THIS DISCIPLINE.
• PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION IS REQUIRED IN MOST COUNTRIES DUE
TO THE SPECIALIZED SKILL SET AND LIABILITY THAT ARCHITECTURAL
ENGINEERS ARE FACED WITH.
 CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING
• Construction engineering is the management and delivery of construction
projects. Construction is considered to be any building projects used for
residential or commercial applications. Civil engineers that are educated in the
field of construction management are classified as construction engineers.
They are required to plan construction activities, supervise structural elements
and inspect the building upon completion. Construction engineers work with
architects and engineering technicians on building design and on-site problem
solving. Construction engineers also compile reports which detail the cost
feasibility and estimation of the project.
• Use of computer aided design software is common, although not to the same
extent as a structural engineer. Construction engineers combine project
management skills and mathematical knowledge. Construction engineers may
specialise in residential housing, bridges, skyscraper, industrial warehouses or
any other infrastructure that exists. The health of the construction industry in
each country determines the demand for construction engineers. Their unique
skill set ensures that they are highly sought after in most countries.
EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING
• Earthquake engineering is a specialised field in geotechnical
engineering. Earthquakes are simply a series of vibrations in the
earth’s crust that potentially causes immense damage above the
earth’s surface. Engineering is applied to the study of earthquakes to
protect the environment and people from being harmed. It is
achieved by identifying areas that are at risk of earthquakes and by
using design and construction techniques to strengthen buildings.
Simulation and failure mode analysis helps engineers to design
structural elements that can withstand earthquake exposure without
major structural damage.
• Earthquake engineering is a small niche that provides opportunities
in a limited number of countries.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
• Ecological engineering is a specialised field in
environmental engineering. Ecology is about the
interaction between organisms and their environment,
called ecosystems. The engineering of ecosystems
centres on their construction and maintenance. Engineers
can either focus on natural ecosystem maintenance or the
construction of artificial ecosystems. Fish living in a lake
is an example of a natural ecosystem. An engineer will
consider the health of the fish and the impact of factors
such as water quality and bacteria levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
• Environmental engineering is used to create strategies to protect and improve the
environment. The environment includes everything created by nature (air, water,
flora and fauna). Engineering is used to maintain the quality of water, air and land.
This discipline is civil engineering with an emphasis on sustainable practice, methods
and results. Environmental engineers implement strategies to deal with pollution,
waste management and noise levels. They conduct case studies and then create plans
to prevent natural disasters and pollution. Most of their work is completed in an
office, with a big emphasis on data analysis and statistics. Unlike other civil
engineering disciplines, environmental engineers rarely use design or simulation
software. Due to the complex environmental laws, graduates of this discipline tend to
have a better handle on ethics and social problems. You must have a passion for the
environment to work in this field.
• Environmental engineers are wanted for government projects and by parks
departments. Some private companies utilize environmental engineers if their
activities have a potential adverse effect on the natural environment. Consultancy
work is another possibility, with many research positions opening up across
universities.
FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING
• Fire protection engineering is a specialised field in environmental
engineering. Fire safety relates to all factors that affect the safety of humans
in the event of a fire. Fire safety engineering creates plans and tactics for
reducing smoke and fire damage in houses, buildings and cities. Fire safety
engineers work closely with architects and builders during the design phase
of a building. Alarm systems, stairwells, insulation and ventilation are the
main concerns for fire safety in an enclosed space. First aid and additional
safety courses are needed along with the bachelor’s degree for a graduate
to begin working in industry.
• Fire safety engineers are employed by construction and development
companies. There is the option for engineers to become inspectors, who
determine the causes and probable preventions of a fire accident.
 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
• Geotechnical engineering is the practical application of geology. Geology
comprises the dynamic and physical history of the earth including the rocks,
minerals and elements it is made of. Application of this field occurs with an
understanding of materials and construction techniques. Geotechnical
engineering investigates the quality of land and how structures can be
constructed within it.
• Engineers use their understanding of earth materials to determine the
appropriate supports and foundations needed for massive buildings. Firstly, they
undertake a feasibility study of a site by testing for soil quality, ground slope and
rock features. They also design foundations and put measures in place to
prevent natural hazards such as earthquakes. As with all civil disciplines,
geotechnical engineers consider sustainable practices when investigating and
planning any construction. Graduates have a broad skill set that includes
economic and project management capability.
• Many career positions exist in the mining and petroleum industries due to the
reliance on steel and fuel in modern society. Geotechnical engineers are highly
paid and are able to specialize into mining or earthquake engineers.
HIGHWAY ENGINEERING
• Highway engineering is a specialized field within
transportation engineering. Highways are a major feature of
any industrialized country. This discipline considers the
design of the roads themselves, as well as their relation to
pedestrians. Highway engineers study the traffic volumes
and patterns to determine strategies to prevent collisions
and damage to the road structures. They design highway
systems with the aim of optimizing traffic flow and safety for
all vehicles that travel through them. A new area of focus
for this discipline is intelligent transport systems that will
eventually revolutionize the way humans travel day to day.
HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
• Hydraulic engineering is a specialized field in environmental engineering.
Hydraulic systems are operated or fueled by the pressure of fluid (water,
oil etc.). Hydraulic engineering deals with the technical challenges
involved with water infrastructure and sewerage design. This discipline is
really all about fluid flow and how it behaves in large quantities. The main
focus is on the design of water storage and transport facilities. Dams,
channels, canals and lakes are all used to store and control water.
Machinery which uses hydraulic power is also designed by engineers in
this discipline. Daily activities include designing structural elements that
can withstand intense water pressure.

• Hydraulic engineers use fluid dynamics theory to predict how flowing

water interacts with its surroundings. Students learn how to use
computational fluid dynamics software packages which allow for complex
simulations of fluid flow. Typically, hydraulic engineers are required by
utility companies for storm water and sewerage maintenance.
COASTAL AND OCEAN ENGINEERING
THIS BRANCH OF CIVIL ENGINEERING INVOLVES MONITORING
COASTAL AREAS AND TAKING ADEQUATE STEPS TO PROTECT
THEM FROM SEA STORMS, FLOODING AND EROSION. THESE
PROFESSIONALS ALSO HAVE A HAND IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF
VARIOUS SEA PORT FACILITIES.
MATERIALS ENGINEERING
THIS BRANCH OF EXPERTS HAS TO ENSURE THE QUALITY AND
DURABILITY OF A VAST VARIETY OF MATERIALS USED IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF DIFFERENT EDIFICES. MATERIAL ENGINEERS
USUALLY DEAL WITH MATERIALS SUCH AS CEMENT,
CONCRETE, CONCRETE ADDITIVES, METALS AND ALLOYS,
POLYMERS AND PAINTS.
 MINING ENGINEERING
• Mining engineering is a specialised field in geotechnical engineering. Mining
is the act of extracting coal and metal bearing rocks and minerals (ore) from
mines. Mining engineering deals exclusively with the extraction and
processing of ore, unlike geotechnical which can consider any aspect of earth
materials. A mining engineer is used from the discovery of mineral deposits to
design and analyse the mining site. Mining engineers are mostly in offices
where they analyse data from drilling and geological reports before planning
and designing the site. Occasionally they will visit the site either to supervise
or inspect the progress of a project. Students are trained in CAD and finite
element software, where they learn mechanical design skills to solve
problems.
• One downside is the remote location of mining sites, usually requiring lengthy
travel and extended working time (such as 8 days on, 8 days off work).
Mining engineers are amongst the highest paid in the world and are multi-
skilled in many areas of engineering
RAILWAY ENGINEERING
• RAILWAY ENGINEERING IS A SPECIALIST FIELD IN
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING. RAILWAYS ARE DESIGNED
EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE MOVEMENT OF TRAINS TO TRANSPORT
PEOPLE AND/OR FREIGHT. THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND
OPERATION OF TRAINS AND RAIL SYSTEMS ARE ALL DEALT
WITH IN THIS DISCIPLINE. RAILWAY ENGINEERS POSSESS
MECHANICAL DESIGN SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE OF
PROPULSION SYSTEMS THAT ALLOWS THEM TO DESIGN TRAIN
VESSELS. RAILWAY ENGINEERS ARE FREQUENTLY ON SITE,
EITHER SUPERVISING THE RAIL SYSTEM OR IN A ‘HANDS ON’
CAPACITY.
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
• TRAFFIC ENGINEERING IS A SUB-SET OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING.
TRAFFIC SPECIFICALLY REFERS TO THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND
VEHICLES, USUALLY THROUGH ROADS AND HIGHWAYS. TRAFFIC
ENGINEERS MODIFY THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF ROAD DESIGN TO
MAXIMISE TRAFFIC FLOW AND REDUCE CONGESTION. ROAD GEOMETRY,
TRAFFIC LIGHTS, ROAD SIGNS AND PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS ARE ALL
RELATED AND OPTIMIZED TO ACHIEVE ONE COMMON GOAL; REDUCING
TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN A SAFE MANNER. SKILLS USED ON A DAILY BASIS
BY TRAFFIC ENGINEERS INCLUDE DATA ANALYSIS PROBLEM SOLVING
SKILLS WHEN ASSESSING TRAFFIC AND ACCIDENT REPORTS.
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING
• Transportation engineering is dedicated to the improvement of transportation
vehicles and logistics. Transportation of people, goods and structures are all
targeted by this discipline. Engineering of transportation activity is divided by
managing the current systems and researching new technologies to improve
transport in industrialized countries. Engineers in this field spend most of their
time planning and managing the various tasks that come together to make
transport occur. They cast an eye to the future and consider the needs of society
and how transport will affect their lives.
• Graduates are trained in identifying structural integrity of roads and obtain a
basic understanding of vehicle propulsion and maintenance. You have the
option of specialising in a mode of transport such as air, road, pedestrian or rail.
The sub-disciplines of transportation engineering cater for these modes;
highway, traffic and railway. Many government bodies employ transport
engineers to work on projects and safety investigations. Private transportation
companies also hire teams of engineers to maintain efficiency and reduce the
costs of their vehicles and systems.
WATER RESOURCE ENGINEERING
• Water resource engineering is the study of water throughout the
world. Water resources include drinking water and any water that
must be stored or distributed from one place to another. This
discipline is really all about fluid flow and how it behaves in large
quantities. This discipline considers the quality and logistics of all
water systems used the world. It differs from hydraulic
engineering which considers the technical aspects of storing and
channelling water. Engineers plan and manage the tasks that are
required to maintain water quality. They ensure water can be
channelled where it is needed in a safe and efficient way.
Common projects include wetland restoration, stormwater and
sewerage system design and planning.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
• Structural engineering focuses on the design of structures that are required
to withstand loads and environmental elements. Structures can be
categorized into houses, buildings and monuments. All of these structures
are composed of a number of components arranged to use the fewest
amount of material possible to produce the most stable construction.
Collaboration with architects is required on most structural applications.
Architects provide the external design and aesthetic appeal, while the
engineers design the internal skeleton and foundations to ensure the building
does not collapse.
• Structural engineers prepare drawings and specifications of the structural
elements. They have an exceptional understanding of materials and their
properties, allowing them to select the best ones for every situation.
Graduates possess fundamental design skills and require in-depth
knowledge of building codes and regulations. Most opportunities are present
in commercial and industrial construction companies. Many experienced
structural engineers have their own consulting businesses.
SCOPE FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS AFTER
GRADUATION
• When planning to find a career in a conventional and promising branch of engineering,
civil engineering is one of the most sought-after options among students. If you are one
of them, the following post offers information about the scope in civil engineering,
career prospects, and other career suggestion. Keep reading...Civil engineering is one
of the oldest engineering specializations. Jobs varying from planning, implementation,
and designing of a wide range of structural activities are available for civil engineers
after graduation.

• A career after civil engineering is highly rewarding. There are jobs that involve
supervision, construction, design and analyzes of private as well as public projects,
such as dams, highways, canals, water sewages and bridges. The profession demands
excellent skills for both administration and supervision of projects. Excellence and
responsibility are important factors associated with the job. There is a civil engineer
involved in its construction. Isn’t it interesting!
CAREER OUTLOOK
• A CAREER AS A CIVIL ENGINEER OFFERS SEVERAL
LUCRATIVE JOB AVENUES IN BOTH PUBLIC &
PRIVATE SECTOR. SOME POPULAR OPTIONS INCLUDE
CONSULTING FIRMS, RAILWAYS, DEFENCE FORCE,
AND MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS. CIVIL
ENGINEERING INCLUDES DIFFERENT
SPECIALIZATIONS SUCH AS CONSTRUCTION, GEO-
TECHNICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, COASTAL AND
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING. THE AIM OF
EVERY GRADUATE IS TO GET A HIGHLY PAID JOB.
EXPERIENCE PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN INFLUENCING
YOUR SALARY PACKAGE.
A PROMISING FUTURE
• TODEFINE THE FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR CIVIL
ENGINEERING GRADUATES IN INDIA, LUCRATIVE
OPPORTUNITIES CAN BE EXPECTED IN
CONSTRUCTION, ENERGY, AND POWER SECTOR. IN
FACT, CIVIL ENGINEERING IS ONE BRANCH OF
ENGINEERING THAT HAS LESSER UNEMPLOYMENT
RATE THAN THE OTHER BRANCHES.
THERE ARE SEVERAL FIELDS IN THIS BRANCH,
WHICH WILL OFFER MAXIMUM SCOPE. THESE
INCLUDE:
DESIGNING:
• FOR FINDING A DESIGNING CAREER IN CIVIL
ENGINEERING, EXCELLENT ACADEMIC RECORD AND
EXPERIENCE IS IMPORTANT. KNOWLEDGE OF CIVIL
ENGINEERING SOFTWARE SUCH AS AUTOCAD, STAAD
PRO V8I, AUTOTUM, ,TOPOCAD ,ABAQUS, MATLAB, ETAB,
NASTRAN,NISA, MIKE 21, MODFLOW, REVIT, TEKLA,
AUTOCAD,…GEOSTUDIO, EDUSHAKE, MSP, PRIMAVERA,
ARCGIS, VISSIM, …MAKES YOU MORE EMPLOYABLE.
PLANNING
• IF YOU POSSESS EXCELLENT PLANNING SKILLS, CHOOSING A
CAREER IN PLANNING OR PROJECT MANAGEMENT IS A GOOD
OPTION. PLANNING ENGINEERS FIND HUGE DEMAND IN
CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES. KNOWLEDGE OF SOFTWARE
SUCH AS MS PROJECT AND PRIMAVERA CAN BE HELPFUL IN
THIS FIELD.
CONSTRUCTION:
JOB AS A PROJECT OR CONSTRUCTION ENGINEER OFFERS
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN CONSTRUCTION FIELD, INCLUDING
ROAD AND INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION. IT IS CONSIDERED A
CHALLENGING JOB AND INCLUDES EXECUTION OF MEGA
PROJECTS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS.
OTHERS: If you are looking for consulting or management roles, it is
important to gain work experience of at least five or more years under a
qualified engineer. This prepares you to understand the industry requirement.
Moreover, those who want to start their own company, it is mandatory to get
a license to render your services. Hence, the scope of civil engineering is
bright in India and across the globe. Once you have earned an engineering
degree in the field from any reputed college, finding a job is not a herculean
task.
HOW TO IMPROVE JOB PROSPECTS?
• IF YOU ARE AN ENTHUSIASTIC ENGINEER LOOKING TO DEVELOP MORE
PRACTICAL SKILLS, IT IS PROVEN THAT GETTING HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
ON MULTIPLE PROJECTS WILL HELP YOU ACQUIRE SKILLS THAT IS MUCH
NEEDED FOR GETTING CORE JOBS. BUILDING PROJECTS AND LEARNING
WHILE YOU DEVELOP THE PROJECTS IS ONE OF THE IMPORTANT
PROSPECT THAT YOU NEED TO LOOK INTO FOR GETTING CORE JOB.
• FOR THIS, WE AT SKYFI LABS HAVE DEVELOPED PROJECT-BASED
COURSES ON VARIOUS STREAMS TO HELP YOU ACQUIRE THE
NECESSARY EXPERIENCE. YOU CAN CHOOSE PROJECTS
IN CIVIL, ROBOTICS, ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONICS, MECHANICAL, MECHAT
RONICS
DEMAND AND SUPPLY

• IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, THE DEMAND FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS HAS EXCEEDED
THE SUPPLY. THE GROWTH IN ECONOMY AND EXCEEDING DEMAND FOR WELL
QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED CIVIL ENGINEERS HAS RESULTED IN TOWERING
PAY LEVELS. SHORTAGE OF 7,000 CIVIL ENGINEERS IS WITNESSED BY INDIA
EVERY YEAR. THEREFORE, NO CIVIL ENGINEER CAN GO WITHOUT A JOB AFTER
HIS GRADUATION. AS A CIVIL ENGINEER, GOOD JOB OPPORTUNITIES WILL
AWAIT AT YOUR DOORSTEP.