As I have already told you, I am a civil engineer and today I wanted to share with you a little about this interesting career.
Civil engineering is a branch of engineering which applies the knowledge of physics, chemistry, mechanics, mathematics, topography, hydraulics and geology for the development of structures (essentially buildings, hydraulic works, transport works such as roads, streets and bridges) , in general of large size and for public use, making use of constructive materials, such as concrete and steel.
The origin of Civil Engineering
The first men used some principles of engineering to get their food, skins in addition to build weapons such as hammers, axes, spearheads, among others. But the history of civil engineering starts from the period of time when man stopped being a nomad and lived in a fixed place to be able to grow his products and raise edible animals. When it is perceived that there were no caves that were sufficient for the number of people who needed them, there is a need to look for new forms of habitat, civil engineering being one of the oldest practices of humanity.
Of the great old buildings we can take as an example the pyramids of Egypt (built between 2400 and 2800 a.C.). However, it is pointed out that the first and greatest builders of civil engineering were the Roman civilizations, since these created great works such as: roads, aqueducts, dams, ports, sewers and bridges, which were the works that improved the quality of life of its inhabitants.
Why is it called Civil Engineering?
For several centuries the construction is left to the army, this for reasons of defense, and for this reason, the personnel of the armies had the most experience and knowledge on the subject of construction. These experts were called "military engineers" and were responsible for the construction of roads and works to supply water and other strategies directly related to the war, forming specialists with whom the rest of the population did not count
It was then in the year of 1750 when John Smeaton establishes the name of "Civil Engineer" to differentiate the "Military Engineers". This civil engineer developed the same activities as military engineers, but for service of the communities and not of the war.
Areas or branches of Civil Engineering
- Structural engineering
It is in charge of the analysis and study of the necessary structures for the construction of buildings, bridges, arches, dams, among others.
- Transportation Engineering
Its function is to study, design and analyze the routes of terrestrial and maritime communication. Among them can be named: ports, airports, terminals and railways.
- Sanitary Engineering
It develops the design of sewage systems, treatment plants for sewage and rainwater, water purification plants and systems to avoid environmental contamination.
- Hydraulic engineer
It is responsible for the detection of drinking water sources, design and construction of irrigation systems, dams, channels and distribution networks.
- Geotechnical Engineering
Its function is to study and analyze the soils and rocks, in which buildings, bridges, roads, dams or oil platforms will be built.
- Construction Engineering
It is based on the construction of all engineering designs. His specialty is the administration of technical resources.
And for you, what is the most important branch of civil engineering?
Greetings!
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