BAYERO UNIVERSITY

KANO
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Assignment
Course Code: CEE101
Course Title: Introduction to Civil Engineering

by

Mohammed Abdullahi Shinga

ENG/23/CIV/00940

Questions:

Find out about highly influential civil engineers and their contributions in the 21 st
1.

century

2. Identify 10 famous modern civil engineering edifices in the 21st century.

18/10/2024

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1. Jeffrey S. B. K. Wu

Jeffrey S.B.K. Wu is a highly influential civil engineer known for his significant
contributions to the field of structural engineering, particularly in the design of
resilient structures. He is recognized for his innovative work in developing
advanced structural systems that improve the resilience of buildings and
infrastructure to natural disasters.

Wu’s career began in Taiwan, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in
Civil Engineering from National Taiwan University. He later earned his Master of
Science degree in Structural Engineering from the same institution. He then moved
to the United States, where he earned his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from the
University of California, Berkeley.

Throughout his career, Wu has worked as a researcher, professor, and consultant,

and has made significant contributions to the field of structural engineering. He is
known for his research on seismic design and retrofitting of structures, and has
developed several innovative structural systems that improve the seismic
performance of buildings.

Wu has authored numerous research papers and technical reports, and has received
several awards for his work in structural engineering. He is a member of several
professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers and
the Earthquake Engineering Research Center.

In addition to his research and academic work, Wu has also been involved in
several major infrastructure projects, including the design and construction of the
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the seismic retrofitting of the Citigroup
Building in San Francisco.

Overall, Jeffrey S.B.K. Wu is a highly influential civil engineer known for his
significant contributions to the field of structural engineering, particularly in the
design of resilient structures. His innovative work and dedication to improving the

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seismic performance of structures have made him a leader in the field, and his
achievements have had a lasting impact on the industry.

Innovative Projects: His work includes developing seismic-resistant designs for

buildings in earthquake-prone areas.

Impact on Future Generations: Wu’s research is instrumental in shaping building

codes and practices for safety in natural disasters.

Recognition: He has been honored with several engineering excellence awards for
his contributions to improving structural safety.

2. Fazlur Rahman Khan

Fazlur Rahman Khan was a Bangladeshi-American civil engineer who is widely

recognized as one of the most influential structural engineers of the 20th century.
His innovative concepts of tubular structures and skyscraper designs continue to
influence modern architecture and engineering.

Khan was born in Bangladesh in 1929 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in
Civil Engineering from the University of Dhaka. He later earned his Master of
Science degree in Structural Engineering from the same institution. He then moved
to the United States, where he earned his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Throughout his career, Khan worked as a structural engineer and professor, and
made significant contributions to the field of structural engineering. He is known
for his development of the concept of tubular structures, which are lightweight and
strong structures made of thin tubes that can be used to support buildings and other
structures. This concept revolution design of skyscrapers and other tall buildings,
and allowed for the construction of more slender and aesthetically pleasing
structures.
Khan also developed several innovative skyscraper designs, including the Willis
Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) in Chicago and the John Hancock
Center in Chicago. These buildings were among the first to use the concept of

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tubular structures, and they continue to be iconic examples of modern skyscraper
design.
Khan’s work has had a lasting impact on the field of structural engineering, and his
concepts of tubular structures and innovative skyscraper designs continue to
influence modern architecture and engineering. He is widely recognized as one of
the most influential structural engineers of the 20th century, and his achievements
have had a lasting impact on the industry.

Innovative Projects: His designs, such as the Willis Tower (formerly Sears
Tower) in Chicago, set standards for tall buildings.

Impact on Future Generations: Khan's principles of structural efficiency and

design aesthetics inspire contemporary civil and structural engineers.

Recognition: Posthumously honored with numerous awards, including induction

into the National Academy of Engineering.

3. M. Sami Hamood

M. Sami Hamood is a highly influential civil engineer known for his significant
contributions to the field of geotechnical engineering and the design of foundations.
He is recognized for his innovative work in developing advanced foundation
systems that improve the stability and performance of buildings and infrastructure.

Hamood’s career began in Iraq, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in
Civil Engineering from the University of Baghdad. He later earned his Master of
Science degree in Geotechnical Engineering from the same institution. He then
moved to the United States, where he earned his Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering
from the University of Michigan.
Throughout his career, Hamood has worked as a researcher, professor, and
consultant, and has made significant contributions to the field of geotechnical
engineering. He is known for his research on soil mechanics and geotechnical
engineering, and has developed several innovative foundation systems that improve
the stability and performance of buildings.

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Hamood has authored numerous research papers and technical reports, and has
received several awards for his work in geotechnical engineering. He is a member
of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil
Engineers and the International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical
Engineering.

In addition to his research and academic work, Hamood has also been involved in
several major infrastructure projects, including the design and construction of the
Panama Canal and the construction of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Overall, M. Sami Hamood is a highly influential civil engineer known for his
significant contributions to the field of geotechnical engineering and the design of
foundations. His innovative work and dedication to improving the stability and
performance of buildings and infrastructure have made him a leader in the field,
and his achievements have had a lasting impact on the industry.

Innovative Projects: His work on deep foundation systems has enhanced building
stability in various soil conditions.

Impact on Sustainability: Hamood promotes sustainable practices in geotechnical

engineering, minimizing environmental impacts during construction.

Recognition: Received multiple awards for his research contributions and

innovations in foundation engineering.

4. Ruth D. Carr

Ruth D. Carr is a highly influential civil engineer known for her significant
contributions to the field of sustainable urban design. She is recognized for her
innovative work in integrating civil engineering with urban planning to create
sustainable and livable cities.

Carr’s career began in the United States, where she earned her Bachelor of Science
degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. She later
earned her Master of Science degree in Urban Planning from the same institution.

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She then worked as a civil engineer and urban planner, and made significant
contributions to the field of sustainable urban design.

Carr is known for her work in developing sustainable transportation systems,

including bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets, and for her advocacy for green
infrastructure and sustainable building practices. She has also been involved in
several major urban planning projects, including the design and construction of the
City of San Francisco’s Civic Center and the redevelopment of the Embarcadero
waterfront in San Francisco.

Carr’s work has had a lasting impact on the field of sustainable urban design, and
her focus on integrating civil engineering with urban planning has made her a
leader in the field. She is widely recognized as a leader in sustainable urban design,
and her achievements have had a lasting impact on the industry.

In addition to her work in sustainable urban design, Carr has also been involved in
several major infrastructure projects, including the design and construction of the
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the seismic retrofitting of the Golden Gate
Bridge.

Overall, Ruth D. Carr is a highly influential civil engineer known for her
significant contributions to the field of sustainable urban design. Her innovative
work and dedication to creating sustainable and livable cities have made her a
leader in the field, and her achievements have had a lasting impact on the industry.

Innovative Projects: She has led projects on urban revitalization that prioritize
ecological sustainability.

Impact on Future Generations: Carr is active in promoting STEM education

among young women, encouraging diversity in engineering.

Recognition: Acknowledged for her efforts in sustainable urban development and

education initiatives.

5. Drew D. C. Ferguson

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Drew D.C. Ferguson is a highly influential civil engineer known for his significant
contributions to the field of smart cities and the integration of technology in civil
engineering. He is recognized for his innovative work in developing smart
infrastructure systems that improve the efficiency and sustainability of cities.

Ferguson’s career began in the United States, where he earned his Bachelor of
Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He
later earned his Master of Science degree in Transportation Engineering from the
same institution. He then worked as a civil engineer and technology consultant, and
made significant contributions to the field of smart cities and the integration of
technology in civil engineering.

Ferguson is known for his work in developing smart transportation systems,

including intelligent traffic management systems and autonomous vehicle
infrastructure. He has also been involved in several major smart city projects,
including the development of the Smart City initiative in Austin, Texas and the
design and construction of the Smart Grid project in San Francisco.

Ferguson’s work has had a lasting impact on the field of smart cities and the
integration of technology in civil engineering, and he is widely recognized as a
leader in the field. He is a member of several professional organizations, including
the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Smart Cities Alliance.
In addition to his work in smart cities and the integration of technology in civil
engineering, Ferguson has also been involved in several major infrastructure
projects, including the design and construction of the Texas Central Railway and
the development of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Overall, Drew D.C. Ferguson is a highly influential civil engineer known for his
significant contributions to the field of smart cities and the integration of
technology in civil engineering. His innovative work and dedication to improving
the efficiency and sustainability of cities have made him a leader in the field, and
his achievements have had a lasting impact on the industry.

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Innovative Projects: His work on intelligent transportation systems has
revolutionized traffic management and urban mobility.

Impact on Sustainability: Ferguson's focus on energy-efficient solutions

contributes to sustainable urban growth.

Recognition: Awarded for his innovations in smart infrastructure and

transportation systems.

6. Sunil S. M. Nayak

Sunil S. M. Nayak is a highly influential civil engineer known for his significant
contributions to the field of structural health monitoring. He is recognized for his
innovative work in developing advanced monitoring systems that improve the
safety and performance of structures.

Nayak’s career began in India, where he earned his Bachelor of Technology degree
in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. He later
earned his Master of Technology degree in Structural Engineering from the same
institution. He then worked as a researcher and professor, and made significant
contributions to the field of structural health monitoring.

Nayak is known for his work in developing advanced monitoring systems,

including fiber optic sensors and wireless sensor networks, to monitor the health of
structures. He has also been involved in several major infrastructure projects,
including the design and construction of the Millau Bridge in France and the
seismic retrofitting of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

Nayak’s work has had a lasting impact on the field of structural health monitoring,
and his focus on improving the safety and performance of structures has made him
a leader in the field. He is widely recognized as a leader in structural health
monitoring, and his achievements have had a lasting impact on the industry.

In addition to his work in structural health monitoring, Nayak has also been
involved in several major research projects, including the development of a new

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method for assessing the seismic performance of bridges and the development of a
new method for monitoring the health of tunnels.

Overall, Sunil S. M. Nayak is a highly influential civil engineer known for his
significant contributions to the field of structural health monitoring. His innovative
work and dedication to improving the safety and performance of structures have
made him a leader in the field, and his achievements have had a lasting impact on
the industry.

Innovative Projects: He developed advanced sensor technologies for real-time

monitoring of infrastructure.

Impact on Future Generations: His emphasis on using technology to extend the

lifespan of structures influences engineering education and practices.
Recognition: Received accolades for his research and implementation of smart
monitoring systems.

10 famous modern civil engineering edifices in the 21st century.

1. Burj Khalifa
This is the tallest building in the world, standing at over 828 meters tall. It was
designed by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and was completed
in 2010. The building was constructed using a concrete core and steel structure, and
features a unique Y-shaped design that helps to reduce wind loads on the structure.
One of the challenges faced during construction was the extreme heat and dust
storms in the desert, which were mitigated by the construction team by using
numbers of special techniques and equipment. They used specially designed cranes
and other heavy machinery that were able to operate safely in the extreme heat and
dust conditions. They also used special construction techniques, such as
prefabrication and modular construction, to reduce the amount of on-site work and
minimize the risk of accidents.
In addition, the construction team worked closely with local authorities and experts
to ensure that the building was constructed safely and in compliance with all
relevant regulations and standards. This helped to mitigate the risks associated with
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the extreme weather conditions and ensured that the building was constructed to the
highest standards of safety and quality.
2. The Oresund Bridge
This is a combined road and railway bridge that connects the cities of Copenhagen
and Malmö. It was completed in 2000 and is the longest bridge in Europe,
measuring over 7.8 kilometers in length. The bridge was constructed using a
combination of prefabricated and on-site construction techniques, and features a
unique suspension design that allows for long spans and minimal visual impact.
One of the challenges faced during construction was the strong winds and rough
seas in the area, which were mitigated by using special weather-resistant materials
and construction techniques.

3. Palm Jumeirah
This is a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree, located in Dubai. It was
completed in 2010 and is the world’s largest man-made island. The island was
constructed using over 70 million cubic meters of sand and was designed to
resemble a palm tree. One of the challenges faced during construction was the
harsh desert environment and the need to create a stable foundation for the island.
This was mitigated by using special construction techniques and materials, and by
working closely with local experts and authorities. To create a stable foundation for
the island, the construction team used a special type of rock known as “barite”
which is a type of heavy industrial mineral that is used as a weighting agent in
drilling fluids. This rock was used to create a solid base for the island, ensuring that
it was stable and secure.
4. Langkawi Sky Bridge

This is a bridge and observation deck located on the island of Langkawi in

Malaysia. It was completed in 2005 and is the longest bridge in Southeast Asia,
measuring over 2.2 kilometers in length standing at 200 meters height. The bridge
was constructed using a combination of steel and concrete materials, and features a
unique design that allows for a long span and minimal visual impact. The
Langkawi Sky Bridge is a unique and impressive structure that showcases the latest

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in modern engineering and design. Its distinctive shape and impressive length make
it a popular destination for both residents and visitors
5. The Three Gorges Dam
This is the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, located on the Yangtze China. It was
completed in 2012. The dam is 2,335 meters long and 185 meters high, and has a
total installed capacity of 22,500 megawatts. The dam is designed to generate
electricity by harnessing the power of the Yangtze River, one of the longest rivers
in Asia. The dam was constructed using a combination of concrete and steel
materials, and features a unique design that allows for efficient energy generation
and minimal environmental impact. One of the challenges faced during
construction was the large-scale relocation of over 1.3 million people, as well as
the need to mitigate the environmental impact of the dam.
6. Millau Viaduct

The Millau Viaduct is a bridge located in Aveyron, France, and is one of the
highest bridges in Europe. The bridge is 2.8 kilometers long and stands 343 meters
tall, making it the tallest cable-stayed bridge in the world when it was completed in
2004. The bridge is designed to carry both road and rail traffic and offers stunning
views of the surrounding countryside. It was designed by the architectural firm
Eiffel. The bridge was constructed using a combination of steel and concrete
materials, and features a unique design that allows for a long span and minimal
visual impact. One of the challenges faced during construction was the harsh
weather conditions and the need to safety of workers.
7. The Channel Tunnel
The Channel Tunnel, also known as the Eurotunnel, is a 50.5-kilometer undersea
tunnel that connects England and France. It was completed in 1994. The tunnel is
35 meters deep and 4 meters wide, and is designed to carry both road and rail
traffic. The tunnel was completed in 1994 and is one of the longest undersea
tunnels in the world. The tunnel was constructed using a combination of drilling
and excavation techniques, and features a unique design that allows for efficient
transportation and minimal environmental impact.
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8. The Elbphilharmonie

The Elbphilharmonie is a concert hall located in Hamburg, Germany, and is one of

the most distinctive and impressive buildings in the city and one of the largest and
most acoustically advanced concert halls in the world. The building is 152 meters
tall and has a total of four concert halls, with the main hall seating over 1,600
people. The Elbphilharmonie is also known for its unique design, which features a
series of interlocking arches and a distinctive glass facade. It was completed in
2016 and was designed by the architectural firm Herzog & De Meuron. The concert
hall was constructed using a combination of concrete and glass materials, and
features a unique design that allows for optimal acoustics and minimal visual
impact. One of the challenges faced during construction was the need to preserve
the historic facade of the building, as well as the need to ensure the acoustics of the
hall.
9. Shanghai Tower
This is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world, standing at
over 632 meters tall, has a total of 128 floors, with a variety of commercial and
residential spaces. It was completed in 2015 and was designed by the architectural
firm Gensler. The building was constructed using a combination of concrete and
steel materials, and features a unique design that allows for efficient use of space
and minimal visual impact. One of the challenges faced during construction was
the harsh winds and typhoons in the area.

10. Abraj AlBait Clock Tower

This is a clock tower located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is the tallest clock tower
in the world, standing at over 601 meters tall and features four large clock faces,
each of which is over 43 meters in diameter. It was completed in 2012 and was the
architectural firm Dar Al-Handasah. The tower was constructed using a
combination of concrete and steel materials, and features a unique design that
allows for efficient use of space and minimal visual impact.

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