CIVIL ENGINEERING
ORIENTATION
Submitted by: John Paul L. Lobesto
History of Civil Engineering:
The history of civil engineering is a mirror of the history of human beings on this earth. Man
used the old shelter caves to protect themselves of weather and harsh environment, and used a
tree trunk to cross the river, which being the demonstration of ancient age civil engineering.
The earliest practices of Civil engg may have commenced between 4000 and 2000 BC in Ancient
Egypt and Mesopotamia (Ancient Iraq) when humans started to abandon a nomadic existence,
thus causing a need for the construction of shelter. During this time, transportation became
increasingly important leading to the development of the wheel and sailing.
Until modern times there was no clear distinction between civil engg and architecture, and the
term engineer and architect were mainly geographical variations referring to the same person,
often used interchangeably. The construction of Pyramids in Egypt (circa 2700-2500 BC) might
be considered the first instances of large structure constructions.
Around 2550 BC, Imhotep, the first documented engineer, built a famous stepped pyramid for
King Djoser located at Saqqara Necropolis. With simple tools and mathematics he created a
monument that stands to this day. His greatest contribution to engineering was his discovery of
the art of building with shaped stones. Those who followed him carried engineering to
remarkable heights using skill and imagination.
Ancient historic civil engineering constructions include the Qanat water management system
(the oldest older than 3000 years and longer than 71 km,)
-Parthenon by Iktinos in Ancient Greece (447-438 BC),
-Appian Way by Roman engineers (c. 312 BC), the
-Great Wall of China by General Meng T'ien under orders from Ch'in Emperor Shih Huang
Ti (c. 220 BC)
-stupas constructed in ancient Sri Lanka like the Jetavanaramaya and the extensive
irrigation works in Anuradhapura.
The Romans developed civil structures throughout their empire, including especially
aqueducts, insulae, harbours, bridges, dams and roads.
Other Historical Structures:
- Sennacherib's Aqueduct (691 BC)
- Li Ping's irrigation projects in China (around 220 BC)
- Julius Caesar's Bridge (55 BC)
- Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct, 19 BC)
Machu Picchu: Built around 1450, an engineering marvel with advanced water and stone
systems.
Vitruvius' De Architectura: Published in 1 AD, a guide for building projects.
Medieval Construction: Artisans like stonemasons and carpenters carried out architectural
design. Knowledge was retained in guilds.
Archimedes: Pioneered a scientific approach to engineering with principles like buoyancy and
the Archimedes' screw.
The term "civil engineering" emerged in the 18th century to distinguish civilian projects from
military ones. Key early developments include the establishment of the first engineering school,
The National School of Bridges and Highways in France (1747), and the work of John Smeaton,
considered the first self-proclaimed civil engineer. The professionalization of the field
advanced significantly with the founding of the Institution of Civil Engineers in London in 1818,
which later received a Royal Charter in 1828, formally defining civil engineering as the
application of physical and scientific principles for various structures and infrastructure.
In the United States, civil engineering education began with Norwich University, the first
private college to teach the subject in 1819. The first civil engineering degree was awarded by
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1835. Notably, the field saw a significant milestone in 1905
when Nora Stanton Blatch became the first woman to earn a civil engineering degree from
Cornell University.
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Types of engineering specialization
1. Structural engineering
Structural engineering students learn how to design large structures and ensure they can stay
functional during high winds and natural disasters, like earthquakes. They study the
gravitational properties of a structure to determine how much weight they can handle, as this
step allows them to create support mechanisms through beams and columns. It's important for
these students to take courses on other physical science topics, including kinetics, shock waves
and airflow. After they graduate from a program, they can further specialize in building, bridge
design or aircraft engineering.
Examples of projects that a structural engineering graduate might conduct:
Bridge design, Site inspection, Home improvements, Foundation development, Vehicle and
airplane design, and Skyscraper design.
2. Geotechnical engineering
Geotechnical engineering is a specialization that involves the study of rocks, soil and any
artificial materials that support a system. For example, a graduate may coordinate the
construction of an underground mining facility. It's important for geotechnical students to learn
about the chemical properties of earth materials, as different types of rock may require
different building techniques. When completing their degree, students often study water and
soil interactions, plus how to design pavement structures and predict whether a natural slope
can handle the additional weight.
Here are some examples of projects for a geotechnical engineering graduate:
Water tank reservoir systems, Sewer tunnel systems, Pavements and roads, Natural
embankments, Historical monument restoration, and Soil sampling and testing.
3. Environmental engineering
Environmental engineering students learn how to reduce the overall impact of an artificial
system on the world's ecosystem and manage natural resources for a construction project.
They typically study the chemical properties of water, soil and air so they can design technical
mechanisms that solve pollution issues. After they graduate, they may help companies improve
the sustainability of their facilities and advise legislators on environmental policies. Their
projects often result in the production of green energy, which is a renewable power source
from natural occurrences like sunlight or water.
Examples of projects for an environmental engineering graduate:
Solid waste management, Recycling systems, Water treatment, Drainage systems, Crop
irrigation, and Facility investigation.
4. Transportation engineering
In a transportation engineering specialization, students learn how to design networking systems
that individuals use for traveling purposes, including railroads, subways, airways and seaways.
They study how to develop infrastructure to help people move between locations safely and
efficiently, including pathway plans. Transportation engineering students also learn how to
modify natural environments to plan transportation systems, like an artificial canal. When
taking coursework, students typically study physical science properties like applied force and
lateral force, which involves how earthquakes or wind storms may affect a system's durability.
Here are some examples of projects a transportation engineering graduate might complete:
Airport design, Traffic monitoring systems, Automated public transit, Bicycle path development,
Road access management, Pedestrian bridges.
5. Water resources engineering
Water resources engineering involves developing infrastructure for safe drinking water in towns
and cities. Students learn the hydrologic cycle, which is how water molecules move between
the atmosphere and the earth over time. They use this knowledge of natural systems to design
water sanitation facilities and artificial lakes or ponds. This civil engineering specialization also
involves hydraulics, which refers to how water moves through pipes and channels through
natural forces in physical science.
Consider the following examples of projects a water resources engineering graduate might
complete:
Irrigation systems, Water distribution centers, Fishing facilities, Waterways, Plant nurseries,
Flood protection facilities.
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Code of Ethics for Civil Engineers
Ethical Principles
Ever cognizant of the profound interrelationship of their profession with both human
Nature, civil engineers shall work for the development of technology, deepen and
consolidate
the their knowledge, contribute by means of their wisdom, skills, and virtues to both
peace and prosperity of the people and the nation and to the welfare and sustainable
development of the humanity.
It shall be considered unprofessional and inconsistent with honorable and dignified bearing for
any registered Civil Engineer:
To act for his clients* in professional matters otherwise than as a faithful agent or trustee, or to
accept any remuneration other than his stated charges for services rendered to his clients.
To attempt to injure falsely or maliciously, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation,
prospects, or business of another Engineer.
To attempt to supplant another Engineer after definite steps have been taken toward his
employment.
To compete with another Engineer for employment on the basis of his professional charges, by
reducing his usual charges and in his manner attempting to underbid after being informed of
the charges named by another.
To review the work of another Engineer for the same client, except with the knowledge or
consent of such Engineer or unless the connection of such Engineer with the work has been
terminated.
To advertise in self-laudatory language, or in any other manner derogatory to the dignity of the
Profession.
To use the advantages of a salaried position to compete unfairly with Engineers in private
practice.
To act in any manner or engage in any practice which will tend to bring discredit on the honor
or dignity of the profession of civil engineering.
CODE OF ETHICS FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS
Fundamental Principles
Civil engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of the civil engineering
profession by:
1. using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare and the environment;
2. being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the public, their employers and clients;
3. striving to increase the competence and prestige of the civil engineering profession; and
4. supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.
Fundamental Canons
1. Civil Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and shall
strive to comply with the principles of sustainable development in the performance of their
professional duties.
2. Civil Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.
3. Civil Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
4. Civil Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents
or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest.
5. Civil Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall
not compete unfairly with others.
6. Civil Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity, and
dignity of the civil engineering profession.
7. Civil Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers, and
shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those civil engineers under
their supervision.
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TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGY
Digital & Data-Driven Technologies
•Building Information Modeling (BIM):
-A collaborative digital design process that creates detailed 3D models, improving
prefabrication, modularization, and overall project planning.
•Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning:
-Used for optimizing designs, predictive maintenance of infrastructure, and enabling data-
driven decision-making throughout a project.
•Drones (UAVs):
-Employed for land assessment, site surveying, project monitoring, and inspections, providing
safe and efficient data collection.
•Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
-Integrated to analyze and visualize spatial data, enhancing project planning and site
assessment.
Innovative Construction Methods
•Modular Construction & Prefabrication:
-Building components off-site in factories and assembling them on-site, significantly reducing
construction time and costs.
•3D Printing:
-Allows for the rapid, custom construction of structures, including houses and bridges, with
reduced waste and labor.
Advanced Materials & Sustainability
•Advanced Materials:
Development and use of innovative materials, such as self-healing concrete, to improve
structural longevity and performance.
•Green Building Materials:
Focus on materials with a reduced environmental impact, contributing to sustainable
construction practices.
•Renewable Energy Integration & Net-Zero Buildings:
Designing structures that produce or consume minimal energy by incorporating renewable
sources like solar and geothermal systems.
Smart Infrastructure & Monitoring
•Intelligent Infrastructure:
-Sensor-infused infrastructure that allows for real-time data collection and AI-driven predictive
maintenance.
•Structural Monitoring and Assessment:
-Ongoing monitoring of structures to ensure safety and assess performance over time, often
using sensor networks.
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SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Most Civil Engineering projects involve a modification of the soil and its properties. For this
reason, in all phases of execution, respecting the environment is essential to preserve
biodiversity and the conservation of the environment.
The environmental impact of construction
As we mentioned, any type of construction, from the construction of roads to buildings, can
have negative effects on the environment. In this sense, both the effects produced during
construction and those caused by the structure itself must be taken into account:
Air and water pollution: Any type of construction can generate greenhouse gas emissions and
polluting particles that can affect both air and water quality. Ultimately, they can also have a
negative impact on the environment and human health.
Erosion and landslides: A building project usually requires the removal of earth and rock, which
can lead to erosion and landslides.
Destruction or deterioration of natural habitats: Some civil engineering projects may require
the felling of trees and the affectation of natural areas, which can undermine biodiversity.
Aspects of Sustainable Civil Engineering
Environmental Stewardship:
Resource Conservation: Reducing the consumption of raw materials by minimizing waste,
reusing materials, and utilizing recycled content in construction.
Energy Efficiency: Designing energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure, promoting low-
carbon electricity sources, and implementing passive design strategies.
Pollution Reduction: Mitigating air and water pollution through responsible waste
management, effective wastewater treatment, and other control measures.
Biodiversity Enhancement: Protecting and improving natural habitats and ecosystems affected
by infrastructure development.
Economic Viability:
Cost-Effectiveness: Designing for durability and extending the lifespan of structures to reduce
demolition and reconstruction costs.
Circular Economy Principles: Fostering resource efficiency and promoting the reuse, recycling,
and repurposing of materials throughout a project's lifecycle.
Social Responsibility:
Community Support: Planning projects that enhance communities, improve public health, and
provide access to essential services.
Green Building Certifications: Adhering to green building standards like LEED or BREEAM to
ensure environmentally responsible designs.
Improved Transportation: Designing active transportation corridors to promote walking and
cycling, which reduces reliance on cars and lowers associated emissions.
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Reference:
https://www.scribd.com/document/479981121/CE-401-Module-1
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/civil-engineering-specialization
https://www.scribd.com/archive/plans?slideshare=true
https://www.startus-insights.com/-guide/civil-engineering-industry-trends/
https://www.socotec.es/en/engineering-blog/importance-environmental-impact-assessment-
civil engineering#:~:text=Green%20infrastructure%20refers%20to%20a,drainage%20systems
%20and%20conservation%20areas.
https://www.scribd.com/presentation/477769224/Civil-Engineering-Sustainability-and-the-
Future
https://www.scribd.com/presentation/477769224/Civil-Engineering-Sustainability-and-the-
Future#:~:text=Civil%20engineering%20plays%20a%20key,change%2C%20and%20increasing
%20resource%20demands.
