Civil Engineers

Civil engineers use their knowledge of materials science, engineering theory, mechanical engineering, and mathematics to devise, construct, and maintain our physical surroundings. They apply their understanding of other branches of science—such as hydraulics, geology, and physics—to design the optimal blueprint for the project.

Feasibility studies are conducted by surveying and mapping engineers to determine the best sites and approaches for construction. They extensively investigate the chosen sites to verify that the ground and other surroundings are appropriate for the proposed project. These engineers use sophisticated equipment, such as satellites and other electronic instruments, to measure the area and conduct underground probes for bedrock and groundwater. They determine the optimal places where explosives should be blasted in order to cut through rock.

Many civil engineers work strictly as consultants on projects, advising their clients. These consultants usually specialize in one area of the industry, such as water systems, transportation systems, or housing structures. Clients include individuals, corporations, and the government. Consultants devise an overall design for the proposed project, perhaps a nuclear power plant commissioned by an electric company. They estimate the cost of constructing the plant, supervise the feasibility studies and site investigations, and advise the client on whom to hire for the actual labor involved. Consultants are also responsible for such details as accuracy of drawings and quantities of materials to order.

Other civil engineers work mainly as contractors and are responsible for the actual building of the structure; they are known as construction engineers. They interpret the consultants' designs and follow through with the best methods for getting the work done, usually working directly at the construction site. Contractors schedule the work, buy the materials, maintain surveys of the progress of the work, and choose the machines and other equipment used for construction. During construction, these civil engineers supervise workers and make sure the work is completed correctly and efficiently. After the project is finished, they set up a maintenance schedule and periodically check the structure for a certain length of time. Later, the task of ongoing maintenance and repair is often transferred to local engineers.

Civil engineers may be known by their area of specialization. Transportation engineers, for example, are concerned mainly with the construction of highways and mass transit systems, such as subways and commuter rail lines. When devising plans for subways, engineers are responsible for considering the tunneling that is involved. Pipeline engineers are involved with the movement of water, oil, and gas through miles of pipeline. Other specialties include coastal engineering, structural, environmental, geotechnical, architectural, and engineering mechanics.