Author: James Copestick, Person No.

362627

Built Environment Professions: Civil Engineering

In this essay I will be outlining the main tasks undertaken and the key skills required in civil engineering. Having looked into this role already I am aware that civil engineers have one of the broadest range of tasks in the construction industry; these are the people who ensure adequate and good quality facilities are provided for everyday life and keep our transport systems running smoothly. Many do not realise the extent of a civil engineers duties as there is such a wide array too many, in fact, to detail in this report alone. Their level of responsibility, however, should not be underestimated as in many cases it is the work of civil engineers that determine the overall safety of society. Civil engineers are required to use their knowledge to plan and supervise construction, using engineering principles to ensure safety. They must scrutinize the location of the proposed site and use this analysis to carefully plan the project to a timescale, and study each stage of the project from start to finish. Within the analysis, detailed reports must be submitted describing what is satisfactory and where amendments have to be made. Following this, plans must then be reviewed again until they are happy to start the project. During the course of construction the civil engineers will work carefully to meet deadlines without cutting corners, as safety and building regulations should always come first. Land-use laws, also, must be adhered to strictly in order to avoid unnecessary delays and expense.

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Civil engineers may also find themselves in a situation where their actions must be explained sometimes to members of the public who may not be happy with the construction that is underway close to their homes, for example. They are often the first port of call for questions regarding the development, not only to the public but also those working on site, and may have to support their answers with surveys or graphs. As well as the example above, the civil engineer must also be familiar with the application of mathematical equations/formulae especially in the design stage and calculating levels after surveying the site, for instance. They must be aware of the figures they will be using, and in many cases have knowledge of certain specific computer programmes e.g. CAD for accuracy and efficiency. Experience in use of land surveying equipment and other electrical testing instruments is also essential. There are certain qualities that are beneficial in the role of a civil engineer. Although not essential to complete the task in hand, possession of these qualities will result in the highest quality work output, as well as great job satisfaction. Communication skills, to start with, are high up in the list of quality attributes, as there is such a wide range of persons they need to correspond with in everyday work; construction workers on site, managers/heads of large companies or the general public, just to name a few in their network. The civil engineer, therefore, requires above average communication skills to liaise effectively. Analytical and problem solving skills are also beneficial for this role, since work and information on site will often come in various forms including maps, diagrams, charts and reports. An engineer lacking analytic skills will struggle in this situation and work inefficiently compared to one who possesses this trait. Problem solving competences will show their value daily when working as a civil engineer; no matter how much planning goes into a
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project, it is unlikely that completion will be achieved without coming across a number of setbacks that must be overcome quickly and efficiently. For example, a major problem may be encountered that halts all work, and a solution must be found to avoid the loss of valuable time and money. A key responsibility for the modern civil engineer is something that may not be very obvious for many, yet for those in the industry it is one of the most important facets; sustainability. The Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) define sustainability as meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of tomorrow (ICE 2009, About ICE: Sustainability, http://www.ice.org.uk/about_ice/aboutice_sustainability.asp Accessed 14 Jan 2010). In construction, civil engineers have the power to reduce the energy requirements of a structure by the way it is designed and built. For instance, introducing solar panels, quality insulation and low-energy lighting and heating all reduce the amount of fuel required for living hence reducing fossil fuel emissions, and furthermore protecting the wellbeing of future generations. Other simple ways to aid sustainability include use of resources found locally to site, reducing the use of vehicles, and recycling. An illustration of the outstanding impact civil engineering can have on sustainable development can be observed at BedZED, a housing complex in south east England where zero carbon-dioxide emissions and zero fossil energy development has been achieved using the methods described above. In order to recycle water in this community, an innovative sewage system comprising primarily of reed-bed was installed below the houses to supply the toilet flush. On a similar subject to this, the civil engineers pledge to protect the interest of future generations is being integrated more commonly in modern buildings, focussing on the use of energy services. Squires, Chalmers et al (2009) Decarbonising Buildings by Indirect Use of

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Gas and Biomass. Proceedings of the ICE Energy, 162(4), 169-181 states that we are moving towards using renewable and small-scale combined heat and power plants fuelled by heat and natural gas or biomass. The reduction in use of fossil fuels gives us the advantages as described above, however the point to be made here is that we now have to think more seriously about integrating this advancing technology into our modern structures. Although the use of these energy sources is currently limited, we are continually moving towards a greener built environment; the reality is that structures being planned now should be designed with intention to incorporate these technological advancements if we are to be considerate of our own future. The article goes on to state that: Infrastructure developments should also take into account the likely importance of decarbonised electricity and/or hydrogen in the future and not be locked into direct use of natural gas with its minimum emission limit of approximately 0.2kgCO2/kWh. This is highlighting the importance of evolution in civil engineering in terms of building design, not only to incorporate change but also allow for further developments in sustainable energy and ultimately put a stop to carbon dioxide emissions. The environment and waste management are another vital subject for the civil engineer, having briefly touched on this above. Designing the way waste is disposed of safely and removed from a structure are considered carefully; not only for household waste, but also chemical, biological, and other toxic waste. They may also find themselves in the situation where sites have become contaminated and must be cleaned, or dealing with industrial waste accidents. This requires specialist knowledge of the substances being dealt with and
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normally requires consultation with experts in this field, or even contact with the companies that produce the chemicals, etc. Another area in which civil engineers play a vital role is highways and transport. Quality transportation routes are essential to support the growing populations and economies of cities all around the world. Civil Engineers are involved with all manner of roads up to multilane motorways, and will be involved in many phases of the life of a highway, starting with the initial planning stage. Comprehensive designs must be drawn up with great concern to the effects that any work will have on the environment, and consideration of existing routes and road networks also taking high priority. Another main concern is the safety aspect of the project - meeting all guidelines set out for the wellbeing of road users when the route is opened, as well as additional risks presented when carrying out work on an open carriageway. With all this aside, there are many other remaining tasks including liaisons with clientele, contractual issues and supervision of work on site. It is extremely common for the civil engineers to have to revisit highways for maintenance due to the fact that roads only inherit a certain lifespan, and as safety laws continue to be revised, new features have to be installed/replaced over time. Many features of the transport side of the civil engineers role are similar to above, yet in my opinion delves slightly deeper into the engineering principles we are more aware of; a sound understanding of soil/ground condition is essential especially around the design of tunnels and bridges for instance. Essentially, those who have an expertise in transport engineering are responsible for the construction of anything to support a transport system or network; in this category we find tunnels, bridges, railway lines, etc. They aim to provide safety, efficiency, and work to minimise harmful consequences to the environment.

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Furthermore, comfort for passengers is becoming increasingly prioritised. Starting at the design stage, improvements in the laying/alignment of railway lines and junctions have a large effect on the passengers experience a minor misalignment results in an exaggerated movement of the carriage. Again, cooperation with clients and contractual agreements increase the list of the civil engineers responsibilities. Another area of interest for those working with transport is water/marine engineering. Civil engineers are also involved with construction along coastline this can include working on harbours, docks, flood protection, water distribution and again waste-water management. On these projects the civil engineer will often have to work with large teams of engineers and use complex, sophisticated equipment needed when working in and around water. Again, civil engineers may have to find solutions to environmental problems, and also have to consider divers, tourists, fishermen, etc. who may be inconvenienced whilst work is underway, and special consideration must be given for weather conditions, visibility and tides for the safety of this type of project. Civil engineers most commonly find employment within utilities companies, government bodies, architectural/building and obviously engineering firms. Nevertheless, with such skills as described above, many of those qualified as a civil engineer have alternative options including education and consulting, or even looking further afield there are opportunities to take a role in construction management, environmental engineering, urban planning etc. This is because the qualities required to achieve the title of a civil engineer are so valuable and sought-after. Hence, they have great prospects in a world of advancing technology and environmental change.

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To conclude, it has become extremely apparent over the course of this essay that civil engineers must have an excellent knowledge of the mechanics of structures, bridges and building requirements as well as the safety, planning and paperwork that comes hand in hand with their daily work. A firm grasp of mathematics and problem solving/analysis is required, along with the capability of being able to think of a prospective project in three dimensions, and being able to communicate effectively with a large variety of people throughout the development. The role of a civil engineer is suitable for those with a keen interest in structures/construction, whilst being able to think on their feet and co-operate with a team to solve problems that will inevitably occur. It is by far a laid-back occupation, and will often present a large degree of pressure or even stress. Nevertheless, for those with a passion in the industry, to look up at a completed structure of which one has made large contributions right from the planning stage, the rewards could not get much greater. References Anon (2005) About ICE: Sustainability [online] Available at: http://www.ice.org.uk/about_ice/aboutice_sustainability.asp [Accessed 14 Jan 2010] Squires, Chalmers et al (2009) Decarbonising Buildings by Indirect Use of Gas and Biomass. Proceedings of the ICE Energy, 162(4), 169-181 Bibliography http://www.exforsys.com/career-center/career-tracks/responsibilities-and-duties-of-a-civilengineer.html http://www.nce.co.uk/environmental-responsibility/821842.article http://www.ice.org.uk/about_ice/aboutice_sustainability.asp
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http://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/content/article/10.1680/ener.2009.162.4.169 http://www.science-engineering.net/civil3_engineering.htm http://degreedirectory.org/articles/What_Does_a_Civil_Engineer_Do.html

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