What is Civil Engineering?
Civil Engineering is a vast term with a number of specialisations and disciplines as part of the field. It can be confusing sometimes to think of what exactly a civil engineer does, and the term is myriad. A civil engineer creates, improves and protects the environment around us and in which we live, and are charged with the planning, designing and construction of building structures and facilities. Maintenance is also part of the job – and their work can include but is not limited to roads, railways, airports, bridges, harbours, dams, irrigation projects, power plants, water and sewerage systems. Most civil engineering in North Wales is the effort of firms which are employed by local authorities, contractors and consultancies, and their tasks are vital.
There are two types of civil engineers, consulting engineers who design projects and also provide advice to contractors and construction firms, and contracting engineers who turn these plans into reality and maintain structures after they are built. The term “civil” engineer was coined to distinguish it from military engineering.
Varying civil engineering specialisms include structures, transportation, environmental, maritime, geotechnical, hydraulic, sanitary and water. Some subjects, such as structural engineering are considered engineering disciples of their own right.
The official definition of civil engineering was coined by the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) in 2007: “Civil Engineering is a vital art, working with great sources of power in nature for the wealth and well-being of the whole of society. It’s essential feature is the exercise of imagination to engineer the products and processes, and develop the people needed to create and maintain a sustainable natural and built environment. It requires the board understanding of scientific principles, a knowledge of materials and the art of analysis and synthesis.” The definition then goes on to state that “It also requires research, team working, leadership and business skills. A civil engineer is one who practises all or part of this art.”
