Overview of civil engineering

UNIT – I

Chapter - 1

OVERVIEW OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

“Scientists discover the world that exists!

Engineers create the world that never was!!”

CIVIL ENGINEERING - AN INTRODUCTION

Engineering

What is Engineering? Engineering started as an art and developed into a science. Engineering is the profession in which knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences gained by study, experience and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways and means to utilize economically the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of the human race. Thus, engineering is primarily a creative activity aimed at satisfying human needs, by directing the great sources of power in Nature.

Engineering and civilization are closely related and each stimulates and advances the other. Sometimes, engineering accomplishments have stemmed from the pressure of needs from evolving civilizations and at other times the developments in engineering have led the way for the advancement of civilization. Yes, necessity is the mother of invention.

Civil Engineering

What is Civil Engineering? In the 19th century, the term engineer denoted a man who built war machines, fortresses, etc. With the rapid growth of civilization, the needs of the mankind grew rapidly too. People who cared for the community needs were called Civil Engineers as compared to Military Engineers who made war machines. Thus, Civil Engineering became then and now to be associated with service in public interest, directing powerful resources of Nature for the use and convenience of mankind.

The primary needs of human being are food, shelter and clothing. The first hut with bamboos and leaves can be taken as the first civil engineering construction carried out to fulfill the needs for a shelter. Nowadays, the distinction between a Civil and Military Engineer no longer exists. The differentiation is rather between Civil and other core branches of engineering such as Mechanical engineering, etc.

The history of development of civil engineering reveals that civil engineering constructions help the people and the society in a multi-faceted way by providing the maximum facility such as comfortable and safe living place, a clean and hygienic environment, adequate water supply, enjoyable recreation facilities and comfortable transport facilities for men and materials.

The engineering marvels of the world, starting from Taj Mahal, Egyptian Pyramids, Pisa Tower, etc., to today's thin shell structures, high-rise buildings, etc., are the results of the development in civil and architectural engineering. Communication facilities like roads, railways, bridges, flyovers, etc., without which development is impossible, are the fruits of civil engineers? efforts.