Before reading more about civil engineering let’s first talk a little about what is Engineering? The word engineer originates from the Latin term ingenerare that means to invent, to create or to regulate. So in summary we can define engineering the professional art of applying scientific principles to every day things to help make life easier. Now lets think about Civil engineering which is a professional engineering discipline that deals and helps with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings. Civil engineering is the second-oldest engineering discipline after military engineering.
Civil Engineering is everywhere, civil engineering is a composite of many specific disciplines that include structural engineering, water engineering, waste material management and engineering, foundation engineering etc. among many other.
History Of Civil Engineering
In ancient times civil engineering was used as surveying for flood prediction. John Smeaton was the first civil engineer in 1761. Seven wonders of the world’ are all the feats of civil engineering. Statistics says that civil engineering saved more lives then all the doctors in the history by development of clean water & sanitation systems only.
AN example of marvelous work done by implementing the transportation and infrastructure engineering.
Why We Need Civil Engineering?
There are many many reasons why we should have civil engineering field i.e:
- Make sure our human habitat is livable
- Make sure we use resources wisely – Sustainable development
- Help maintain our competitiveness in the global economy – Increase productivity
Civil engineering further can be extended many specializations as is in any other case that include Construction Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Water Resources Engineering. Civil Engineering is also known as the mother of all engineering fields.
Future of Civil Engineering
According to statistics released by the US Department of Labor Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 20 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. As infrastructure continues to age, civil engineers will be needed to manage projects to rebuild bridges, repair roads, and upgrade levels and dams. As civil engineer you may choose among various specialty areas depending on your personal interest. The main areas focused on by civil engineers are construction, structural engineering, water resources, geotechnical engineering and transportation. Civil engineering profession is fastest growing engineering sector therefore civil engineering graduates can rest assured that the demand for their expertise is constant, and even growing. Because of the steady increase in civil engineering jobs in the infrastructure and construction industry in particular, civil engineering job is not only just a stable job, but a rapidly expanding one as well.
What is Average Salary in Civil Engineering Job?
Although this answer can not be answered correctly but civil engineering field is of course high income industry. Considering the huge demand for this type of job, it isn’t hard to imagine how good the salary can be. According to statistics released by the US Department of Labor, the average salary of civil engineer / structural engineer in 2012 was $79,340 annually. There is no question that this amount is huge, which is why it is the highest among other engineering branches.