Civil engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the built environment, including structures such as buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure. It is one of the oldest branches of engineering, dating back to ancient civilizations where engineers were responsible for the construction of monumental structures like pyramids and aqueducts.
Throughout history, the field of civil engineering has evolved to meet the needs of society. During the Industrial Revolution, civil engineers were responsible for designing and building the infrastructure needed for the growth of cities and industry. In the 20th century, civil engineering played a crucial role in the development of modern transportation systems, including the construction of highways and airports.
In brief, Civil Engineering is a field of Engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the built environment, including structures such as buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure. It has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations and a broad scope encompasses a wide range of subfields such as structural, geotechnical, transportation, water resources, and environmental engineering. Civil Engineers are also focused on sustainability, disaster management, and risk reduction.
What do Civil Engineers do?
The scope of civil engineering is broad and encompasses a wide range of subfields, including structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, water resources engineering, and environmental engineering. Structural engineers design and analyze the structural elements of buildings and other structures, such as foundations, beams, and columns. Geotechnical engineers study the properties of soil and rock to design foundations and slopes. Transportation engineers design and plan transportation systems, including roads, airports, and mass transit systems. Water resources engineers design and manage systems for the collection, treatment, and distribution of water. Environmental engineers design systems to protect and preserve the natural environment, including treatment of waste and pollution control.
In recent years, civil engineering has also been focused on sustainability, which involves designing and constructing infrastructure that is environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. Civil engineers are also involved in disaster management and risk reduction, which involves designing and building infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.
Is Civil Engineering the right field for me?
If you are creative, possess good strategic thinking and have planning and organizing skills, if you are fascinated by the way large cities are managed, if bridges, railways, high rise buildings fascinate you and want to contribute to the infrastructure development and maintenance, then Civil Engineering is the right field for you. Civil Engineers shape our world through their analysis of intricate, interdependent systems and their ability to find creative solutions to complex problems.
Career Opportunities Within Pakistan
Civil engineering graduates are qualified for employment in a wide variety of organizations, both public and private. Out of all engineering fields, civil engineers enjoy one of the largest government job quota for example;
- Planning & Development Department
- Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
- Civil Works Department
- Communication & Works Department
- Local Government Offices of all constituencies
- Local Development Authorities (LDA, RDA etc.)
- Water & Sanitation Agency Offices
- Irrigation Department
- Various Housing Authorities (i.e. DHA, LDA, Cantt. Boards etc.)
- National Highway Authority (NHA)
- Motorways Authority
- Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA)
- … etc.
Apart from various public offices (as mentioned above), civil engineers are required by many private sector organizations including contractors, consultants, housing society developers etc.