What is Civil Engineering?
Civil Engineering refers to engineering which handles the design, construction and maintenance of physical and built environments. Infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, tunnels, dams, water supply, sewage systems and buildings are all examples of civil engineering, illustrating the importance of civil engineers on nearly every facet of our lives.
With a variety of challenges, ranging from geography and climate to regulatory, civil engineers require a diverse and distinctive skillset. Civil engineers are required to be adaptable, innovative and able to resolve problems in order to deliver sustainable and resilient infrastructure solutions.
Civil Engineering in the UK
In the UK, civil engineers face specific challenges. With a small landmass combined with high population density and increasing urbanisation, the UK has limited solutions for infrastructure development, illustrating the importance of engineers innovating skillfully with little margin for error.
The UK is also diverse geologically, with areas subjected to landslides, subsidence and flooding.
Civil engineers in the UK play a crucial role for development and growth of the economy. Ensuring infrastructure is safe, trustworthy and sustainable, civil engineers help to contribute to an improved quality of live, prosperity and preserving the natural environment.
Important Areas of Civil Engineering in the UK
- Transportation – Designing, constructing and maintaining roads, highways (S278 Works), railways, airports and ports.
- Structures – Designing, constructing and maintaining buildings, bridges, tunnels and various structures
- Water works – Planning, designing and managing water supply, wastewater treatment and flood control mechanisms.
- Environmental – Engineering to protect the environment from pollution and waste management.
- Geotechnical – Dealing with the interaction between structures and the ground, such as soil mechanics, foundation design and cut & fill analysis.
What Do Civil Engineers Do?
Assessment and Feasibility
With tremendous technical knowledge intertwined with creativity, civil engineers identify problems and specific requirements for infrastructure projects, before conducting feasibility studies to determine technical, economic and environmental project feasibility, taking into account factors such as cost and potential impacts.
Planning
Experienced engineers wisely elect particular locations for civil projects, taking into account factors such as accessibility, land availability and geotechnical features, before developing a detailed project plan to define the scope, timeline, budget and resources required to design and construct the infrastructure.
Design & Engineering
The first step of the design is to create the initial concepts for infrastructure, taking into account its purpose, aesthetic, functionality and sustainability. The next step is to produce a detailed designed, with highly developed plans and specifications such as materials, dimensions and construction techniques.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Civil engineers will evaluate the potential impact of a project on the environment, including elements such as air and water quality, biodiversity and land use, developing strategies to prevent and mitigate any negative effects.
Permissions & Regulatory Approvals
Civil engineers attain permits from the relevant governmental agencies, such as planning authorities and environmental regulators, whilst addressing any public concerns or objections.
Role During Construction
During the construction of an infrastructure, civil engineers oversee the process to ensure contractors and builders are adhering to the design plans and specifications
Maintenance & Monitoring
Civil engineers provide plans for ongoing maintenance and inspection of infrastructure, monitoring its performance to identify any issues and required repairs to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Civil Engineering Design by ENR Consulting Engineers
ENR Consulting Engineers are leading suppliers of Civil Engineering Design in London, including Road Design, Cut & Fill Analysis, S278 Works and Below Ground Drainage Design. Get started with ENR Consulting Engineers by filling out our online contact form.