Simple field checks for emerging foundation issues

Simple field checks for emerging foundation issues

Differential Settlement

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Identifying Early Warning Signs of Foundation Problems: Simple Field Checks for Emerging Foundation Issues


Your homes foundation is the backbone of its structure, ensuring stability and safety. Safety measures include trench shoring and utility locates basement wall stabilization tieback anchor.. However, over time, various factors such as soil movement, water damage, and natural wear and tear can compromise the integrity of your foundation. Recognizing the early warning signs of foundation problems is crucial to prevent extensive damage and costly repairs down the line. Fortunately, there are several simple field checks you can perform to identify emerging foundation issues before they escalate.


One of the most apparent signs of foundation problems is visible cracks in the walls, floors, or ceilings of your home. These cracks may vary in size and appearance, ranging from hairline fractures to large, gaping fissures. Pay close attention to areas where walls meet ceilings or floors, as these junctions are particularly susceptible to cracking due to shifting or settling of the foundation.


Another telltale sign of foundation issues is uneven or sloping floors. If you notice that your floors feel uneven when walking or if doors and windows become difficult to open and close properly, it could indicate that the foundation is settling or shifting unevenly. Additionally, pay attention to any gaps or separations between the walls and the floors or ceilings, as these may suggest movement or instability in the foundation.


Water intrusion is another common indicator of foundation problems. Keep an eye out for damp or musty odors, water stains or discoloration on walls or ceilings, and the presence of mold or mildew. These signs may indicate that water is seeping into the foundation, either due to poor drainage, leaking pipes, or inadequate waterproofing measures. Addressing water issues promptly is essential to prevent further damage to the foundation and the surrounding structure.


Lastly, dont overlook exterior signs of foundation problems, such as cracks or gaps in the exterior walls, sinking or settling of the soil around the foundation, and leaning or tilting of chimneys or other structural elements. These external indicators can provide valuable clues about the condition of your foundation and should not be ignored.


In conclusion, being vigilant about identifying early warning signs of foundation problems is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your home. By performing simple field checks and staying attuned to changes in your homes appearance and performance, you can catch emerging foundation issues early and take proactive measures to address them before they escalate into more significant problems. Remember, when it comes to your homes foundation, early detection is key to preserving its longevity and ensuring the safety and comfort of your family.

When it comes to identifying and addressing emerging foundation issues, having the right tools and equipment is crucial. Simple field checks can make a significant difference in detecting problems early, potentially saving homeowners and builders both time and money. Here's a rundown of the essential tools and equipment you'll need for effective field checks.


First and foremost, a high-quality measuring tape is indispensable. This tool allows you to accurately measure any cracks, shifts, or irregularities in the foundation. Precision is key, so opt for a tape measure that offers both metric and imperial measurements for versatility.


Next, a level is another fundamental tool. Whether it's a standard bubble level or a more advanced digital version, this instrument helps you determine if the foundation is even or if there are any significant slopes or tilts that could indicate underlying issues.


A flashlight, preferably one with a strong, focused beam, is also essential. Many foundation issues are hidden in dark, hard-to-reach places. A good flashlight will help you inspect areas under porches, in crawl spaces, or within basements thoroughly.


For a more detailed inspection, a magnifying glass or a set of inspection mirrors can be incredibly useful. These tools allow you to get a closer look at fine cracks or areas that are difficult to see with the naked eye.


In some cases, a moisture meter can be a valuable addition to your toolkit. Excess moisture can be a significant contributor to foundation problems, and a moisture meter can help you identify areas where water might be seeping into the foundation.


Lastly, don't underestimate the importance of a notebook and pen. Documenting your findings as you go can help you keep track of any issues you discover and make it easier to communicate these findings to others, whether they be homeowners, contractors, or engineers.


In conclusion, while the task of checking for emerging foundation issues might seem daunting, having the right tools can make the process much more manageable and effective. With these essential tools and equipment, you'll be well-equipped to conduct thorough and insightful field checks.

Citations and other links

Cracking and Spalling

Sure, heres a human-like, easy-to-understand guide on how to conduct simple field checks for emerging foundation issues:




When it comes to maintaining your home, one of the most critical areas to keep an eye on is the foundation. The foundation is the backbone of your house, and any issues here can lead to significant problems down the line. Fortunately, you can perform some simple field checks to catch emerging foundation issues early. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:




  1. Visual Inspection: Start by walking around the exterior of your home. Look for any obvious signs of trouble such as cracks in the walls, uneven settling, or gaps between the house and the ground. Pay close attention to corners and areas where the walls meet the foundation.




  2. Check for Cracks: Inspect both the interior and exterior walls for cracks. Small hairline cracks are common and usually not a cause for concern, but wider cracks or those that are jagged and uneven can indicate more serious issues. Note the location, size, and shape of any cracks you find.




  3. Door and Window Alignment: Open and close all doors and windows. If they stick, jam, or don't align properly, this could be a sign of foundation movement. Pay attention to any that have become harder to open or close over time.




  4. Look for Uneven Floors: Walk through each room in your house and check for sloping or uneven floors. Use a level to confirm any suspicions. Uneven floors can be a clear indicator of foundation issues.




  5. Basement and Crawl Space Check: If you have a basement or crawl space, take a look inside. Check for water damage, mold, or musty odors, which can all be signs of foundation problems. Also, look for any cracks in the foundation walls or bowing.




  6. Exterior Grading: Check the grading around your home. The ground should slope away from your house to allow water to drain properly. Poor grading can lead to water pooling near the foundation, causing cracks and other issues.




  7. Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning correctly. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which can saturate the soil around your foundation and cause problems.




  8. Vegetation: Look at the trees and shrubs near your home. Large trees with extensive root systems can sometimes cause foundation issues if they are too close to your house. Ensure there is adequate space between large plants and your foundation.




By performing these simple field checks regularly, you can catch emerging foundation issues early and take the necessary steps to address them. If you notice any significant signs of trouble, it's always a good idea to consult a professional for a more thorough inspection.

Cracking and Spalling

Corrosion and Deterioration

When it comes to maintaining a sturdy and safe home, the foundation plays a crucial role. Over time, various factors can lead to foundation issues, which, if left unaddressed, can result in significant structural problems. Here, well explore some common foundation issues and their solutions, focusing on simple field checks that can help homeowners identify emerging problems early on.


One of the most prevalent foundation issues is cracking. Cracks can appear in concrete or brick foundations due to a variety of reasons, including soil movement, poor construction, or natural settling. Homeowners can perform a simple visual inspection of their foundation both inside and outside the home. Look for any visible cracks, especially those wider than a quarter-inch, as these may indicate more serious issues. If cracks are found, its advisable to consult a professional for a thorough assessment and potential repair, which may involve epoxy injection or concrete patching.


Another common issue is foundation settling. This occurs when the soil beneath the foundation shifts or compacts, causing the foundation to sink unevenly. Signs of settling include doors and windows that stick or jam, uneven floors, and gaps between the walls and the floor or ceiling. A simple field check for settling involves placing a straight edge, like a level, across doors and windows to check for any discrepancies. If settling is detected, solutions may range from simple mudjacking, where a slurry is pumped beneath the foundation to lift it, to more extensive underpinning, which involves reinforcing the foundation with additional support.


Bowing or leaning walls are also a red flag for foundation problems. This can be caused by hydrostatic pressure from water accumulation against the foundation or poor soil conditions. Homeowners can check for bowing by standing back from the house and looking for any walls that appear to be bulging outward. Inside, look for cracks along the walls, especially near the corners. Addressing bowing walls often requires installing wall anchors or carbon fiber strips to stabilize and straighten the wall.


Lastly, water damage is a significant contributor to foundation issues. Excess moisture can weaken the soil supporting the foundation, leading to cracks, settling, and even mold growth. Simple field checks for water damage include looking for damp spots or musty odors in the basement or crawl space, as well as checking the grading around the house to ensure it slopes away from the foundation. Solutions to water damage may involve improving drainage, installing a French drain system, or applying a waterproof coating to the foundation.


In conclusion, being proactive about checking for these common foundation issues can save homeowners a great deal of time, money, and stress in the long run. Regular inspections and addressing problems as soon as they are noticed can help maintain the integrity of your homes foundation and ensure a safe living environment.

Geology is a branch of life sciences worried about the Planet and other expensive bodies, the rocks of which they are made up, and the processes through which they transform gradually. The name originates from Ancient Greek γῆ & gamma; ῆ( g & ecirc;-RRB-'planet'and & lambda;ία o & gamma; ί & alpha;( - logía )'research of, discourse'. Modern geology significantly overlaps all other Earth sciences, including hydrology. It is integrated with Planet system science and global scientific research. Geology explains the structure of the Planet on and beneath its surface area and the processes that have actually formed that framework. Rock hounds research the mineralogical composition of rocks so as to get insight right into their background of formation. Geology determines the family member ages of rocks located at an offered area; geochemistry (a branch of geology) determines their outright ages. By integrating different petrological, crystallographic, and paleontological devices, rock hounds are able to chronicle the geological history of the Planet as a whole. One element is to demonstrate the age of the Earth. Geology provides proof for plate tectonics, the evolutionary history of life, and the Planet's previous environments. Geologists broadly research the properties and processes of Earth and various other earthbound worlds. Rock hounds use a wide range of techniques to recognize the Earth's structure and development, including fieldwork, rock summary, geophysical methods, chemical evaluation, physical experiments, and numerical modelling. In useful terms, geology is very important for mineral and hydrocarbon expedition and exploitation, assessing water sources, recognizing natural hazards, remediating ecological issues, and giving insights into previous climate change. Geology is a significant scholastic self-control, and it is central to geological engineering and plays a crucial role in geotechnical design.

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Structural stability and failing is an aspect of design that manages the capability of a structure to sustain a created architectural load (weight, force, and so on) without breaking, and includes the study of past architectural failings in order to stop failures in future designs. Structural integrity is the capability of an item—-- either an architectural part or a structure consisting of many components—-- to hold with each other under a load, including its very own weight, without breaking or deforming excessively. It guarantees that the building and construction will certainly execute its created feature throughout reasonable use, for as long as its designated life expectancy. Things are built with architectural integrity to avoid disastrous failure, which can lead to injuries, extreme damages, death, and/or monetary losses. Structural failing refers to the loss of structural integrity, or the loss of load-carrying structural ability in either a structural component or the framework itself. Structural failure is initiated when a product is stressed beyond its strength limit, causing crack or too much deformations; one restriction state that need to be made up in architectural style is ultimate failure strength. In a well-designed system, a local failing should not trigger prompt and even modern collapse of the whole structure.

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Tennessee Valley Authority civil engineers monitoring hydraulics of a scale model of Tellico Dam

Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways.[1][2]

Civil engineering is traditionally broken into a number of sub-disciplines. It is considered the second-oldest engineering discipline after military engineering,[3] and it is defined to distinguish non-military engineering from military engineering.[4] Civil engineering can take place in the public sector from municipal public works departments through to federal government agencies, and in the private sector from locally based firms to Fortune Global 500 companies.[5]

History

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Civil engineering as a discipline

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Civil engineering is the application of physical and scientific principles for solving the problems of society, and its history is intricately linked to advances in the understanding of physics and mathematics throughout history. Because civil engineering is a broad profession, including several specialized sub-disciplines, its history is linked to knowledge of structures, materials science, geography, geology, soils, hydrology, environmental science, mechanics, project management, and other fields.[6]

Throughout ancient and medieval history most architectural design and construction was carried out by artisans, such as stonemasons and carpenters, rising to the role of master builder. Knowledge was retained in guilds and seldom supplanted by advances. Structures, roads, and infrastructure that existed were repetitive, and increases in scale were incremental.[7]

One of the earliest examples of a scientific approach to physical and mathematical problems applicable to civil engineering is the work of Archimedes in the 3rd century BC, including Archimedes' principle, which underpins our understanding of buoyancy, and practical solutions such as Archimedes' screw. Brahmagupta, an Indian mathematician, used arithmetic in the 7th century AD, based on Hindu-Arabic numerals, for excavation (volume) computations.[8]

Civil engineering profession

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Engineering has been an aspect of life since the beginnings of human existence. The earliest practice of civil engineering may have commenced between 4000 and 2000 BC in ancient Egypt, the Indus Valley civilization, and Mesopotamia (ancient Iraq) when humans started to abandon a nomadic existence, creating a need for the construction of shelter. During this time, transportation became increasingly important leading to the development of the wheel and sailing.

Leonhard Euler developed the theory explaining the buckling of columns.

Until modern times there was no clear distinction between civil engineering and architecture, and the term engineer and architect were mainly geographical variations referring to the same occupation, and often used interchangeably.[9] The constructions of pyramids in Egypt (c. 2700–2500 BC) constitute some of the first instances of large structure constructions in history. Other ancient historic civil engineering constructions include the Qanat water management system in modern-day Iran (the oldest is older than 3000 years and longer than 71 kilometres (44 mi)[10]), the Parthenon by Iktinos in Ancient Greece (447–438 BC), the Appian Way by Roman engineers (c. 312 BC), the Great Wall of China by General Meng T'ien under orders from Ch'in Emperor Shih Huang Ti (c. 220 BC)[11] and the stupas constructed in ancient Sri Lanka like the Jetavanaramaya and the extensive irrigation works in Anuradhapura. The Romans developed civil structures throughout their empire, including especially aqueducts, insulae, harbors, bridges, dams and roads.

A Roman aqueduct [built c. 19 BC], Pont du Gard, France
Chichen Itza was a large pre-Columbian city in Mexico built by the Maya people of the Post Classic. The northeast column temple also covers a channel that funnels all the rainwater from the complex some 40 metres (130 ft) away to a rejollada, a former cenote.

In the 18th century, the term civil engineering was coined to incorporate all things civilian as opposed to military engineering.[4] In 1747, the first institution for the teaching of civil engineering, the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées, was established in France; and more examples followed in other European countries, like Spain (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos).[12] The first self-proclaimed civil engineer was John Smeaton, who constructed the Eddystone Lighthouse.[3][11] In 1771 Smeaton and some of his colleagues formed the Smeatonian Society of Civil Engineers, a group of leaders of the profession who met informally over dinner. Though there was evidence of some technical meetings, it was little more than a social society.

John Smeaton, the "father of civil engineering"

In 1818 the Institution of Civil Engineers was founded in London,[13] and in 1820 the eminent engineer Thomas Telford became its first president. The institution received a Royal charter in 1828, formally recognising civil engineering as a profession. Its charter defined civil engineering as:

the art of directing the great sources of power in nature for the use and convenience of man, as the means of production and of traffic in states, both for external and internal trade, as applied in the construction of roads, bridges, aqueducts, canals, river navigation and docks for internal intercourse and exchange, and in the construction of ports, harbours, moles, breakwaters and lighthouses, and in the art of navigation by artificial power for the purposes of commerce, and in the construction and application of machinery, and in the drainage of cities and towns.[14]

Civil engineering education

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The first private college to teach civil engineering in the United States was Norwich University, founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge.[15] The first degree in civil engineering in the United States was awarded by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1835.[16][17] The first such degree to be awarded to a woman was granted by Cornell University to Nora Stanton Blatch in 1905.[18]

In the UK during the early 19th century, the division between civil engineering and military engineering (served by the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich), coupled with the demands of the Industrial Revolution, spawned new engineering education initiatives: the Class of Civil Engineering and Mining was founded at King's College London in 1838, mainly as a response to the growth of the railway system and the need for more qualified engineers, the private College for Civil Engineers in Putney was established in 1839, and the UK's first Chair of Engineering was established at the University of Glasgow in 1840.

Education

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Civil engineers typically possess an academic degree in civil engineering. The length of study is three to five years, and the completed degree is designated as a bachelor of technology, or a bachelor of engineering. The curriculum generally includes classes in physics, mathematics, project management, design and specific topics in civil engineering. After taking basic courses in most sub-disciplines of civil engineering, they move on to specialize in one or more sub-disciplines at advanced levels. While an undergraduate degree (BEng/BSc) normally provides successful students with industry-accredited qualifications, some academic institutions offer post-graduate degrees (MEng/MSc), which allow students to further specialize in their particular area of interest.[19]

Surveying students with professor at the Helsinki University of Technology in the late 19th century.

Practicing engineers

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In most countries, a bachelor's degree in engineering represents the first step towards professional certification, and a professional body certifies the degree program. After completing a certified degree program, the engineer must satisfy a range of requirements including work experience and exam requirements before being certified. Once certified, the engineer is designated as a professional engineer (in the United States, Canada and South Africa), a chartered engineer (in most Commonwealth countries), a chartered professional engineer (in Australia and New Zealand), or a European engineer (in most countries of the European Union). There are international agreements between relevant professional bodies to allow engineers to practice across national borders.

The benefits of certification vary depending upon location. For example, in the United States and Canada, "only a licensed professional engineer may prepare, sign and seal, and submit engineering plans and drawings to a public authority for approval, or seal engineering work for public and private clients."[20] This requirement is enforced under provincial law such as the Engineers Act in Quebec.[21] No such legislation has been enacted in other countries including the United Kingdom. In Australia, state licensing of engineers is limited to the state of Queensland. Almost all certifying bodies maintain a code of ethics which all members must abide by.[22]

Engineers must obey contract law in their contractual relationships with other parties. In cases where an engineer's work fails, they may be subject to the law of tort of negligence, and in extreme cases, criminal charges.[23] An engineer's work must also comply with numerous other rules and regulations such as building codes and environmental law.

Sub-disciplines

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The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge in Japan, currently the world's second-longest suspension span.

There are a number of sub-disciplines within the broad field of civil engineering. General civil engineers work closely with surveyors and specialized civil engineers to design grading, drainage, pavement, water supply, sewer service, dams, electric and communications supply. General civil engineering is also referred to as site engineering, a branch of civil engineering that primarily focuses on converting a tract of land from one usage to another. Site engineers spend time visiting project sites, meeting with stakeholders, and preparing construction plans. Civil engineers apply the principles of geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, environmental engineering, transportation engineering and construction engineering to residential, commercial, industrial and public works projects of all sizes and levels of construction.

Coastal engineering

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Oosterscheldekering, a storm surge barrier in the Netherlands.

Coastal engineering is concerned with managing coastal areas. In some jurisdictions, the terms sea defense and coastal protection mean defense against flooding and erosion, respectively. Coastal defense is the more traditional term, but coastal management has become popular as well.

Construction engineering

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Construction engineering involves planning and execution, transportation of materials, and site development based on hydraulic, environmental, structural, and geotechnical engineering. As construction firms tend to have higher business risk than other types of civil engineering firms, construction engineers often engage in more business-like transactions, such as drafting and reviewing contracts, analyze and evaluating logistical operations, and monitoring supply prices.

Image shows civil engineers working/planning on a site

Earthquake engineering

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Earthquake Crash Testing, performed by engineers to determine the liability of structures

Earthquake engineering involves designing structures to withstand hazardous earthquake exposures. Earthquake engineering is a sub-discipline of structural engineering. The main objectives of earthquake engineering are[24] to understand interaction of structures on the shaky ground; foresee the consequences of possible earthquakes; and design, construct and maintain structures to perform at earthquake in compliance with building codes.

Environmental engineering

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Creek contaminated with water pollution

Environmental engineering is the contemporary term for sanitary engineering, though sanitary engineering traditionally had not included much of the hazardous waste management and environmental remediation work covered by environmental engineering. Public health engineering and environmental health engineering are other terms being used.

Environmental engineering deals with treatment of chemical, biological, or thermal wastes, purification of water and air, and remediation of contaminated sites after waste disposal or accidental contamination. Among the topics covered by environmental engineering are pollutant transport, water purification, waste water treatment, air pollution, solid waste treatment, recycling, and hazardous waste management. Environmental engineers administer pollution reduction, green engineering, and industrial ecology. Environmental engineers also compile information on environmental consequences of proposed actions.

Forensic engineering

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Forensic engineering is the investigation of materials, products, structures or components that fail or do not operate or function as intended, causing personal injury or damage to property. The consequences of failure are dealt with by the law of product liability. The field also deals with retracing processes and procedures leading to accidents in operation of vehicles or machinery. The subject is applied most commonly in civil law cases, although it may be of use in criminal law cases. Generally the purpose of a Forensic engineering investigation is to locate cause or causes of failure with a view to improve performance or life of a component, or to assist a court in determining the facts of an accident. It can also involve investigation of intellectual property claims, especially patents.

Geotechnical engineering

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A phase diagram of soil indicating the weights and volumes of air, soil, water, and voids.

Geotechnical engineering studies rock and soil supporting civil engineering systems. Knowledge from the field of soil science, materials science, mechanics, and hydraulics is applied to safely and economically design foundations, retaining walls, and other structures. Environmental efforts to protect groundwater and safely maintain landfills have spawned a new area of research called geo-environmental engineering.[25][26]

Identification of soil properties presents challenges to geotechnical engineers. Boundary conditions are often well defined in other branches of civil engineering, but unlike steel or concrete, the material properties and behavior of soil are difficult to predict due to its variability and limitation on investigation. Furthermore, soil exhibits nonlinear (stress-dependent) strength, stiffness, and dilatancy (volume change associated with application of shear stress), making studying soil mechanics all the more difficult.[25] Geotechnical engineers frequently work with professional geologists, Geological Engineering professionals and soil scientists.[27]

Materials science and engineering

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Materials science is closely related to civil engineering. It studies fundamental characteristics of materials, and deals with ceramics such as concrete and mix asphalt concrete, strong metals such as aluminum and steel, and thermosetting polymers including polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and carbon fibers.

Materials engineering involves protection and prevention (paints and finishes). Alloying combines two types of metals to produce another metal with desired properties. It incorporates elements of applied physics and chemistry. With recent media attention on nanoscience and nanotechnology, materials engineering has been at the forefront of academic research. It is also an important part of forensic engineering and failure analysis.

Site development and planning

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Plan draft of proposed mixed-use site

Site development, also known as site planning, is focused on the planning and development potential of a site as well as addressing possible impacts from permitting issues and environmental challenges.[28]

Structural engineering

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Burj Khalifa animation of construction process
Shallow foundation construction example

Structural engineering is concerned with the structural design and structural analysis of buildings, bridges, towers, flyovers (overpasses), tunnels, off shore structures like oil and gas fields in the sea, aerostructure and other structures. This involves identifying the loads which act upon a structure and the forces and stresses which arise within that structure due to those loads, and then designing the structure to successfully support and resist those loads. The loads can be self weight of the structures, other dead load, live loads, moving (wheel) load, wind load, earthquake load, load from temperature change etc. The structural engineer must design structures to be safe for their users and to successfully fulfill the function they are designed for (to be serviceable). Due to the nature of some loading conditions, sub-disciplines within structural engineering have emerged, including wind engineering and earthquake engineering.[29]

Design considerations will include strength, stiffness, and stability of the structure when subjected to loads which may be static, such as furniture or self-weight, or dynamic, such as wind, seismic, crowd or vehicle loads, or transitory, such as temporary construction loads or impact. Other considerations include cost, constructibility, safety, aesthetics and sustainability.

Surveying

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Surveying is the process by which a surveyor measures certain dimensions that occur on or near the surface of the Earth. Surveying equipment such as levels and theodolites are used for accurate measurement of angular deviation, horizontal, vertical and slope distances. With computerization, electronic distance measurement (EDM), total stations, GPS surveying and laser scanning have to a large extent supplanted traditional instruments. Data collected by survey measurement is converted into a graphical representation of the Earth's surface in the form of a map. This information is then used by civil engineers, contractors and realtors to design from, build on, and trade, respectively. Elements of a structure must be sized and positioned in relation to each other and to site boundaries and adjacent structures.

Leveling a tripod before setting EDM

Although surveying is a distinct profession with separate qualifications and licensing arrangements, civil engineers are trained in the basics of surveying and mapping, as well as geographic information systems. Surveyors also lay out the routes of railways, tramway tracks, highways, roads, pipelines and streets as well as position other infrastructure, such as harbors, before construction.

Land surveying
Looking through EDM

In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and most Commonwealth countries land surveying is considered to be a separate and distinct profession. Land surveyors are not considered to be engineers, and have their own professional associations and licensing requirements. The services of a licensed land surveyor are generally required for boundary surveys (to establish the boundaries of a parcel using its legal description) and subdivision plans (a plot or map based on a survey of a parcel of land, with boundary lines drawn inside the larger parcel to indicate the creation of new boundary lines and roads), both of which are generally referred to as Cadastral surveying. They collect data on important geological features below and on the land.

BLM cadastral survey marker from 1992 in San Xavier, Arizona.
Construction surveying

Construction surveying is generally performed by specialized technicians. Unlike land surveyors, the resulting plan does not have legal status. Construction surveyors perform the following tasks:

  • Surveying existing conditions of the future work site, including topography, existing buildings and infrastructure, and underground infrastructure when possible;
  • "lay-out" or "setting-out": placing reference points and markers that will guide the construction of new structures such as roads or buildings;
  • Verifying the location of structures during construction;
  • As-Built surveying: a survey conducted at the end of the construction project to verify that the work authorized was completed to the specifications set on plans.

Transportation engineering

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Transportation engineering is concerned with moving people and goods efficiently, safely, and in a manner conducive to a vibrant community. This involves specifying, designing, constructing, and maintaining transportation infrastructure which includes streets, canals, highways, rail systems, airports, ports, and mass transit. It includes areas such as transportation design, transportation planning, traffic engineering, some aspects of urban engineering, queueing theory, pavement engineering, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), and infrastructure management.

Municipal or urban engineering

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The engineering of this roundabout in Bristol, England, attempts to make traffic flow free-moving
Lake Chapultepec

Municipal engineering is concerned with municipal infrastructure. This involves specifying, designing, constructing, and maintaining streets, sidewalks, water supply networks, sewers, street lighting, municipal solid waste management and disposal, storage depots for various bulk materials used for maintenance and public works (salt, sand, etc.), public parks and cycling infrastructure. In the case of underground utility networks, it may also include the civil portion (conduits and access chambers) of the local distribution networks of electrical and telecommunications services. It can also include the optimization of waste collection and bus service networks. Some of these disciplines overlap with other civil engineering specialties, however municipal engineering focuses on the coordination of these infrastructure networks and services, as they are often built simultaneously, and managed by the same municipal authority. Municipal engineers may also design the site civil works for large buildings, industrial plants or campuses (i.e. access roads, parking lots, potable water supply, treatment or pretreatment of waste water, site drainage, etc.)

Water resources engineering

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Hoover Dam

Water resources engineering is concerned with the collection and management of water (as a natural resource). As a discipline, it therefore combines elements of hydrology, environmental science, meteorology, conservation, and resource management. This area of civil engineering relates to the prediction and management of both the quality and the quantity of water in both underground (aquifers) and above ground (lakes, rivers, and streams) resources. Water resource engineers analyze and model very small to very large areas of the earth to predict the amount and content of water as it flows into, through, or out of a facility. However, the actual design of the facility may be left to other engineers.

Hydraulic engineering concerns the flow and conveyance of fluids, principally water. This area of civil engineering is intimately related to the design of pipelines, water supply network, drainage facilities (including bridges, dams, channels, culverts, levees, storm sewers), and canals. Hydraulic engineers design these facilities using the concepts of fluid pressure, fluid statics, fluid dynamics, and hydraulics, among others.

The Falkirk Wheel in Scotland

Civil engineering systems

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Civil engineering systems is a discipline that promotes using systems thinking to manage complexity and change in civil engineering within its broader public context. It posits that the proper development of civil engineering infrastructure requires a holistic, coherent understanding of the relationships between all of the crucial factors that contribute to successful projects while at the same time emphasizing the importance of attention to technical detail. Its purpose is to help integrate the entire civil engineering project life cycle from conception, through planning, designing, making, operating to decommissioning.[30][31]

See also

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  • Architectural engineering
  • Engineering drawing
  • Geological Engineering
  • Geomatics engineering
  • Glossary of civil engineering
  • Index of civil engineering articles
  • List of civil engineers
  • List of engineering branches
  • List of Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks
  • Macro-engineering
  • Railway engineering
  • Site survey

Associations

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  • American Society of Civil Engineers
  • Canadian Society for Civil Engineering
  • Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors
  • Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria
  • Earthquake Engineering Research Institute
  • Engineers Australia
  • European Federation of National Engineering Associations
  • International Federation of Consulting Engineers
  • Indian Geotechnical Society
  • Institution of Civil Engineers
  • Institution of Structural Engineers
  • Institute of Engineering (Nepal)
  • International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
  • Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh
  • Institution of Engineers (India)
  • Institution of Engineers of Ireland
  • Institute of Transportation Engineers
  • Japan Society of Civil Engineers
  • Pakistan Engineering Council
  • Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers
  • Transportation Research Board

References

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  1. ^ "History and Heritage of Civil Engineering". American Society of Civil Engineers. Archived from the original on 16 February 2007. Retrieved 8 August 2007.
  2. ^ "What is Civil Engineering". Institution of Civil Engineers. 14 January 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  3. ^ a b "What is Civil Engineering?". Canadian Society for Civil Engineering. Archived from the original on 12 August 2007. Retrieved 8 August 2007.
  4. ^ a b "Civil engineering". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 9 August 2007.
  5. ^ "Working in the Public Sector Versus Private Sector for Civil Engineering Professionals". The Civil Engineering Podcast. Engineering Management Institute. 5 June 2019.
  6. ^ Baveystock, Nick (8 August 2013). "So what does a civil engineer do, exactly?". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  7. ^ Saouma, Victor E. "Lecture Notes in Structural Engineering" (PDF). University of Colorado. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 April 2011. Retrieved 2 November 2007.
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Further reading

[edit]
  • Blockley, David (2014). Structural Engineering: a very short introduction. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-967193-9.
  • Chen, W.F.; Liew, J.Y. Richard, eds. (2002). The Civil Engineering Handbook. CRC Press. ISBN 978-0-8493-0958-8.
  • Muir Wood, David (2012). Civil Engineering: a very short introduction. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-957863-4.
  • Ricketts, Jonathan T.; Loftin, M. Kent; Merritt, Frederick S., eds. (2004). Standard handbook for civil engineers (5 ed.). McGraw Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-136473-7.
[edit]
  • The Institution of Civil Engineers
  • Civil Engineering Software Database
  • The Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors
  • Civil engineering classes, from MIT OpenCourseWare

 

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