FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG Republic of the Philippines

President Ramon Magsaysay State University

(Formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)
Iba, Zambales, Philippines
Tel/Fax No.: (047) 811-1683
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

COURSE CODE: CE 112

COURSE Title: Civil Engineering Orientation
1st Semester of S.Y. 2020-2021

Introduction

In this module, you will be introduced to the 6 fields of specialization in civil engineering. At the end of this chapter
you should be able to:

 Determine the differences between the six fields of specialization.

 Identify the characteristics and skills an individual must have to be able to perform the jobs of each
specialization.
 Choose a field that will best suit your characteristics, skills and interest and plan to specialize on it.

Intended Learning Outcomes

A. Have an ability to use the appropriate the appropriate technique, skill, and modern engineering tools necessary
for the practice of civil engineering.
B. Have an ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing the English language.
C. Have an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, physical sciences, engineering sciences to the practice of civil
engineering.
D. Have an ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyse and interpret data.
E. Have an ability to recognize, formulate and solve civil engineering problems.
Activity

1. In choosing a career one factor that influences a person’s choice is the amount of remuneration he will
receive in practicing the career. So to further help you in choosing you can search for the current
salaries of each field of specialization here in the Philippines and abroad.
2. Another factor is the demand for the job, so again you can make a research for the availability of the
job in the years to come when you finish your studies.

Discussion

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Civil Engineering is the oldest engineering which deals with design, construction, and maintenance
of structures or public works as they are related to earth, water or in space.

The 6 fields of Civil Engineering:

1. Structural Engineering
2. Water Resources Engineering
3. Geotechnical Engineering
4. Transportation Engineering
5. Environmental Engineering
6. Construction and Project Management

I. STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

 The term structural derives from the latin word structus, which is “to pile, build and assemble.”
 The term engineering derives from the old French term engin, meaning “skill, cleverness” and also “war
machine.”
 The history of structural engineering dates back to at least 2700 BC when step pyramid for Pharaoh
Djoser was built by Imhotep, the first architect in history known by name.
 It is the core branch of Civil Engineering, in which structural engineer are trained, understand, evaluate
and calculate the stability, strength and rigidity of built structures, for buildings and non-building

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FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG structures in order to make structures impregnable.
 It is the responsibility of the structural engineer to develop designs and integrate their design with that of
other designers, and to supervise construction of the project on site.

Why structural engineering is important?

 Structural engineering is crucial because it directly impacts the safety and durability of buildings and
structures.
 It is also tasked with ensuring that materials and resources are used efficiently.

Kinds of jobs
 Structural engineers often work alongside civil engineers and architects as part of a construction team.
 If a structure was a human body, then the architect would be concerned with the body shape and
appearance, and the structural engineer would be concerned with the skeleton and sinews.
 Structures must be able to deal with the conditions in which they are built.
 Structural engineers consider all of these factors and provide technical advice about the project.
 They are experts at solving problem, meeting challenges and providing creative solutions.

 A structural engineer’s job includes:

 Analyzing blueprints, maps, reports, and topographical and geological data;
 Estimating the cost and quantities of materials, equipment and labor;
 Computing load and grade requirements, water flow rates and material stress factors to determine design
specifications;
 Inspecting project sites to monitor progress and ensure the project is being constructed according to design
specifications;
 Conducting studies of traffic patterns or environmental conditions to identify potential problems and
assess how they will affect the project.

Structural Engineers: Roles and Responsibilities

 Structural engineers work in offices and on construction sites – or may split their time between both
contexts
 Design – Structural engineers should be able to factor in the different qualities and strengths delivered by
a range of building materials, and understand hot to incorporate support beams, columns and foundations.
 Investigation – Structural engineers are involved in the investigation and survey of build sites to
determine the suitability of the earth for the requirements of the upcoming project.
 Communication – Structural engineers will be required to coordinate and consult with other member of
the projects, including engineers, environmental scientists, architects and landscape architects. They may
also be required to assist government bodies in their own inspections relating to the project.
 Management – Structural engineers are often responsible for the organization and delivery of materials
and equipment for the needs of the construction project.
 Training – Structural engineers must be trained to strict standards. Most structural engineering courses
require a related undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline.

Qualification
 Most structural-engineering jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering
 Many employers, particularly those that offer engineering consulting services, also require certification as
a professional engineer

 Key skills for structural engineers

 Technical Skills – A good Structural Engineer should have a level of Mathematics and Physics that
allows for the identification and solving engineering problems

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FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG  Project Management – It is important that a Structural Engineer is able to step up to the task and manage
a diverse team of professionals whilst maintaining the confidence of clients.
 Communication Skills – Engineers need to be able to clearly communicate ideas and give direction
leaving no ambiguity.
 Creativity – Engineers need to be able to innovate and improve on solutions.
 Critical Thinking – They need to be able to assess the pros and cons of all possible solutions, and they
need to be decisive in order to choose the best one.

II. WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING

What is water resources engineering?

1. Water resources engineering is a specific kind of civil engineering that involves the design of new systems
and equipment to help manage human water resources.
2. Water resources engineering create systems and equipment to provide citizens with the continuous supply
of clean and uncontaminated water for drinking, living, and recreational purposes.
3. Water resources engineering is a specialty of civil engineering that focuses on water supplies, irrigation
and waste disposal. It also addresses methods for controlling water to avoid water-related damage and
catastrophes.

What does a Water Resources Engineer Do?

 Water Resources Engineers generally deals with the provision of water for human use, and the
development of techniques for the prevention of destruction from floods.

 Water Resources Engineers also includes the planning and management of facilities that are constructed
for these tasks like making canals for irrigation and sewers for drainage and to avoid waterlogging, and all
other issues related with the usage and control of water. To meet the water requirements of society and the
environment.

Specific Works or Design of Water Resources Engineering

 Water Supply – Water resources engineer create equipment that creates systems and equipment for

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FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG cleaning and removing toxics and strains on our waters. They also make plans for easier transportation of
water supply in different areas.
 Irrigation – Water resources engineer designs a plan for irrigations. They may create equipment, wells,
canals and dams.
 Energy Production and Storage – Water resources engineer designs dams whether dams for storage or
hydroelectric dams. They create these systems to support human lives. They observe rivers before they
build dams. They take surveys and research for the land before they build these systems. For example,
dams cannot be built near tectonic plates.
 Industrial Use – They create water treatment plants to help maintain the water clean and uncontaminated
from industrial waste. They plan for making sewage to be able to avoid contamination of other water
resources.
 Inland Navigation – Water resources engineer plans to create inland transportation of ships. They dig
existing rivers to become accessible by ships.
 Fishing – From the word “water resources” fish is the most common source of food found in water. Water
resources engineer creates a large area of fishing ponds whether on rivers, river sides, and seas.
 Recreation – Water resources engineer designs a plan to create a recreational park specifically water
parks, swimming pools, river parks and resorts.

Skills needed to be a Water Resources Engineer

 Excellent analytical skill
 Teamworking skills
 Problem-solving skills
 Good time management
 IT skills
 Communication skills
 The ability to demonstrate a genuine knowledge and interest of the water industry and environmental
issues.

Qualifications for Water Resources Engineer

Most water engineers have civil engineering background, this may be preferred for some roles but
it’s possible to become a chartered engineer (CEng) by following up a degree in the environmental or
physical sciences with an approved MSc in engineering.

This route may be attractive to employers with a particular focus on environmental management and
protection, like those at work with natural water systems.

For undergraduate students, an MSc in a specialized area, such as water engineering, hydrology or
hydrogeology, may be advantageous.

A Masters also counts towards the requirements for CEng registration. Sponsorship for a part-time
MSc course may be offered by some employer.

III. GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

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What is Geotechnical Engineering?

 Type of engineering concerned with the behavior of earth materials.
 Branch of engineering concerned with the analysis design and construction of foundations, slopes,
retaining structures, embankments, tunnels, levees, wharves, landfills, and other systems that are made of
or are supported by soil or rock.

When do we need Geotechnical Engineers?

Whenever there is construction of:
 Roads
 Bridges
 Buildings
 Excavations

Jobs of Geotechnical Engineering

 Deep Foundations
-Mostly for week soils or heavy loads
-Deep Foundation Systems: Driven Piles
 Retaining Walls
 Instrumentation
-To monitor the performances of earth and earth supported structures
-To measure loads, pressures, deformations, strains
 GeoSolutions
Geotechnical Engineers Solution:
-Ground Improvement

Geotechnical Engineering
The science that explains mechanics of soil and rock and its applications to the development of
human kind. A specialization within civil engineering that involves investigating and understanding what

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FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG is beneath the ground’s surface.

Geotechnical Engineer
They guard and maintain the earth’s physical environment during the development of major public
and private projects. Combining their expertise and design enables them to safely investigate and analyze
sites and determine their present and future stability.

Qualifications
Degree Level Bachelor’s degree required; some
employers prefer a graduate degree
Degree Field Civil Engineering
Licensure Registered Civil Engineering
Key Skills Math skills; writing; problem solving;
ability to operate software; ability to use
tools such as scales, distance meters and
levels

Geotechnical Engineer’s Jobs

 Geotechnical or geological engineer (oil sands projects) – design open pit walls, mine waste dumps and
dam structures used in oil sands mining, and analyze slope stability, seepage and hydraulic separation on
dam structures.
 Hydrogeological Engineer – provide design and analysis of ponds containing discarded oil sand
materials, water extraction from oil and san and steam injections into well; and evaluate underground
water layers trapped in rocks. They also provide advice on environmental restoration.
 Reservoir Geomechanics Engineer (Oil and Gas Operations) – analyze the strength of soils, drill hole
stability, stress constraint, permeability of rock formation and the degree of trapped hydrocarbons in
underground reservoirs.
 Geomechanics Engineers (Marine Operations) – analyze the relationship between physical structures
and marine geology, anchoring system, sediment erosion, slope stability, and foundations for offshore and
coastal structures.

Geotechnical Engineers: Roles and Responsibilities

The process of understanding and working with soil and rock, underground water, site and structural
conditions, in relation to a construction project, is known as geotechnical engineering. In their
professional capacity, geotechnical engineers plan and design structures for buildings, roads,
embankments, canals and hundreds of other construction projects. Beyond their construction role, the
geotechnical engineer will also deal with the geological hazards like landslides, soil erosion and, in some
extreme conditions, earthquakes.

 Multi-Discipline
Geotechnical engineering is multi-disciplinary. You’ll be expected to have a working knowledge of a
number of engineering fields – including ocean engineering, structural engineering, petroleum engineering
and material science. The information and research data which you’ll be expected to deal with can be
varied, complex and demanding – in addition to their engineering duties, geotechnical engineers are
mathematicians, technicians and scientists. As a career, geotechnical engineering is exciting and diverse-
but also very demanding. If you are thinking about a career in geotechnical engineering, what are the roles
you can expect to encounter in the job?

 Subsurface Investigation

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FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG The job of the geotechnical engineer essentially starts with a collection of soil samples from the
project’s intended site, using bores and test pits. Amongst other factors, the analysis will determine the
ground’s stress bearing capability and stability.

 Field Test
After research into soil quality and stress-bearing factors, geotechnical engineers must determine
whether the issues like erosion, settlement and slope will pose a safety risk to the proposed project.

 Computer Analysis
As a geotechnical engineer, you will be required to analyze the results of subsurface investigations
and field tests with dedicated software. Your ability to understand data and model future conditions will
be crucial to the development of the construction project. After analysis, geotechnical engineers may be
required to assist in the development of earthworks and foundations suitable to the conditions of the site.

 Client Meetings
A regular duty of the geotechnical engineer is to meet with the clients for evaluations of project
progress. Budget and time constraints will be important factors in any discussion and geotechnical
engineers will be expected to know and provide a variety of important information.

 Geotechnical Life
Geotechnical engineers will be required to spend most of their time in the field – and in analysis
laboratories. The job involves lots of travel and plenty of strict deadlines – and work in most weather
conditions. A geotechnical engineer should be inquisitive, motivated and dedicated but will also require
formal, university level training – a bachelor’s degree, sometimes in a subject relating to the field
( mathematics, science, geology). Geotechnical engineering is constantly changing field – employees will
have to deal with new equipment, updated safety regulations and other factors – above and beyond their
duties to a client’s construction project. With this in mind, keeping on top of scientific and industry news
is an important habit – but also a way to seek the best employment opportunities.

Qualifications Local
 Bachelor’s degree in engineering
 At least 5 years of relevant experience
 Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineer
 Provision of technical quality and innovation;
 Proven experience undertaking and project managing geotechnical field investigations and the use of
associated geotechnical software;
 Proven reporting writing skills;
 Demonstrate strong business acumen and client relationship skills;
 Demonstrate good people management and mentoring skills;
 Possess good communication skills that positively influence outcomes;
 Have proven relevant effective project delivery experience; and
 Demonstrate a broad Geotechnical competency.

Qualifications Abroad
 Engineers with minimum 5 years’ experience in relevant engineering design work.
 Conversant with latest design codes and authority requirements (Codes of practices, derivatives, etc.).
 Preferable with degree recognized by the Professional Engineers Board Singapore.
 With good attitude towards work and timeline.
 Able to work independently to support the Qualified Person.
 Candidates with less than 5 years of relevant experience will be considered for junior role.

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IV. TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

 A branch of engineering that is involved in the planning, designing, operation and maintenance of safe and
efficient transportation system including:
 Roadways
 Railways
 Waterways
 Intermodal Operation
 Provides safe, rapid, comfortable, convenient, economical and environmentally compatible movement of
people and goods.

Transportation Engineering Involves:

1. Transport Planning
 Involved in developing mathematical technique for:
 Forecasting travel demand and planning to accommodate growth in demand.
 Determining improvements to the transport infrastructure.
 Reducing emissions.
 Reducing energy used.

2. Transport Design

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FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG  Physical expansion of transport facilities.
 Materials and thickness used in pavements.
 Road pricing scheme.

3. Transport Operations
 Minimize travel delays.
 Improve safety.
 Designing traffic signs and markings.

Possible Jobs for Transportation Engineering:

 Highway Engineer
 Handle planning, design, construction, and operation of highways and roads.
 Estimate the transportation needs and secure the funding.
 Analyze locations of high traffic volumes.
 Use engineering principles to improve the transportation system.

 Railroad Engineer
 Handle the design, construction and operation of railroads and mass transit systems.
 Determining horizontal and vertical alignment design, station location and design, and construction cost
estimating.

 Port Engineer
 Handle the design, construction, and operation of ports, harbors, canals, and other maritime facilities.

 Airport Engineer
 Responsible for the design and building of airports, hangars and airfields.
 The precise and careful analysis of air traffic patterns, wind direction and air traffic safety are of utmost
importance to airport engineers.

Characteristics of a Student Pursuing Transportation Engineering:

 Smart
 Mathematician
 Patient
 Confident
 Passionate
 Creative
 Hardworking
 Have a strong fighting spirit

Where does a Transportation Engineer do?

Most transportation engineers spend the majority of their workday in an office environment. They
must be proficient in using various pieces of office equipment, including email, telephone, and various
computer software programs. However, a transportation engineer may sometimes be required to visit
construction site to evaluate and oversee the progress of work. When working on site, they must be able to
endure adverse weather conditions and noisy machinery. They work full-time schedule, though may work
overtime if they are involved in directing or overseeing projects.

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FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG What skills must a Transportation Engineer have?
 The ability to think about the problem
 Good project management skills
 Excellent communication skills
 Confidence in dealing with people
 Report writing and presentation skills
 Good negotiation skills
 A knowledge of computer modeling software

Qualifications
 Becoming a transportation engineer requires a significant amount of formal education.
 It requires a bachelor’s degree in the field of Civil Engineering.
 Master’s degree programs are available and may be required for certain jobs or for career advancement.

V. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Civil engineers are particularly involved in such activities as water supply and sewerage,
management of surface water and groundwater quality, remediation of contaminated sites and solid waste
management. Environmental Engineering in Civil Engineering, is a professional engineering discipline
that takes from broad and scientific topics like chemistry, biology, ecology, geology, hydraulics,
hydrology, microbiology, and mathematics to develop solutions to environmental problems.

 Environmental engineering is a sub-discipline of civil engineering, chemical engineering and mechanical

engineering.
 Environmental engineer study water, soil and air pollution problems, and develop technical solutions
needed to solve, attenuate or control these problems in a manner that is compatible with legislative,
economic, social and political concerns.
 Environmental engineers in a civil engineering program often focus on hydrology, water resources
management, bio mediation, and water and wastewater treatment plant design.
 Environmental engineering or environmental systems courses oriented towards a civil engineering
approach in which structures and the landscape are constructed to blend with or protect the environment.

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FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG The goal of environmental engineering is to ensure that societal development and the use of water,
land and air resources are sustainable. This goal is achieved by managing those resources so that
environmental pollution and degradation is minimized.

Environmental engineering is the application of specific engineering principles to improve and

maintain the environment to:
 Protect human health,
 Protect nature’s beneficial ecosystems,
 And improve environmental-related enhancement of the quality of human life

The activities of such engineers include, but are not limited to, the planning, design, construction and
operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities in municipalities and industries, modelling and
analysis of surface of water and groundwater quality, design of soil and remediation systems, planning for
the disposal and reuse of wastewaters and sludge’s and the collection, transport, processing, recovery and
disposal of solid wastes according to accepted engineering practices.

What Environmental Engineers do:

 Design projects leading to environmental protection.
 Obtain, update, and maintain plan, permits, and standard operating procedures.
 Provide technical support for environmental remediation projects and for legal actions.
 Analyze scientific data and do quality-control checks.
 Monitor the progress of environmental improvement programs.
 Inspect industrial and municipal facilities and programs to ensure compliance with environmental
regulations.
 Advise corporations and government agencies about procedures for cleaning up contaminated sites.

Important Responsibility of Environmental Engineering

One of the most important responsibility of engineering is to prevent the release of harmful chemical
and biological contaminants into the air, water and soil. This requires extensive knowledge of chemistry
and biological of the potential contaminants as well as the industrial or agricultural processes that might
lead to their release. With this knowledge, new processes can be design, or existing processes can be
modified, to reduce or eliminate the release of pollutants.

Possible Jobs for someone who finished Environmental Engineering

1. Water project manager

 Water may be natural resources, but it takes a lot of work to ensure that it is properly cleaned and
delivered to residents living in communities around the world. While it is not unusual for engineer with a
bachelor’s degree to work on water projects, a master’s degree can make all the difference when you look
to land a management role. Not only does the higher degree increase you knowledge of the field, but it
also sets you apart on job applications.

 There are a number of specific areas that you can pursue in water management that fall under this
umbrella depending on your interests. Potential job titles include storm water manager, wastewater project
manager and flood risk manager. A background in civil engineering is also helpful for these roles, as
many deal closely with the design, construction and maintenance of the systems and buildings that allow

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FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG cities to function properly.
 To begin or advance you career in water management, consider enrolling in UC Riverside’s online Master
of Science in Environmental Engineering Systems (Water) degree program. By choosing to pursue a
higher degree in environmental engineering through UCR, you will complete a number of courses that
speak directly to working in water management, such as biological treatment process, advanced water
treatment technologies and physical and chemical separation processes, in addition to more general
courses. And through the online format, the whole program can be completed at the time and place of your
convenience, allowing you to work in the field simultaneously if you choose.

 According to the job and salary website Simply Hired, the average salary for a water project management
is $74,000.

2. Senior environmental engineer

 It likely comes as no surprise that the position of environmental engineer is a popular choice among those
who have completed a degree in this specialty. However, if you wish to advance in this role, you may find
that a bachelor’s degree is not enough to differentiate yourself from the competition. That is why pursuing
a master’s in environmental engineering can be valuable if you are looking to take your career to the next
level in a leadership position.

 Having a master’s on your resume shows employers and managers that you are equipped to handle the
increased responsibility that comes with jobs higher up the chain of command, such as senior
environmental engineer. As opposed to the more entry-level title of environmental engineer, the senior
position generally includes tasks such as leading projects, overseeing and mentoring subordinates,
working closely with management and ensuring that budgets ad deadlines are met. Because of the level of
responsibilities, hiring managers tend to expect approximately 10 years of experience in the field.

 According to the job and salary website PayScale, the median annual salary for a senior management
engineer in the US is $92,898. However, the source reported that many in the field make six figures.

3. Environmental health and safety director

 Called the “environmental stewards of the corporate world” by the National Association for
Environmental Management, environmental health and safety directors can also benefit from a master’s in
engineering degree. In this position, you are responsible for working behind the scenes to ensure that
companies remain in compliance with regulations that protect the environment and promote new solutions
that will encourage sustainable practices and design.

 The NAEM reported that some initiatives that may be found in your job description include:
-Explaining the business risks of failing to ensure health, safety and environmental standards.
-Reporting sustainability initiatives to the public.
-Creating and heading a company sustainability program.
-Developing partnerships to promote sustainable practices across the business.

4. Environmental engineering consultant

Consulting services are on the rise across a variety of industries in the US. In fact, according to The
College Board, “management, scientific and technical consulting services” the industry is expected to
experience the most growth between 2008 and 2018, adding an additional 835,000 positions. This growth
provides opportunities for environmental engineers who want to use their expertise to improve the
practices and design of other companies and organizations to decrease their environmental impact.

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 To pursue a career as an environmental engineering consultant, a bachelor’s degree is typically standard,
but some clients prefer a higher degree. Whatever your undergraduate education, completing a master’s
degree will allow you to specialize in a particular facet of the field that you are especially interested in.
You can also pursue certification through one of various groups such as the American Council for
Accredited Certification.

5. Green building engineer

While engineers help to create a number of diverse construction projects, there is an increased
demand for buildings that are sustainable and leave less of an environmental footprint. As the impact of
standard construction practices becomes more apparent, green buildings are a response that allows
companies to continue to create structures while minimizing harm. For example, a common practice of
engineers and architects who work in this field, as reported by the BLS, is to cut down on energy
consumption by designing buildings that maximize the amount of natural light that enters during the work
day.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the goal of green building is to ultimately create
more resource-efficient models that protect people from nature’s extremes, while also shielding the
environment from the impact of those very projects. The organization reported that components of green
building include:
 Water efficiency.
 Toxics reduction.
 Renewable energy.
 Energy efficiency.
 Indoor air quality.
 Building specifications materials.
 Sustainable development.
 Smart growth.

Examples of Environmental Energy Project

 Bangui Windmills in Ilocos Norte, Philippines
 Solar Panel in Cagayan De Oro
 Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan

Characteristics a student must have to become an Environmental Engineer:

 Wide Imagination – being imaginative.
 Interpersonal Skill – know how to collaborate with others.
 Problem Solving Skill – the ability to figure out problems that needed a solution.
 Reading Skill – know how to read and understand documents, reports. Have the ability to comprehend
and interpret technical terms.
 Writing Skill – know how to make reports, documents with proper technical terms or professional terms.

Characteristic of a great Environmental Engineer:

 Having a curious mind – the eagerness to know more than we should already know.
 Logical Thinking and Reasoning – we should be a critical thinker and before we solve problems we are
considering factors.
 Great Communication Skill – having the ability to communicate, know how to listen and understand
others well.
 Attention to Detail – have the ability to achieve thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing task.

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FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG  Creativity and Innovation – no matter what situation or problems in our environment we should know
how to deal or to respond properly to problems by being creative and innovative.
 Team Player – should be able to coordinate tasks and work well with the other members. Dependable and
reliable and also possess good judgement skill.
 Mad Math Skill – high level of expertise in math and calculation and estimation.
 Problem Solving Skill – the ability to figure out the problem or situation that needs a solution.
 Technical Knowledge and Constant Learner – technical, having a detailed understanding in everything
and use in a practical way. Constant learner, you are good at coping in what you are observing and
practicing.

VI. CONSTRUCTION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

What is Construction and Project Management

It is offered to as CPM, is a professional service. It uses specific project management techniques that
oversee the planning, design, and the construction of a project from start to finish. The most important
aspects to control in construction are time, cost and quality.

The ultimate goal of construction and project management is the full satisfaction of the client’s
demands for a viable project in terms of functionality and budget.

What is the Role of a Construction and Project Manager?

A Construction Project Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, budgeting, and

supervising projects from the beginning to the end. In short, he or she has to take care of the following:

 Put together the budget and negotiate cost estimates

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FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG  Arrange the work timetables
 Choose the most efficient construction method and strategies
 Stay in touch with the clients for work or budget related issues
 Discuss about technical and contract details with workers and other professional parties
 Keep an eye on the personnel onsite
 Cooperate with building and construction specialists
Construction projects are usually high budget undertakings and are often involved in real estate,
transportation, infrastructure, industrial facilities and even military infrastructure. These types of
construction projects are known as capital projects.

Specifically, there are seven branches of construction. These include:

 Agricultural – specializes in the provision of full designing, building, construction and renovation of
agricultural buildings, including dairy building, equestrian building and arenas.
 Residential – the act of building any structure, or that part of any structure that is used as a home,
residence or sleeping place by one or more persons maintaining a common household to the exclusion of
all others
 Institutional – refers to the construction of public buildings, such as hospitals, schools, and recreational
center. These structures are subject to stricter regulations that residential buildings. Also they must be
flexible enough to respond to the changing needs of their users and the emergence of new trend and
technologies.
 Heavy Civil – infrastructure is often called heavy civil or heavy engineering that includes large public
works, dams, bridges, highways, railways, water or wastewater and utility distribution. Industrial
construction includes refineries, process chemical, power generation, mills and manufacturing plants.
 Commercial – is the business of building and leasing or selling spaces in the private sector.
 Industrial – is a specific form of building that requires expert training and highly experienced workers
who can multi-task.
 Environmental – handle waste ranging from household waste to construction and service activities’
waste, contaminated soil and industrial waste.

Project and Management Processes

1. Project Initiation – this is the crucial stage of the whole process, since it can indicate whether this project
is a good opportunity or not.
2. Planning Phase – the project planning stage where the team singles out all the work to be done. The main
priority, during this phase, is to plan time, costs and resources for the project.
3. Execution Phase – the construction management plan is put to work the plans made. As a rule, this phase
is divided into two main processes: the executing and the monitoring and controlling.
4. Closing Phase – the final stage of the project represents its official completion. The project manager is
evaluating what went well refers to any potential failures.

7 Possible Jobs for Construction and Management Majors

1. Project Manager – Project managers have the responsibility of the planning, procurement and execution
of a project, in any undertaking that has defined scope, defined start and defined finish regardless of
industry.
2. Project Engineer – They usually manage large engineering projects and ensure that they are completed
on schedule at low risk. They supervise either an entire project or the engineering portion of it. These
projects may include development of consumer products, machine parts, or software.
3. Operations Manager – An operations manager is key part of a management team and oversees high-level
HR duties such as attracting talent and setting training standards and hiring procedures. They also analyze
and improve organizational processes, and work to improve quality, productivity and efficiency.

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FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG 4. Data Analyst – A data analyst collects and stores data and sales numbers, market research, logistics,
linguistics, or other behaviors. They bring technical expertise to ensure the quality and accuracy of that
data, then process, design and present it in ways to help people, businesses, and organizations make better
decisions.
5. Business Analyst – Business analyst conducts market analyses, analyzing both product lines and the
overall profitability of the business. They develop and monitor data quality metrics and ensure business
data and reporting needs are met.
6. Field Engineer – Field engineers are hands-on and spend a lot of time both in the office and out at the
physical construction site.
7. Administrative Assistant – Admin and assistants perform clerical duties in nearly every industry. Most
admin assistant duties revolve around managing and distributing information with an office. This
generally includes answering phones, taking memos and maintaining files.

5 Characteristics of an effective Construction and Project Manager

 Excellent Communication – They must be able to communicate clearly and confidently, to create
stronger relationship between workers and managers.
 Ability to Delegate Tasks – An effective construction manager should be able to assign tasks to different
workers based on their specific capabilities and specialized skills. This will ensure that everyone on the
jobsite is give work that best aligns with their particular skill set, not only benefiting the worker but the
entire as well.
 Ability to Prioritize Activities – An effective manager must lay out the most optimal work schedule and
execute the plan to the best of their abilities.
 Value Teamwork - By doing this, a more positive atmosphere will be achieved, which boosts team
morale and increases productivity among all workers
 Possess Problem Solving Skills – An effective construction manager should be equipped with excellent
problem solving skill to properly address any issue that may arise from his work.

Assessment

The link for the assessment will be announced through facebook messenger (group chat).

Reflection

Since the introduction of the new B.S. Civil Engineering curriculum due to the K-12 Program, a B.S. Civil
Engineering student is now required to choose his/her specialization among the six given field of civil
engineering. So I suggest that you study each of these fields carefully and decide on what you will specialize in.
Your decision should be based on your capability and interest.

Resources and Additional Resources

Resources:

 https://www.livescience.com/47816-structural-engineering.html
 https://www.engineering.unsw.edu.au/civil-engineering/structural-engineering
 https://engineeringonline.ucr.edu/blog/what-is-water-resources-engineering/
 https://www.brighthubengineering.com/hydraulics-civil-engineering/42737-basics-of-water-
resources-engineering/

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FIELDS OF CIVIL ENGINEERINNG  https://www.mcgill.ca/civil/undergrad/areas/geotechnical
 https://www.ngi.no/eng/Careers/What-is-Geotechnical-engineering
 https://civilengineeringbible.com/article.php?i=113
 http://www.thecivilengg.com/transportation_engineering.php
 https://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/environmental_engineering.htm#:~:text=Environmental
%20engineering%20is%20the%20application,and%20to%20remediate%20polluted%20sites.
 https://www.livescience.com/48390-environmental-engineering.html
 https://www.projectmanager.com/construction-project-management
 https://www.cmu.edu/cee/projects/PMbook/09_Construction_Planning.html

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