Types of Civil Engineering Works and Their Relevance in Modern Construction
Civil works are a part of the construction industry. They involve the renovation and construction of amenities or structures used by the public. Additionally, civil works also have a significant effect on the natural environment because the contractors have to tap natural resources and manipulate them into resources that people can use. Civil works are quite diverse, and an understanding of what each type entails can help you choose the right contractor for your projects. Here are some of the various types of civil constructional works to help you gain more insight:
Water Engineering
Water engineering is a part of civil works. Every household requires water for domestic and sanitary needs, and civil engineers must find a sustainable way of providing the water to these households. The contractor starts with a thorough survey of the area so that they can understand how the natural waterways work. Subsequently, they come up with methods that allow them to tap into natural water sources without adverse effects on the environment. For instance, areas that experience heavy rainfall demand a focus on flooding and groundwater. Buildings and structures in such areas should maximise on rain-harvesting techniques and boreholes to utilise the groundwater. Alternatively, a civil project sitting close to a river can tap into the natural water source.
Geotechnical Engineering
One thing comes to mind when the word "geo" is in the equation. It prompts you to think about the soil. Well, geotechnical engineering affects nearly all civil works because most of the projects undertaken need their foundations anchored in the soil. The civil engineers take time to examine the soil so that they can know what it contains. It helps them know what do to make the civil project a success.
Geotechnical expertise is particularly important in civil works that encounter lots of human and automotive traffic. Roads, railways, tunnels and bridges are subject to intensive geotechnical analysis. When done, the geotechnical engineer will know the kind of rebar and foundational reinforcements to use for the specific project.
Structural Engineering
Structural engineering is arguably the most popular kind of civil work undertaken across the globe. High-rise buildings, towers, malls, commercial complexes and dams crop up nearly every day in all cities across the world. Structural engineering focuses on making sure that these projects are both sustainable and safe to use. The use of helical piers and pier systems to make buildings resistant to earthquakes is an excellent example of structural engineering works.