Today we take a closer look at one of the most interesting and complex types of engineering design: Civil engineering design. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Civil Engineering Design?
Civil engineering design is a discipline that aims to produce designs, drawings, and technical specifications for heavy civil infrastructure. The term “heavy infrastructure” includes works such as:
- Bridges
- Roads and highways
- Airports
- Railways
- Dams
- Roads
- Utilities (pipes, sewers, etc.)
If you find the “civil” part of the term “civil engineering design” a little puzzling, remember that its original purpose was to make a distinction between this type of engineering and military engineering, which continues to be one of the most important fields of application of engineering design.
Civil engineering design is a complex discipline that draws from structural engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, among others.
Characteristics of a Civil Engineering Design Project
While exceptions exist, most civil engineering design projects have certain traits in common that differentiate them from other types of projects.
For example, civil engineering design projects are often funded and commissioned by a public owner such as local or federal governments.
Also, projects of heavy infrastructure tend to spread out horizontally (think of a railway or airport), as opposed to ordinary buildings, which are predominantly vertical.
Finally, the documents required for a civil engineering design project are prepared by engineers. By contrast, the documentation needed for an ordinary construction project is usually prepared by an architect.
Learn More About Engineering Design
Engineering design is a discipline full of interesting stores and bits of information. Below are some previous posts you can read to learn more about this fascinating topic.
- What is the engineering design process?
- Do good design engineers make good project managers?
- 3 Reasons to choose a career in engineering design
- How is engineering design different from other types of design?
Darnell Technical Services is an engineering design firm with extensive experience in a vast array of projects. Our headquarters are located in Santa Ana, California, and we have an office in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Contact us today by telephone (714-285-0082 (CA), 702-945-2899 (NV)) or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to learn more about all the technical instruments and materials we put at your disposal.
