Introduction to Civil Engineering

Purpose of the Class

• Introduction to civil engineering
• Expectations in education and career
• Guest speakers from industry and department throughout the semester

What is an Engineer?

• Open-ended question to class
• Definitions from students:
  • Improve the world (Benton)
  • Design functional things (Jacob, Emily, Tallmadge)
  • Problem solver (Darren)
  • Creative thinker (Trevor)
• American Engineers Council (AEC) definition:
  • Creative application of scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or processes

Types of Engineers

• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Chemical
• Civil

History and Origin of the Term "Engineer"

• Originated around 1325
• From "engine ear" referring to siege engines like catapults and trebuchets
• Civil engineers also designed siege engines like trebuchets

Definition and Role of Civil Engineers

• Different definitions and contributions from students
• Focus on designing and constructing public infrastructure
• Distinction from military engineers
• Roles include:
  • Building roads, bridges, pipes, dams
  • Ensuring environmental safety

Elements of Civil Engineering Seen in a Picture

• Participants identify:
  • Arches
  • Bridges
  • Tunnels
  • Aqueducts
  • Dirt and rock
  • Buildings and roads
  • Grass and birds (environmental stewardship)

Difference Between Civil Engineers and Architects

• Architects focus on aesthetics and functionality
• Civil engineers ensure practicality and structural integrity
• Both roles are complementary and necessary

Civil Engineers Provide Basic Needs

Water

• Design systems to collect, store, and distribute water
• Examples: reservoirs, hydroelectric dams
• Manage environmental impacts

Shelter

• Work with architects to design buildings
• Incorporate functional and aesthetic elements
• Engineering solutions for wind and tsunami resistance
• Example: structures with large holes to reduce lateral loads

Transportation

• Design of bridges, roads, and public transport systems
• Examples: Golden Gate Bridge, high-speed trains in Europe and China
• Port logistics and efficient transportation of goods

Study Abroad and Projects

• 30% of department graduates participate in study abroad programs
• Locations: Dominican Republic, the Netherlands
• Focus on water design projects

Teamwork in Civil Engineering

• Collaboration is crucial due to the complexity of projects
• Specialization in specific areas within Civil Engineering
• Working in teams to solve complex problems

Conclusion

• Roll call and questions
• Emphasize not to draw on lecture slides during Zoom sessions