Civil engineering facts for kids

Civil engineering is a type of engineering that focuses on designing, building, and maintaining big structures and systems. Think of things like bridges, dams, buildings, and tunnels. It also includes important networks for water, irrigation (watering crops), and sewage. Even building houses and homes is part of civil engineering.

Civil engineers are involved in every step of a project. This includes planning, construction, keeping things in good shape, and even taking them down safely. Civil engineering often works closely with architecture, which is about designing buildings.

Civil engineering has many different areas of study. Some key areas are geotechnical (about soil and rocks), structures (how things stand up), environmental (protecting nature), construction management (organizing projects), hydrology (water movement), transportation (roads and railways), and materials (what things are made of). Engineers need to understand all these areas. Many projects use several of them at the same time.

Bridge Pont Lafayette and the city of Lyon.

What Do Civil Engineers Do?

Civil engineers are super important for a society to work well. They make sure we have safe water supplies and systems to treat sewage. They design and build roads, railways, and all kinds of buildings. These are all essential parts of our daily lives.

How Do You Become a Civil Engineer?

To work in civil engineering, you need special training. People who work on construction sites often learn on the job. They might also go to a training center or do an apprenticeship. This means they learn skills while working.

To become a professional civil engineer, you usually study at a university or college. Students often learn about structures, different materials, physics, and calculus. These subjects help them understand how to design and build safely.

Professional Civil Engineers

Many countries have groups that support civil engineers. For example, in the UK, the Institution of Civil Engineers helps promote the field. They also support engineers throughout their careers. The American Society of Civil Engineers does a similar job in the USA.

Professional engineers can choose to become "Chartered Engineers." This shows that they are very skilled and experienced in their jobs. To get this title, civil engineers usually write a big essay. They also have to be interviewed by a group of experienced engineers.

Related Pages

• Geotechnical engineering
• National Academy of Engineering
• Structural engineering

Images for kids

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  A multi-level stack interchange, buildings, houses, and park in Shanghai, China

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  A Roman aqueduct built around 19 BC, Pont du Gard, France

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  Chichen Itza was a large ancient city in Mexico. It was built by the Maya people.

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  John Smeaton, often called the "father of civil engineering."

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  The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge in Japan. It is currently the world's longest suspension bridge.

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  Oosterscheldekering, a storm surge barrier in the Netherlands.

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  Creek contaminated with water pollution.

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  A plan for a proposed mixed-use site.

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  A student using a dumpy level to measure heights.

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  This roundabout in Bristol, England, helps traffic flow smoothly.

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  Lake Chapultepec.

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  Hoover Dam.

See also

In Spanish: Ingeniería civil para niños