[BOOK] Materials For Civil & Construction Engineers

This book is written by not one but two experienced personalities from the field. Michael S. Mamlouk and John P. Zaniewski. Michael S. Mamlouk is a professor of Arizona state university on environment and civil engineering. He has a many years of experience of teaching in material in civil engineering.

On the other hand John P. Zaniewski is a professor of asphalt technology in civil department of West Virginia University. He was rewarded by teaching award of Arizona state university and WVU.

These two experienced authors have bring forth this book in order to present a comprehensive study material to those who wants to be civil and construction engineers.

WHY THE PRODUCT WAS WRITTEN OR FOR WHOM?

 Materials for Civil and Construction Engineers is an excellent book for the students of Civil, and Construction engineering departments and of course for Civil Engineers at works.  It is a good study material for subjects Civil Engineering Materials, Construction Methods and material for those departments. It covers the concept of basic material information which is used in primary level of civil engineering. It provides a better understanding of material and its performance in construction field including basic requirement for construction and civil industry. In this book, author introduces a brief knowledge on material and its behavior.

This is basically an e-book but is also available in hardcover. This book can be stated as a one stop solution and knowledge hut for those who are truly interested in these aspects of engineering.

GOOD AND BAD THINGS OF THE BOOK

This book contains a huge introductory section as well as latest usage on material practices. It gives basic lessons on material industry which can help students to appear on the exams.

This book contains detailed range of sample problems, test papers which can provide students to practice more and understand the subject in a better way. Complex logics are depicted with figures and experiments, thus it can be easily understandable. Third edition enclose more updated information, new theories, charts, figures, and updated solved test papers. Author entitles a helpful index page and reference cover page which can give students a best way to learn.

Probably the only complain that can be heard about the book is about its vagueness at few places due to its vastness. But that nothing compared to the way it shapes up the interest and knowledge of the amateurs in these fields.

[BOOK] Civil Engineering Reference Manual

The book of Civil Engineering Reference Manual for the PE Exam is written by Michael R. Lindeburg. He is a well known and reputed personality in the field of engineering be it civil or mechanical.  Now he is sharing his experience with others, with the help of the various books written by him. It is his motto to help amateurs in various ways in their path of being an engineer.

This book is a complete Study guide from Professional publication publisher for CIVIL PE exam.  As per publisher views, It is one of the extensive reference study guide for civil PE exam found in the market.  It provides a consolidate topics on Civil Engineering PE exam. It is best seller throughout the years for CIVIL Engineering students who are appearing PE exam. And the readers of the book have similar things to say about it.

THE INCEPTION

Civil Engineering Reference Manual for the PE Exam is complete solution for the PE exam. It is an e-book as well as available in hard cover. It contains most structural and effective study material for those who are preparing for the PE exam. It is most comprehensive and more compact than any other book found in the market. Students make them prepare quickly with this study guide for the exam. Content wise it is very productive and advantageous. It covers a complete study schedule and more than 500 solved problems which can coach the student in a better way.

BOTH SIDE OF A COIN

As each thing is attributed with an opposite side so is this book. Despite various positive and advantageous aspects of the book, it does have some minor and negative issues. The pros and cons of the book are-

PROS

The practical solved example problem makes students habituated with the nature of exam so that the students can achieve a good result in PE exam.  It also incorporated with index and glossary which is very easy to find any problematic area. There are huge ranges of charts, tables, figures etc for better understanding of lesions. It gives students a quick idea on question type and exam mode.  It also enclose near about 440 test papers which can help give students a better idea about problem solving techniques.

CONS

The only minor negativity in the book is about its vastness but with all the other aspects in line this issue is not something for consideration.

CONCLUSION

Thus Civil Engineering Reference Manual for the PE Exam gives a complete reference for not only how to prepare PE exam but also make student very confident to appear for the exam. It helps student to take the right decision in the exam hall for solving the appropriate questions.

Working in The Mining Industry For Civil Engineers

There are many different career paths that you can take once you’ve completed a degree in civil engineering. Some engineers go into city infrastructure, helping to construct buildings, bridges, and more. But others take another route. One option post-graduation is to go into the mining industry, where civil and structural engineers can perform a range of tasks. The minerals sector requires several different types of engineer. You can even take qualifications directly related to engineering for mining companies. The role of civil engineer offers you opportunities all over the world, in mines harvesting a range of minerals. It can be a very satisfying career suited to many people. 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Usually, you will only need a Bachelor’s degree to become a civil engineer in the mining industry. There’s no need to pursue any further qualifications, although they can help you to secure a position. Some mining companies will require that you have relevant work experience before you can take up a position. There are several related areas of study that could help you access this career. These subjects include structural, hydraulic and transportation engineering. You might also find that geomechanics, hydrology, construction and economics can help you find a job in this area. 

TASKS INVOLVED

Civil engineers could do a number of things at mining sites. Some of the tasks involved include helping to plan, design and oversee construction of buildings and structures, such as mining shafts. Engineers also need to use their skills to analyze survey reports, maps, blueprints and other topological or geologic data. Taking on a directing role as a civil engineer, you could be overseeing construction or surveying. The role might also involve preparing public reports or giving technical advice, as well as testing materials and inspecting project sites. This is a varied role, with many potential things to do. 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Choosing to go into civil engineering in mining could open up employment opportunities for you around the world. If you wanted to go to Australia, you would find companies supplying a number of large and small mining outfits. There are also positions in Canada and the rest of North America, including the US. You’ll also discover civil engineering jobs in several countries in South America, such as Peru and Chile. South Africa also has many opportunities, and you’ll find roles in Europe and Asia too. Many jobs in the mining industry are English speaking though some may require Spanish, Russian or even Portuguese. 

JOB PROGRESSION

If you begin as a site engineer on a mining site, you could soon progress to the role of a project manager. There are many chances for you to take on a team and move into a position with more responsibility. You can oversee others and give directions on construction sites, as well as earning an impressive salary. The mining industry is an excellent choice for any civil engineer who wants to do something different, be paid well and have the chance to take on a senior role.

Engineer Guides Upon Building Bridges

Engineers are commonly associated with building bridges and rightly so. Building bridges is more than just laying pile of woods over an obstacle. It is a structure that should last for a very long time and it should effectively serve its purpose. To achieve this, engineers have to painstakingly and meticulously design a bridge.

While there are different types of bridges and the design and plan may differ, the general guidelines in building a bridge remains the same. Here are some of the guidelines an engineer should never forget to consider when constructing a bridge.

1. MATERIALS

There a lot of materials that an engineer can choose from. These may include wood, steel, plastic, concrete, and others. With the growing concern for saving the earth, some bridges are now innovatively designed to be more eco-friendly. This means that some bridges are now constructed with recycled materials.

2. WEIGHT

A wise engineer would consider the weight that will pass through the bridge. While it is common to think of the vehicles passing through the bridge, the weight of the materials should be taken into consideration as well. Without proper calculation and right planning, a bridge can collapse well before it is being constructed.

3. FUNCTION

A bridge can take various forms and serve different functions. A bridge exclusively built for people will be different from a bridge built for large vehicles. If the main function of bridge is to transport people, then the bridge can be built with lighter materials. But if the bridge will be used by vehicles, then planning should include high quality materials as well.

4. COST

Maybe the number 1 determining factor that affects bridge construction is the budget. The materials, design, and labor force are directly dependent on the allocated budget. It will be futile to plan constructing a bridge and only to find out that there is no enough money to finish the project. Remember that bridges will take months and years to build and it will certainly need a big amount of money to sustain its construction until the end.

5. ENVIRONMENT

A bridge can be a structure built over various obstacles which may include body of water, valleys, ravine, canal, and others. The environment on which the bridge will be constructed should never be forgotten in the equation. Some bridges failed because designing the blueprint was highly concentrated on the bridge itself, while ignoring external factors that can affect the lifespan of the bridge. For example, a bridge built over a river should make sure that the foundation is properly founded. Water scouring may eat away the soil from the base and destroy the bridge from its foundation.

6. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

A bridge should not just be functional, but it should also be aesthetically designed. Of course, this is not of utmost importance, nevertheless, a bridge built with beauty and impressiveness is a sure construction bonus.

These are just some of the factors and guides that every engineer should remember. Remember that the effectiveness of a bridge will greatly depend upon the planning and designing of engineers.

HIGHWAY DESIGN-PARKING ALONG HIGHWAYS AND ARTERIAL STREETS

These paragraphs below deal with parking as it pertains to the mainlanes of a controlled access highway, the frontage roads for such a facility, and parking along urban and suburban arterials. Rest areas as parking facilities are not considered in this article.

EMERGENCY PARKING

Parking on and adjacent to the mainlanes of a highway will not be permitted except for emergency situations. It is of paramount importance, however, that provision be made for emergency parking. Shoulders of adequate design provide for this required parking space.

CURB PARKING

In general, curb parking on urban/suburban arterial streets and frontage roads
should be discouraged. Where speed is low and the traffic volumes are well below capacity, curb parking may be permitted. However, at higher speeds and during periods of heavy traffic movement, curb parking is incompatible with arterial street service and desirably should not be permitted. Curb parking reduces capacity and interferes with free flow of adjacent traffic.

Elimination of curb parking can increase the capacity of four-to-six lane arterials by 50 to 60 percent. If curb parking is used on urban/suburban arterials or frontage roads under the conditions stated above, the following design requirements should be met:

• provide parking lanes only at locations where needed
• parallel parking preferred
• confine parking lanes to outer side of street or frontage road
• require that parking lane widths be 10 feet [3.0 meters]
• restrict parking a minimum of 20 feet [6 meters] back from the radius of the intersection to allow for sight distance, turning clearance and, if desired, a short right turn lane.

ACI BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR STRUCTURAL CONCRETE REVIEW

WHAT IS ACI

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) is a non-profit technical society and standard developing organization (SDO). ACI was founded in 1904 and its headquarters are currently located in Farmington Hills, Michigan,USA. 

BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR STRUCTURAL CONCRETE BOOK DESCRIPTION

The “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete” (“Code”) covers the materials, design, and construction of structural concrete used in buildings and where applicable in nonbuilding structures.

The Code also covers the strength evaluation of existing concrete structures. Among the subjects covered are: drawings and specifications; inspection; materials; durability requirements; concrete quality, mixing, and placing; formwork; embedded pipes; construction joints; reinforcement details; analysis and design; strength and serviceability; flexural and axial loads; shear and torsion; development and splices of reinforcement; slab systems; walls; footings; precast concrete; composite flexural members; prestressed concrete; shells and folded plate members; strength evaluation of existing structures; provisions for seismic design; structural plain concrete; strut-and-tie modeling in Appendix A; alternative design provisions in Appendix B; alternative load and strength reduction factors in Appendix C; and anchoring to concrete in Appendix D.

The quality and testing of materials used in construction are covered by reference to the appropriate ASTM standard specifications.

Welding of reinforcement is covered by reference to the appropriate AWS standard. Uses of the Code include adoption by reference in general building codes, and earlier editions have been widely used in this manner. The Code is written in a format that allows such reference without change to its language.

Therefore, background details or suggestions for carrying out the requirements or intent of the Code portion cannot be included. The Commentary is provided for this purpose. Some of the considerations of the committee in developing the Code portion are discussed within the Commentary, with emphasis given to the explanation of new or revised provisions.

CONCLUSION

“Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete” is one of the most essential resources for  many fields of materials, design, and construction of structural concrete.

Civil Engineering Jobs

A Civil Engineer is responsible for planning, design, construction and/or maintenance of structures. Civil Engineer can work in private constructions companies, governmental public works organizations or in universities as a research fellow or a teacher. Civil Engineer is able to do the following jobs:

Ø To survey a site. Ø To write a technical report about the area or a project. Ø To plot out a Design or Plan of a structure. Ø To plot out a Design of the foundation. Ø To estimate costs, expenses and ensure economy. Ø To construct a structure e.g. buildings, bridges, highways, tunnels, dams. Ø To maintain or repair a previously build structure. Ø To devise means of communication by construction and survey of roads, rails, highways, airports, seaports, train stations or freeway interchanges so that smooth and even flow of traffic (road, sea or air traffic) is maintained as well as higher user rates are ensured. Ø To design foundation for electrical transmission towers, radio signals etc. Ø To teach students in a university. Ø To run and manage a private construction firm. Ø To construct canals and dams and plan water supply schemes, sewer pipes and preventing flooding. Ø Processing and purifying organic materials, environmental impact studies, and the interface of civil engineering projects with the natural world. Ø  Coastal projects and management of coastal areas.

 

Civil & Architectural Engineering Home Design

Civil Engineering Career

Earthquake Engineering

Earthquake engineering is one of the more recent additions to the civil engineering specialties. While the need for earthquake engineering has always existed, the concepts and technology are a much more recent development. While all structures have a need to be designed to be earthquake resistant, it is the proliferation of high-rise buildings which has sparked the interest in developing earthquake survivability technology.

Seismic events create a number of separate, but interrelated problems for buildings and other structures. The earthquake itself can move both laterally and vertically, providing forces to which the structure is not normally subject.

Additionally, earthquakes can cause soil liquefaction, where the soil under a building flows out from under the foundation, eliminating the structural support that the building relies on. Other events, such as landslides can be caused by earthquakes, adding additional hazards.

Earthquake engineering consists of two basic parts: the first is understanding the effects of earthquakes on buildings and other structures. The second is designing structures which can withstand the forces brought to bear during an earthquake and remain safe and serviceable.

Being earthquake safe or serviceable does not mean that the structures will not suffer any damage whatsoever. An earthquake safe structure is one which will not endanger the lives and well-being of people in and around it, in the event of an earthquake. Although superficial damage will occur, the building will not collapse partially or totally. To be earthquake serviceable would mean that he structure would still be able to be used for its intended purpose, after a major earthquake.

Essentially, earthquake engineering deals with the structure of the building, not the fascia, wall covering or other decorative items. Damage to these is considered superficial, while structural failure can cause serious injuries and death.

Studying Earthquakes

A large part of earthquake engineering is studying the effects that earthquakes have on structures. Every earthquake causes damage to existing structures, providing a wealth of information to earthquake engineers. Teams of engineers analyze the damage caused by earthquakes, comparing the damage to the structures with seismic data on the force and direction of the earthquake.

Their goal in these studies is to determine the exact cause of any structural failures. They are also looking to determine the reason for the success for any structures which survive the earthquake with minimal damage. This data is essential for future design developments, in an effort to build structures which are even more survivable in the event of earthquakes.

Earthquake engineers depend extensively on testing, both actual physical testing of models and structures on shaker tables, and computer modeling. The data developed through shaker testing validates computer simulations and helps to further develop improved computer models.

Since buildings and other structures can’t be tested, this computer modeling is an important part of the design of new structures. Earthquake engineers are able to input a building’s design into the simulator program and virtually simulate the effects of earthquakes on the building. Changes to materials and construction methods can be tested in this manner, to determine the most earthquake resistant design.

Designing for Earthquake Resistance

For a structure to be earthquake resistant, it doesn’t necessarily have to be extremely strong or extremely expensive. Survivability has a lot more to do with the quality of the construction, specifically joints between various components, than it does with overall strength.

An important part of earthquake sustainability is dependent upon the flexibility of the materials used in construction. Concrete, a common material used in construction, is not very earthquake resistant. That’s because it is extremely strong under compression, but very weak under tension. Earthquakes cause both compression and tension, creating cracks in the concrete.

This is why concrete structures are reinforced with steel rods (re-bar), because steel is strong under tension. Pre-stressing concrete can help make the concrete more resilient to earthquakes, as the constant stress on the concrete structure helps prevent it from coming under tension.

Steel structures, such as steel truss bridges are some of the most earthquake proof structures that exist. Not only is steel strong both under tension and compression, but it is somewhat flexible as well. The elasticity inherent in steel allows the structure to flex and still return to its original shape.

One of the technologies which have been developed to help high-rise structures withstand the forces of earthquakes is the Tuned Mass Damper, also known as a Harmonic Absorber. This mass of this weight is determined by careful calculation of the building’s weight and design. The intent of the damper is to work on the resonance frequency of the building, not the weight of the building.

Located in the upper floors of the building, the weight is coupled to the building with shock absorbers or springs. As earthquakes and other lateral forces (such as high winds) act upon the building, the weight acts according to the first law of physics, not swaying with the building. This helps to dampen the lateral movement of the building.

Taipei 101, the world’s second tallest building has one of the largest tuned mass dampers ever installed in a building. The 660 metric ton damper is installed between the 87th and 88th floors and suspended from the 92nd to the 88th floor.

At the foundation of most skyscrapers, a number of technologies are employed to control how the base of the building interfaces with the foundation. In its simplest form, base isolation has the building sitting on top of the foundation, but not actually attached to it. As the ground and foundation moves, the building resists movement, attempting to stay in one place, according to Newton’s first law.

Base isolation can be coupled with a variety of dampers, which act as giant shock absorbers to help isolate the building from the vibrations happening in the ground. Lead rubber bearings, invented by Bill Robinson from New Zealand in 1974 are the current state-of-the-art in base dampening of buildings. These work under the same principle as smaller rubber shock mounts used for motors and other mechanical devices.

Conclusion

As civil engineers strive to design bigger buildings, bridges and other structures to meet mankind’s growing needs, the need for earthquake engineering is increasing all the time. The devastating effects of recent earthquakes have demonstrated the need for improved earthquake engineering design. This is one civil engineering field that still has plenty of room for growth and development; providing ample opportunity for the ambitious engineer.

Earthquake Engineering

Our objective in earthquake engineering research is to improve the state of knowledge, through fundamental and applied research, to help decision-makers reduce seismic hazards.

Decision-makers are defined as all the individuals and agencies affecting the planning and design/construct process, such as planning or regulatory agencies, owners, investors and insurers — and the engineers who protect against seismic hazards through earthquake-resistant design.

Earthquake engineering is a multi-phased process that ranges from the description of earthquake sources, to characterization of site effects and structural response, and to description of measures of seismic protection. Our current research includes occurrence modeling, geophysical modeling, ground-motion modeling, stochastic and nonlinear dynamic analysis, and design and experimentation. Components of these studies pertain to the individual phases but also, and perhaps more importantly, to aspects that incorporate some or all of the phases of earthquake engineering.

Seismic hazard and risk analysis

For over 30 years, research at the John A. Blume Earthquake Engineering Center has focused on seismic hazard and risk analysis. Early work focused mainly on modeling sources, occurrence and attenuation, and developing probabilistic hazard analysis methodologies, using Poisson models and Bayesian models. In recent years, considerable efforts have been placed on introducing mechanistic models to occurrence and attenuation phenomena. Time- and space-dependent models have been introduced to represent the fault rupture mechanics and the stress accumulation and release cycles of large earthquakes. Most recently, advanced computational tools, such as geographic information systems (GIS) and database management systems (DBMS), have been used to capture, analyze, integrate and display the tectonic, seismological, geological and engineering information needed in seismic hazard assessment.

Working with various countries in Central America, North Africa, Asia and Europe, our researchers have developed seismic hazard maps and structural design criteria, while our faculty and graduate students have significantly contributed to the development of models and methods for earthquake vulnerability and risk assessment. Current research uses analytical models for damage and structural vulnerability assessment that are based on nonlinear structural response simulation. A key question currently being addressed is the assessment of losses resulting from structural damage. Damage and vulnerability models are developed for individual structures within the context of performance-based engineering and more generic vulnerability models are formulated for application over large regions to many different types of structures. These risk assessment tools have been implemented and utilized by the practicing engineering community as well as by government agencies, insurance/reinsurance companies and financial institutions.

Researchers in our department are also working on seismic risk assessment models for transportation systems. These models use GIS and transportation network analysis tools to estimate the losses from damage to components of the system as well as those due to traffic time delays or inaccessibility of particular locations. Tools for emergency response and resource allocation following disasters are key features currently under development. Significant components of this research are supported through the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER).

Ground motion modeling

Prediction of strong ground motion continues to be a major research area in earthquake engineering, using simulation of ground motion models for seismic hazard analysis, stochastic-physical rupture process models for ground motion prediction, prediction of ground motion for engineering applications, and study of the nonstationary characteristics of simulated and recorded ground motions for nonlinear analysis of structures. Various geophysical models are being considered for simulating strong ground motion, and recorded motions from recent earthquakes are being studied for their characteristics and damage potential. Recent seismological studies have focused on the understanding and characterization of strong ground motion in the near field. The effect of near-field motions on structures has been observed from past earthquakes to be particularly important; however, systematic studies of these effects had not been conducted so they now are a focus of current research.

Damage potential of ground motion

Experience in past earthquakes has shown that the engineering profession has not yet succeeded in defining ground-motion parameters that correlate well with observed damage. From an engineering perspective, we are seeking representations of the seismic “demand” that can be used, through convolution with the structural “capacity,” to assess structural reliability. Thus, both demand and capacity need to be evaluated, the latter with due regard to structural characteristics and cumulative damage effects that depend on strong motion duration. If this can be achieved, seismic risk analysis can be based on reliability concepts, and design parameters can be derived that are consistent with the damage potential of the ground motions.

Research studies on seismic hazard analysis, input and response characterization, structural reliability, and design are treated as interrelated subjects through a consistent and coordinated approach. The major components of this research are development of damage models for structural response; characterization of ground motions based on damage potential; reliability evaluation; seismic risk analysis; and development of design parameters.

 

Design and experimentation

Considerable effort is being devoted to design research that can be implemented directly in engineering practice. This research, concerned with methods to evaluate and improve the behavior of new and existing structures in severe earthquakes, includes:

• Development of a deformation-based seismic design methodology.
• Dynamic stability considerations and P-delta effects.
• Evaluation of the effects of stiffness and strength irregularities in plan and elevation.
• Cumulative damage modeling.
• Retrofit measures for existing structures.
• Exploration of new materials and new structural systems for earthquake resistance.

Our research facilities include a laboratory with equipment for static and dynamic testing of structural materials, components and system models. Current structural testing is focusing on research to validate computational models to predict dynamic nonlinear response of structures and for developing health-monitoring technologies. This includes shaking table tests to examine structural collapse phenomena as affected by the complex interactions of degrading structural response and random earthquake input motions. Shake table testing is also an important component of the research to develop more robust wireless strong motion sensors. Other projects involve quasi-static testing of structural components and materials to evaluate fiber-optic sensors and to investigate the effect of localized failure mechanisms on structural performance.

What is a Plant Engineer?

The position of a plant engineer also involves the designing of manufacturing layout plans, selecting the equipment to be used, meeting with contractors and providing support to meet safety protocols.

The minimal education requirement for a plant engineer is a bachelor's degree in engineering. The type of industry has specific requirements on the type of engineering degree. A four-year engineer education covers courses in math, physics and life sciences.

What does a Civil Engineer do?

Based on his specialization, a civil engineer can focus on solving problems of construction, transport, geotechnics or structure. Within each specialization, a civil engineer finds himself filling the role of a consultant or a contractor. Consultants typically focus on the design part of the work in addition to communicating with the clients, whereas contractors oversee the construction process. The former role involves in-office work, while the latter requires on-site presence.

The job of a civil engineer in construction is to ensure that the construction project follows the schedule and that it’s being built in accordance to specifications and plans. A civil engineer in the geotechnical field has to make sure that the foundation is solid. His focus lies on the interaction between buildings and the soil upon which they are built.

Structural engineers focus on the design and the assessment of construction projects, making sure that they feature strength and durability. Transportation engineers handle the planning, design and maintenance of infrastructure that is in use every day, such as streets, highways, transit systems and airports.

CONSTRUCTION & CIVIL ENGINEERING

Construction & Civil Engineering addresses the broad issues facing companies involved in the built environment. It covers areas as diverse as road building, oil and gas projects, shipbuilding, tunnels, bridges, canals, dams, wind farms and rail construction – and all the associated disciplines that enable these projects to come to fruition.

Major infrastructure projects are covered, alongside several subdisciplines, including environmental engineering, geotechnical issues, earth science, surveying and technology.