Civil engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines, since civil engineers of one form or another have been around ever since humans started building major public works such as roads, bridges, tunnels, and large public buildings. It is also an incredibly broad discipline, spanning treatment of environmental issues, transportation, power generation, and major structures. To become a civil engineer, a person must typically study engineering at a university and then participate in field work for practical training. Many nations also require that students pass a competency exam to ensure that they will be able to design and build safe, stable structures.
Branches and Specialties
There are many branches of civil engineering, and a wide range of specialties. Some engineers focus on conception and initial design of a project, analyzing the site, the needs, and the resources to come up with a workable project plan. Others specialize in contracting, physically building the structure, managing the site crew, and handling materials and supply. In other cases, civil engineers focus on maintenance of the project after it is completed, to make sure that it is safe and useful.
Most people pick a focus while they are receiving an education. Engineers who focus on transportation, for example, might choose to specialize in building bridges, tunnels, and roads. Others might lean towards power generation facilities, water treatment, waste management, construction of light railways and subways, or other disciplines. In all cases, extensive training is undertaken so that the prospective civil engineer understands his or her chosen field in depth. Behind every major public works is a team of civil engineers.
Key Concerns and Employment
One of the primary concerns of civil engineering is public safety and health. A value is also placed on building structures that are functional, efficient, and also aesthetically pleasing. Structural soundness, conformity with local codes, and functionality are all issues which are faced in the discipline. Some civil engineers work directly for the public in the form of government agencies, while others find employment with public firms.
Education and Continuing Development
Education does not end with a degree and a course of fieldwork with trained and experienced civil engineers. Continuing education is also an important part of this discipline. As advances are made in the field, engineers are expected to keep pace with them, especially when the advances improve safety for workers and the public. There are many trade journals and annual conferences in the field to keep engineers updated.
Civil Engineering Project Management
Civil engineering project management is a set of techniques and methodologies used for the construction or repair of bridges, sewage systems, roads, and other civil engineering projects. The techniques used are often refined project management skills, due to the high level of complexity and low error tolerance on these projects. Civil engineering is a discipline that is focused primarily on the development and implementation of infrastructure and systems to support a community of people.
Key Areas of Focus
There are three areas of focus within civil engineering project management: contracting, government requirements, and documentation. These topics are all part of any project management position, but have unique aspects in civil engineering. All projects are completed with government funding, which adds an additional layer of complexity, as the project budget may be quite tight. In addition to financial constraints, political pressure and profile of a project can often impact the overall project plan and support.
Contracting and Procurement
Contracting of suppliers, construction firms, and professional staff is a complex, multi-stage process for any large project. As the project funding is government based, there are often specific requirements included in the funding agreement surrounding the procurement process, licensing requirements, union affiliations and more.
Project managers must take the time to review the agreement in detail and highlight the applicable sections. Compliance is required for funding to continue, and it is a fine line to walk between following these requirements and obtaining best value for dollar. Many civil engineering project managers work with procurement specialists, who are responsible for managing the contracting and tendering process.
Government Requirements and Reporting
Government requirements are often provided as a specific section of the agreement. This may include project milestones, press announcements, confidentiality clauses, financial reporting, and other processes. Progress reports can be quarterly, monthly, or even weekly. Compliance is required both to receive payment on the current project and to be considered for future opportunities.
Documentation and Risk Management
Civil engineering project management guidelines include an increased level of documentation. There are two reasons for this: project length and government reporting requirements. A project can have a very long time frame, as the scope tends to be very broad. As a result, there is an additional reliance on written documentation for everything from change orders to receipt of materials.
Many project managers hire a documentation specialist to manage this process and ensure that the information is recorded for review and discussion. An additional risk with a government funded project is a change in the leadership. This often results in concerns about projects approved by the other political party. Proper documentation of authorization and costs is the best way to reduce this risk.