Features of Civil Engineering - Coursework Example

Paper Introduction It is axiomatic to argue that the world is built around various engineering activities. A myriad of trained engineering professionals often work around the clock to ensure that they research on some of the best structures to support survival of mankind. To have an imperative discussion on the below topic, it is in order to delineate the term engineering. It is a branch of science and technology that is concerned with the design, construction/building and use of various machines, structures and engineers. Part A Civil engineering is delineated as a professional within the engineering discipline dealing mainly in ideas that focuses on the design, construction and continuous maintenance of the naturally and physically built environment. The built items include bridges, roads, canals, buildings and dams among others. It is one of the oldest branches of engineering, with structures including the old and modern civilization. My interest in the field of engineering started when I saw my father do a number of civil engineering activities. Besides, my dad is an engineer; I could therefore read a number of books related to engineering, resulting to an interest I develop towards the field. Interests in subjects are one of the reasons behind the picking of a course by the students. The interest is either developed from what they see or the influence in their environment. Parents and peers usually play an important role in shaping the future and destiny of their kids. Growing up under the guidance of my father influenced a lot of things including games. Having admired my dad’s life, I got convinced that I wanted to do civil engineering. Civil engineering in Qatar There are a number of available civil engineering jobs in Qatar including; Civil engineer – Hamad Medical Corporation Assistant civil engineer/hospital- Global medical recruiting Civil engineer- Global medical recruiting Assistant Executive Director of engineering- Global medical recruiting Planning cost engineer – Management solutions international Qatar Senior Planning engineer – Management solutions international Qatar Chartered Quantity surveyor – Management solutions international Qatar Site engineer – WJ Ground water Limited Civil engineers- Luxury Jobs international LLC Project manager for infrastructure works- Luxury Jobs international LLC Civil and infrastructure foreman- Luxury Jobs international LLC UK Engineering jobs Senior engineer- Cardiff Civil engineer – Cardiff Graduate technical engineer – Newport (South Wales) Civil Technician – Cardiff Highway contract manager – London Technical engineer- Blue fire engineering and technical Project Manager – Birstall West Yorkshire Platform engineer- Glocestershire It should be noted that there are thousands of jobs in both countries requiring engineering qualifications. The above listed are just few examples of similar jobs. PART B Liverpool John Moores University The institution was founded in 1825 to revolutionize education in Liverpool. Characterize in the simple words of ‘dream, plan, achieve’ the university provides the students with variety of courses. Known for its technology and engendering courses, the institution gives student an opportunity to explore careers in different engineering fields. Students studying engineering in the institution are accredited as satisfactorily satisfying the base for the chartered Engineer; a year for industrial placement; part-time option for students in employment among others. University of Aberdeen Founded in 1946, the university has remained as a centre of excellence across UK. The multi-million investments provide the best facility for students to conduct research on different fields. Engineering students in the university have the opportunity of using some of the best facilities to undertake their research work. Similarities of the Engineering courses Both institutions provide the learners with the opportunity to interact with professionals already in the industry. Both institutions have up to date facilities that equip the learners with some of the best skills to handle any complex task in the field. Both University of Aberdeen and Liverpool John Moores University have well trained professionals that guide the students in their daily learning activities. Both institutions give students an option to whether study on part time or full time basis. Differences The universities are peculiar in their own way with different mission, vision, goals and objectives with regards to molding a student into a future career professional. University of Aberdeen has variety of engineering and other modules from first year compared to Liverpool John Moores University University of Aberdeen gives a more opportunity for students to specialize on various fields of study as opposed to Liverpool John Moores University that limit students to few courses and therefore reduced career openings. University of Aberdeen has 4 years requirement for completion of the study while Liverpool John Moores University has 3 year requirement for the completion of a degree course. A yearly fee payable by students in Liverpool John Moores University ranges from £9,000 to £12,000 per annum depending on the module while in university of Aberdeen the fees £9,000 to £15,700. Lecturer: Professor Rafid Mustafa Alkhaddar Holds MSc in Water energy and the Environment, Wastewater Treatment Processes and MSc in Water energy and the Environment. He holds BEng (Honours) in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water and Wastewater Engineering Level 2. BEng (Honours) in Civil and other Built Environment subjects. The professor has supervised of a number of MSc Dissertations and also final year projects. Professional Qualifications: FCIWEM, Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management UK. CEng, Registered Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council UK. CEnv Chartered Environmentalist. Chartered Water and Environmental Manager. EurIng, European Engineer. PART C Advantages and disadvantages of using concrete as a structural Concrete refers to a stone like materials that are used for a number of structural purposes. It is usually made through mixing of binding materials and different aggregate such as stone chips, shale, pebbles and sand with water. Some of the advantages include It is resistant to both water, wind, insects, rodents and therefore often used for the storm shelters Concrete is used because of its economical nature when the ingredient are readily available Concrete is not combustible making it fire safe and able to withstand high temperatures The low maintenance requirements and long life enhances its economical benefit Building of the casts and molds can take place on the work site which helps in cost reduction. It is unlikely to rot, decay or corrode compared to other materials of building. Concrete requires less skill in structure compared to the skills required in the steel It also acts as a rigid member with minimum deflection. The maintenance of the concrete is quite low as compared to others. (McCormac and Brown 2000) Disadvantages Concrete has a very low tensile strength unlike other building materials Concrete is also quite susceptible to cracking and therefore not durable. Most builders will avoid using it as it will require constant repair and maintenance It has a very low ductility It has a low strength to weight ratio. The shrinkage in concrete causes a lot of crack development and the loss of strength The key steps in the using of a concrete like mixing, casting and curing usually affect the final step. Despite the low maintenance cost, in the long run, it can be expensive if a number of maintenance sessions are required. (McCormac and Brown 2000) Given that concrete is a brittle material an engineer must also take into consideration the strength upon shear which is a hectic work. Reinforced concrete This refers to the concrete whereby the wire mesh or the steel bars are embedded to enhance the strength of the tensile. It is a concrete with the metal bars that helps in building its strength. As a structural material, it is commonly used is a different type of structures. If it is economically designed and executed then it becomes very competitive. Some of the advantages and disadvantages are as discussed below Advantages It has a high relative comprehensive strength as compare to other materials used in building like steel Reinforced concrete has a high and better resistance to fire as compared to steel Reinforced concrete has a long life of service making a number of structural engineers to prefer using it to other materials like steel Its maintenance cost is very low. In some specific structures like piers, dams and footings, it is usually regarded as an economical structural material by a number of engineers It is easy to cast it to take any shape that is required by the engineer which makes it widely acceptable and used in the precast structural components. It also yields very rigid members with a low deflection. Disadvantages Apart from the above stipulated advantages, there are a number of disadvantages/weaknesses of the reinforced concrete. Some of the disadvantages include It has a very low tensile strength. Its tensile strength is about a tenth of the total; comprehensive strength It requires mixing, curing and casting which can affect the final strength of the concrete It is also disadvantageous since it has a low comprehensive strength as compared to the steel. The common ratio is about a tenth, however depends on the material. This often results a big sections within the multistory buildings There are the possibilities of cracks which develop within the concrete as a result of the application of the live loads and shrinkage. Conclusion It is no doubt that engineering is one of the courses that different governments depend on to transform their economies. Existing government and private institutions must therefore offer all the required support to ensure that students get the best training. Understanding of the key concept will facilitate their development into well informed and mature professionals readily to concur the world. Reference McCormac J. and Brown R. 2000 Design of reinforced Concrete (5 ed.) ISBN-13: 978-1118129845 Read More