What is Heavy Civil Engineering? And What are the Different Types of Heavy Civil Engineering?
Heavy civil engineering is a branch of civil engineering that specializes in the construction and maintenance of structures such as roads, tunnels, airports, harbors, dams, and bridges. Heavy civil engineers are responsible for overseeing the design and construction of these projects using heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and trailers. Working as a heavy civil engineer requires specific skills. You will be dealing with large-scale projects that often involve new technology and innovative solutions to challenges like limited space. A degree in heavy civil engineering gives you an advantage when seeking employment. Below we have discussed the various types of heavy civil engineering:
What is the Difference Between Heavy and Light Civil Engineering?
Light civil engineering works with materials such as timber and concrete. Heavy civil engineering, on the other hand, applies itself to large-scale projects such as those built with steel or large amounts of concrete. Light civil engineers mostly build infrastructure such as roads, houses, and small bridges, while heavy civil engineers are responsible for large-scale construction projects such as dams, tunnels, and canals. Light civil engineers use materials such as wood and concrete to construct these projects, while heavy civil engineers use materials that are strong enough to withstand the forces of nature and are used in the construction of large-scale projects such as steel, concrete, and rocks. The difference between light and heavy civil engineering is the scale of projects. Heavy civil engineering deals with large-scale projects such as dams, bridges, and tunnels, while light civil engineering deals with smaller scale projects like roads and houses.
Road and Bridge Engineering
Road and bridge engineering is the process of designing roads and bridges for use by vehicles and other forms of transportation. Engineers involved in this type of heavy civil engineering must take into account various aspects such as safety, costs, and environmental impact. Road and bridge engineers also help plan and design new roads as well as maintain and repair existing roads. They must also deal with issues such as traffic congestion, which can be solved by designing new roads and adding new lanes, or creating special lanes for certain vehicles. Road and bridge engineers may also be involved in the building of tunnels. They must consider the logistics of excavating large amounts of earth for the tunnel, as well as the impact of constructing a tunnel on the environment. Engineers who specialize in road and bridge engineering are employed by government agencies, construction companies, and consulting firms.
Railway Engineering
Railway engineering is the process of designing and constructing railways. Railway engineers work on every component of railways including tracks, stations, signalling, and rolling stock. Railway engineers also plan and design new railways and maintain and repair existing railways. They must also deal with issues such as the limited amount of space in railway stations, which can be solved by designing smaller trains or designing stations that can accommodate large trains. Engineers who specialize in railway engineering work for construction companies, railway companies, and government agencies.
Airport Engineering
Airport engineering is the process of designing and constructing airports. Airport engineers work on every component of airports including runways, taxiways, terminals, and navigational aids. Airport engineers also plan and design new airports and maintain and repair existing airports. They must also deal with issues such as the limited amount of space at airports, which can be solved by designing smaller runways or building terminals that can accommodate large aircraft. Engineers who specialize in airport engineering work for government agencies and construction companies.
Dams, Harbors and Marine Works Engineering
Dams, harbors and marine works engineering is the process of designing and constructing dams, harbors and other marine works. Engineers involved in this type of heavy civil engineering must take into account various aspects such as safety, costs, and environmental impact. Dam, harbor and marine works engineers also help plan and design new projects as well as maintain and repair existing projects. They must also deal with issues such as siltation, which can be solved by increasing the flow of water or building fish ladders. Dam, harbor and marine works engineers may also be involved in the building of breakwaters. They must consider the logistics of excavating large amounts of earth for the breakwater, as well as the impact of constructing a breakwater on the environment. Engineers who specialize in dams, harbors and marine works engineering are employed by government agencies, construction companies, and consulting firms.
Rebuilding after disasters
A heavy civil engineer may be required to rebuild after a natural disaster. They may need to take on the design of new structures or maintain and repair existing ones. Engineers will have to consider factors like the force of the natural disaster, the strength of the materials used in the structure, and the geography of the surrounding area when designing new structures. Dam, harbor and marine works engineers may be involved in the rebuilding of aquatic ecosystems damaged by the natural disaster. They must consider the ecology of the area and use their knowledge of marine biology and ecology to construct new ecosystems. Dam, harbor and marine works engineers may also be involved in the construction of emergency structures such as shelters. They must consider factors like the amount of people who will use the shelter and where they will be located when designing the structure.
Maintaining existing infrastructure
A heavy civil engineer may be required to maintain existing structures such as bridges, dams, and reservoirs. They must consider factors such as the age of the structures, the amount of wear and tear they have experienced, and the frequency of use when maintaining existing structures. Engineers who specialize in maintaining existing infrastructure are employed by government agencies and construction companies.
New construction
A heavy civil engineer who specializes in new construction is involved in the building of new structures such as dams, harbors, reservoirs, and power plants. Engineers must consider factors such as the type of structure to be built, the amount of material required, and the impact of the structure on the environment. Dam, harbor and marine works engineers may be involved in the construction of new dams. They must consider the logistics of excavating large amounts of earth for the dam and the impact of constructing the dam on the environment. Engineers who specialize in new construction work for construction companies.
Developing urban areas
Heavy civil engineers may be involved in the development of urban areas. They must consider factors such as the amount of space available for development, the amount of money available for the project, and the impact of the project on the environment. Engineers must also conduct feasibility studies to determine if the project is suitable for the area. Dam, harbor and marine works engineers may be involved in the development of aquatic ecosystems in an urban area. They must consider the ecology of the aquatic ecosystems and use their knowledge of marine biology and ecology to construct new ecosystems. Dam, harbor and marine works engineers may also be involved in the construction of emergency structures such as shelters. They must consider factors like the amount of people who will use the shelter and where they will be located when designing the structure.
Concluding Words
Heavy civil engineering is a very broad field that requires engineers to be creative and innovative. The different types of heavy civil engineering discussed above are just some examples of the types of projects that heavy civil engineers may be involved in.