Civil Engineering And Structural Engineering

Civil Engineering And Structural Engineering


CIVIL ENGINEERING

Define:-
              Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering are two disciplines in the field of engineering which deals with evaluation, design construction and preservation of elements. Generally, structural engineering is categorized as an area of specialization of civil engineering. But through the years, modern development in science and architecture has made structural engineering into a separate discipline.

The difference between civil engineering and structural engineering is tricky. The task of discerning the two terms would be difficult without first understanding the concept behind each line of work.


Civil Engineering
                                     Civil Engineering is considered as one of the oldest fields in engineering. Its history dates back to when people started building a shelter for themselves. This engineering field is offered in universities as a first-degree course and includes disciplines such as transportation engineering, Geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering and structural engineering.

Structural Engineering
                                          Structural engineering involves the analysis, design, construction, and maintenance of structures that reinforce or counteract loads, such as skyscrapers, dams, and bridges.

This engineering field is offered in universities as both a subject under civil engineering and a specialization that result in a master's degree or a doctorate.

The Difference between Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering

Although they may belong to the same field of engineering, they differ in several aspects. For example, civil engineering focuses more attention in design elements while structural engineering is more concern on inspecting materials to be used for the construction. They ensure that the materials being used for construction can support the design of the structure.

To sum it up, civil engineering is a broad subject which covers structural engineering. It’s a first-degree course offered in universities which result in a bachelor degree. On the other hand, structural engineering is a subject under civil engineering and is taught to students taking up the course. However, it is also a specialization which leads to a master's degree or a doctorate.

In reality, their difference and similarities are not that important, the important thing is that they are both crucial knowledge needed by the construction industry. Engineering firms, such as Godfrey-Hoffman & Hodge in Connecticut, provide both civil engineering and structural engineering services to customers because they understand that they are both essential in any construction work or development project.

BRIDGE ENGINEERING

Bridge:-

Structure that spans horizontally between supports, whose function is to carry vertical loads. The prototypical bridge is quite simple—two supports holding up a beam—yet the engineering problems that must be overcome even in this simple form are inherent in every bridge: the supports must be strong enough to hold the structure up, and the span between supports must be strong enough to carry the loads. Spans are generally made as short as possible; long spans are justified where good foundations are limited—for example, over estuaries with deep water.

All major bridges are built with the public’s money. Therefore, bridge design that best serves the public interest has a threefold goal: to be as efficient, as economical, and as elegant as is safely possible. Efficiency is a scientific principle that puts a value on reducing materials while increasing performance. Economy is a social principle that puts value on reducing the costs of construction and maintenance while retaining efficiency. Finally, elegance is a symbolic or visual principle that puts value on the personal expression of the designer without compromising performance or economy. There is little disagreement over what constitutes efficiency and economy, but the definition of elegance has always been controversial.

Generally speaking, bridges can be divided into two categories: standard overpass bridges or unique-design bridges over rivers, chasms, or estuaries. This article describes features common to both types, but it concentrates on the unique bridges because of their greater technical, economic, and aesthetic interest

The Elements Of Bridge Design

There are six basic bridge forms: the beam, the truss, the arch, the suspension, the cantilever, and the cable-stay.

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Beam

The beam bridge is the most common bridge form. A beam carries vertical loads by bending. As the beam bridge bends, it undergoes horizontal compression on the top. At the same time, the bottom of the beam is subjected to horizontal tension. The supports carry the loads from the beam by compression vertically to the foundations.

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  A beam bridge, with forces of tension represented by red lines and forces of compression by green …

  Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.

When a bridge is made up of beams spanning between only two supports, it is called a simply supported beam bridge. If two or more beams are joined rigidly together over supports, the bridge becomes continuous.

Bridge Engineering – Components of Bridge Structures

A bridge is a structure providing passage over an obstacle without closing the way beneath. The required passage may be for a road, a railway, pedestrians, a canal or a pipeline. The obstacle to be crossed may be a river, a road, railway or a valley.

components of bridge

 Classification of Bridges

Classification of Bridges (According to form (or) type of superstructures)

1. Slab bridge
2. Beam bridge
3. Truss bridge
4. Arch bridge
5. Cable stayed (or )suspended bridge

 Classification of bridges (According to material of construction of  superstructure)

1. Timber bridge
2. Concrete bridge
3. Stone  bridge
4. R.C.C bridge
5. Steel bridge
6. P.C.C bridge
7. Composite bridge
8. Aluminum bridge

Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge

 Classification of bridges (According to inter-span relationship)

1. Simply supported bridge
2. Cantilever  bridge
3. Continuous  bridge

 Classification of bridges (According to the position of the bridge floor relative to superstructures)

1. Deck through bridge
2. Half through or suspension  bridge

 Classification according to method of connection of different part of superstructures

1. Pinned connection  bridge
2. Riveted connection  bridge
3. Welded connection  bridge

New River Gorge Bridge made of weather resistant steel

According to length of bridge

1. Culvert  bridge(less than 6 m)
2. Minor bridge(less than 6 m-60m)
3. Major bridge(more than 60 m)
4. Long span bridge(more than 120 m)

According to function

1. Aqueduct bridge(canal over a river)
2. Viaduct(road or railway over a valley or river)
3. Pedestrian bridge
4. Highway bridge
5. Railway bridge
6. Road-cum-rail or pipe line bridge

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