Civil engineering subjects; Skills mastered and Applications

There are differences in the civil engineering subjects depending on the universities. But you will have to learn the following civil engineering subjects without any option. Because they decide your knowledge in the realm after you walk out of your college as a civil engineer.

So, let’s jump right on to it.

List of civil engineering subjects

Here, I’m going to list out the core subjects in civil engineering.

1. Surveying
2. Structural analysis
3. Construction technology
4. Geotechnical engineering
5. Design of concrete structures
6. Design of steel structures
7. Design of hydraulic structures
8. Transportation engineering
9. Water resource engineering
10. Environmental engineering
11. Quantity surveying and valuation

So, you got the civil engineering subjects list. Now, I am going to explain the importance of the subjects and textbooks you can refer to master at each of them. Civil engineering jobs and career growth after completion of professional course depends on the specialisation in any of the subjects.

1. Surveying

Skills acquired

The subject gives you a deep understanding of how you have to carry out the surveying on field. Also, the principles and the theory behind surveying is explicitly drawn.

Applications

You should thrive to get good marks in the subject if your future plan is to be in the construction industry.

Textbooks that can be referred

Basak, Surveying and levelling

i. Dr. B. C. Punmia, Ashok Kumar Jain, Dr Arun Kuma Jain,Dr. Arun Kumar Jain., Surveying, Laxmi publications

ii. Arora K.R, Surveying, Standard book house

The next subject is related to structural engineering.

2. Structural analysis

Skills acquired

The behavior of different building materials on the structure is analysed with the help of various methods.

Applications

The subject is very important while constructing any structure in the field because the material is chosen based on the total load acting on a structure and matching its behavior with that.

Text books that can be referred

i. Aslam Kassimali., Structural analysis, Cenage Learning

ii. Hibbler., Structural analysis , Pearson Education

3. Construction technology

Skills acquired

A comprehensive study of different building materials and fundamental techniques of construction

Applications

This is a theory subject that will be useful for securing marks for several exams related to civil engineering. And, favorite portion of every interviewers.

Text books that can be referred

i. Rangwala S C., Engineering Materials, Charotar Publishers

ii. Arora and Bindra, Building construction, Dhanpath Rai and Sons

4. Geotechnical engineering

Skills acquired

You get to learn about the fundamentals of soil mechanics principles. Also, it provides knowledge about the properties and testing of soils.

Applications

Understanding the characteristics of soil is essential to decide on the type of foundation and building materials when you work on the field.

Text books that can be referred

i. Arora K. R., Geotechnical Engineering, Standard Publishers, 2006.

ii. Das B. M., Principles of Geotechnical Engineering, Cengage India Pvt. Ltd., 2010

5. Design of concrete structures

Skills acquired

The subject imparts knowledge of the behavior of reinforced concrete structural elements in various conditions. Also, it enables you to design essential elements such as beams, columns, slabs, staircases and footings under several loads.

Applications

This is an important portion for competitive exams such as UPSC, Gate. And its inevitable for everyone looking forward to work in construction sector.

Text books that can be referred

i. Punmia, B.C Jain A.K, RCC Designs, Laxmi Publications Ltd., 12e, 2015

ii. Pillai S.U 7 Menon D- Reinforced Concrete Design, Tata McGraw Hill Publishing Co., 2005

6. Water resource engineering

Skills acquired

This subject gives a thorough knowledge of the scientific methods for computing irrigation water requirements. And fundamental knowledge on reservoir engineering and river engineering

Applications

This is an important subject for people who plan to work as site engineers at water authority, irrigation department and related realms.

Text books that can be referred

i. Arora, K.R., “Irrigation, Water Power and Water Resource Engineering”, Standard Publishers Distributors, New Delhi, 2009

ii. Garg S.K, Irrigation Engineering and Hydraulic Structures Khanna Publishers New Delhi 2006

7. Design of hydraulic structures

Skills acquired

The subject imparts knowledge regarding the design of various minor irrigation structures and conveys causes of failure, design criteria and stability analysis of different types of dams.

Applications

From the skills acquired, you might have got an idea of where this is beneficial. It’s important for people who plan to work in water resource related departments.

Text books that can be referred

i. Garg S.K, Irrigation Engineering and Hydraulic Structures, Khanna Publishers, 2006

ii. Modi. P.N., Irrigation Water Resources and Water Power Engineering, Standard Book House, 2009

8. Transportation engineering

Skills acquired

The subject envisages to enable the students to have a strong analytical and practical knowledge of geometric design of highways, pavements, efficient management of transportation facilities.

Applications

This is sort of an introduction for students who are interested to pursue research in transportation engineering. The subject can tell you whether you have a liking for this branch of engineering.

Text books that can be referred

i. Kadiyali, L. R., Principles of Highway Engineering, Khanna Publishers, 2001

ii. Khanna, S.K.& Justo E.G., Highway Engineering, Nem Chand & Bros., 2000

9. Design of steel structures

Skills acquired

It introduces the design of structural components subjected to various conditions of loading using steel and timber.

Applications

Important for UPSC exams and those who wish to pursue a career in the construction sector.

Text books that can be referred

i. P. Dayaratnam., Design of Steel Structures, Wheeler Publishing, 2003

ii. Subramanian N, Design of steel structures, Oxford University Press, 2011

10. Environmental engineering

Skills acquired

The subject tells the significance of water resources and the factors affecting the quality and quantity of water. Also, it throws light into the various types of treatment techniques adopted for a public water supply system.

Applications

You will get to know if you like to pursue your higher studies in environmental engineering after learning the subject.

Textbooks that can be referred

i. B.C Punmia, “Water Supply Engineering”, Laxmi Publications Pvt. Ltd., 2016

ii. S.K. Garg, “Water Supply Engineering”, Khanna Publishers, 2010

11. Quantity surveying and valuation

Skills acquired

It equips you to prepare detailed estimates, analysis of rates valuation etc. in connection with construction.

Applications

This subject is a valuable asset to those who wish to start their own consultancies and similar services on preparing estimations and rate valuation.

Textbooks that can be referred

i. BS Patil, Civil Engineering contracts and estimates, Universities press

ii. B N Dhatta, Estimating and costing in Civil Engineering, USB publishers and distributers Ltd. New Delhi

So, what do you think? Want to pursue a career in civil engineering?

Great. Let’s talk about it.

Post your queries and doubts in the comments.

Enjoy exploring!

Must read: Basic of civil engineering; Simple and in-depth guide