Civil engineering is one of the engineering disciplines which incorporate many fields including electrical, mechanical, agricultural, chemical, computers, electrical, bioengineering, aerospace, mining, systems engineering, and nuclear. However, civil engineering is also involved in the practical areas of day to day life.
Since civil engineering involves various designing and technology subjects, civil engineering study programs are inclined to integrate information from various fields to develop engineering solutions. As such, civil engineering study programs are likely to be broader than any other engineering disciplines.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), civil engineering engages in service, development and enhancement of society. Civil engineering incorporates various activities including commencement, designing, planning, structure building and providing important facilities for contemporary life. Civil engineering builds projects ranging from offshore buildings to space satellites.
Civil engineers are also involved in solving problems, dealing with pollution concerns, traffic obstructions, water resources, power requirements and town development.
The word 'civil' comes from the Latin word 'civilis'. Civilis is derived from 'civis' which also means 'citizen'.
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) defines engineering as an occupation in which the mathematics and science principle and knowledge, acquired by study along with work experience is applied for the betterment of human beings.
Thus, civil engineering is responsible for making the life of people uncomplicated by application of scientific and mathematical knowledge. The Civil engineering field influences our surroundings considerably.