Civil Engineering: An Exciting Career With an Incredible History and a Tremendous Future
From the pyramids of Egypt to the exploration of space, civil engineers have always faced the challenges of the future - advancing civilization and building our quality of life.
Today, the world is undergoing vast changes - the technological revolution, population growth, environmental concerns, and more. All create unique challenges for civil engineers. The next decades will be the most creative, demanding, and rewarding times for civil engineers, and now is the best time to find out if civil engineering is the right career for you.
Making a Mark on the World
Throughout history, civil engineers have designed and built facilities that have advanced civilization and have provided for a higher standard of living.
A Great Engineering Feat: Building the Pyramids
Around 2980 B.C., thousands of workers labored for years to build the pyramids as tombs for kings. The end results continue to endure and amaze.
The Glory of Ancient Rome
The Coliseum is a find example of ancient Roman architectural engineering which was used for gladiatorial games and was even flooded for mock navy battles. It measured approximately 280 by 175 feet and featured four floors, with an overall capacity to accommodate 87,000 people.
The Symbol of London
The majestic Tower Bridge is an iron drawbridge that spans the River Thames. It was completed in 1894, and has two central sections that can be raised to allow large ships to pass.
French Civil Engineering Genius
The French contributed a great deal to the progress of this profession. One of the most innovative civil engineers of all time was Alexander Gustave Eiffel, best known for his ingenious design of the Eiffel Tower. He also designed the support structure of the Statue of Liberty.
A Shortcut Between East and West
The Panama Canal, one of the greatest engineering achievements in the world, links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to shorten a ship's voyage between New York and California.
A Modern Civil Engineering Wonder
The Hoover Dam was completed in 1935 and continues to generate unparalleled benefits to the nation through regulation of the Colorado River for water conservation, power production, flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife enhancement.
Crossing San Francisco Bay
The Golden Gate Bridge, designed by Joseph Strauss and Charles Ellis, was placed in service in 1937 and was the longest single span (4,200 feet) bridge in the world at the time. It remains today as an international symbol of civil engineering innovation.
