Discover the 13 Types of Civil Engineering Fields

Author: University of North Dakota
July 29, 2024

When you look out the window, much of what you see is a product of civil engineering.

From the roads that connect us to the bridges that span rivers, the buildings that define our skylines, and the systems that provide us with clean water, civil engineering is integral to the infrastructure that shapes our daily lives.

As our world has developed and grown more complex, so have the specialties within civil engineering, leading to the emergence of many subfields and different types of civil engineering jobs. These subfields allow engineers to focus on specific aspects of our built environment, addressing unique challenges and advancing the profession. Keep reading to discover more about the fascinating world of civil engineering and the various career paths it offers.

What is Civil Engineering?

Civil engineering is an engineering field focused on the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment. This field covers a broad scope of projects and systems, such as roads, bridges, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, and buildings. Civil engineers use scientific principles and technical expertise to develop infrastructure that meets societal needs while considering factors like safety, sustainability, and environmental impact.

Types of Civil Engineering

Civil engineering comprises various subfields or branches, each focusing on specific aspects of infrastructure and environmental projects. These subfields are interconnected yet specialize in particular areas to address distinct engineering challenges and requirements.

Below, we explore 13 types of civil engineering, highlighting their unique contributions and areas of focus.

1. Building Engineering

Building engineering, often referred to as building services engineering or architectural engineering, involves the technical aspects of designing, constructing, and maintaining buildings. This field integrates various engineering disciplines, including structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering, to ensure that buildings are safe, functional, and sustainable. 

Building engineers focus on optimizing building performance and efficiency, addressing aspects such as energy management, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and fire safety. 

2. City Engineering

City engineering, also known as urban engineering, focuses on planning, designing, and managing urban infrastructure and services. This field addresses the challenges of urbanization by developing systems and structures that support the functioning of cities. Key areas of city engineering include transportation networks (roads, bridges, public transit), water supply and distribution, waste management, stormwater management, public spaces, and utilities.

City engineers aim to create sustainable, resilient, and livable urban environments, ensuring that infrastructure meets the needs of growing populations while minimizing environmental impact and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

3. Construction and Management Engineering

Construction and management engineering combines technical engineering knowledge with project management skills to oversee construction projects from inception to completion. 

Professionals in this field are responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising construction activities to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This involves managing resources, schedules, and stakeholders and addressing challenges that arise during construction.

4. Consulting Civil Engineer

Consulting civil engineers provide expert advice and services on various civil engineering projects. They work with public and private sector clients, offering specialized knowledge and solutions to complex engineering problems. 

Their role includes analyzing project requirements, conducting feasibility studies, developing design solutions, and providing guidance on construction and maintenance practices. They play a critical role in ensuring that projects are technically sound, cost-effective, and compliant with regulations and industry standards.

5. Design Engineering

Design engineering focuses on creating detailed plans and specifications for various engineering projects. This field involves the conceptualization, development, and refinement of designs for structures, systems, and components.

Design engineers use mathematical models, simulations, and technical drawings to ensure that projects meet functional, safety, and regulatory requirements. They work closely with other engineering disciplines to integrate multiple aspects of a project into a cohesive and efficient design. Their goal is to translate ideas into practical and buildable solutions, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed.

6. Earthquake Engineering

Earthquake engineering is the study and application of engineering principles to design and construct buildings and structures capable of withstanding seismic activity. This field involves understanding the behavior of structures during earthquakes, assessing risks, and implementing design strategies to enhance resilience and minimize damage and loss.

Earthquake engineers analyze the impact of seismic forces on buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure, developing solutions such as base isolators, shock absorbers, and flexible structures that can absorb and dissipate energy. Their work is crucial in regions prone to earthquakes, where the safety and stability of structures are paramount.

7. Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering applies engineering principles to protect and improve the natural environment. This field addresses issues such as pollution control, waste management, and sustainable development. 

Environmental engineers develop technologies and strategies to mitigate environmental impacts, promote ecological balance, and enhance the quality of life. They work on projects related to air and water quality, hazardous waste management, recycling, and renewable energy. By designing systems that reduce pollution and conserve resources, environmental engineers play a vital role in ensuring a sustainable future.

8. Forensic Engineering

Forensic engineering involves the investigation of failures and accidents in structures, systems, and materials. This field applies engineering principles to determine the causes of failures, providing expert analysis and testimony in legal and insurance contexts.

Forensic engineers examine structural collapses, machinery failures, and other incidents to identify the underlying issues and contributing factors. Their work helps resolve disputes, improve safety standards, and prevent future failures by learning from past mistakes. Forensic engineering plays a crucial role in enhancing the reliability and integrity of engineering practices.

9. Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineering is the study of soil and rock behavior in relation to construction. This field involves analyzing ground conditions, designing foundations, and addressing challenges related to slope stability, earthworks, and underground structures.

Geotechnical engineers ensure that projects are built on solid and stable ground, preventing issues such as subsidence, landslides, and foundation failures. They conduct soil tests, analyze geological data, and design solutions to support safe and sustainable construction practices.

10. Structural Engineering

Structural engineering is concerned with the design and analysis of load-bearing structures such as buildings, bridges, and towers. This field ensures that structures can withstand various forces and stresses, including gravity, wind, earthquakes, and human use.

Structural engineers use materials efficiently and adhere to safety standards to provide stability and durability. They employ advanced mathematical and computational tools to model and analyze structural behavior, ensuring that designs are safe, functional, and economical.

11. Surveying Engineering

Surveying engineering involves the precise measurement and mapping of land and other physical features. This field provides essential data for construction, land development, and navigation, using advanced technologies such as GPS and GIS to produce accurate maps and spatial information.

Surveying engineers work on establishing property boundaries, creating topographic maps, and supporting construction projects with detailed site surveys. Their work ensures that projects are accurately planned and executed.

12. Transport Engineering

Transport engineering focuses on planning, designing, and managing transportation systems, including roads, railways, airports, and ports. This field aims to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of transport networks, addressing challenges such as traffic congestion, public transit, and environmental impact.

Transport engineers develop and implement strategies to enhance mobility, reduce travel times, and promote sustainable transportation solutions. They work on infrastructure projects, traffic management systems, and policy development to create efficient and user-friendly transport networks.

13. Water Engineering

Water engineering deals with the study and management of water resources, including designing systems for water supply, irrigation, flood control, and wastewater treatment. This field addresses the challenges of water availability, quality, and distribution, ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources for various human and environmental needs.

Water engineers work on projects that ensure clean water supply, protect ecosystems, support agricultural and industrial water needs, and more.

Civil Engineering Skills

Each type of civil engineering requires a specialized skill set tailored to its specific challenges and demands. However, some general skills are essential for most civil engineering roles, including:

• Strong analytical and mathematical abilities
• Problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in design and engineering software
• Project management capabilities
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

In addition to these core skills, most civil engineers must have a solid understanding of materials science, environmental science, geology, and hydrology to design and manage infrastructure projects.

Which Type of Civil Engineering Should I Choose?

Start by considering what aspects of engineering you find most compelling. If you love designing and constructing resilient buildings and bridges, structural engineering might be for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in improving transportation systems to enhance mobility, then transport engineering could be the right fit.

It's also essential you think about your preferred work environment. Some civil engineers work primarily in the field, overseeing construction projects, while others spend more time in the office focusing on design and planning. Reflect on whether you enjoy hands-on work or prefer analytical tasks. Explore various subfields through internships, conversations with professionals, and relevant courses to gain deeper insights and find the best fit for your interests and career goals.

Conclusion

As a civil engineer, regardless of your specialization, you have the power to improve the world around you. Whether you're designing resilient structures that withstand natural disasters, creating efficient transportation systems that reduce congestion and pollution, or developing sustainable water management solutions to ensure clean water access, your work will directly enhance society's well-being and sustainability.

At UND, we offer excellent civil engineering degrees at all levels, from a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering to a Master's and PhD, including an accelerated option that combines both BS and MS degrees. Join us at UND to turn your passion for engineering into a career that shapes the future. Build a better world with us—starting today!

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