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Civil Engineering/Example of math/work

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Expert: - 10/5/2006


Question
Hey I'm thinking about going into Civil Engineering. What I do know
is that it's one of the easier branches of engineering, but I still want
a clear idea of how hard the actual math is - or if math is even the
most important thing at all. I know what civil engineers do, but I
have NOT seen an examle of the exact process they go through
when figuring something out.

I'm worried cause I tried out Architecure, but found out the work
was too strenuous for me/ wasn't what I expected. So can you just
go through an example of specific math (I know it depends on the
branch of civil engineering, but just in general?)

Answer
Hi Brett,

The maths can get very complex if you do it long-hand, but these days there are tools such as computer software and spreadsheets that make the task easier.

As a general answer I would say yes maths is very important for civil/structural engineering.

Try out this website for examples:

http://www.guideme.com/CivilEngineering.htm

Hope that helps!

Kind regards,

Arshad

Civil Engineering

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Arshad Khan

Expertise

I can answer any questions to do with civil and structural engineering consultancy and construction industry in East Africa and the Middle East, and specifically with the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures. My particular expertise is in the aseismic design and optimisation of tall buildings.

Experience

Employment history: 36 years in Construction and consultancy in the UK, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Africa, Somalia, Zambia, Austria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha and the U.A.E.

Organizations
.Fellow of Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) .Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers(UK) .Member of the Institution of Engineers, Kenya .Registered Engineer, ERB, Kenya .Member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (Engineers Chapter) .Chartered Engineer (UK)

Publications
•1984: International Conference on the Art and Practice of Structural Design, London •1994: 3rd Int. Kerensky Conference in Structural Engineering, Singapore •2008: International Conference on High-Rise Towers, Abu Dhabi

Education/Credentials
BSc, 1st Class Hons, in Building Engineering, University of Bath, UK MSc in Concrete Structures and Technology, University of London. Diploma of Imperial College, UK.

Awards and Honors
•Science Congress Special Award (for 2-seater Hovercraft - 1968) •Institution of Civil Engineers Award for outstanding performance at Bath University (1975) •Concrete Society Postgraduate study Bursary Award (1976) •Consular Representative for British High Commission, Nairobi. (1995 to 1998) •Examiner for Institution of Civil Engineers Professional Interviews, Nairobi. (1997 to 1998) •Branch Representative in Vienna for PI assessment for Inst. of Struct. Engrs. (1999 to date)

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