2015-10-14
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Text 2
Read the text to yourself and answer the question: What are civil engineers responsible for?
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Civil engineering is the term for the work of designing and building infrastructure. It usually means large structures, like bridges, dams, buildings, and tunnels. It also covers complicated networks such as
water, irrigation and sewerage networks. It also covers the construction of houses and homes. Civil engineers can be involved in all stages in the life of infrastructure, from planning and construction to maintenance and demolition. Civil engineering often overlaps with architecture.
Civil engineering is made up of many different areas or disciplines. Some important areas are geotechnical, structures, environmental,
construction management, hydrology, transportation, and materials. It is important for civil engineers to have an understanding of all these
disciplines as projects often involve many of them at the same time.
Civil engineers are responsible for lots of the things that are required for a society to function properly. Safe water supplies, sewage treatment, roads, railways and buildings are all part of civil engineering.
To work in civil engineering requires training. Construction workers will train at a center and 'on the job' (training while doing the job). To be a professional in civil engineering requires study at a university or
college. Civil engineers often study subjects like structures, materials, physics and calculus.
The profession of civil engineering is represented by professional bodies in various countries. In the UK the Institution of Civil Engineers promotes civil engineering as a discipline and supports engineers throughout their careers. The American Society of Civil Engineers
performs a similar task in the USA.
2. Make sure you understand the following words and phrases:
1) to suit different needs;
2) to be made up of smth.;
3) to make money;
4) to overlap with smth.;
5) to train at a center and 'on the job'.
3. Read the text again and answer the questions given below:
1. What does civil engineering mean?
2. Does civil engineering often overlap with architecture?
3. What disciplines does civil engineering include?
4. What educational establishments train civil engineers?
Text 3
