Civil engineering involves the design and construction of public buildings and structures, including bridges, roads, dams, wells, ditches, and walls. It is often hailed as the oldest engineering practice because it dates back to people living in permanent structures and creating villages and towns instead of living nomadic existences. If you have an upcoming public building or infrastructure project, learn more about what civil engineering entails.

Civil engineers are not only responsible for infrastructure and building design, but they also construct, oversee, and maintain sizable projects while looking for new and innovative ways to make structures stronger and better. Engineers at John Hopkins University, for example, have studied how cold-formed steel buildings stand up to earthquakes, with those at the University of Maryland designing smart bridges that send alerts when collapses are imminent. Civil engineers frequently focus on specific technical areas, such as geotechnical, coastal, architectural, environmental, transportation, or structural fields.

These professionals enjoy a deep knowledge of mathematics, physics, hydrology, geology, construction materials, and structural and mechanical engineering. They play a role in every phase of a construction project, from site selection and subcontractor bid reviews to supervising every stage of the building process. They are also responsible for ensuring building and structural code compliance.

This expansive field is part of your everyday life, whether you are taking public transportation, driving to work, entering a public library, going to jury duty, or walking up a flight of stairs. Civil engineers are responsible for some of the greatest and most beautiful structures and systems in the world, including the Great Wall of China, Stonehenge, Eiffel Tower, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pyramids of Giza.

Mid-Penn Engineering is the locally owned and operated, all-inclusive firm that has proudly served the central Susquehanna Valley area since 1969. Based in Lewisburg, PA, the company provides a wide range of civil engineering services for those in the land development and construction business, including land surveying and aerial imaging. Call (570) 524-2214 to schedule a consultation, or visit the company online for a complete list of services.