# civil engineering > engineering discipline specializing in design, construction and maintenance of the built environment **Wikidata**: [Q77590](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q77590) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_engineering) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/civil-engineering ## Summary Civil engineering is an engineering discipline specializing in the design, construction, and maintenance of the built environment, including infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, and public utilities. It is a branch of engineering concerned with the technical development and design of products and systems, and it is also an academic discipline and major field of study. ## Key Facts - Civil engineering is a branch of engineering and an academic discipline focused on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure. - It is a field of study limited to a specific area of knowledge, with a focus on civil engineering as a specialization in an occupation or branch of learning. - Notable figures in civil engineering include Hubert Gessner (Austrian architect, 1871–1943), Jakob Heilmann (German architect, 1475–1523), and Millard Tydings (American politician, 1890–1961). - Organizations involved in civil engineering include the Parsons Corporation (American technology-focused engineering firm, founded in 1944), Destia (Finnish infrastructure company, founded in 2008), and Atkins (British company, founded in 1938). - Civil engineering encompasses sub-disciplines such as transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, and construction engineering. - It is part of broader fields like engineering, municipal or urban engineering, and hydraulic engineering. - Notable civil engineering projects and figures include the Organisation Todt (Third Reich civil and military engineering group, founded in 1938), Pierre-Simon Girard (French mathematician and engineer), and the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (founded in 1888). ## FAQs - **What is the primary focus of civil engineering?** Civil engineering focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, and public utilities. - **What sub-disciplines are part of civil engineering?** Sub-disciplines include transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, and construction engineering. - **Who are some notable figures in civil engineering?** Notable figures include Hubert Gessner, Jakob Heilmann, and Millard Tydings, among others. - **What organizations are involved in civil engineering?** Organizations include the Parsons Corporation, Destia, Atkins, and others. - **What is the relationship between civil engineering and other engineering fields?** Civil engineering is a branch of engineering and is related to fields like transportation engineering, structural engineering, and municipal engineering. ## Why It Matters Civil engineering plays a crucial role in shaping the built environment, ensuring the safety, functionality, and sustainability of infrastructure. It is essential for urban development, transportation systems, water management, and disaster resilience. By designing and maintaining infrastructure, civil engineers contribute to economic growth, public health, and environmental protection. ## Notable For - Civil engineering is a foundational discipline in the development of modern infrastructure. - It includes sub-disciplines such as transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, and structural engineering. - Notable organizations in civil engineering include the Parsons Corporation, Destia, and Atkins. - Key figures in civil engineering history include Hubert Gessner, Jakob Heilmann, and Millard Tydings. - Civil engineering is part of broader fields like engineering, municipal engineering, and hydraulic engineering. ## Body ### Overview Civil engineering is a specialized field within engineering that focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure. It is an academic discipline and a major field of study, with a strong emphasis on technical development and the creation of products and systems. ### History and Development Civil engineering has a long history, with notable figures such as Hubert Gessner, Jakob Heilmann, and Millard Tydings contributing to its development. The field has evolved through various sub-disciplines, including transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, and structural engineering. ### Organizations and Institutions Organizations involved in civil engineering include the Parsons Corporation, Destia, Atkins, and others. These entities play a significant role in the development and maintenance of infrastructure. ### Sub-Disciplines Civil engineering encompasses several sub-disciplines, including: - **Transportation Engineering**: Focuses on the planning, design, and management of transportation systems. - **Geotechnical Engineering**: Concerned with the behavior of earth materials in engineering problems. - **Structural Engineering**: Deals with the design and analysis of load-bearing structures. - **Construction Engineering**: Involves the designing, planning, and management of infrastructure projects. ### Related Fields Civil engineering is closely related to other fields, including: - **Engineering**: A broader field that includes civil engineering as a sub-discipline. - **Municipal or Urban Engineering**: Focuses on the development of urban infrastructure. - **Hydraulic Engineering**: Concerned with the flow and conveyance of fluids, particularly water and sewage. ### Notable Figures Key figures in civil engineering history include: - **Hubert Gessner**: Austrian architect (1871–1943). - **Jakob Heilmann**: German architect (1475–1523). - **Millard Tydings**: American politician (1890–1961). - **Pierre-Simon Girard**: French mathematician and engineer. - **George Stephenson**: English civil and mechanical engineer, known as the "Father of Railways" (1781–1848). ### Impact and Significance Civil engineering has a profound impact on society, contributing to the development of infrastructure that supports economic growth, public health, and environmental sustainability. By ensuring the safety and functionality of buildings, roads, and public utilities, civil engineers play a vital role in shaping the built environment. ## References 1. Library of Congress Authorities 2. Iowa State University Library Vocabularies 3. Nuovo soggettario 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 5. BBC Things 6. YSO-Wikidata mapping project 7. BabelNet 8. Quora 9. ASC Leiden Thesaurus dataset of 5 June 2018 10. National Library of Israel 11. CC 6 12. KBpedia 13. [Source](https://vocabs.ardc.edu.au/viewById/316) 14. [civil-engineering · GitHub Topics · GitHub](https://github.com/topics/civil-engineering) 15. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)