Did you play with blocks as a child? Do you like building things? Civil engineers in construction plan, manage, and optimize construction of many types of projects. This can include roads, buildings, dams, landfills, utility towers, and manufacturing facilities. This specialization involves:

• planning, design, and construction methods
• managing the procurement process
• coordinating people and materials
• managing the IT aspects of a project
• selecting the appropriate construction equipment and technologies

All structures require stable foundations. Become an expert in the design of this connection between structure and soil. Deal with the largest and heaviest structures in the world such as earth-filled dams and embankments. Or create the foundations for structures constructed with steel and concrete. Consider environmental factors such as precipitation and evaporation as these are key to stable foundations. Geotechnical projects include: 

• foundation design
• slope/trench stability analysis
• retaining wall design

Build structures that will stand the test of time by understanding the properties and behaviours of construction materials from supports to insulation. Design and use materials that are environment-friendly and climate-adapted. Expert use of materials aims for:

• low energy costs for production
• high durability and low maintenance
• materials that contain a high proportion of recycled and recyclable materials

No one wants a building to fall down unexpectedly. Structural engineers make sure that buildings are strong enough to stand tall. It is a push-pull battle of resistance to gravity and its effects on structures. Earthquakes, wind, and snow also create stresses and increase loads on buildings. Analyze and design structures to resist these stresses for their complete life cycle whether decades or even centuries long. Use the fundamentals of mathematics and physics along with innovative materials and construction methods. Maximize structure performance while minimizing costs with the right building materials. 

Travel far with this sub-discipline within civil engineering. Deal with issues under planning, design, operation, and maintenance of all forms of transportation. You can get involved with different transportation modes including:

• roads
• rail systems
• airports
• marine ports
• pipelines

Water and environmental engineering integrate a range of interests, from the microbiology of wastewater treatment to the mathematics of hydraulic systems analysis. You could work on supplying safe drinking water systems, the design of environmental protection works such as wastewater treatment plants, and related environmental industries. Look around. What needs cleaning up or management for a healthier world? Dedicate yourself to a world that works better for people and the environment.