civil engineering

146 topics across 7 chapters

Chapter 1

Fundamentals for Civil Engineers

Math, Stats & Computing for Engineers

3 subtopics

Units, dimensional analysis & engineering calculations

Statistics for engineers (distributions, regression, uncertainty)

Spreadsheets + basic scripting for design checks (Excel/Python basics)

Engineering Mechanics

3 subtopics

Statics: free-body diagrams, equilibrium, trusses/frames

Dynamics basics: kinematics, work-energy, impulse-momentum

Mechanics of materials: stress/strain, bending, shear, deflection

Materials & Construction Materials

3 subtopics

Concrete materials: mix design concepts, curing, strength testing

Steel materials: properties, toughness, corrosion, coatings

Aggregates/asphalt basics & common lab tests

Surveying & Geomatics

3 subtopics

Coordinate systems, datums, map projections & GIS basics

Leveling, traverses & error adjustment (field fundamentals)

GNSS/total station workflows & construction staking concepts

CAD/BIM & Drafting for Civil

4 subtopics

2D drafting standards, layers, annotation, blocks & plotting

3D civil modeling concepts: surfaces, alignments, corridors

BIM fundamentals: models vs drawings, LOD, IFC coordination

BIM coordination: clash detection, model reviews & issue tracking

Sustainability, Resilience & Systems Thinking

2 subtopics

Life-cycle thinking: embodied carbon, durability, maintenance planning

Resilient design: hazards, redundancy, adaptation & recovery concepts

Civil Design Workflow & Documentation

3 subtopics

Design stages & deliverables: concept, 30/60/90%, IFC

Plan set organization: sheet standards, legends, keynotes, revision blocks

Submittals, RFIs, change management & document control basics

Chapter 2

Structural Engineering

Structural Analysis & Modeling

3 subtopics

Determinacy, stability, load paths & idealization

Shear/moment/deflection diagrams for beams & frames

Matrix methods & FEA basics (modeling assumptions and checks)

Loads, LRFD & Building Codes

2 subtopics

Gravity and lateral loads: tributary area, diaphragms, load combos

Code navigation & compliance workflow (adoption, references, interpretations)

Reinforced Concrete Design

3 subtopics

RC member design: flexure, shear, development length

Serviceability: deflection, cracking & vibration concepts

RC detailing: rebar layout, anchorage, laps, constructability

Steel Design

2 subtopics

Tension/compression member design & stability (buckling)

Connection basics: bolts, welds, base plates & load transfer

Seismic & Wind Engineering

2 subtopics

Seismic basics: spectra, ductility, detailing philosophies

Wind basics: pressures, MWFRS vs C&C, drift/serviceability

Bridge Engineering Basics

2 subtopics

Bridge components & load rating concepts (overview)

Bridge design basics: superstructure types & bearings/expansion joints

Timber & Masonry Basics

Chapter 3

Geotechnical Engineering

Soil Mechanics

3 subtopics

Soil phase relationships, classification & index properties

Effective stress, seepage, permeability & flow nets

Shear strength, Mohr-Coulomb, consolidation & settlement concepts

Site Investigation & Lab Testing

2 subtopics

Boreholes, sampling, SPT/CPT & logging practices (overview)

Lab testing: compaction, Atterberg limits, triaxial/direct shear

Foundation Engineering

2 subtopics

Shallow foundations: bearing capacity, settlement & sliding/overturning

Deep foundations: piles/shafts, capacity, group effects & load tests

Earth Retaining Structures

1 subtopics

Retaining wall types, earth pressure theories & drainage

Slope Stability & Earthworks

1 subtopics

Slope stability basics: factor of safety, failure modes, mitigation

Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering

Ground Improvement

Chapter 4

Transportation Engineering

Transportation Planning

2 subtopics

Travel demand basics: trip generation, distribution, mode choice

Complete streets & context-sensitive solutions (CSS) concepts

Traffic Engineering & Operations

3 subtopics

Traffic flow theory: speed/flow/density, queues, LOS concepts

Signal timing basics: phases, cycles, coordination (overview)

Intersection forms: stop control, roundabouts, ramp terminals (overview)

Highway Geometric Design

2 subtopics

Horizontal/vertical alignment, sight distance & stopping distances

Superelevation, cross-sections, drainage considerations in roadway design

Pavement Design & Materials

2 subtopics

Flexible pavements: ESALs, structural number, mix considerations

Rigid pavements: slab behavior, joints, faulting & rehabilitation basics

Road Safety & Human Factors

1 subtopics

Crash analysis basics: risk factors, countermeasures, systemic safety

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

1 subtopics

ITS basics: detectors, communications, adaptive control (overview)

Public Transportation & Rail Basics

Chapter 5

Water Resources & Environmental Engineering

Hydrology

3 subtopics

Watersheds, precipitation, losses & runoff processes

Frequency analysis & design storms (IDF concepts)

Runoff modeling basics: unit hydrograph & routing concepts

Hydraulics & Open-Channel Flow

2 subtopics

Pipe flow: continuity/energy, friction losses, minor losses

Open-channel flow: Manning’s equation, critical flow, hydraulic jumps

Stormwater Management & Green Infrastructure

2 subtopics

Detention/retention sizing & outlet structures (orifices/weirs basics)

Green infrastructure: infiltration, bioretention, permeable pavements

Water Supply & Distribution

1 subtopics

Distribution networks: demand, pressure, pumps, storage (overview)

Wastewater Collection & Treatment

1 subtopics

Wastewater treatment overview: primary/secondary, sludge basics

Environmental Engineering & Remediation

1 subtopics

Contaminants, fate/transport & remediation overview

100

Water/Environmental Regulations & Permitting

2 subtopics

101

Environmental review & permitting workflow basics (NEPA-style overview)

102

Stormwater permits & compliance documentation (SWPPP/NPDES concepts)

Chapter 6

Construction & Project Management

103

Construction Methods & Means

2 subtopics

104

Temporary works: shoring, formwork, dewatering (overview)

105

Earthwork operations: cut/fill balance, compaction control, logistics

106

Cost Estimating & Quantity Takeoff

2 subtopics

107

Quantity takeoff: measurements, waste factors, traceability

108

Estimating: unit prices, assemblies, contingency & bid strategy basics

109

Scheduling & Critical Path Method (CPM)

2 subtopics

110

CPM network building: logic ties, float, critical path

111

Progress tracking: baselines, updates, earned value basics

112

Contracts, Procurement & Delivery Methods

2 subtopics

113

Delivery methods: DBB, DB, CM-at-Risk, PPP (when to use what)

114

Contract administration: RFIs/submittals, changes, claims basics

115

Construction Safety & Risk Management

1 subtopics

116

Jobsite safety fundamentals: hazard recognition & controls

117

Quality Control/Assurance & Testing

1 subtopics

118

QC/QA: inspection plans, test reports, nonconformance management

119

Construction Management Software & Field Tech

2 subtopics

120

Field management tools basics (daily reports, photos, punch lists)

↗ BIM coordination: clash detection, model reviews & issue tracking (see Chapter 1)

Chapter 7

Professional Practice & Career

121

Engineering Ethics & Public Responsibility

2 subtopics

122

Engineering ethics case studies & decision frameworks

123

Professional judgment, competence, and duty to the public

124

Licensure Path (FE/PE) & Continuing Education

2 subtopics

125

FE Civil exam topic map & study plan (overview)

126

PE Civil: depth areas, references, and exam-day workflow (overview)

127

Technical Writing, Drawings & Specs

3 subtopics

128

Technical reports & memos: structure, figures, assumptions, QA

129

Specifications basics: CSI format, performance vs prescriptive

↗ Plan set organization: sheet standards, legends, keynotes, revision blocks (see Chapter 1)

130

Codes, Standards & Design Liability

4 subtopics

131

Standard of care, liability basics & defensible documentation

132

Seals/stamps, responsible charge, and record retention basics

↗ Code navigation & compliance workflow (adoption, references, interpretations) (see Chapter 2)

↗ Environmental review & permitting workflow basics (NEPA-style overview) (see Chapter 5)

133

Project Stakeholder Management & Communication

1 subtopics

134

Meetings, stakeholder alignment, and presenting technical tradeoffs

135

Professional Practice: Business Basics & Contracts

1 subtopics

136

Consulting business basics: fees, scope, utilization & proposals

137

Career Skills: Internships, Portfolio & Interviews

1 subtopics

138

Build a civil engineering portfolio: projects, CAD sheets, and storytelling