Civil engineering is a multifaceted field. There are many different jobs that can be part of any given project, which means there are civil engineers with varying specialties. If you’re not sure what type of professional your project needs, or if you just want to understand more about how this field operates, here’s a guide.

Different Specialties Within Civil Engineering

1. Structural Engineers

When designing a building or another type of structure, such as a bridge, a structural engineer is the one responsible for making sure everything is safe and sturdy. They analyze the building plans to identify potential obstacles and verify that the structure is viable before the construction process starts.

2. Geotechnical Engineers

A geotechnical engineer is a member of the project team who analyzes the site and the soil characteristics to ensure the project has a solid base. They focus on foundations for buildings and underground projects, such as tunnels and mines.

3. Construction Engineers

Once the project starts, the construction engineer is the one who oversees everything. They manage all the various aspects of the project and serve as the point of contact for the other engineers or construction professionals.

4. Water Resource Engineers

For projects around dams, canals, or other water sources, water resource engineers are responsible for improving the quality of water. They study meteorology and environmental factors to see how the structure handles rain, flooding, and wastewater. They’ll also determine how the project might affect municipal water supplies.

5. Environmental Engineers

These engineers study the overall environmental impact of a project and report to the construction engineer or project manager about potential improvements. For instance, they might come up with a new option for disposing of or treating construction waste.

6. Transportation Engineers

Transportation engineers focus on projects that surround railways, highways, and airfields. Aside from simply making sure that the structures are sound, they’re also responsible for considering how traffic will flow in these areas to reduce congestion.

If you need any civil engineering help for an upcoming project, contact Berling Engineering in Covington, KY. The team provides land surveying, site development, and construction surveys to help you get your project off to a solid start. The family-owned business is known for providing reliable and prompt service to every client, whether you’re planning a single building or an entire subdivision. Learn more about their past civil engineering projects online, and call (859) 331-9191 to discuss your plans.