TOP 10 REQUIREMENTS TO BE A SUCCESSFUL CIVIL ENGINEER

1. TESTS OF BUILDING MATERIALS

A good civil engineer should have proper knowledge of different tests of building materials. Some important tests are listed below.

Concrete Test: Slump test, compression test, split tensile test, soundness etc.

Soil Test: Core cutter test, compaction test, sand replacement test, triaxial test, consolidation test etc.

Bitumen Test: Ductility test, softening point test, gravity test, penetration test etc.

2. INVESTIGATION OF SOIL

Various soil tests are conducted to determine the settlement and stability of soils before starting a construction. So as a civil engineer, you should have enough knowledge of these tests which are performed at the site.

3. USES OF SURVEYING INSTRUMENTS

Usages of surveying instruments like the total station, theodolite etc is also a mandatory knowledge for every civil engineer. These instruments are used for marking and measurements.

4. STANDARD CODES USED IN CONSTRUCTION

Every country has their standard safety specifications (eg: Is Code) for construction related works. All new construction should be done by following all the rules and procedures mentioned in the standard codes. Otherwise, chances of failure of a structure will be always high.

5. BAR BENDING SCHEDULE

Bar bending schedule is an essential chart for civil engineers. It provides the reinforcement calculation of RC beam such as cutting length, type of bending, the length of bending etc.

6. DRAWING AND DESIGN

Drawing and design are the primary keys of an ongoing project. It provides all the required specifications of that project. Every site engineers should have the analysing power of such drawings and designs. Knowledge on Autocad and Construction Specifications will help you.

7. ESTIMATION AND BILLS

Estimation and bills should be prepared by a civil engineer in a construction project. Knowledge of methods of measurements, quantity surveying and billing methods are important.

8. QUALITY CONTROL

Quality control ensures the profit of a project by reducing the extra costs. So you must have a basic knowledge of quality control. Knowledge of Construction methodologies, using Checklists for all activities will help to achieve quality construction.

9. ON FIELD MANAGEMENT

Knowledge of form-work, concreting, safety measures etc is also a key aspect. Knowledge on Planning, Risk Management also will help. smooth functioning of the site works.

10. COORDINATION WITH LABOR

As a civil engineer, you must know how to deal with labours in a site. Local language, Information about local issues will help to deal with labours.

Every Engineer can not learn all the  above skills thoroughly. If you are specialist in particular department like Designing, Planning, QS or QC, they should have thorough knowledge in it. But every Engineer should have some basic knowledge in all the above.