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4000 BCE
Start of civil engineering
Civil Engineering has been an aspect of life since the beginnings of human existence. The earliest practices of Civil engg may have commenced between 4000 and 2000 BC in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia (Ancient Iraq) when humans started to abandon a nomadic existence, thus causing a need for the construction of shelter. During this time, transportation became increasingly important leading to the development of the wheel and sailing.
http://www.thecivilengg.com/History.php -
2750 BCE
Gravity Dams
This type of dam is considered massive in size and made from concrete or stone. They are designed to hold back enormous amounts of water. The use of concrete allows the dam to resist the horizontal thrust of the water as it pushes against it. It is called a gravity dam because gravity holds the dam down to the ground and stops the water from toppling it over.
http://civilengineersforum.com/common-types-of-dams/ -
2550 BCE
Pyramids
Around 2550 BC, Imhotep, the first documented engineer, built a famous stepped pyramid for King Djoser located at Saqqara Necropolis. With simple tools and mathematics he created a monument that stands to this day. His greatest contribution to engineering was his discovery of the art of building with shaped stones. Those who followed him carried engineering to remarkable heights using skill and imagination.
http://www.thecivilengg.com/History.php -
2000 BCE
Earth Dams
Just as the name implies, an earth dam is constructed of soil and is built up by compacting layers of earth. A facing of crushed stone helps to prevent erosion by the water or the wind. A spillway is also constructed; usually this is made of concrete. An earth dam is able to resist the forces that are pushing against it because of the strength of the soil.
http://civilengineersforum.com/common-types-of-dams/ -
2000 BCE
Aqeducts
The earliest and simplest aqueducts were constructed of lengths of inverted clay tiles and sometimes pipes which channelled water over a short distance and followed the contours of the land. The earliest examples of these date from the Minoan civilization on Crete in the early 2nd millennium BCE and from contemporary Mesopotamia.
https://www.ancient.eu/aqueduct/ -
1530
Buttress Dams
There are three types of buttress dams: deck, multiple-arch and massive-head. These dams are triangular with concrete walls that transmit the water pressure from the slab to the foundation. They are also sometimes called hollow dams because the buttress does not form a solid wall that stretches across the river valley.
http://civilengineersforum.com/common-types-of-dams/ -
Civil Engineering Education
This paper describes the development of the profession that became known as `civil engineering', its impact on the development of civilisation through several millennia, with particular regard to the origins and role of the Institution of Civil Engineers. The Institution of Civil Engineers, founded in a London Coffee House in 1818, was the world's first professional engineering body.
http://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/40594%28265%299 -
First Suspension Bridge
First iron suspension bridge of its kind in the world, built by civil engineer Thomas Telford.
https://www.ice.org.uk/events/exhibitions/ice-bridge-engineering-exhibition/the-history-of-bridges -
Britannia Bridge
Designed by Robert Stephenson, son of inventor George, the Britannia Bridge's tubular design allowed the trains to run through the middle of eight wrought iron tubes, rather than on top as would have been expected.
https://www.ice.org.uk/events/exhibitions/ice-bridge-engineering-exhibition/the-history-of-bridges -
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Closely associated with designer/engineer Isambard Brunel and at 214m spans the deep Avon Gorge.It wasn't completed until after his death. It stands as an iconic representation of Victorian engineering and ingenuity – as does Brunel himself.
https://www.ice.org.uk/events/exhibitions/ice-bridge-engineering-exhibition/the-history-of-bridges -
Arch Dams
With an arch dam, the entire structure is curved with the convexity towards the upstream side. These types of dams are best suited for narrow canyons that have strong flanks capable of resisting the pressure produced by the arch.
http://civilengineersforum.com/common-types-of-dams/ -
Steel Dams
A steel framework with steel skin plates on the upstream side make up a steel dam. There are two types of steel dams: direct-strutted and cantilever. Direct-strutted dams have the water pressure transmitted directly to the foundation by using inclined struts. Cantilever steel dams have bent supports of the upper part with is formed into cantilever trusses.
http://civilengineersforum.com/common-types-of-dams/ -
Timber Dams
These types of dams are made of wood, usually primarily coniferous timber such as pine and fir. These are great for small heads and have sluices. The openings of timber dams are restricted by abutments and the sluice is very long, divided into several openings. These openings are covered with wooden shields that can be raised and lowered.
http://civilengineersforum.com/common-types-of-dams/ -
Severn Suspension Bridge
Designer/engineers Dr William Brown and Sir Gilbert Roberts created a 988m span suspension bridge across the River Severn which replaced a ferry service. Bridges all over the world are descended from the design and engineering of the Severn Bridge.
https://www.ice.org.uk/events/exhibitions/ice-bridge-engineering-exhibition/the-history-of-bridges -
Bosphorus Bridge
Designer/engineer Dr William Brown's bridge across the Bosphorus Strait reconnects Europe and Asia for the first time since 512BC. It has been instrumental in the socio-economic development of Istanbul and of Turkey.
https://www.ice.org.uk/events/exhibitions/ice-bridge-engineering-exhibition/the-history-of-bridges -
Rock fill Dams
A rock-fill dam is constructed from rock fragments and large boulders. Seepage is reduced by having an impervious membrane, usually concrete, on the upstream side. The foundation must be much stronger than that of an earth dam since the weight of the dam can easily cause the foundation to crumble.
http://civilengineersforum.com/common-types-of-dams/ -
Sutong Bridge
Dr Robin Sham (who was closely involved in the LEGO bridge build), is a specialist in the world's longest bridges. The 8.2km bridge connects the people on either side of the Yantze River, reducing commuting time and boosting the local economy.
https://www.ice.org.uk/events/exhibitions/ice-bridge-engineering-exhibition/the-history-of-bridges -
Queensferry Bridge
The third bridge to cross the Forth at Queensferry alongside its iconic forebears Forth Bridge and Forth Road Bridge. From Jacobs Arup, the new cable-stayed 2.7km bridge is part of an upgrade linking Fife, the north and east to Edinburgh and the south.
https://www.ice.org.uk/events/exhibitions/ice-bridge-engineering-exhibition/the-history-of-bridges -
Padma Bridge
Another Dr Robin Sham marvel under construction. The multi-purpose bridge connects two Bangladesh regions, otherwise separated by the third largest river in the world. This two level steel truss bridge will have a motorway on the upper level and a freight railway on the lower one.
https://www.ice.org.uk/events/exhibitions/ice-bridge-engineering-exhibition/the-history-of-bridges -
Rotherhithe Bridge
The proposed 184m bridge will connect south east London to the Docklands, based on an initial design by Nik Randall. It will carry sustainable transport and is the only central London crossing to the east of Tower Bridge.
https://www.ice.org.uk/events/exhibitions/ice-bridge-engineering-exhibition/the-history-of-bridges
