What is Construction Engineering?

Are you intrigued by how infrastructures like roads, dams, bridges, and railroads work?

If so, then you should pursue a career in construction engineering.

But you must be thinking:

What is construction engineering?

Construction engineering is just one of the numerous sorts of engineering careers available. It is concerned with the construction of infrastructure and buildings in particular. 

This article will look at what a construction engineer is, define construction engineering in detail, and discuss the job responsibilities. Furthermore, we will also explore the working environment, skills, and how you can get your foot into this field.

So let’s get started:  

So, What is Construction Engineering?

Construction Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the planning, development, and oversight of a city’s or area’s buildings, roads, and power systems. It deals with roads, railways, bridges, underpasses, facilities, airports, harbors, dams, and other utilities, among different sorts of infrastructure. Construction Engineering is comparable to Civil Engineering in that both concentrate on infrastructure design and development, but civil engineering emphasizes project site management. As a result, professionals frequently regard construction engineering as a blend of construction management and civil engineering design.

Construction Engineering is crucial because it guarantees safe, well-constructed, and durable structures. It also ensures that construction projects are completed on time and in compliance with stringent plans and building codes. 

What Are The Responsibilities of Construction Engineers?

Construction Engineers are involved in almost every aspect of a construction project, from planning to execution. They oversee construction projects and maintenance, and they are frequently on-site to supervise personnel and operations. Construction Engineers may work on the following projects and infrastructure:

• Highways and roads
• Bridges
• Underpasses
• Railways
• Housing projects
• Airports
• Dams
• Wastewater treatment plants
• Utilities
• Sewage and drainage systems
• Hospitals
• Sports stadiums

Job Responsibilities

Construction Engineers often specialize in a specific type of construction, like electrical systems, mechanical systems, motorways, heavy construction, commercial housing, or business, due to the broad range of projects that require their knowledge. While job tasks differ depending on the project, a Construction Engineer’s usual responsibilities include:

• Produce a budget for each project by estimating the cost of inspections, testing, materials, equipment, and labor.
• Handling funds effectively to remain within budget
• Creating project designs and 3D models using computer software and simulations
• Making a risk assessment
• Investigating and planning the layouts of possible construction locations
• Preparing contractor proposals and overseeing the contracting businesses they employ
• Selecting and obtaining materials and equipment 
• Recruiting, supervising, and scheduling employees
• Ensuring that projects adhere to environmental laws, government ordinances, and construction codes
• Designing and supervising the construction of on-site temporary structures
• Implementing engineering and business expertise to tackle any issues that may arise during the construction process
• Keeping up with the latest technology, building codes, and construction methods

Abilities

Construction Engineers have specific abilities that enable them to construct and handle projects efficiently. They are usually skilled at coming up with inventive solutions to issues and have robust analytical abilities. To design and control budgets and manage expenditures, they count on their math and business skills. They must also be proficient with computers and have experience with construction-specific design and modeling tools.

Construction Engineers should have exceptional management and delegation abilities because they are the heads of a construction team. They should also have a good understanding of time management to complete projects on time. Moreover, they pay close attention to detail because employees and public safety are frequently at risk.

Construction Engineers gather and work with large teams of individuals in a construction engineering company. That is why they must be excellent communicators with phenomenal interpersonal skills.

Working Conditions

Construction Engineers work in both the offices and on the project locations. They work at an office and on a computer during the planning, designing, and budgeting phases of a project. They travel to construction sites to assess them and attend meetings. They spend time on-site throughout construction to supervise the work and address any issues that arise.

Construction Engineers usually work 40-hour weeks, with overtime as needed to complete a project. They aim to finish a top-quality project on time, within budget, and in accordance with construction laws and safety and environmental rules.

As the construction industry has developed and grown, Construction Engineers are in high demand to meet new or improved infrastructure requirements. 

What are the steps to becoming a construction engineer?

To pursue a career in construction engineering, you can take the following steps:

Improve Your Knowledge of Applied Science

You must possess strong math and science skills to become a Construction Engineer. You may have acquired these since you were a child, but you can continue to develop them as you work for your career objectives. You can take appropriate high school and college classes that will help you develop your knowledge and skills. You can also conduct research in your spare time and participate in extracurricular scientific and math activities by joining honors organizations or clubs.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Construction Engineers must hold a bachelor’s degree in construction or civil engineering from an ABET-accredited institution. You will study courses like math, engineering science, engineering mechanics, design, construction costs and procedures, and management during this four-year program.

Look for an Entry-Level Position

Construction Engineers with a bachelor’s degree might work as assistant project engineers or project engineers in construction and engineering companies and businesses. Budgeting, reporting, and processing material orders may be their primary responsibilities.

Continue Your Education With a Master’s Degree

While a master’s degree in Civil Engineering, engineering management, or business administration is not required, some construction engineers will pursue one. This advanced-level degree can take up approximately two years to complete. It can help engineers who want to work in research, education, or management. It can also open up more work chances for them.

Obtain a License

Construction Engineers with a professional engineer (PE) license are preferred by many construction companies. To become licensed, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited institution and four years of work experience, after which you must pass the PE exam. Construction Engineers must be licensed in some states and for some sorts of public projects.

Conclusion:

To become a Construction Engineer, you must hone your applied science skills, acquire a bachelor’s and master’s degree, get an entry-level job, and obtain a PE license. We hope reading this article gave you an idea about what is construction engineering and how you can pursue a career in it.

The Primus Workforce team is proudly built on hands-on industry knowledge and experience.