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Construction Engineering is differentiated from Construction Management from the standpoint of the use of mathematics, science and engineering to analyze problems and design a construction process. Construction engineers build many of the things that people use every day. Construction engineering involves many aspects of construction including: commercial, residential, bridges, airports, tunnels, and dams. It is an extremely large industry that provides employment and business opportunity to many and continues to grow. CAREER Construction is the largest industry in the United States . It provides jobs to millions with all types of education. Construction makes 14% of the US Gross National Product . Construction engineering is important to the construction industry because it provides much of the design aspect used both in the office and the field. Construction engineers follow the plans of architects and sometimes design actual structures. After the structure has been designed the engineers make sure it has been built correctly by testing and overseeing the construction. Tasks - Construction engineers have a lot of responsibilities. Analyzing reports is a main part of their job description. They must analyze maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography and other topographical information. Construction engineers also have to use computer software to design hydraulic systems and structures while following construction codes. They must calculate load and grade requirements, liquid flow rates and material stress points to ensure that structures can withstand stress. Keeping a workplace safe is key to having a successful construction company. It is the construction engineer's job to make sure that everything is conducted correctly. In addition to safety, the construction engineer has to make sure that the site stays clean and sanitary . Surveying the land while construction is in progress is also the construction engineer's responsibility. They have to make sure that there are no impediments in the way of the structure's planned location and must move any that exist. They also must estimate costs and keep the project under budget. Construction engineers have to test soils and materials used for adequate strength. Finally, construction engineers have to provide construction information, including repairs and cost changes, to the managers. Knowledge - Construction engineers build structures that are used by people every day so they must be safe and able to withstand the elements. To complete the job properly construction engineers have to have the knowledge of many different area, including engineering, technology, design, math, construction, customer service, management, transportation, public safety and computers. They use engineering, technology and math to make sure they build the structure to the set standards. They use customer service and management knowledge to deal with customers. They also use this knowledge to inform management on the project's progress and if any changes are needed. Skills - Most construction engineers have a love for math and science, but many other skills are required, including critical thinking, listening, learning, problem solving, monitoring and decision making. Construction engineers have to be able to think about all aspects of a problem and listen to other’s ideas so that they can learn everything about a project before it begins. After they have begun a project they must solve the problems that they encounter using math and science. They also have to monitor the workers on the job site for safety and to make sure that the project is on time and done correctly. When a problem occurs it is up to the construction engineer to decide how to fix it. Abilities - Construction engineers need many different kinds of abilities they use to do their job. They must have the abilities to reason, express themselves orally, sense a problem, comprehend (oral and written), order information, speak clearly, and visualize. Work Activities - Construction engineers have many activities that they must do every day. Those activities include drafting, decision making, computer interaction, communication, documentation, creative thinking, organizing, information collecting, estimating and analyzing. Construction engineers use drafting to design structures and to show others how to build them. They have to analyze information and make the best decision and solve problems. Computers are an important tool used by construction engineers. They use them to write programs and solve equations. Communication is used everyday to interact with coworkers and supervisors. Documentation is used to record important information that needs to be passed on to management. Most documenting is done electronically. Creative thinking is used to come up with new ideas and solve problems. Construction engineers have to be organized to accomplish goals and prioritize jobs. They have to gather information on the task at hand before they can start a project. This will help ensure that the job is completed correctly. In order to keep a project under budget, construction engineers have to estimate costs of materials and workers. Finally, they have to analyze data to find answers to problems they are having on the job site. Educational Requirements - Construction engineers are educated to design and build structures that are necessary for everyday life. There are only a handful of schools that offer a major in Construction Engineering. For most construction engineering jobs a Bachelor of Science is required and some construction experience. In order to approve the design for projects that will be used by the public, a construction engineer is required to have a professional engineers license (PE). The Fundamentals Of Engineering and Principles and Practice exams must be passed, and time requirement working under an existing professional engineer met, for a construction engineer to receive a Professional Engineer s license. SEE ALSO
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