There are many types of engineering people need to get things done. Engineering is an important aspect when it comes to construction – be it physical or genetically. Here’s a quick definition of what engineering means, according to Encyclopedia Britannica:
Engineering is the application of science to the optimum conversion of the resources of nature to the uses of humankind. The field has been defined by the Engineers Council for Professional Development, in the United States, as the creative application of “scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or manufacturing processes, or works utilizing them singly or in combination; or to construct or operate the same with full cognizance of their design, or to forecast their behaviour under specific operating conditions; all as respects an intended function, economics of operation and safety to life and property.” The term engineering is sometimes more loosely defined, especially in Great Britain, as the manufacture or assembly of engines, machine tools, and machine parts.
However, here at TKR Engineering, we touch on the following aspects: Civil Engineering and Marine Engineering.
Regardless of what TKR Engineering services provide in regards to engineering, here are some of the most common engineering you will ever find. Each has their own different uses and can help you accordingly in your workplace.
Common Types of Engineering
Let’s find out what are the common types of engineering in this mini-list. There are a lot of engineering types. However, in this list, we will be touching on the most common kinds of engineering types. Note that some of the engineering types may overlap with each other. It’s normal as every engineer needs to have some kind of basic understanding of other types of engineering.
Civil Engineering
The quick and short description would be that civil engineering involves the design, construction, maintenance and inspection of large infrastructure projects. If you see infrastructures such as highways, railroads, bridges, tunnels, dams, airports, those buildings and structures need the help of civil engineers.
Early period civil engineering includes structures such as the Giza Pyramids, Great Wall of China, Roman Empire roads, Mayan ruins, to name a few. As long as it includes the design and construction of public works, you will always need the help of civil engineers.
Besides designing and constructing large construction projects, civil engineers also have to handle site preparation projects. They will also have to oversee and write the specifications for destructive or non-destructive testing. All that encompasses the performance, reliability, and long-term reliability of materials and structures.
Mechanical Engineering
This branch of engineering is one of the oldest branches of engineering. Mechanical engineering dates all the way back to when the first wheels are put together for practical uses. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) says:
Mechanical engineering dates to ancient Greece and China, where mechanisms like screw pumps, steam engines, clocks, seismometers and even differential gears were invented.
Mechanical engineers basically create straightforward and non-complicated commodities that your regular Joe will use. They can also create other high-value items for the military or government sectors too. Any weapons made for modern warfare falls under the predisposition of mechanical engineering.
To put it in simple words: mechanical engineering deals with anything that moves. Mechanical engineers still use basic components that people have been using for many years. Mechanical engineers use components such as the wheel, axles, levers, screws, springs.
Movement generally can be powered and operated by human beings or animals. It can also be run by animals, heat, pressure of combustion, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, electromagnetism, etc. Your average mechanical engineer is best familiarized with all these basic motions and more.
Mechanical engineers traditionally hold office jobs. They may have to visit worksites from time to time. They usually work around engineering services, research and development, manufacturing industries, and similar.
Structural Engineering
This is where it involves the design, construction, and inspection of load-bearing structures. Large commercial buildings, bridges, and industrial infrastructure falls under this overview. Structural engineers focus on the framework of structures. They also design structures to withstand the stress and pressure of their environment. Structural engineers ensure that buildings do not fall down and bridges don’t collapse.
Structural engineering falls under civil engineering. So, in some ways, you can also say that structural engineering is one of the oldest types of engineering. It goes way back to the first time where people use tree branches and vines to make a shelter.
When it comes to structural engineering, its engineers will have to ensure that the structures they build are able to withstand battle gravity, rain, snow, and other natural elements to provide everyone with outstanding structures.
These engineers will usually design roof framing, floor framings, arches, columns, braces, frames, foundations, and walls. The materials they use to create and design the structures include steel, concrete, wood, masonry, and aluminium.
Structural engineers need to have critical thinking skills – especially in physics and maths. They will have to know the properties of various materials such as material density, hardness, tensile strength, bulk modulus, and bending strength. At the same time, they have to be able to calculate how different material will perform under stress as well as various environmental conditions. They will also need to predict how these structures and materials will perform over an extended period of time too.
Conclusion
It’s no huge surprise that there can be considerable overlap between different kinds of engineering specialities. Generally, it means your average engineers have understandings of several engineering areas.
At the same time, it is without a doubt that engineers do need to have an in-depth knowledge of maths, physics, and computer applications. It’s normal to see simulation programs in colleges that include basic engineering courses in a wide range of topics. This is before engineering students choose to specialise in one particular area that they are good in. That’s why it’s engineers that brought the human race out of the caves, took us to the moon and back (literally), among others.
If you have any engineering needs, do not hesitate to reach out to us for a business quote.