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CIVIL ENGINEERING BODY OF KNOWLEDGE FUNDAMENTALS VERSUS PROFICIENCY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING PROFESSION AND IT’S OBLIGATION FOR THE URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE

Philip L. Brach, Ahmet Zeytinci

University of the District of Columbia Washington, D.C.

Abstract

Civil engineering education should be the primary supplier of engineers to address the engineering needs of the Urban Infrastructure. The Urban Infrastructure (UI) includes the distribution systems for the movement of people, goods and information. In its broadest sense, the infrastructure includes the systems of roadways, water supply, waste disposal, energy distribution (gas and electricity), communication networks (wired and wireless) and myriad subsystems that are necessary to provide a quality environment. The engineer is an essential member of the team of professionals that are responsible for the planning, design, construction and operation of efficient, effective, safe and secure facilities. The Civil Engineering discipline is the appropriate professional arena to meet these needs and civil engineering education is the appropriate educational foundation to prepare students to serve as engineers for the Urban Infrastructure. This paper presents some of the current problems associated with the urban infrastructure and suggests the role civil engineering education could play in addressing the educational requirements necessary for one wishing to “solve” the engineering problems of the urban environment.

Introduction

Should an engineering degree be required for personnel responsible for the planning, design, construction and operation of the facilities integral to the urban infrastructure? For the purposes of this discussion the urban infrastructure includes (but not exclusively) the following components: Transportation facilities (bridges and roadways), energy distribution systems (gas and electric), environmental systems (water, water supply, waste water, waste management), public service facilities (fire, police, health).

This urban infrastructure is essential to the quality of life of those living in the urban environment. The quality of these facilities has a significant bearing on the health, safety, and general welfare of the users. When the health, safety, and welfare of the public are involved, the state through its “police power” requires the certification of those working in these areas. For the

“Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2005, American Society for Engineering Education”

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Zeytinci, A., & Brach, P. (2005, June), The Civil Engineering Profession And Its Obligation For The Urban Infrastructure Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--15501