In the 18th century, the term civil engineering was coined to incorporated all things civilian as
opposed to military engineering. The first engineering school, The National School of Bridges
and Highways, France, was opened in 1747. The first self-proclaimed civil engineer was John
Smeaton who constructed the Eddystone Lighthouse. In 1771, Smeaton and some of his
colleagues formed the Smeatonian Society of Civil Engineers, a group of leaders of the
profession who met informally over dinner. Through there was evidence of some technical
meetings, it was little more than a social society.
In 1818, world’s first engineering society, the Institution of Civil Engineers was founded in
London, and in 1820 the eminent engineer Thomas Telford became its first president. The
institution received a Royal Charter in 1828, formally recognizing civil engineering as a
profession. Its charter defined civil engineering as: Civil engineering is the application of
physical and scientific principles, and its history is intricately linked to advances in
understanding of physics and mathematics throughout history. Because civil engineering is a
wide ranging profession, including several separate specialized sub-disciplines, its history is
linked to knowledge of structures, material science, geography, geology, soil, hydrology,
environment, mechanics and other fields.
The first private college to teach Civil Engineering in the United States was Norwich University
founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge. The first degree in Civil Engineering in the United
States was awarded by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1835. The first such degree to be
awarded to a woman was granted by Cornell University to Nora Stanton Blatch in 1905.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST – is a situation which an individual has competing interests or
loyalties
- Public official whose personal interest conflicts with his/her professional
position.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – is development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural
resources.
PRIME PROFESSIONAL
- A professional commissioned by building owner (may be an architect or
engineer) to plan, design, and prepare detail drawings and
specifications for bidding, awarding, and site reviewing a construction
contract for a new renovated facility.
- The prime professional is usually responsible for engaging
subconsultants and coordinating their work.
National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP)
The code’s purpose is to provide for all buildings and structures, a framework of minimum
standards and requirements to regulate and control their location, site design quality of
materials, construction use, occupancy, and maintenance.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
Cognizant of the importance of providing effective standard and specifications to be used in
the implementation of DPWH projects that will produce sound, durable and economical
horizontal structures (Highways, Bridges and Airports, etc.)
National Structural Code of The Philippines (NSCP)
For the protection of public life and property, the design of structures and preparation if
structural plans for their construction have to be controlled and regulated by the NSCP.
Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Manual
Contains information that a Civil Engineer in any position of engagement or employment may
find useful to know and follow.
Services provided by Civil Engineers can be grouped into five broad categories:
1. Consultations, research, investigations, and reports
2. Design services for construction projects
3. Construction services
4. Special services for construction projects
5. Academic services
6. Services as Employee
Design services for construction projects
Study and Report Phase – Analysis of the client needs, conceptual design, conceptual
opinions of probable construction cost.
Preliminary Design Phase – Preparation of final design criteria, preliminary drawings,
outline specifications, and preliminary opinions of probable construction cost.
Final Design Phase – Preparation of design calculations, construction drawings,
specifications, estimated construction costs, and other contract documents.
Bidding or Negotiating Phase – Assistance to the client with the bidding or negotiating
process for construction of the project.
Construction Phase – Advice and Consultation on matters related to his services
Operation Phase – Assistance to the client in start-up and operation of the project, including
periodic inspections.
SEAL OF CIVIL ENGINEER
Specifications:
Shape: Round
Size: 2 inches diameter
Contents:
1. Registered Civil Engineer at the upper portion of the round seal.
2. Name of the Registered Civil Engineer at the upper center
3. 3. Registration number must appear at the center below the name
4. Philippines appearing at the lower portion of the round seal
5. Logo of the Profession at the center above the name
