Introduction to Civil Engineering

Derived from the combination of the Latin words *ingenium* and *ingeniare*, meaning "to design things cleverly," engineering is the art, discipline, and profession of synthesizing economic, social, and environmental knowledge using mathematical and scientific methods to design and construct structures, machines, devices, hardware and software systems, materials, and related processes that simplify human life while enhancing quality of life and safety.
Civil engineering, which also signifies the engineering of civilization, has a history as old as humanity itself. In the past, structures were built for shelter, sustenance, and protection from predators and environmental effects. Today, civil engineers play a crucial role in creating low-cost, efficient, reliable, and functional structures by optimally integrating safety, economy, and functionality parameters according to various criteria.
This book serves as both an excellent textbook and a valuable resource, examining fundamental calculation methods within the scope of civil engineering alongside the most current and innovative construction techniques. The essential, up-to-date, and key information contained in this book will provide aspiring civil engineers with a strong foundation for expressing their future tasks in more technical ways and building robust self-confidence within an engineering context.