Civil Engineering: Crash Course Engineering #2

Summary

This Crash Course Engineering episode delves into the history and impact of civil engineering, from ancient Egypt's pyramids to modern city planning. It explores the disciplines of structural and construction engineering, the importance of city planning with Hippodamus of Miletus's contributions, and the evolution of transportation infrastructure. The episode also highlights the significance of sanitation and water supply, as exemplified by Sir Joseph Bazalgette's work in London, and touches on environmental and geotechnical engineering. The narrative encourages viewers to appreciate the foundational role of civil engineering in building societies and creating livable spaces.

Takeaways

• 🏗️ Civil engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines, focusing on the design, construction, and maintenance of the built environment.
• 🏭 The accomplishments of civil engineering are fundamental to the infrastructure that society relies on, including buildings, roads, bridges, and water supply systems.
• 🌍 Imagining the development of an uninhabited island helps illustrate the vast range of considerations and skills that civil engineers must employ.
• 🏛️ Imhotep, an ancient Egyptian, is recognized as one of the earliest notable civil engineers, known for his work on the Step Pyramid of Saqqara.
• 🔩 Structural engineering and construction engineering are two key subfields of civil engineering, with the former focusing on design and the latter on the physical building process.
• 💧 The Aqueduct of Jerwan, built in 691 BCE, is an early example of a public water supply system, showcasing the importance of water management in urban planning.
• 🏙️ Hippodamus of Miletus is known as the father of city planning, introducing concepts like grid layouts and functional zoning that are still used today.
• 🛣️ The Romans were prolific in civil engineering, particularly in transportation infrastructure, and their use of concrete revolutionized construction methods.
• 🏰 John Smeaton's Eddystone Lighthouse demonstrated the durability of concrete as a building material, setting a precedent for its use in engineering.
• 🚽 Sir Joseph William Bazalgette's sewer network in London was a significant advancement in sanitation and environmental engineering, helping to combat disease and improve public health.
• 🌐 Civil engineering encompasses a wide array of specialties, including hydraulic engineering, geotechnical engineering, and environmental engineering, all contributing to the development of sustainable and functional communities.

Q & A

What is civil engineering and why is it important?

Civil engineering is one of the oldest types of engineering, focused on the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including structures, buildings, and infrastructure. It is important because it forms the basis of our society's infrastructure and allows for the development of habitable and functional spaces.

Who is considered one of the world's first notable civil engineers and what is his contribution?

Imhotep is considered one of the world's first notable civil engineers. His contribution was overseeing the construction of the Step Pyramid of Saqqara in Egypt around 5,000 years ago, which was a significant advancement in structural engineering.

What are the two fields of civil engineering that came together in the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza?

The two fields of civil engineering that came together in the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza are structural engineering, which focuses on the design and framework of structures, and construction engineering, which is involved with the actual building of the structure.

What is the significance of the Aqueduct of Jerwan in the history of civil engineering?

The Aqueduct of Jerwan, built around 691 BCE, is significant as one of the world's first notable public water works. It was constructed to carry water from the mountains to the city of Nineveh, demonstrating early civil engineering's role in providing essential public utilities.

Who is known as the father of city planning and what is his contribution?

Hippodamus of Miletus is known as the father of city planning. His contribution includes the introduction of the Hippodamian plan, which features rectangular city blocks, straight streets with avenues at right angles, and the division of cities into different parts for different purposes.

What is the importance of planning in civil engineering projects as illustrated by the script?

Planning in civil engineering projects is crucial to ensure that different elements of the infrastructure are strategically placed to avoid issues such as placing farms near sewage treatment plants or schools next to noisy airports. Proper planning leads to efficient and functional urban development.

How did the Ancient Romans contribute to the field of civil engineering?

The Ancient Romans contributed to civil engineering by developing extensive road, tunnel, bridge, and aqueduct systems throughout their lands. They also invented their own form of concrete using lime, small rocks, and volcanic ash, which allowed them to construct impressive structures like the Pantheon and the Colosseum.

What is the significance of Joseph Aspdin's 'Portland cement' in civil engineering?

Joseph Aspdin's 'Portland cement' is significant because it revolutionized modern construction by providing a strong and reliable binding material for concrete. This innovation allowed for the construction of more durable and larger-scale structures, which is essential for civil engineering projects.

Why is the Eddystone Lighthouse an important case study in civil engineering?

The Eddystone Lighthouse is an important case study in civil engineering because it demonstrates the evolution of building materials and the importance of choosing the right materials for specific applications. The transition from wooden to hydraulic lime construction in the lighthouse's design led to a structure that lasted over 120 years.

Who is Sir Joseph William Bazalgette and what is his contribution to civil engineering?

Sir Joseph William Bazalgette was a civil engineer who designed a sewer network for central London. His network helped alleviate the city's cholera epidemic by treating water and cleansing the polluted River Thames, demonstrating the critical role of sanitation in civil engineering and public health.

What are some of the other fields of civil engineering mentioned in the script?

The script mentions additional fields of civil engineering including hydraulic engineering, which involves the construction of dams and canals, and geotechnical engineering, which deals with the engineering behavior of earth materials.

Outlines

00:00

🏗️ Introduction to Civil Engineering

This paragraph introduces civil engineering as a foundational discipline, highlighting its role in shaping the world through the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges. It emphasizes the importance of civil engineering in society and invites the viewer to think like a civil engineer by imagining the development of an uninhabited island. The paragraph also touches on the history of civil engineering, mentioning early practices and the significant contributions of Imhotep, who is credited with planning the first Egyptian pyramid. The discussion then moves to the fields of structural and construction engineering, explaining their roles in building structures and cities. The narrative suggests using historical blueprints and engineering techniques to develop infrastructure, such as pyramids and aqueducts, on the hypothetical island.

05:03

🌐 The Evolution and Impact of Civil Engineering

The second paragraph delves into the evolution of civil engineering, focusing on the importance of materials and planning. It tells the story of the Eddystone Lighthouse, illustrating the shift from wooden to more durable concrete structures, and acknowledges John Smeaton's pioneering work with hydraulic lime. The paragraph also discusses the critical role of sanitation in city planning, referencing Sir Joseph William Bazalgette's sewer network in London that helped combat a cholera epidemic. Furthermore, it mentions the contributions of geotechnical and hydraulic engineers in building dams, canals, and ensuring structures are built on stable foundations. The summary concludes by emphasizing the multifaceted nature of civil engineering and its impact on the development of civilizations, hinting at future episodes that will explore additional aspects of the field.

Keywords

💡Civil Engineering

Civil engineering is one of the oldest and broadest branches of engineering, focused on the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like bridges, roads, canals, dams, and buildings. In the video, civil engineering is central to the theme as it discusses how the discipline has shaped human society and the built environment, from ancient times to modern advancements.

💡Structural Engineering

Structural engineering is a sub-discipline of civil engineering concerned with the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads. It is crucial for ensuring the stability and safety of buildings and bridges. The video highlights structural engineering through the example of the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, showcasing how Imhotep's work laid the foundation for future engineering marvels.

💡Construction Engineering

Construction engineering involves the practical aspects of building structures, including planning, management, and execution of construction projects. It is closely related to structural engineering but focuses more on the actual building process. The script mentions the construction of the Step Pyramid, illustrating the importance of construction engineering in realizing the designs of structural engineers.

💡City Planning

City planning, also known as urban planning, is a process that involves the strategic design of towns, cities, and metropolitan areas. It includes aspects like land use, transportation, utilities, and community development. Hippodamus of Miletus, referred to as the father of city planning in the video, introduced the Hippodamian plan, which emphasized grid-like layouts and functional zoning, impacting how cities are designed to this day.

💡Transportation Engineering

Transportation engineering is the field of civil engineering that deals with the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of transportation systems, including roads, railways, air, and water transport. The video mentions the Roman engineers' contributions to transportation infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, which were essential for the expansion and connectivity of their empire.

💡Sanitation

Sanitation in civil engineering refers to the provision of infrastructure and hygiene practices that ensure the effective disposal of waste and the treatment of sewage. The video discusses the importance of sanitation for public health, using Sir Joseph William Bazalgette's sewer network in London as an example of how effective sanitation systems can combat disease and improve living conditions.

💡Hydraulic Engineering

Hydraulic engineering is a sub-discipline of civil engineering that focuses on the flow and conveyance of fluids, particularly water. It includes the design and construction of dams, canals, and other water management systems. The video touches on hydraulic engineering as part of the broader scope of civil engineering, which is essential for managing water resources and controlling water-related disasters.

💡Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineering is the branch of civil engineering concerned with the engineering behavior of earth materials. It involves the investigation of soil and rock to determine their properties and their interaction with the design of foundations, slopes, and other earthworks. While not explicitly detailed in the video, geotechnical engineering is implied as a crucial aspect of ensuring that structures are built on stable foundations.

💡Portland Cement

Portland cement is a type of cement commonly used in the construction industry. It was patented by Joseph Aspdin in the 19th century and is made by grinding limestone and clay. The video mentions Portland cement as a modern alternative to the materials used by the Romans, highlighting its importance in contemporary civil engineering for constructing durable structures.

💡Eddystone Lighthouse

The Eddystone Lighthouse is a historical lighthouse located on the dangerous Eddystone Rocks in the English Channel. The video recounts the evolution of the lighthouse's construction materials, from wood to hydraulic lime, which was a significant advancement in civil engineering. The story of the Eddystone Lighthouse exemplifies the importance of robust materials in engineering and the evolution of the profession.

Highlights

Civil engineering is fundamental to the structures and buildings that make up our world.

Civil engineering is one of the oldest types of engineering, dating back to ancient times.

Imhotep, an Egyptian official, is considered one of the world's first notable civil engineers, known for planning the Step Pyramid of Saqqara.

Structural engineering focuses on the design and framework of structures, while construction engineering is about building them.

The Aqueduct of Jerwan, built in 691 BCE, is one of the earliest examples of public water works.

Hippodamus of Miletus is known as the father of city planning, introducing concepts like rectangular city blocks and straight streets.

Ancient Romans were prolific in city design, utilizing their environment to create innovative building materials like concrete.

Joseph Aspdin's Portland cement, patented in the 19th century, revolutionized modern concrete production.

The Eddystone Lighthouse demonstrates the importance of building materials in civil engineering, transitioning from wood to hydraulic lime.

John Smeaton, who built the Eddystone Lighthouse, is recognized as the first to label himself as a 'civil engineer'.

Sanitation is a critical aspect of civil engineering, as seen in Sir Joseph William Bazalgette's sewer network for central London.

Hydraulic engineering involves the construction of dams and canals, which are essential for water management.

Geotechnical engineering is about working with the Earth's rock and soil to ensure structures have the right foundation.

Civil engineering has been instrumental in the development of civilizations and societies throughout history.

Crash Course Engineering explores various facets of engineering, including its history and practical applications.

Transcripts

The building you were were born in, the one where you work, and every road you’ve ever traveled, and every bridge you’ve ever crossed –

they’re all the creations of civil engineers.

Civil engineering is one of the most ancient types of engineering, focused on structures and buildings of all kinds.

And it’s the accomplishments of civil engineering that our world is built on.

Literally.

Society wouldn’t be the same without them.

If you want to think like a civil engineer, imagine that you’ve just discovered an island

– a place that no other human had ever seen or set foot on.

Like any good explorer, you check out this mysterious island, to see what it has to offer, as well as what it lacks.

Is there food available? And if so, where does it grow?

What about the water supply? What’s the weather like?

Is the terrain easy enough to travel over?

Let’s say that after answering all of these questions, you decide that the island is habitable.

So, what if you tried to build a city there?

What kinds of structures would you need? How would you build them?

And would it matter what order you build them in? How do you plan an entire city?

Well, before you rush into anything, you should take a moment to learn a thing or two from the civil engineers that came before us.

[Theme Music]

We’ve been using some kind of civil engineering for most of our history.

We’ve built shelters to protect ourselves from the weather and used tree trunks as makeshift bridges to cross rivers.

Our earliest ancestors probably weren’t doing any calculations, but they were using engineering to find solutions to their problems.

And we can find one of the world’s first notable civil engineers about 5,000 years ago in Egypt.

This is where we meet Imhotep, the planner of the first Egyptian pyramid.

He was a government official, a sage, and even eventually worshipped as the Egyptian god of medicine.

And to that already impressive resume, we can add the title “chief of works”, or what we’d call him, “engineer.”

Imhotep helped oversee the building of the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, constructed in the 27th century BCE.

The limestone-based pyramid was about as tall as a modern 18-story building, at around 60 meters, or 200 feet high.

And its design and construction helped pave the way for other great civil engineering marvels like the Great Pyramid of Giza.

This was where we really saw the first two fields of civil engineering come together: structural engineering and construction engineering.

Both are similar, but structural engineering focuses more on the design and framework of structures,

while construction engineering is more involved with actually building the structure.

We’re going to need to use both of these disciplines if we’re to have any hope of creating a city on our island.

Let’s suppose we use Imhotep’s blueprints and build a few pyramids here.

After that, let’s move on to something that we’ll definitely need: a public water supply.

For this, we can find inspiration in Mesopotamia around the year 691 BCE.

This was where the Aqueduct of Jerwan, one of the world’s first notable public water works, was built by Assyrian engineers.

It was made of millions of stones to carry water from the mountains to the city of Nineveh.

Since having water will be crucial to our city, we’ll want a public water supply, too,

and a more modern aqueduct system of pipes and tunnels to carry water to homes and buildings.

And speaking of thinking ahead!

If you want to learn how to actually map out your future community, you have to learn from Hippodamus of Miletus.

He lived in Greece around 460 BCE, and can be called the father of city planning.

Much of what we know about him comes from Aristotle’s work, known as Politics.

Aristotle thought Hippodamus was weird, because he wore his hair long and wore flashy jewelry with cheap clothes.

But even Aristotle would agree that Hippodamus was also extremely influential.

Many aspects of urban design that we now take for granted –

like rectangular city blocks and straight streets with avenues at right angles – can all be attributed to him.

In fact, this layout is often known as the Hippodamian plan, and it also involves dividing up cities into different parts for different purposes.

This was very different from previous designs in his day, which often involved streets that curved, twisted, or ran into dead ends.

So, let this be a lesson for your island community: If you’re gonna build a city, you need a plan.

And if you don’t plan ahead in civil engineering projects, you could end up with things in all the wrong places.

After all, you don’t want farms and crops near sewage treatment plants, or schools next to a noisy airport.

Now, we should also take a page from the Ancient Romans.

They were some of the greatest engineers of the past, with roads, tunnels, bridges, and plenty of aqueducts and water supplies throughout their lands.

Their works are great examples of the third field of civil engineering: transportation.

Good infrastructure will let you use as much of the island as you can, for example, roads that run over hills and valleys, and bridges for crossing lakes and rivers.

Part of what made Romans so prolific in their city designs was the clever use of their environment.

They mixed lime, small rocks, and volcanic ash to make their own form of concrete,

which allowed them to build impressive structures like the Pantheon and the Colosseum.

Since I don’t see many volcanoes on our island, we should stick with a more modern kind of concrete, like the one patented in early 19th century England by Joseph Aspdin.

He used finely ground stone and clay to make what he called “Portland cement” because of its resemblance to the limestone of Portland, England.

But there are few better lessons in the importance of building materials than the Eddystone Lighthouse.

The tale of this structure begins at England’s Eddystone Rocks in the late 17th century.

And like most great engineering stories, it started with a problem: The rocks, off the coast of Cornwall, were causing lots of shipwrecks.

Henry Winstanley was a painter, builder and merchant who lost two ships on these rocks.

So he built a lighthouse on them.

It was octagonal, made of wood, and lasted for a few years until a storm came through and destroyed it.

But another builder soon constructed a second lighthouse, also made of wood.

This one lasted for around 50 years, but was then burned to the ground from the spark of a candle,

a reminder of how susceptible wooden structures are to fire.

It became apparent that the wood wasn’t working for this lighthouse, so a new generation of engineers had to do something different.

That’s where John Smeaton came in.

Instead of wood, he began building a lighthouse in 1756 made from hydraulic lime, a type of concrete that sets under water.

This allowed for his lighthouse to last for more than 120 years, until 1877, when it was dismantled because the rocks beneath the tower were beginning to destabilize.

But Smeaton’s success in meeting this challenge set the stage for using cement and concrete in structural building.

Smeaton is actually the first to label himself as a “civil engineer”.

And ever since, engineers have had him to thank for separating the civilian side of engineering from the military side.

We’ll also want to thank him for the lighthouse we’re going to build on the south side of our island to warn travelers of the dangerous reef.

So up to this point, we have a pretty good start to our island city.

We’ve planned it out with public water supplies, roads and bridges, a lighthouse, and other buildings.

But we’re missing something very important: sanitation.

Some form of sanitation has been used since ancient times.

But a more modern form of environmental engineering began when Sir Joseph William Bazalgette designed a sewer network for central London.

His network helped relieve the city of its cholera epidemic by treating the water and cleansing the polluted River Thames,

which took nearly 20 years to complete, and he was eventually knighted for his work.

This all led to the continued practice of treating drinking water and sewage, which will be crucial to maintaining public health on our island.

There are still more things that civil engineering can do for our city, like the construction of dams and canals, which falls under hydraulic engineering.

And then there’s working with the rock and soil of the Earth so our structures are built on the right foundation, which is the work of geotechnical engineers.

So the idea of creating a city from an empty patch of wilderness shows you how many problems

present themselves, and how different kinds of civil engineering can solve those problems.

We’ve achieved civilizations – whole societies – because of civil engineering.

We’ll go into more detail in future episodes that will give you an even better idea of the work behind civil engineering.

But this is just enough to give you – if you will – a solid foundation.

Today we learned all about many of the facets of civil engineering, including structural and construction engineering, city planning, transportation, and sanitation.

Next time, we’ll explore the mechanical side of engineering, including its history and the types of work that you might do as mechanical engineer.

Thanks for watching and I’ll see you then.

Crash Course Engineering is produced in association with PBS Digital Studios.

You can head over to their channel to check out a playlist of their amazing shows, like

The Art Assignment, Deep Look, and It’s Okay to Be Smart.

Crash Course is a Complexly production and this episode of was filmed in the Doctor Cheryl C. Kinney Studio with the help of these wonderful people.

And our amazing graphics team is Thought Cafe.