Architectural Engineering Technology: Civil Focus/Civil Engineering Technology

This course is an introduction to the use of computer aided drawing and design software for the civil engineering discipline. Areas of application of the software within engineering include mapping, topography, site development, and subdivision. Within the field of highway design the student applies civil design software to detail roadway alignment and create final drawings of plan, profile, and cross section. Laboratory time is typically for the student to generate designs and drawings with the support of the instructor.

This course deals with the fundamentals of soil mechanics. Topics covered include moisture-density relations, mechanical and chemical gradation properties, basic shear strength theory, permeability, and compression. Lecture topics will be supplemented by field observations and lab work. On completion of this course, students will understand the essential elements of soil mechanics theory such that it may parlay into practical applications.

Familiarizes students with the equipment, procedures, and methodology of modern surveying practice. Includes measurement of distance, elevation, angle, and direction “in the field” with manual and electronic equipment. The methods of topographic, construction, and route surveying are also studied. The student is taught to use software programs to aid in data collection, manipulation, and map making. 

Learn the fundamentals of design and analysis of steel reinforced concrete structures including beams, floor and roof slab systems, columns, foundation footings, and structural walls. Design sketches based on calculations and in accordance with the latest American Concrete Institute (ACI) building code requirements are prepared. Also a major lab project including designing, building, and testing a reinforced concrete beam is done by student teams. 

The study of structural steel and timber that involves the design and analysis of beams with regard to bending, shear, and deflection. Columns are studied with respect to axial and eccentric loading. Miscellaneous structural elements such as beam-bearing plates, column base plates, and welded and bolted connections are also designed. The student is taught to make calculations manually then with the aid of computer software. The lab time (2 hours per week) is dedicated to activities during which the student is fully involved in the design, analysis, construction, and testing of timber and steel beams, columns, connections, bracing systems, load packages, and simple frames. The observations and results are documented through calculations, drawings, photos, and computer-aided design.

This entry-level course teaches students the basics of stormwater drainage. They will learn how to delineate a watershed, apply runoff calculations to the watershed, and determine peak design flows. These design flows will then be used to instruct students in the basics of hydraulics as it pertains to stormwater flow. They will learn how storm drainage systems are planned and what components make up a drainage system. They will leave the course understanding stormwater flow in culverts, how to determine if a culvert is flowing with inlet or outlet control, and how to use nomographs in the selection of a particular culvert. Students will apply this knowledge to basic open channel flow and learn about erosion and sediment control. 

This course focuses on the highway design process, beginning with transportation requirements and soil mechanics and continuing with highway location, site planning, geometric design, and pavement design. The knowledge gained equips students for project work. The course culminates with the preparation (using CAD) and presentation of final engineering drawings of a section of roadway. This project is evaluated with respect to alignment, safety, aesthetic impact, construction cost, and professional quality. Labs involve the use of a soil testing lab, and visits to nearby road construction sites will be scheduled.