3 answers
Joel
Student
Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
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Between civil and mechanical engineers, who is more relevant to the society
#engineering
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3 answers
Spruce Cox
Retired Aerospace Engineer and Rocket Scientist
76
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Updated
Spruce’s Answer
I think both are relevant. Civil engineers design and build roads, highways, bridges, dams, wastewater treatment plants, potable water supply systems (rivers, lakes, reservoirs), potable and wastewater distribution (piping) systems. Some civil engineers specialize in structures engineering and focus on bridges, dams, power plants (oil, gas, coal, nuclear), large civic structures, centers, skyscrapers. Most civil engineering projects are out in the world where people can see them, so perhaps people in general are more familiar with civil engineering.
In conjunction with civil engineers, mechanical engineers might design and build the electrical power-generating turbines that go into dams, mechanical systems that regulate movement of fuel around power plants while keeping things safe, systems that open and close the tops of baseball and football stadiums. As a mechanical engineer, I worked on spacecraft and launch vehicle systems that firmly attach the spacecraft and launch vehicle during launch and separate and release the spacecraft at the right time while not allowing any parts or debris to escape, calculated the vibration and shock energy from the separation event that is transmitted to the spacecraft and launch vehicle and verify that it would cause no damage.
I could go on, but civil, mechanical, electrical, computer engineers make things that everybody uses every day to improve our quality of life, keep us safer, and get us to where we're going.
In conjunction with civil engineers, mechanical engineers might design and build the electrical power-generating turbines that go into dams, mechanical systems that regulate movement of fuel around power plants while keeping things safe, systems that open and close the tops of baseball and football stadiums. As a mechanical engineer, I worked on spacecraft and launch vehicle systems that firmly attach the spacecraft and launch vehicle during launch and separate and release the spacecraft at the right time while not allowing any parts or debris to escape, calculated the vibration and shock energy from the separation event that is transmitted to the spacecraft and launch vehicle and verify that it would cause no damage.
I could go on, but civil, mechanical, electrical, computer engineers make things that everybody uses every day to improve our quality of life, keep us safer, and get us to where we're going.
Mike O'Brien
Outside Plant Engineer
4
Answers
Alabaster, Alabama
Updated
Mike’s Answer
There's never a clear cut answer on which profession might be more relevant to society. Civil Engineers design bridges, roadways, and a variety of other infrastructural necessities that we use a society. Mechanical Engineers design motors, machines, and a myriad of other devices that affect our everyday lives. You may choose one to find that your profession ends up mirroring the other closer than you'd think. Don't fret over what path is most relevant. Look for what interests you and then see where that path leads you.
Darren Choy
Civil Engineer
6
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Darren’s Answer
I agree with Spruce's 12/2019 answer.
As a civil engineer, I design and construct public roads, utilities (water, sewer, storm drain), and creek restoration projects. All of my projects include some kind of mechanical component - vehicles on the road, pumps for utilities, construction equipment for excavating dirt, and monitoring equipment for water levels in creeks. All engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, computer, electrical, chemical, petroleum, fire protection, industrial systems, etc) have significant and relevant roles in society, typically operating in a synergistic way with each other.
Find what elements of society interests you as you consider engineering - it can be a profitable and fulfilling career with many opportunities for continued growth, education, and diversification.
As a civil engineer, I design and construct public roads, utilities (water, sewer, storm drain), and creek restoration projects. All of my projects include some kind of mechanical component - vehicles on the road, pumps for utilities, construction equipment for excavating dirt, and monitoring equipment for water levels in creeks. All engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, computer, electrical, chemical, petroleum, fire protection, industrial systems, etc) have significant and relevant roles in society, typically operating in a synergistic way with each other.
Find what elements of society interests you as you consider engineering - it can be a profitable and fulfilling career with many opportunities for continued growth, education, and diversification.