Before construction starts, the civil engineering team must carefully plan and design the works. They also supervise the construction facilities that include structures such as bridges, airports, highways, power lines, dams, sewage and water purification plants.
Calculations have to be done to determine optimum dimensions of facilities.
Detailed drawings have to be made with written specifications to ensure that the works are constructed to appropriate quality and standards at a reasonable cost. During construction, civil engineers and their teams ensure that the works are built as designed. The also manage the plant and manpower, and ensure that the works are completed within budget and on time. They must also solve problems like pollution, traffic congestion, energy needs, water supplies and provision of infrastructure for community settlements. Branches of civil engineering Civil engineering careers may be pursued in specialised field of civil engineering or in general terms.