土木工程英语建筑初级水平扩展学习资源.docVIP

Unit 1 Careers in Civil Engineering As we know，engineering is a profession，which means that an engineer must have a specialized university education．Many countries also require engineering graduates to pass an examination．similar to the bar examinations for a lawyer or a doctor，before they can start on their careers． In the university，mathematics，physics，and chemistry are considered very important throughout the engineering curriculum，particularly in the first two or three years．Mathematics，of course，is very important in civil engineering，So it is greatly stressed．Today，mathematics includes courses in statistics，which deals with gathering，classifying，and using numerical data，or pieces of information．An important part of statistical mathematics is probability. which deals with what may happen when there are different factors that can change the results of a problem．Before the construction of a bridge is begun，for example，a statistical study is made of the amount of traffic the bridge will be expected to control．In the design of the bridge．factors such as water pressure on the foundations，the effects of different wind forces，and many other factors must be considered． In an engineering program．the problem of designing a structure to withstand the forces of gravity，wind，and earthquakes is usually addressed through another series of courses．Beginning with algebra and trigonometry(usually covered in high school)and physics，most schools require at least one course in calculus and descriptive geometry before the introduction of engineering statics(a development of the study of vector forces，from elementary physics)．There may be an additional course on structural materials，particularly in engineering—oriented programs．The actual structure courses may be done in various sequences by reference to the type of structural element(beam，column，etc．)，or the structural material itself(timber，steel，reinforced concrete，prestressed concrete)．Each material has different characterist