Understanding Geometry In Civil Engineering

In the early civilization of human kind, geometry plays an important role in the creation of man. Few good examples of man-made structure based on these principles are Pyramids of Giza, Chichen Itza, and so forth. Even when we were children, one of the first educations we received from our guardian is to learn the different types and shapes of geometries. By experimenting with these geometrical shapes, children learned to develop their sense of recognizing this pattern which is vital for mathematical understanding.

History Info of Geometry: via Wikipedia

The earliest recorded beginnings of geometry can be traced to ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley from around 3000 BCE.

Early geometry was a collection of empirically discovered principles concerning lengths, angles, areas, and volumes, which were developed to meet some practical need in surveying, construction, astronomy, and various crafts.

Knowledge about geometry is being with us for thousands of years and an empirical foundation of mathematics development. Thus, geometry is a branch of mathematics to analyze different shapes, sizes, figures, measurement of angles, essential parameters, relative position of physical elements, and etc. Mathematics and geometry has close relation to each other as it is often used in all fields of engineering especially civil, even in artistry, and new science and technology development.

Basically, the early presented geometry is in simple two-dimensional shapes and upgraded to three-dimensional shapes. The basic geometry which is two-dimensional defines as a plane figure – points, line, curves. The world we lived in is a three-dimensional where an object can be defines, touch and measure.

2-Dimensional Geometry
Shown in Figure 1, are some of basic geometry shapes – square, rectangle, triangle, circle, trapezoid, ellipse, and hexagon. 2-D objects are normally a combination of 3 or more points and joint together as member to form a single plane shape, except for curve shapes (without edges or degree of angle) like circle and ellipse.
Shown in Figure 2, are the properties of 2-dimensional shapes. We could obtain information such the length, diameter, degree of angle, and tangent (90° angle) in helping us to find the area and perimeter of the single plane shape. From this parameters, geometry mathematics equations and standard being developed for international used. In further civil engineering analysis, we could determine the neutral axis (center) of the shapes.

3-Dimensional Geometry
Shown in Figure 3, some of the 3-D objects – cube, rectangular, sphere, cylinder, cone, pyramid, and trapezoid. As per 3-D objects, it is formed by the combination of 3 or more surface planes, except for curve shapes (without edges or degree of angle) like sphere.
Shown in Figure 4, are the properties of 3-dimensional shapes. We could obtain information such the height, length, width, diameter, radius, degree of angle, and tangent (90° angle). 3-D objects are quite special as we could determine (information from the parameters) surface area and volume; to more advance such as centroid and area moment of inertia, and etc.

Geometry in Civil Engineering
The fundamental knowledge of geometry is essential for civil engineers where they will use its mathematical principles to solve lots and lots of civil engineering problems in any construction project. Besides knowing the basic properties, they have to learn both 2-D and 3-D projection of geometry. This will help in developing our imaginary skills and ability to project any object from any angle especially when it becomes more complex to analyze.

Shown in Figure 5, both geometrical projection in 2-D and 3-D of the sample object. The example above shows an object projection from 3 dimensional views – 3 projected views; and translated into 2 dimensional views – with 6 projected views. It is from this projected views we could see clearly details of each surface area of the object. Apart from that, the cross-sectional area can also be shown at selective plane either from top, side or front. { Note: This knowledge will become available in the subject called Civil Engineering Drawing or Technical Drawing or relevant names}

During education period, we will acquire all the information to solve mathematical problems which involves geometry such as structural designs, geotechnical aspect, flow analysis in hydraulics, mechanics of materials, highway designs, topography surveying and so forth.

In real working environment, we will utilize this knowledge in situation as follows:

• Gives us an early preliminary estimation of what the project will look like in terms of design, scale, budget and time. This will be shown in the civil engineering drawing like structural drawing or layout drawing (plan).
• Knowing the exact dimensions, shapes, location, and requirements of structure at real project site which will allow the workforce involved to work on it progressively.
• Find the most efficient and effective geometry to withstand against forces such as wind, water, ground, and applied loading.
• Find the safest and economical solution in construction, for instances shortest bridge span crossing any river, balance between cut and fill in earthworks, choosing the right path of road, and others.
• Bringing the designers creativity to the next level by uncovers new possible geometrical shapes in their creation.
• And lots more related to civil engineering works…

As a conclusion, geometry and civil engineering are related to each other and application to it could be use in both theoretical and practical field.

Share

Save

Read More Constructive Posts:

• Expected Subjects While Studying Civil Engineering

Tagged as: Civil Subjects

1 comment