AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

KADUNA


FACULTY OF GROUND AND COMMUNICATION
ENGINEERING


Department Of Civil Engineering
GET 303: Introduction to Engineering
(2 Units)
INTRODUCTION :
GENERAL
INSTRUCTOR: Ogbiye .A.S (Ph.D.)
Engr.Njoku Franklin,Engr.Agov TE Engr.
 Introduction to Engineering
Def inition: From the word ‘’ engineer’’ is related
to the word ‘engine’ and there is no doubt that
every living person no matter how remote the
part of the earth he or she lives know what an
engine is. In a developing country like Nigeria,
everybody knows what the engine of the car or
the lorry does. The engine moves the vehicle,
hence it is the prime mover just as the person
who farms is a farmer, the person who drives
i s a d r i v e r an d th e p e r s o n w h o c l i m b s
mountain is a mountaineer, so also it will be
easy to imagine that a person who is the
m ake r of e n g i n e s s h ou l d b e c al l e d th e
engineer
 Introduction to Eng. contd.
• Historically the word engine was derived from the
Romans as far back as AD 200 (Fantola 1994). It came
from the Latin word ‘’ingenium’’ which was used to
describe a battening ram. After many years, the builder
of ‘’ingenium’’ was referred to as ‘’ingeniator’’ from this
the word ‘’engineer’’ was derived. Although from the
earliest times man has been involved in engineering
related activities as were common with the ancient
Greek,
 Introduction to Eng. contd.

• Egyptian, and Roman civilization, such

activities cannot be correctly described as
engineering but technology.
• Real engineering started in the middle
ages and developed to its real meaning
during the industrial revolution.
 Introduction to Eng. contd
• Many def initions had been given to describe
who an engineer is from the complex and
unique responsibilities of the engineer in the
modern world. Of all the def initions, the one
by Tedgold for the civil engineer is most
appropriate. According to Tedgold (1848). ‘’
the civil engineer is one who harness the
great forces of nature for the benef it of man’’.
Therefore an engineer may be def ined as any
person who by virtue of his or her education
and training acquires scientif ic knowledge
and methods; he understands materials and
manages human beings for development.
 Introduction to Eng. contd
• Also, Palmer (1818) described an
engineer as ‘’a mediator between the
philosopher and the working mechanic
and like an interpreter between two
foreigners must understand the
l a n g u a g e o f b o t h ’’ . I n o r d e r t o
understand the uniqueness of the
above def in ition. It is necessary to
discuss what engineer does.
 Introduction to Eng. contd
– What is engineering?
• It is difficult to understand fully who an engineer
is, unless engineering is differentiated from all
embracing word of technology. According to
Orangun (1980) Engineering is different from
technology. Actually, Engineering is a unique
aspect of technology. Through engineering,
physical objects are created using scientif ic
principles so that the objects thus created are
useful, durable, safe and most economical.
Orangun (1980) illustrated this by comparing
the engineer with the technologists or the
technician thus:
 Introduction to Eng. contd
• Let us consider the tripod supporting a camera such as the
one in use in photography survey. The tripod is undoubtedly
a product of technology and any reference to it as an
engineering achievement will only be incidental. The
development of the tripod is based on the principle that
three members meeting in space will form a system in
equilibrium. This principle is very well known in every
society. (e.g. the Yorubas know that three blocks will
provide stability for the soup pot). The only thing that could
be of engineering interest in the tripod is whether the sizes
of the legs are such as to resist economically the stresses
and strains imposed by the equipment they carry. It is
possible for the tripod manufacturer to make each of the
legs as robust as possible but the engineer sees to it that it
is not larger than necessary to provide adequate support
compatible with effective utilization of materials.
 Introduction to Eng. contd .
• The pyramids of Egypt are good examples of ancient
technological feats not engineering. The modern jet
planes, the third mainland bridge in Lagos Nigeria. The
Lag o s-Ib ad an e x p r e ssw ay, t he m o t o r c ar s, t he
television, electricity and the computers are evidences
of what are engineering. Each of these has been
p r o d uc e d t hr o ug h t he ap p lic at io n o f sc ie nt if ic
knowledge and principles to conceive abstract ideas.
The ideas are then put on paper through mathematical
calculations and drawings. This is known as designs. In
the design the quantities of different materials are
specif ied for various components. The methods to be
employed for putting different components together
are also specified. The final product is made to function
as conceived to be safe, realistic and most economical.
This is engineering and only engineers can perform
such feats.
 Introduction to Eng. contd
• Engineering is the creation of objects, tools,
spaces etc. by using scientif ic principles
and they are made useful, durable, safe, and
most economical .Scientif ic knowledge and
principle are conceived as abstract ideas,
they are processed through mathematical
calculation and drawings known as design.
Engineering uses fundamental knowledge
acquired through science to provide the
pl an s an d mean s to ac h i ev e s pec i f ic
objectives in areas such as manufacturing,
communication and transportation.
 Introduction to Eng. contd
• At one time engineering could be divided into
Military and Civil Engineering; civil engineering
evolved into more specialized areas such as
Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering,
Electrical Engineering and Environmental
Engineering. Others Engineering Specialties
Include Aerospace Engineering, Agricultural
Engineering, Biomedical Engineering,
C A D /C A M (C omp u t er A ided D esig n an d
Computer Aided Manufacturing Engineering),
Ceramic Engineering, Industrial Engineering,
Material Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering,
Mining Engineering, Plastic Engineering, and
Petroleum Engineering to mention just a few.
 Introduction to Eng. contd

• Becoming an Engineer: HOW TO BECOME AN

ENGINEER
Engineering is applied science. It involves using
scientif ic knowledge to produce physical objects
(Ezekwe 1977). Therefore the engineer must be
capable of abstract thinking and must also possess
creativity, that is a person who aspires to become
an engineer must be able to convert abstract
thinking to creative thinking which will enable
objects to be conceived out of nothing.
 Introduction to Eng. contd

• In order to aid the formation of this ability from
childhood, it is necessary that the right types of
toys are provided (Chukwujekwu, 1977). The toys
must be the types which enable the children to
dismantle and put pieces to gether to fo rm
different objects. They must include toys of
components of machines, model of modern
engineering feats and aids to simulate abstract
thinking.
 Introdction to Eng. HOW TO BECOME
AN ENGINEER
• At the Nursery and Primary School Level, a
pupil will developed keen interest in crafts
and abstract reasoning; such pupil will be
inquisitive about how things come to be, to
the extent that they want to know what is in
machine such as radio, television or any
other things around them. Such a person
also begins to use their hand to create and
recreate every available object around
him/her. He /she must be good in arithmetic,
elementary science and nature study
 Introdctn to Eng. HOW TO
BECOME AN ENGINEER

In the primary school, the children must be

properly introduced to elementary science. At
this stage, it is not enough to merely teach the
children the basic scientific principles and
definitions through oral and written transfer of
information alone. This is what is common in
the primary schools of most of the developing
countries where science is said to be
introduced at primary schools. In secondary
schools the foundation for scientific and
technological interests is finally concretised
 Introdctn to Eng. HOW TO
BECOME AN ENGINEER
• For the majority of the people, whatever they
become in life later has the foundation from
the secondary schools. There are however a
few exceptions who later become engineers,
medical doctors and good scientists without
studying Physics, Chemistry and Biology in
the secondary schools.
• Often such people study ‘’Pseudo-science’’
subjects like Health Science, Botany, Rural
Science, Nature Study and Hygiene while in
their secondary institutions.
 Introdctn to Eng. HOW TO
BECOME AN ENGINEER
• At the Secondary School Level, a student with
engineering mind-set must be good in English
Language, Mathematic, and the Basic Sciences,
such as Biology Chemistry Physics, Agricultural
Science, Geography, Technical Drawings, Vocational
subjects and Fine Arts. The student must be very
proficiency in the above subjects and then must be
someone that is very studious not playing away
quality times.
• The prospective engineering student at the
secondary school level must finish up with good
academic performances in Mathematics, Further
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Technical
Studies. Supportive Subjects include Biology Health
Science, Agricultural Science, Geography,
Economics and Fine Arts. He/she must obtain credit
passes in all the above subjects to qualify him /her
 Introduction to Eng. contd
The three tiers of Engineering Education at
the Tertiary Level and the Requirement for
Admission into each of them.
Engineering Education at the Tertiary Level.
There are three routes:
a. University Education - candidates with 5
credits passes including English ,Language,
Mathematics and other major physical
sciences ,spending 5 years leading to a
degree in engineering i.e. B.Sc. Bachelor of
science in engineering or B.Eng. Bachelor of
engineering
 Introduction to Eng. contd

b. Technological Education – Candidates

with at least 4 credits passes spending 4
years in two – tiers leading to the award of
diplomas (OND,Ordinary National Diploma and
HND, Higher National Diploma) and further
training for graduate- ship examination in
engineering
c. Technical Education leading to City and
Guild Certificates in tradesman ship or to full
technical diplomas and for further training
leading to graduate-ship examination in
engineering
The university education is the most direct
route in English speaking countries
 Introduction to Eng. contd
Factors Inhibiting the Qualities of Training in
Science and Mathematics.
• Scarcity or complete absence of dedicated
and innovative teachers who can
• stimulate the interest of the youngsters in
the study of Science and Mathematics
• Absence or poor laboratory facilities.
• Attitude of students to the study of
Mathematics and the Sciences
 Introduction to Eng. contd

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The graduate engineer becomes a pupil

engineering who require acquiring proficiency in
his/her Chosen field by what is called CPD i.e.
continuing professional development.
The CPD Certification Service defines CPD
(Continuing Professional Development) as: ‘A
commitment to structured skills enhancement
and personal or professional competence’. It
believes that it is important for everyone, no
matter their occupation, role or responsibility
within an organization, to ensure that their skills
and knowledge are up to date. Its view is that the
undertaking of CPD is particularly important in
 Introduction to Eng. contd
THE RESIDENT ENGINEER.

A resident engineer is the engineer in charge of one or more

construction projects, and reports the job's progress, actions of the
workers, and the ef ficiency at which the job is being completed.. The
purpose of this position is to manage and oversee construction
administration and management activities of the construction projects.
This is accomplished by supervising and assigning the activities of
staff and consultants, reviewing construction progress payments,
costs, budgets, and schedules, and negotiating change orders and
enforcing contract requirements. Another duty of a resident engineer
is to make sure that all materials and equipment used on a project
meet the required specifications.


Types of Engineers


At one time engineering could be divided into Military and Civil
Engineering; Civil Engineering evolved into more specialized areas
such as Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering.
Civil Engineering
The different specialties in Civil Engineering practically
demonstrates the duties of each of engineers with expertise in
those fields thereby contributing their professional quotas to the
development of the modern society
• Survey and Mapping:
• Water Resources Engineering:
• Hydraulics and Hydrology Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Highway and Transportation Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Structural engineering
• Construction engineering
 Types of Engineers contd.
• Mechanical engineers:
• Thermo- Fluids Engineers are those who
specialise in the use of heat power or experts in
Thermo-Dynamic,Materials and Metallurgical
Engineers, specialise in metals,
• Corrosion Engineers are those who specialise in
corrosion control and metal plating others are
Material Experts, Vibration experts and Production
Engineers.
• Electrical Engineering:
• Those who specialise in electronics are
Electronics Engineers.
• Those who specialise in telephones, telex,
telegrams, and televisions are called
Telecommunication Engineers.
 Types of Engineers contd
Those who design build and maintain computers are
Computer Engineers.
Those who generate and distribute electric power are
electric power engineers. Those who specialise in
electric machines are Electric Machine Engineers.
Those who specialise in control are Control System
Electrical Engineers.

Chemical Engineering: which deals with industrial

process in which chemicals are involved, it combine
the knowledge of mechanical engineering with that of
chemistry
Agricultural Engineering: This deals withal aspects of
engineering in agriculture. It also has many
specialisations
 Types of Engineers contd

Petroleum Engineering: This deals with various

aspects of petroleum
Aeronautical engineering/Aerospace Engineering:
This deals with various aspects of the aircraft
Industrial Engineering: This combines the
knowledge of mechanical with economics and
manufacturing.
Others Engineering Specialties Include; Aerospace
Engineering, Automotive Engineering Biomedical
Engineering, CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design
and Computer Aided Manufacturing Engineering),
Ceramic Engineering, Material Engineering,
Metallurgical Engineering, Mining Engineering,
Plastic Engineering, and to mention just a few.
 Areas of Opportunities for a Prospective
Engineer /Civil Engineer
i. Private Engineering Firm, Manufacturing of
Construction Materials,
ii. Military - Army, Navy, Air force Police Force,
Customs Immigrations Etc.
iii. Government Agencies and Parastatal –NNPC,
NPA,AIRPORTS,etc.
iv. Regional /International Agencies – WHO UNDP
UNEP UNESCO etc.
v. Academics – Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges
etc.
vi. Corporate organization such Banks Insurance
Firms and other financial institutions.
vii. Research Institutes –FIIRO, NBRRI, NISER, etc.
• THE PROFESSIONAL IN THE
NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY
 1.THE ARCHITECTS

Architecture:- Architecture is the process and the f inal

creation of manmade environment in ways that is
functional, economical to build and emotionally appealing
to the user and the Independent viewer.

• The Architect plan the building work, he helps in the

appointment of other professionals
• He prepares the users ‘requirements
• He prepares sketch design and drawings
• He helps in the plan implementation
The body responsible for the development of career
officers and regulation of the practice is referred to as:
NIA – Nigeria Institute of Architect with registration
power from Architects Registration Council of Nigeria
ARCON.
 2. THE PROFESSIONAL BUILDERS


• The builder assists in work plan formulation
• He helps to consider users’ requirement with regard to
procurements
• He helps in the contract/project implementation
• He helps in the preparation of production information e.g
working drawings
• He examines architectural /structural detailing for general
practicability
• He advises on the best methods of construction and
supervises construction He ensures quality control.
The body responsible for the development of career officers
and regulation of the practice is referred to as:
• NIOB – Nigeria Institute of Building with registration
power from The Council of Registered Builders of
Nigeria CORBON
 3. THE QUANTITY SURVEYORS


He is the professional in the building industry responsible
for the economies and cost control, he deals with the
preparation of production information e.g. the bills of
quantities, cost estimates and specifications. He also:
• Obtaining and evaluating tenders
• Gives consideration for the awards of contracts to
successful tenders/bidders
• Prepares and specified condition of contracts
• Relates users requirements with cost
• Helps [prepares the work plan
The body responsible for the development of career
officers and regulation of the practice is referred to as:

NIQS –Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveying with

registration powers from Quantity Surveyors
Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN)


4.THE ENGINEERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY


The engineer which could be the structural engineer or service
engineer on the construction projects will discharge the
following roles:
• Preparation of production information ,structural design and
detailing
• Carrying out technical studies
• Specifying the mix design for concrete and other structural
materials
• Manages construction and supervising sectional works
• Determines the strength and stability of design proposal
• Helps in plan implementation.
The body responsible for the development of career officers
and regulation of the practice in engineering is referred to as:
NSE – Nigerian Society of Engineers with registration powers
from Council for the Regulation of Engineering Practice of


5. THE ESTATE SURVEYORS AND
VALUERS


The professional in the building industry that is
responsible for the management and maintenance of
the finished building projects or contracts.
• He participates in the final commissioning of the
project
• He helps in determining the value and cost of the
property with respect to their quality of completion
and environment
The body responsible for the development of career
officers and regulation of the practice is referred to as:

NIESV – Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyor and

Valuers with registration power from Estate
Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria
ESVARBON
 6. THE LAND SURVEYORS


The land surveyor is the professional in the construction
industry that is responsible for the survey and mapping of
landed property and help in dividing portion of land into various
plots either for individual, community local government and
state boundaries.
He involves in:
• Survey and mapping general field survey and mapping
cartography
• Land survey planning and subdivision of areas
• Engineering survey
• Topographic survey and aerial mapping
The body responsible for the development of career officers
and regulation of the practice is referred to as:
NIS – Nigerian Institution of Land Surveyors with registration
power from Surveyors Registration Council of Nigeria
SURCON.


7. THE TOWN PLANNERS


This is the professional that is responsible for the planning
of towns and urban division in the construction industry
He is very versatile in all aspect of towns, regional and
urban division and planning
• He is responsible for land approval and regulation of
stamp duties in the country.
• He is responsible for town and territorial health and
hygiene and for environmental regulations.
• The body responsible for the development of career
officers and regulation of the practice is referred to as:

NITP - Nigerian Institute of Town Planners with

registration power from Council of Town Planners of
Nigeria CTPN