CET 101 - Engineering Fundamentals

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Voc/Tech

This course introduces concepts of the civil engineering technician field, including career opportunities, the engineering industry and basic engineering principles. The student will learn to read and understand road and bridge plans and be introduced to all the elements that make up a highway construction project.
Competencies

Describe civil engineering
1. Define civil engineering
2. Explain the goals of the civil engineering field
Examine the people and projects of the civil engineering industry
1. List the different disciplines in civil engineering
2. List the types of projects in civil engineering
Identify the disciplines of the civil engineering technician
1. Describe the surveying technician?s duties and responsibilities
2. Describe the material tester?s duties and responsibilities
3. Describe the design technician?s duties and responsibilities
4. Describe the inspector’s duties and responsibilities
Explain fundaments of engineering
1. Discuss the engineering problem solving process
2. Discuss precision in engineering problems
Explain fundamentals of a roadway plan
1. Define civil plans and specifications
2. Examine stationing
3. Discuss the elements of an alignment
4. Discuss the elements of grading
5. Define pavement structure
6. Define roadway cross section terminology
7. Discuss the organization of roadway plans
Examine a Construction Road Plan
1. Investigate the Title Sheet
2. Understand general notes and quantities
3. Examine typical cross sections
4. Understand estimate of quantities and general information
5. Read the main line plan and profile sheets
6. Read the side road plan and profile sheets
7. Understand reference ties and bench marks
8. Examine intersection geometric, staking and jointing details
9. Understand the soil plan sheets
10. Examine earthwork quantities
11. Classify signing, wells and facility
12. Investigate cross sections
Examine a Construction Concrete Beam Bridge Plan
1. Identify basic bridge components
2. Investigate the Title Sheet
3. Understand general notes and quantities
4. Distinguish elements on a situation plan
5. Utilize general plan and soundings
6. Understand details: piers, abutments, superstructure, intermediate diaphragms, barrier rails, beams, pier bearings