Course Descriptions - Undergraduate Calendar 2023-2024

An introduction to the fundamental methods, principles and skills of civil engineering. Fundamentals of technical communication, the engineering design process and problem solving. Completion of a pre-design study and report for a civil engineering project. Independent and team work. Fundamentals of engineering computation: units, data collection, measurement, and error analysis. Field surveying (automatic level, engineer's transit, differential Global Positioning System (GPS), total station). Laboratory on engineering graphics auto-computer assisted diagnosis (AutoCAD) and computational software (Excel, Matlab). Aspects of the engineering profession (code of ethics, negligence, misconduct, role of the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), etc.), diversity in the workplace, and professional development. Preparation for the University of Waterloo co-operative education program (Co-operative Education and Career Action (CECA), résumé writing, job search and interview skills). [Offered: F]

Newtonian mechanics. Force systems; vectors, forces and moments; equilibrium and free body diagrams. Mechanics of simple structures. [Offered: F]

Distributed forces, centroids and moment of inertia. Introduction to foundations and fluid statics. Basic structural analysis. Plane trusses. Beam diagrams. Stress-strain-temperature relationships. Behaviour of members in tension, compression and bending. Thin-walled pressure vessels. Friction. [Offered: W,S]

Linear systems of equations, matrices and determinants. Introduction to the eigenvalue problem. Applications. [Offered: F]

Introduction to computer programming, examples of efficient numerical algorithms for basic scientific computations. Programming and problem solving concepts introduced in the course will be incorporated into group projects involving civil, environmental, or geological engineering applications. The language of instruction will be Matlab. [Offered as: CIVE 121 (W), ENVE 121 (S), GEOE 121 (S)]

Charge, current, and voltage. Voltage and current sources, resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, nodal analysis, instrumentation amplifier circuits, impedance. Function and characteristics of basic electrical transducers. Resolution, precision, and accuracy. Basics of data acquisition.

This course studies earth materials and processes from an engineering point of view through case histories and problem sets. The course develops a geological knowledge for applications to any physical environment and provides an appreciation of the impact of engineering work on the environment. Topics include mineral and rock identification, the rock cycle, structural geology and tectonics, geology of Canada, effects of water, ice and wind. Students are also introduced to the concept of geologic time, topographic and geologic maps, and the basic principles and tools used to determine geologic history. [Offered as: CIVE 153 (W), ENVE 153 (S), GEOE 153 (S)]

General seminar. [Offered: W]

Three-dimensional force systems, moments, couples, and resultants. Three-dimensional equilibrium problems. Shear stresses in beams. Plastic bending. Beam deflection. Torsion of shafts and thin-walled closed sections. Shear, bending moment, and deflection diagrams for beams. Compound stress and stress transformations. Design concepts. [Offered: F]

Frames, arches and suspended structures. Stress and strain transformations. Strain energy. Energy methods. Virtual work. Buckling of columns. [Offered: S]

Calculus of functions of several variables. Differentiation; partial derivatives of implicit and explicit functions, applications including optimizations. Integration; multiple integrals in various co-ordinate systems with applications. Vector calculus; vector fields, line integrals, surface integrals, and applications. Numerical integration and differentiation. [Offered: F]

An introduction to linear and partial differential equations. Standard methods of solution, applications to physical and engineering problems, linear equations with constant coefficients, basic systems of differential equations, partial differential equations. Applications. [Offered: S]

Role of probability in engineering and decision-making under uncertainty. Data analysis. Basic probability concepts. Probability distributions. Functions of random variables. Estimation theory. Empirical determination of distribution models. Regression analysis. Introduction to risk. [Offered: F]

This course introduces the concept of sustainability and how it applies to decision-making in civil engineering. The course begins by defining sustainability, both practically and technically, and describing the concepts of systems, and systems interactions. Quantitative methods and measures of effectiveness are derived and applied to components of sustainability; air quality, water quality, energy, transportation and solid waste. Economic concepts and their applicability to sustainability are described for both developed and developing countries. [Offered: S]

Application of scientific principles to the planning, design, maintenance and management of transportation systems. The basic principles of transportation engineering for contemporary urban transportation modes; auto, transit, cycling and walking, and intercity modes; rail and air. Transportation economics, environmental impacts, and demand estimation. [Offered: F]

A basic course in structure, behaviour, and uses of engineering materials. Topics include monotonic and cyclic stress-strain behaviour of metals. Phase diagrams. Diffusion, nucleation and growth of grains. Metallurgy and mechanical properties of irons and steels. Structure and mechanical properties of wood, cements, and concrete. Fracture, fatigue, and corrosion. Three lab sessions. [Offered: F]

An introduction to fluid mechanics. Fluid properties. Review of fluid statics. Buoyancy. Bernoulli equation. The momentum equation and applications. Laminar and turbulent flow. Dimensionless numbers. Closed conduit flow including friction losses. Pipe network analysis. Pump systems. Four lab sessions. [Offered: S]

General seminar. [Offered: F]

General seminar. [Offered: S]

Analysis of statically indeterminate structures using force and displacement methods. Influence lines for indeterminate structures. Introduction to the matrix stiffness method. Computer applications using commercial structural analysis software. [Offered: W]

Membrane stresses in shells. Buckling. Beams on elastic foundations. Plane elasticity. Torsion of non-circular sections. [Offered: F]

Introduction to structural systems. Systems for carrying gravity and lateral loads in buildings. Structural design concepts. Analysis and design of concrete beams, and one-way slabs. Design of steel beams and tension members. Comparison of steel and concrete framing systems. [Offered: F]

Introduction to conceptual planning, construction, management, optimization, and life-cycle performance assessment of civil engineering systems including capital projects. Fundamentals of decision theory including concepts of risk, uncertainty, utility, probability, value of information, and game theory. Tools for supporting decision-making process, including linear and integer programming, network models, optimization, and Monte Carlo simulation. Risk- and cost-benefit analysis of public projects and their impact on sustainability, and quality of life. [Offered: W]

Traffic engineering and travel forecasting. Evaluation, design and management of urban transport systems through advanced traffic control techniques. Quantitative methods for evaluating investments in transportation infrastructure or operational changes. [Offered: W]

Fundamental knowledge on the principles and applications of traffic simulations. System theory, traffic flow dynamics, stochastic simulation methods. Calibration and validation of simulation models, and interpretation and analysis of simulation output. Applications of state-of-the-art computer simulation software packages for solving real traffic engineering problems, involving scenario analysis, prediction, and optimization. [Offered: F]

An introduction to geologic processes. Subsurface exploration. Classification systems. Weight-volume relationships. Soil mechanics principles including state of stress, ground water flow, consolidation and shear strength. Four lab sessions. [Offered as: CIVE 353 (W), GEOE 353 (S)]

Foundation engineering. Earth pressure theories. Retaining walls. Anchors. Shallow and deep foundations. Braced trenches and excavations. Slope stability. [Offered: F]

Water quality, air pollution, fate and transport of contaminants in natural and engineered systems, and pollution prevention. Solid and hazardous waste management. Water and wastewater treatment systems and design principles. Four lab sessions. [Offered: F]

Introduction to the water cycle, flood frequency analysis, design storms. Analysis of hydrographs and rainfall-runoff response mechanisms in urban and natural systems. Mass continuity and water budgets at the watershed scale. Impact of land use change on hydrologic response. Quantification of open channel flow; subcritical and supercritical flow regimes. Dynamic forces on submerged structures and low/scour beneath bridges. [Offered as: CIVE 382 (W), ENVE 382 (F,W)]

Project financing, life-cycle cost analysis, time value of money, sensitivity analyses, tax, financial implications of infrastructure projects, quantitative decision-making, financial aspects of a business plan. [Offered: S]

General seminar. [Offered: W]

General seminar. [Offered: F]

Students must undertake an independent civil engineering design project during the last two terms of their plan. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate students' abilities to practise in a civil engineering capacity in their chosen area of expertise, using knowledge gained from their academic and employment experiences. The first part of the project (CIVE 400) will include problem identification, generation and selection of solutions, and time management. Incorporation of technical, ecological, social, political, and economic issues in the solution for the project will be required. A basic requirement of the proposed solution is that it must be compatible with the principles of sustainability. Requirements include proposal, progress report, oral presentation, and a final report containing recommendations for part two of the project, CIVE 401. [Offered: S]

A continuation of CIVE 400. The final design of the major civil engineering project proposed in CIVE 400 will be undertaken. The purpose of this phase of the project is to carry out a detailed technical design of the solution proposed in CIVE 400. Requirements of this part of the two-term project include a symposium presentation and a final report. [Offered: W]

Advanced coverage of design of structural steel members and connections, building on CIVE 310. Design of laterally-unsupported beams, compression members and beam-columns. Plate girders. Connections. Special topics in design of structural steel or other metals. [Offered: S]

Advanced analysis and design of concrete members for flexure. Beam shear analysis and design. D-region shear design. Column design. Special topics. [Offered: S]

Building loads. Lateral load systems. Floor systems for buildings. Composite construction. Introduction to bridge design. Special topics.[Offered: W]

This course focuses on the development of the basic fundamentals of finite element method with applications in fluid flow, mass transport, solid mechanics and structures. Topics include discrete problems, matrix methods, variational principle, method of weighted residuals, element shapes, and interpolation functions. [Offered: W]

The historical evolution of transit in cities; the technological innovations which made transit possible; and transit mode definitions. Models of transit vehicle motion are presented; transit travel times under different travel regimes are derived. Transit scheduling methods are shown. System operational characteristics are defined and quantitative measures of effectiveness are introduced. Transit network planning objectives are identified; actual geometries are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Transit ownership structures and economics are discussed; contemporary ITS applications are presented. Methods for selecting appropriate transit modes are covered. [Offered: W]

Introduction to engineering technologies applicable to the field of biomechanics. Specific topics covered may include biological growth, form and function; biomaterials; kinematics and neurology of gait; biotribology; joint anatomy, function and repair; occupational biomechanics; trauma prevention. [Offered: W]

The need for infrastructure and environmental assessments; the impacts of infrastructure on urban form; core infrastructure concepts; economics of infrastructure costs, finance and pricing. Infrastructure evaluation and management methods.

Background (Charter of Rights and Freedoms), contracts, torts (negligent malpractice), forms of carrying on business, professional practice (professional engineers act, joint practice rules, professional misconduct and sexual harassment), alternate dispute resolution, construction liens, intellectual property (patents, trade marks, copyrights and industrial designs), labour relations and employment law, environmental law. [Offered: S]

A special course on design intensive advanced topics in civil engineering is offered from time to time, when resources are available. For the current offering, inquire at the Department.

A special course on advanced topics in civil engineering is offered from time to time, when resources are available. For the current offering, inquire at the Department.

General seminar. [Offered: S]

General seminar. [Offered: W]

Dynamics of discrete and continuous structures. Free and forced vibrations of single and multi-degree of freedom systems. Shock loads, earthquake loads, response spectra. Analysis and design of frames for shock and earthquake loads. [Offered: S]

The building process. Loadings; gravity, wind, thermal, moisture, and fire. Enclosure design; walls, windows, and roof. Subgrade construction. Energy related considerations. [Offered: W]

This course deals with the assessment, rehabilitation and/or strengthening of building and bridge infrastructure. Topics include damage mechanisms, instrumentation and non-destructive test methods, conventional repair techniques, innovative repair and strengthening techniques with composites. Case studies provide students with the opportunity to learn from field applications. The laboratory portion involves test methods used to evaluate repair and strengthening measures. [Offered: W]

Pavement design, soil identification, subgrade design, base courses, flexible pavement design, design and testing of asphaltic concrete mixes, surface treatments. [Offered: W]

Simulation of geotechnical consulting practice. Students are required to complete several projects, based on actual case studies, which require problem identification, evaluation of geotechnical data, analysis, design, and report preparations. [Offered: W]

Design of water supply and distribution systems. Design of waste and storm water collection systems. Storm water management. The course consists of 24 hours of lectures and a subdivision design project. The emphasis is on computer aided design and sustainability, using commonly used software packages. [Offered: W]

Topics in construction engineering and management including methods of delivering construction, contractual relationships, prevailing construction practices, construction equipment, concrete form design, concrete, steel, and masonry construction, introduction to trenchless technology, construction safety, planning and scheduling of repetitive construction, cash flow analysis, and construction project control. [Offered: S]