Our Favorite Civil Engineering Books for 2024
Books to Make Every Civil Engineer Excel in their Careers
Written by: Lindsay Mooradian, P.Eng. | June 2024
As a civil engineer, I understand the importance of staying up to date with the latest knowledge and best practices for career advancement in our ever-evolving field. I also know that there are so many different ways to gain this knowledge—podcasts, webinars, conferences, courses, and, of course, the timeless book.
Podcasts are fantastic for making the most of your commute or a lunchtime walk. If this is your preferred learning method, be sure to check out our post titled “Our Top Civil Engineering Podcasts of 2024.” Additionally, there are numerous webinars, conferences, and courses offered by universities, professional associations, and private companies, providing rich opportunities for learning and networking.
However, my preferred method of learning has always been through books. There’s something uniquely satisfying about the tactile experience of reading, whether it’s a few pages in the morning, during a lunch break on a park bench, or late at night in your favorite comfy chair. Whether you prefer e-books or hard copies, books offer a depth of knowledge and a focused learning experience that is hard to match.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of five must-read civil engineering books that you probably didn’t study in school but are invaluable for excelling in your career. Each of these books offers unique insights and practical advice that can help you navigate the complexities of our profession and achieve your career goals. Some of these books are older and some are newer; but all provide relevant information to excelling as a civil engineer.
Happy Reading!
Publication date: 08/05/2022
Publisher: McGraw Hill LLC
Pages: 456
Project Management for Engineering and Construction, Fourth Edition
by Garold D. Oberlender, Ph.D, PE
Book Overview: Project Management for Engineering and Construction is a comprehensive guide for project management. It provides the principles and techniques for managing engineering and construction projects from the initial conceptual phase through design and construction, to project completion. Topics covered include: working with project teams; project initiation; early estimates; project budgeting; development of work plan; design proposals; project scheduling; tracking work; design coordination; construction phase; project close out; personal management skills; and risk management.
Career Benefits: This book provides civil engineers a strong understanding of project management principles tailored specifically to the engineering and construction industry. This knowledge is crucial for successfully leading projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Mastering these skills can significantly enhance a civil engineer’s ability to take on leadership roles and advance in their career.
Publication date: 03/06/2012
Publisher: Wiley
Pages: 512
Engineering Your Future: The Professional Practice of Engineering, Edition 3
by Stuart G. Walesh
Book Overview: Engineering Your Future: The Professional Practice of Engineering is an insightful resource discussing the nontechnical aspects of the professional engineering practice. It is written for engineering students, new graduates, and young professionals; but everyone can learn a thing or two from Stuart G. Walesh, P.h.D, PE. Topics in this book include: self-management, interpersonal relationships, teamwork, project and total quality management, design, construction, manufacturing, engineering economics, organizational structures, business accounting, and much more.
Career Benefits: This book provides civil engineers with a holistic view of what it means to be a professional in the field. It helps engineers understand the importance of ethics, effective communication, and continuous learning. By integrating these principles into their daily practice, engineers can enhance their professional reputation, build better relationships with clients and colleagues, and create more opportunities for career growth.
Publication date: 02/18/2011
Publisher: Pearson Education
Pages: 264
Construction Planning and Scheduling, Edition 4
by Jimmie W. Hinze
Book Overview: Construction Planning and Scheduling, as the title suggests, covers a wide range of all major planning and scheduling subjects. Topics in this book include: precedence diagramming, activity durations, resource allocations, network schedules, arrow diagramming, PERT, Critical Path Method, and more. It reflects current trends in scheduling (short-interval scheduling, computer scheduling, linear scheduling etc.) and provides practical guidance on creating and managing project schedules.
Career Benefits: Understanding construction planning and scheduling is essential for ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and effectively. This book equips civil engineers with the tools and techniques needed to develop accurate project schedules, anticipate potential delays, and implement corrective measures. Proficiency in scheduling can improve project outcomes and increase an engineer’s value to their organization, paving the way for career advancement.
Publication date: 03/31/1992
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Pages: 272
To Engineer is Human: The Role of Failure in Successful Design
by Henry Petroski
Book Overview: To Engineer is Human: The Role of Failure in Successful Design shows through various historical case studies how failure is an integral part of the engineering design process as it has led to better designs and advancements in engineering. Some of the case studies examined in the book include: how one simple design error caused the collapse of the Kansas City Hyatt Regency Hotel walkway in the 1980ès; how the Tacoma Narrows Bridge was able to twist apart due to winds in 1940; and how an oversized waterlily inspired the Crystal Palace. This book examines our deepest notions of progress and perfection, and the connection between science, something that is so quantifiable and reality, something that is so chaotic.
Career Benefits: Although this is an older book, the valuable insights into the importance of proper design concepts are very much still relevant. This book encourages civil engineers to view failures as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. By understanding the causes and implications of failures, engineers can improve their problem-solving skills and innovate more effectively. Embracing this mindset can lead to more resilient designs and foster a culture of continuous improvement, which is highly valued in the engineering profession.
Publication date: 11/25/2022
Publisher: Thomas Telford Ltd.
Pages: 424
Sustainable Infrastructure: Principles into Practice, 2nd Edition
by Rickard A. Fenner, Judith Sykes, and Charles Ainger
Book Overview: Sustainable Infrastructure: Principles into Practice is another book written for the engineering student, recent graduates, and young professionals but one that anyone will learn something from. It is designed to help infrastructure professionals embed sustainability concepts into all aspects of their projects and systems. This book goes through the project lifecycle, from planning and predesign to construction and end-of-life phases. It is a guide to sustainable decision making.
Career Benefits: Sustainability has become and continues to be a crucial component in civil engineering. This book equips engineers with the knowledge and tools to design and implement sustainable infrastructure projects. By incorporating sustainable practices into your work, civil engineers can contribute to environmental conservation and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions. Expertise in sustainability can differentiate engineers in the job market and open up new career opportunities in green engineering.
That concludes our list of our favorite civil engineering books, ones that will allow every civil engineer to flourish in their role. Reading and integrating the insights that these books offer can significantly enhance your knowledge, skills, and professional growth, as a civil engineer. Whether it’s mastering project management, understanding professional practices, honing scheduling techniques, learning from failures, or embracing sustainability, these books offer invaluable guidance for excelling your career in the civil engineering field.
