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Phase 4 · Months 8–20
Civil Engineering Core
Learn the actual civil design subjects covered in the FE Civil and PE Civil exams.
Structural Analysis
Find forces in real structures: indeterminate beams, frames and trusses.
- Determinacy & stability
- Influence lines (moving loads on bridges)
- Deflection: virtual work, moment-area
- Indeterminate analysis: force method, slope-deflection, moment distribution
- Intro to the stiffness (matrix) method
- Loads per ASCE 7: dead, live, snow, wind, seismic; LRFD combos e.g. 1.2D + 1.6L
Extra resources
Reinforced Concrete Design (ACI 318)
Concrete is the most-used construction material on Earth.
- Whitney stress block: a = As·fy / (0.85 f′c b)
- Flexural strength φMn = φ As fy (d − a/2), φ = 0.9 for tension-controlled
- Shear: φVc + φVs, stirrup spacing
- Slabs one-way/two-way, columns (interaction diagrams), footings
- Development length, cover, minimum steel
- ACI 318 itself is paid — but the FE Handbook contains every ACI equation you need for the FE, free
Extra resources
Checklist
practice~6 h
Steel Design (AISC 360)
Steel frames, bridges and industrial structures.
- Tension members: yielding and rupture
- Compression members: KL/r, AISC column curves
- Beams: Zx, lateral-torsional buckling (Lb, Lp, Lr)
- Bolted and welded connections
- The AISC 360 Specification is a free download; the full Steel Manual (shape tables) is paid
Extra resources
Checklist
Geotechnical Engineering
Every structure sits on soil. Most failures start in the ground.
- Phase relationships: e, n, w, S, γ — Se = wGs
- Classification: USCS & AASHTO, Atterberg limits
- Effective stress σ′ = σ − u
- Compaction (Proctor), permeability (Darcy v = ki)
- Consolidation settlement, shear strength (Mohr-Coulomb τ = c + σ′ tan φ)
- Bearing capacity (Terzaghi), lateral earth pressure (Rankine), slope stability
Extra resources
Checklist
practice~25 h
practice~4 h
Hydraulics, Hydrology & Environmental
Stormwater, water supply and wastewater are a huge share of civil work.
- Rational method Q = CiA; SCS curve number method
- Hydrographs, detention pond sizing
- Manning's equation for channels & storm sewers
- Water treatment: coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection
- Wastewater: BOD, activated sludge
Extra resources
Checklist
practice~4 h
Transportation Engineering
Roads, intersections, traffic — very common entry-level work at DOTs.
- Stopping sight distance = reaction distance + braking distance
- Horizontal curves (radius, superelevation) and vertical curves
- Traffic flow q = k·v, level of service
- Pavement design basics (flexible vs rigid)
- AASHTO Green Book (paid) & MUTCD (free from FHWA)
Extra resources
Surveying
All civil projects start with survey data. It's on the FE.
- Differential leveling: HI = BM + BS; Elev = HI − FS
- Bearings vs azimuths, traverses, closure errors
- Horizontal distance = slope distance × cos θ
- Earthwork: average end area V = L(A₁ + A₂)/2
- GPS/GNSS, total stations, coordinate systems
Extra resources
Checklist
learn~25 h
Construction Engineering & Management
Where most engineers start: on site, estimating, scheduling.
- Quantity takeoff and cost estimating
- CPM scheduling: forward/backward pass, float, critical path
- Contracts (lump sum, unit price, design-build), RFIs, submittals, change orders
- Formwork, earthmoving productivity, OSHA safety
Extra resources
Checklist
practice~4 h