21 A- What are the subjects of the civil engineering major?B- They are structural engineering, materials engineering, construction engineering, water resources engineering, surveying, and so on.A- Are civil engineers highly demanded?B- Yes, there are many opportunities for the private sector. Do you intend to study the major?A- I am thinking about itB- I think that, at present, it has a lot of possibilities in regard to laboral insertion and, also, to variety of carreersA- Where can I study this major?B- There are universities that offer the degree all over Spain. Are you really taking into consideration majoring in the field?A- Yes, I think that I am going to study civil engineeringB- So then, welcome to the world of civil engineering.

A- To design a building we have to take into account the total weight of all the component materials.B- These loads are very important tooA- Besides, we have to take into account the added weight to the building, the live load; haven’t we?B- Yes, we haveA- Furthermore, in structures which support moving loads, we need to have in mind the impact; needn’t we?B- Yes, I think soA- And, finally, preventionB- Do you think this really important?A- Yes, it does.B- Then we have to work on it

A- What are engineering vehicles?B- They are vehicles designed for civil constructionA- How many types are there?B- They are five: implement traction, structure, power train, and, control and informationA- What is the purpose of these machinery?B- To have the ratio between input force and force exerted multiplied.A- What is the primary source?B- The primary source is hydraulics.A- Have they been in use for long?B- Yes, they have been in use for very long. As far as we know, at least from the times of Vitruvius, in the 1st century B.C.A- Then, shall we read Vitruvius.B- All right. Let’s read De Architectura.

A- What is the presentation about?B- The presentation deals about developing new materials for roads.A- Are you an expert in this field?B- No, not yet. I am taking some research on it.A- Don’t you think the budget is some how short?B- Yes. The budget is somehow tight, but we can manageA- What may be the reasons for reducting it?B- I prefer not to say.A- Yes, better not to think about itB- Thank you very much

3 4 A- Is there any difference between an urbanist and a municipal engineer.B- Yes, there is, they are differentA- And then, what is the work to be developed by each one?B- An urbanist designs the layout, whereas an engineer tachles the inner parts.A- And which work do you like most?B- The work of the first

A- What is hydraulics?B- It is a science applied to several fields of engineering. It is related to the mechanical properties of liquidsA- It is based on any other science?B- it is based on fluid mechanics, a science that studies fluid properties and their applications to engineering.A- So then, it must be related to water conducts and containers.B- You are right. And consequently, it is related to waterpipes and to building dams, dikes, etc.

A- I am studying structuresB- Is that the branch of civil engineering which is more closely related to architecture.A- That’s rightB- It deals with the design of buildings, and applies the laws of mathematics and physics.A- So then it applies science to technologyB- Yes, it marches functional requirements with structural safety.A- And, what is the difference with architecture?B- it differs from architecture in that, perhaps, this one has a stronger aesthetic nature.A- Do you care about the aesthetical aspect?B- Of course we do. We care about aesthetic and beauty. The civil engineer is exactly the link between the architect and the engineer.

A- A bridge is more often seen as a work of art. On the contrary, tunnels are not usually considered that wayB- I am with you, tunnels are only tubes made of concreteA- I agree with you entirely. Bridges seem to have more beauty: present day bridges resemble ribbons in the sky; they seem to have motion in the air.B- Present day bridges are constructed with steel, and they seem lighter.A- But I also like the solidity of Roman stone. It has endured for centuries.B- Roman bridges will never collapse!A- If only new materials would last as long as the traditional ones!B- We hope so.A- Yes, it does.B- Then we have to work on it