As a civil engineer, you know it is essential to keep your skills up-to-date. Staying current on the latest technologies and best practices is essential to success. PDH is a great way to ensure you stay ahead. Professional engineer PDH courses involve structured learning activities, such as reading and lectures, that enable civil engineers to maintain and improve their professional competency. PDH courses provide an excellent way for civil engineers to keep up with the latest information in the industry.

Here are the introductory PDH courses for civil engineers: 

1) ADA Standards

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires architects, civil engineers, and designers to know ADA standards for accessible design. This PDH course covers the basics of ADA building standards, including the requirements for ramps, doorways, and other features that must adhere to the law.

ADA courses involve:

  1. a)  Understanding the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its impact on civil engineering projects. This includes knowledge of the specific components of ADA, such as accessibility standards in public areas, transportation systems, and buildings; 
  2. b) Learning how to incorporate accessible design elements into existing or new construction projects;
  3. c) Being able to analyze a project for potential ADA compliance issues;
  4. d) Develop strategies to ensure construction projects adhere to relevant ADA regulations.

ADA courses also allow civil engineers to develop solutions that leverage universal design principles, which help make public facilities and services usable by people with a wide range of abilities. This could include incorporating features such as ramps, grab bars, and accessible bathrooms into a design. By taking ADA courses, civil engineers can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to ensure their work meets all relevant regulations and best practices for making structures usable by people of all abilities. 

2) Concrete Testing and Inspection

As a civil engineer, concrete testing and inspecting are essential skills you must have. The quality of concrete used for construction projects must meet strict standards, so it's essential to be familiar with the various testing methods to ensure quality control. Testing for strength, air content, and temperature are all standard components of a quality assurance program. Additionally, a visual inspection should be conducted during the concrete-laying process to ensure that the mix is consistent and uniform. This is even more important when curing concrete since it can be difficult to spot problems or defects in the early stages. By familiarizing yourself with these methods, you can help guarantee that your construction projects are constructed safely and reliably. Furthermore, understanding testing and inspection protocols can help you quickly identify and address potential issues on your Jobsite. With the proper knowledge, you can ensure that all of the concrete used in your projects is up to code. 

3) Energy-efficient Building Designs

Energy-efficient designs are becoming increasingly important in the civil engineering field. Civil engineers are now tasked with creating structures that function as desired, use resources efficiently, and reduce their carbon footprint. To achieve this, engineers must consider several factors, such as insulation materials, double glazing, reflective coatings on windows and roofs, windbreaks, air-lock vestibules, and sun-tracking devices. Civil engineers must also remember that energy efficiency is often determined by the building's location, orientation, and form. 

Conclusion

Enrolling in PDH courses for civil engineers is a great way to ensure that your knowledge and understanding of the industry stay up-to-date.