What does a civil engineer do ?
The Civil Engineer specializing in the wood sector plays a central role in the design and construction of wood structures, such as residential buildings, houses, bridges, and large-scale projects. Their expertise lies at the intersection of material strength principles and the specific requirements of wood construction, a material that is both natural, renewable, and offers great architectural flexibility.
MISSIONS OF Civil Engineer
One of the main missions of the Civil Engineer in wood construction is to design durable, safe, and efficient structures by using the specific properties of wood. During the design phase, they conduct in-depth feasibility studies, taking into account architectural, environmental, and regulatory constraints. They perform precise calculations to size the load-bearing elements of the structure: beams, columns, floors, and roofs. These calculations must ensure the stability of the structure while optimizing the use of wood to maximize its mechanical performance, such as resistance to bending, compression, and seismic or climatic loads.
Specialized in material strength, the Civil Engineer in wood construction possesses extensive knowledge of different wood species and their mechanical properties. They know how to select the most suitable type of wood depending on the intended use, exposure to weather, as well as the desired thermal and acoustic performance. They must also master new wood construction techniques, such as laminated timber or CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber), which enable the creation of more complex and larger structures while remaining lightweight and ecological.
In addition to their expertise in materials, the Civil Engineer in wood construction must also incorporate environmental constraints and applicable standards into their projects. It is essential that the structures meet sustainable development criteria, particularly in terms of energy performance and carbon footprint reduction. Wood, being a renewable material, perfectly aligns with these requirements, and the engineer plays a key role in integrating these aspects into the projects they design.
The Civil Engineer in wood construction does not limit their role to the design phase. They are also involved in the realization phase by supervising the smooth progress of the construction site. They collaborate with other project stakeholders, such as architects, construction companies, urban planners, and environmental officers. They ensure that the technical solutions are implemented according to the established plans and that deadlines and budgets are met. Site supervision also includes verifying the quality of materials and the execution of the work. The engineer must ensure that wood structures are built according to best practices and meet safety and durability standards.
During the design phase, they conduct in-depth feasibility studies, taking into account architectural, environmental, and regulatory constraints. They perform precise calculations to size the load-bearing elements of the structure: beams, columns, floors, and roofs. These calculations must ensure the stability of the structure while optimizing the use of wood to maximize its mechanical performance, such as resistance to bending, compression, and seismic or climatic loads.
What qualities are needed to do this job?
To pursue this career, a solid background in civil engineering, along with a specialization in wood construction, is essential. The Civil Engineer in wood construction must be rigorous, methodical, and possess a strong sense of responsibility. The ability to work in teams and collaborate with various trades is also crucial. Finally, the engineer must be able to adapt their solutions to technological and environmental changes in the construction sector.
In summary, the Civil Engineer in wood construction is a key player in sustainable building, bringing technical and environmental expertise to the use of wood, a material with numerous advantages for the future of construction. For this profession, ENSTIB offers an engineering program, which can be followed by a specialized engineering training focused on large structure calculations.