Engineers - Educate me

doublehelix2 · 21 Mar 2008 at 15:21

I have decided that I want to gain knowledge of some of the basics of Engineering (Civil in particular), but not knowing anything about the subject I don't know where to start. I tried looking online, and there is information, but the fact that I don't know where to start and don't know what I am looking for is making it difficult.

So, any suggestions of books for a beginner that would introduce me to the subject? Or an area to start off with and then what to progress to?

Thanks for any help.

Windle · 21 Mar 2008 at 15:30

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_engineering

Plenty of links at the bottom

p4radox · 21 Mar 2008 at 15:30

The perfect books for the beginner:

Structures: JE Gordon
The New Science Of Strong Materials: JE Gordon

They're not the newest books, but they're still essential reading, and on many universities' reading lists for engineering courses.

itsallaboutyou · 21 Mar 2008 at 15:47

www.bconstructive.co.uk contains some useful information - primarily aimed at school leavers I think..
www.citb.co.uk Construction Industry Training Board
www.ice.org.uk - The Institution of Civil Engineers...

It depends are you looking at structures, environmental, transport etc.. The civils courses are pretty good - you get to gain knowledge in all areas - and most universities offer industrial placement, where you'll learn lots!

Are you definitely looking at going to uni, or would you look at some vocational training whilst working??

Hope that helps, otherwise email me (in trust) and I'll try and explain some more

EDIT / Actually read your post! Do a search for "Roy Chudley" - he writes a series of books which encompass everything to do with the subject!