Challenges of The Changing Profession

Abstract

Dramatic changes are under way in the civil engineering workplace. They are the result of society's development, the rapid growth of scientific and technological knowledge, and the increasing complexity of physical systems, among other factors. A parallel has been drawn between the requirements of a changing profession and the exponential growth rate of technological knowledge. A development of civil engineering practice can be described using three phases: (1) Rapid development (with an emphasis on design and construction): (2) slower development (consideration of more complex projects with an emphasis on planning and design); and (3) utilization of existing projects (with an emphasis on operation, preventive maintenance, and rehabilitation). Each phase is characterized by a certain level of technological knowledge. Analytical tools and numerical procedures are logical choices for the first phase. Systems analysis techniques are powerful tools to support the planning phase. For further development, expert systems, neural networks and other artificial intelligence technologies seem to be the right technological choice.