Many of the world’s civil infrastructures are approaching or have passed their useful lifecycle. More than two trillion dollars is required to repair and upgrade these structures. Improving the state of these infrastructures is an economic growth initiative that must continue to ensure the quality of life for citizens. The IBM Maximo for Civil Infrastructure solution combines digital intelligence with engineering know-how to make operations more efficient. This solution allows operators to monitor and predict failures.
The importance of technical-managerial skills in civil infrastructure is critical to the success of an organization. The majority of civil engineering professionals gain their experience and expertise through on-the-job training. However, some universities offer degree programs that train the future generation in technical-managerial skills. Some individuals have enough technical knowledge to work in the field without completing additional education or certification. For others, the technical knowledge is sufficient to perform their job without formal education or training.
A major challenge facing the industry is the deterioration of infrastructure systems around the world. This deterioration of infrastructures is costly to society, increasing costs for business and consumers. Water and sewer systems, bridges, and subways are among the many examples of aging and overuse of these facilities. In many places, these aging infrastructures are creating problems for businesses and the public. Therefore, engineers must be prepared to work with these issues and address them quickly.
A Civil Infrastructure Systems Management laboratory focuses on mathematical models for managing civil infrastructure systems. The researchers focus on a range of issues related to this industry, including deterioration of civil infrastructure assets, the development of optimization models for M&R activities, transportation system performance, and the application of advanced information systems to asset management. The research in this area is focused on advancing the field and improving society. For example, the study of the efficiency and effectiveness of the transportation system is a major component of this lab.
The CIE program is designed to prepare infrastructure managers with the necessary technical skills to manage and design these projects. The curriculum draws from a range of disciplines, including structural engineering, construction planning, and project management. The graduate projects also address issues of deterioration science, assessment technology, and socioeconomic impact and innovative financing vehicles. The CIE program is available at the Blacksburg campus of Virginia Tech. The course is taught at the University’s Blacksburg campus.
A Master’s degree in the Civil Infrastructure Engineering Program is an ideal preparation for the field. The curriculum teaches students to analyze the systems of various technologies and systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness. They must also have a passion for engineering and be able to implement ideas. The CIE program requires students to have strong communication skills and an ability to collaborate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. They must have a deep understanding of how these infrastructures work to improve society and provide a sustainable future.