Civil works are fundamental to the development of our society. From roads to drainage systems, each type of civil work has a specific purpose and a unique way of being executed.

In this guide, you'll learn about the different types of civil works, their key stages, and the disciplines involved. If you want to understand how these civil works impact your daily life and discover what makes them unique, keep reading!

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What is a civil work?

Civil works are essential projects for a city's infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water and drainage systems, that allow communities to develop and function:

• Practical definition for the construction sector:

Civil works are construction projects that involve public infrastructure, such as communication routes and service networks. They are vital for the development of cities and people's quality of life.

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• Differences between civil works, buildings and public/private works:

• Civil works: Construction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges and water systems.
• Building: Construction of buildings such as houses and offices.
• Public/private works: Public works are managed by the government for the common good, while private works are for individual or business use.

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Types of civil works: full classification

Civil works are classified into the following categories:

• Hydraulic works:

They involve projects related to the water management, such as dams, water treatment plants and drinking water distribution systems.

• Transportation works:

They include the construction of highways, bridges, highways, and railroads, essential for land transport and connectivity.

• Structural works:

They are those that require resistant structures, such as the construction of buildings (residential, commercial or office), bridges or sports centers.

• Geotechnical works:

They focus on the analysis and treatment of soil to ensure the stability and security of the terrain.

• Urbanization works:

These are projects that develop urban spaces, such as the construction of streets, squares O parks.

• Industrial works:

These are projects that include the construction of factories, production plants, warehouses and other industrial spaces for the manufacturing process.

• Sanitation and drainage works

These are projects focused on the management of wastewater and flood prevention, such as sewage systems and storm drainage networks.

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Disciplines involved in civil engineering

Learn about the key disciplines that make it possible to carry out civil works:

• Water Engineering:

It is responsible for the design and management of water supply systems, treatment plants and hydraulic networks.

• Structural Engineering:

It focuses on the design and analysis of resistant structures, such as buildings, bridges and towers.

• Transportation Engineering:

It involves the design and construction of roads, railways and airports to facilitate mobility and transportation.

• Hydraulic engineering:

She specializes in water management and control in projects such as dams, canals and irrigation systems.

• Geotechnical Engineering:

It studies the behavior of the soil and its interaction with structures to ensure the stability of the works.

• Materials Engineering:

It is responsible for the study and selection of materials to ensure the durability and resistance of infrastructures.

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Real examples of civil works in Mexico and Latin America

Among the main civil works projects in Mexico, the Maya Train, The expansion of the Port of Progreso And the Amigo LNG Terminal, major initiatives that combine investment in infrastructure and solutions to connectivity, logistics and energy problems. Learn more about them in our article 'The main construction projects in Mexico for 2024'

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Common mistakes in civil works and how to avoid them

During the execution of a work, it is common to face problems such as inadequate planning, poor communication Or the carelessness in quality control. These errors can delay your project and create additional costs. Find out how Buildpeer helps you avoid these problems and keep your project in a timely manner in our article 'Common Construction Mistakes and How to Avoid Them'

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Digital tools for managing civil works

Learn about the tools that will help you manage your work efficiently:

• Construction control:

With Buildpeer, you can track activities in real time and maintain centralized communication to ensure that the project stays on the right track.

• Automation and Technology:

Automation makes it easier to manage repetitive tasks, increasing efficiency and reducing the risk of errors. Learn how Buildpeer Give it to you digital construction automation tools.

• Applied AI in construction:

Artificial intelligence can optimize project management, predict potential delays, improve material use and aid in real-time decision-making.

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Civil Works FAQs

What is the difference between civil work and building work?

Las civil works include the construction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges and water systems. Las building works, on the other hand, focus on the construction of buildings and structures for residential or commercial use.

What does a civil engineering resident do?

Un civil works resident is responsible for supervising and coordinating the execution of the work on site, ensuring that safety plans, deadlines and regulations are met.

What is the average execution time of a civil work?

The execution time varies depending on the type of work. For example, highways And Bridges they can take months to years, while drainage systems O water networks they tend to have shorter deadlines.

What rules apply to civil works in Mexico?

Civil works in Mexico must comply with federal regulations such as those of Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT), the Official Mexican Regulations (NOM), and local construction and urban planning regulations, ensuring safety and environmental compliance.