Vanderbilt University School of Engineering - Civil and Environmental Engineering

Civil Engineering Course Listing

CE 160a. Civil & Environmental Engineering Information Systems I. Part I of a two semester sequence course providing an introduction to information technologies utilized by civil and environmental engineers. Computer graphics and engineering drawings in civil and environmental engineering. Plans reading in civil engineering project development. Software tools to facilitate communication of engineering concepts and models via modern computer technology. FALL. [2]

CE 160b. Civil and Environmental Engineering Information Systems II. Part II of a two semester sequence providing an introduction to information technologies utilized by civil and environmental engineers. Project-oriented course focusing on developing skills in leveling, mapping, and GIS. Integration of CAD and surveying in hands-on, team-oriented projects addressing specific civil engineering information systems. Project work will include familiarization with, and use of, department information systems instrumentation. Computer applications. Prerequisite: CE 160a. SPRING. [2]

CE 180. Statics. Application to systems of forces in two and three dimensions (particles and rigid bodies), resultants, equivalent systems, and equilibria. Vector notation, introduction to shear and moment diagrams, moments of inertia, friction, three-dimensional representation. Credit is offered for only one of CE 180 or BME 101. Corequisite: Math 155b. FALL, SPRING, SUMMER. [3]

CE 182. Mechanics of Materials. Stress and strain; tension, compression, and shear; Hooke’s law, Mohr’s circle, combined stresses, strain-energy. Beams, columns, shafts, and continuous beams. Deflections, shear and moment diagrams. Prerequisite: CE 180. FALL, SPRING, SUMMER. [3]

CE 200a–200b–200c. Directed Study. Directed individual study of a pertinent topic in civil and environmental engineering. May include literature review and analysis, analytical investigations, and/or experimental work. Prerequisite: junior standing, completion of two CE courses, and one-page proposal approved by supervising faculty member and chair. FALL, SPRING, SUMMER. [Variable credit: 1-3 each semester]

CE 203. Fluid Mechanics. (Also listed as ME 224) Physical properties of fluids, fluid statics; integral and differential equations of conservation of mass, energy, and momentum; principles of real fluid flows: boundary layer effects, flow through pipes, flow in open channels, drag forces on bodies. Prerequisite: ME 190 and Math 198. Graduate credit for students in earth and environmental sciences. FALL, SUMMER. [3]

CE 205W. Civil and Environmental Engineering Laboratory. A team project-oriented course that integrates principles of engineering design, simulation and experimentation as applied to civil engineering. Emphasis on experimental design, data analysis and technical communication. Prerequisite: CE 203, CE 232, CE 240. SPRING. [2]

CE 216. Engineering Economy. (Also listed as ChE 216 and ENGM 216) Economic evaluation and comparison of alternatives: interest, periodic payments, depreciation, criteria and analytical procedures in investment decision making, plant feasibility, and cost estimating. FALL, SPRING. [3]

CE 225. Transportation Systems Engineering. The planning, design, and implementation of transportation systems. Particular emphasis is placed upon the design process, traffic engineering, urban transportation planning, and the analysis of current transportation issues. FALL. [3]

CE 226. Introduction to Environmental Engineering. Introduction to the parameters affecting environmental quality, including air and water pollutants, and treatment techniques to achieve drinking water quality or to permit safe discharge to the environment. Contaminant transport and interactions of contaminants with the environment. Governmental regulations covering air, water, solid and hazardous wastes. Overview of residuals management including hazardous and solid wastes and sludge handling, treatment, and disposal. Prerequisite: Chem 102a, Phys 116a-b or 117a-b, Math 198. CE 203 or ChE 230 or ME 224. FALL. [3]

CE 227. Introduction to Water Resources Engineering. Introduction to engineering of water resources and sewerage systems that control the quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of water to support human habitation and the needs of the environment. Closed conduit flow, open channel flow, surface hydrology, groundwater hydrology, and contaminant transport. Prerequisite: Chem 102a, Phys 116a-b, Math 198. CE 203. SPRING. [3]

CE 232. Introduction to Structural Analysis. Analysis of statically determinate and indeterminate beams, trusses, and frames. Computer applications. Prerequisite: CE 182. FALL. [3]

CE 235. Introduction to Structural Design. Properties of steel and design philosophies. Load and resistance factor design of ties, struts, beams, beam-columns, and very simple connections using bolts and welds as fasteners based on AISC Specifications. Properties
of reinforced concrete and design philosophy. Design of beams in flexure and shear, oneway slabs, T-beams, columns, development length, and serviceability based on ACI Codes of Practice. Prerequisite: CE 232. SPRING. [3]

CE 240. Geotechnical Engineering. Study of origin, formation, classification, identification, and engineering properties of soils. Discussions on index properties, soil moisture, soil structure,
compressibility, shear strength, stress analysis, lateral pressures, and foundation capacities. Laboratory experience. Graduate credit for geology majors. Prerequisite: CE 182 or consent of instructor. FALL. [3]

CE 247. Probabilistic Methods in Engineering Design. Applications of probability and statistics to engineering problems. Review of basic probability concepts, random variables, probability distributions, estimation of distribution parameters (point estimation and confidence intervals), determination of distribution models, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, and probabilistic design. Prerequisite: Math 170b or Math 175, and ES 140. FALL. [3]

CE 248a. Civil Engineering Design I. A meaningful, major engineering design course for civil engineering students. Includes a response to request(s) for proposals, project conception, project design, design analysis, and economic evaluation of alternatives for typical civil engineering projects within selected areas of professional depth. Includes consideration of safety, reliability, aesthetics, ethics, social and environmental impact, and government regulations. Prerequisite: CE 205W, senior standing, or consent of instructor. FALL. [2] (Credit hours change to [1] in Fall 2004.)

CE 248b. Civil Engineering Design II. A continuation of CE 248a. The course involves an oral presentation and the submission of a final design report. Prerequisite: CE 248a. SPRING. [2]

CE 251. Foundation Analysis and Design. Study of shallow and deep foundation elements and systems for civil engineering structures. Soil exploration and site investigation. Prerequisite: CE 240 or equivalent. SPRING. [3]

CE 252a–252b. Civil and Environmental Engineering Seminar. A two-part seminar series designed to introduce students to current technical and professional issues through literaturediscussions, seminars by faculty and practicing engineers, and participation in paneldiscussions. Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing or consent of instructor. FALL,SPRING. [1-1]

CE 252a–252b. Civil and Environmental Engineering Seminar. A two-part seminar series designed to introduce students to current technical and professional issues through literature discussions, seminars by faculty and practicing engineers, and participation in panel discussions. Prerequisite: senior or graduate standing or consent of instructor. FALL, SPRING. [1-1]

CE 255. Transportation System Design. Geometric analysis of transportation ways with particular emphasis on horizontal and vertical curve alignment. Design of highways, interchanges,
intersections, and facilities for air, rail, and public transportation. Prerequisite: CE 225, junior standing. SPRING. [3]

CE 256. Urban Transportation Planning. Analytical methods and the decision-making process. Transportation studies, travel characteristic analysis, and land-use implications are applied to surface transportation systems. Emphasis is on trip generation, trip distribution, modal split, and traffic assignment. Computerized planning programs are used. Prerequisite: CE 225, junior standing. SPRING. [3]

CE 257. Traffic Engineering. Traffic Engineering. Analysis of the characteristics of traffic, including the driver, vehicle, volumes, speeds, capacities, roadway conditions, and accidents. Traffic regulation, control, signing, signalization, and safety programs are also discussed. Prerequisite: CE 225. FALL. [3]

CE 259. Geographic Information Systems. Principles of computerized geographic information systems (GIS) and analytical use of spatial information. Integration with global positioning systems (GPS) and internet delivery. Includes GIS software utilization and individual projects. SPRING. [3]

CE 262. Intelligent Transportation Systems. Elements of intelligent transportation system (ITS) architecture. Survey of component systems. Analysis of potential impacts. Field operational tests, analysis methods, deployment initiatives and results. SPRING. [3]

CE 286. Construction Project Management. Introduction to the theory and application of the fundamentals of construction project management. The construction process and the roles of professionals in the process. Broad overview of the construction project from conception through completion. Application of management practices including planning, directing, cost minimizing, resource allocation, and control of all aspects of construction operations and resources. Prerequisite: CE 235 or consent of instructor. FALL. [3]

CE 287. Construction Estimating. Fundamentals of construction estimating. Estimation of material, labor, and equipment quantities, including costing and pricing of projects. Application of estimating practices using real-world examples and project estimating software. Corerequisite: CE 286. FALL. [3]

CE 288. Construction Planning and Scheduling. Fundamentals of construction planning and scheduling. Application of management practices including: process planning; directing, costing; resource allocation; and controlling all aspects of construction operations and resources, from pre-construction through operation and maintenance. Use of real-world examples and project scheduling software. Prerequisite: CE 286 and CE 287. SPRING. [3]

CE 290. Reliability and Risk Case Studies. Review of case studies involving successes and failures in managing reliability and risk assessment of engineering systems from a wide range of perspectives, including design, production, operations, organizational culture, human factors and exogenous events. Analysis of event consequences in terms of public health and safety, the environment and business continuity, and the implications on regulation, legal liability and business practices. Evaluation of mitigation strategies based on achievable goals, technical and political feasibility and economic impact. Cases drawn from natural disasters, industrial accidents, and intentional acts. Prerequisite: junior standing or consent of instructor. FALL [3]

CE 292. Construction Law and Contracts. Review of case studies involving successes and failures in legal principles and landmark cases relevant to civil engineering and construction. Contracts, torts, agency and professional liability, labor laws, insurance, expert testimony, arbitration, patents and copyrights, sureties, and ethics. Prerequisite: CE 286. SPRING. [3]

CE 293. Advanced Structural Steel Design. Advanced topics in column and beam design including local buckling, composite beams, plate girders, and torsion design. Behavior and design of bolted and welded connections. Structural planning and design of structural systems such as multistory buildings including computer applications. Prerequisite: CE 235. FALL. [3]

CE 294. Advanced Reinforced Concrete Design. Design and behavior of two-way slabsystems. Yield line theory. Shear and torsion analysis and design. Serviceability requirements and control of deflections of reinforced concrete systems. Introduction to prestressed concrete. Prerequisite: CE 235. SPRING. [3]

CE 295. Mechanics of Composite Materials. Review of constituent materials (reinforcements, matrices, and interfaces) and fabrication processes. Prediction of properties of unidirectional and short fiber materials (micromechanics). Anisotropic elasticity (derivation of
Hooke's law for anisotropic materials, macromechanics of laminated composites). Analysis of laminated composites based on Classical Lamination Theory. Behavior of composite beams and plates. Special topics (creep, fracture, fatigue, impact, and environmental effects).
Prerequisite: CE 182 and MSE 150. SPRING. [3] CE 299. Special Topics. [3]

CE 301. Advanced Mechanics of Solids I. Stress and strain analysis: equilibrium, compatibility, and constitutive equations including linear elastic and thermo-elastic relations; transformations;
octahedral and deviatoric stresses. Applications to the torsion of bars, stress concentrations, and semi-infinite medium problems. Euler Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories. Energy and related methods including applications. Kirchoff's bending of rectangular and circular plates. Prerequisite: CE 182 or equivalent, Math 198 or equivalent, Math 194 or equivalent, or consent of instructor. FALL. [3]

CE 302. Advanced Mechanics of Solids II. Modes of failure: creep and relaxation, plastic flow, fracture and fatigue. Stability of members, frames, and plates. Membrane and bending analyses of shells, including the beam on elastic foundation analogy for cylindrical shells. Inelastic behavior and plasticity including frame, planar, axi-symmetric, and slip line problems. Prerequisite: CE 301 or consent of instructor. SPRING. [3]

CE 307. Finite Element Analysis. Discrete modeling of problems of the continua. Mathematical basis of finite element method—weighted residual and variational concepts. Finite element formulations—displacement, force, and mixed methods. One-D problems of the continua and finite element solution—Co and C1 elements, eigenvalue and transient problems. Error checks and control. Mapping, shape functions, numerical quadrature, and solution
of equations. Finite element formulation of two-dimensional problems (single and multi-field)—mapping and shape functions, triangular and quad elements with straight or curved boundaries. Application problems in 1-D, 2-D and 3-D. Three-D elements, singular problems, and elements of buckling and nonlinear problems. Error estimation and quality control. Computer implementation. Commercial packages. Prerequisite: Math 194 and Math 226 or equivalent, or consent of instructor. FALL. [3]

CE 308. Advanced Computational Mechanics. Basics of nonlinear mechanics—geometric and material nonlinearities. Discrete Lagrangian, Eulerian and other formulations. Nonlinear material models. Numerical solution algorithms in space and time. Solution of nonlinear (second-order and higher) problems. Multi-disciplinary problems. Error estimation and adaptive model improvement. Introduction to multi-scale modeling and atomistic/continuum coupling. Prerequisite: CE 307 or equivalent. SPRING. [3]

CE 311. Engineering Design Optimization. Methods for optimal design of engineering systems. Optimization under uncertainty, reliability-based design optimization, robust design, multidisciplinary problems, multi-objective optimization. Discrete and continuous design variables, advanced numerical algorithms, and formulations and strategies for computational efficiency. Practical applications and term projects in the student's area of interest. Prerequisite: Math 287, Math 288 or CS 257 or CE 310. [3]

CE 313. Advanced Reliability Methods. Computational methods for probabilistic analysis and design of modern engineering systems. Emphasis on system reliability, nonlinear reliability
methods, Weibull analysis, Bayesian methods, response surface modeling and design of experiments, advanced simulation and variance reduction concepts, sensitivity analysis and reliability-based design optimization. Practical applications using existing software. Prerequisite: CE 310. SPRING. [3]

CE 317. Stability of Structures. Buckling analysis of perfect and imperfect columns, mathematical treatment of various stability criteria, dynamic and static instability, energy methods. Buckling of frames, trusses, beam-columns, rings, and tubes. [3]

CE 318. Prestressed Concrete. Behavior and design of statically determinate prestressed concrete structures under bending moment, shear, torsion, and axial load effects. Design of statically determinate prestressed structures like continuous beams, frames, slabs and shells. Creep and shrinkage effects and deflections of prestressed concrete structures. Applications to the design and construction of bridges and buildings. Prerequisite: CE 235 or equivalent. [3]

CE 325a–325b. Individual Study of Civil Engineering Problems. Literature review and analysis of special problems under faculty supervision. FALL, SPRING, SUMMER. [1–4 each semester]

CE 351. Public Transportation Systems. Comprehensive study of public transportation, with emphasis on planning, management, and operations; paratransit, ridesharing, and rural public transportation systems. Prerequisite: CE 256. SPRING. [3]

CE 353. Airport Planning and Design. Integration and application of the principles of airport master planning from the beginning stages of site selection through actual design of an airport facility. Specific study topics address demand forecasting, aircraft characteristics,
capacity analyses, and geometric design of runways, terminals, and support facilities. Prerequisite: CE 225 or consent of instructor. [3]

CE 355. Advanced Transportation Design. An in-depth view of the design process. Complex design problems and solutions, with the use of computer-based analytical and design tools. Comprehensive design projects. Prerequisite: CE 255. SPRING. [3]

CE 356. Advanced Transportation Planning. A continuation of the concepts from CE 256, with emphasis on analytical techniques used in forecasting travel. Use of computer-based models, transportation and energy contingency planning methods. Prerequisite: CE 256. SPRING. [3]

CE 357. Theory of Traffic Flow. A study of traffic flow from the perspective of probability as applied to highway, intersection and weaving capacities. Discrete and continuous flow, vehicle distributions, queuing, and simulation. Prerequisite: CE 257. [3]

CE 359. Emerging Information Systems Applications. An introduction to emerging information systems technologies and their role in improving productivity and efficiency in managing engineering operations. Design of integrated approaches to enhance the speed, accuracy, reliability, and quantity of information available for decision support. Emphasis on case studies of innovative applications in transportation and manufacturing, leading to individual and group projects requiring new product development. Prerequisite: background transportation or manufacturing operations or consent of instructor. FALL. [3]

CE 309. Structural Dynamics and Control. Analysis of single- and multi-degree-of-freedom systems. Modal superposition method. Time and frequency domain analyses. Numerical methods and nonlinear dynamic analysis. Application to structures subject to earthquake and
impact forces. Elements of feedback control systems. Control of lumped parameter systems. Active, passive, and hybrid mass dampers. Application to simple building and bridge structures.
SPRING. [3]

CE 310. Probabilistic Methods in Engineering Design. Applications of probabilistic methods in the analysis and synthesis of engineering systems. Review of basic probability concepts, random variables and distributions, modeling and quantification of uncertainty, testing the validity of assumed models, linear regression and correlation analyses, Monte Carlo simulation, reliability analysis and reliability-based design. Prerequisite: Math 194. FALL. [3]

Environmental Engineering Course Listing

ENVE 260. Solid and Hazardous Waste Management. An introduction to solid municipal and hazardous waste management including generation, characterization, collection, treatment
and disposal. Emphasis given to the legal requirements, risk assessment and management, costs and policy considerations including pollution prevention, recycling and substitution. SPRING. [3]

ENVE 262. Hydrology. The hydrologic cycle, study of precipitation, evapotranspiration, hydrometeorology, stream flow, flood flow, flood routing, storm sewer design, detention basin design, and water quality. Prerequisite: CE 203, CE 227. FALL. [3]

ENVE 264. Environmental Assessments. Design and conduct of environmental assessments to evaluate risks posed by infrastructure systems or environmental contamination. Impact analyses for sources, infrastructure modifications, due diligence environmental audits, and contaminated site remedial investigations. Prerequisite: senior standing or consent of instructor. FALL. [3]

ENVE 269. Radiological Aspects of Environmental Engineering. Characterization and detection of environmental radiation; biological effects of radiation; hazards, control, and disposal of radioactive wastes; use of radioactive tracers in environmental studies. SPRING of alternate years. [3]

ENVE 270. Environmental Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Mass Transfer. Examination of fundamental environmental processes and phenomena which provide the analytical tools necessary to solve a broad range of environmental problems. These tools include equilibrium phenomena, process rate and mass transport phenomena. Prerequisite: Chem 102a and 102b, Math 198, CE 226 or equivalent, and senior standing or consent of instructor. FALL. [3]

ENVE 271. Environmental Chemistry. Theoretical aspects of physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry applied to environmental engineering. Estimation of chemical parameters based on thermodynamic and structural activity relationships, kinetics of chemical reactions, equilibrium processes in the environment, including the carbonate system, metal complexation and precipitation. Prerequisite: Chem 102a and b and senior standing or consent of instructor. FALL. [3]

ENVE 272. Biological Unit Processes. Principles of biology and their application to wastewater treatment processes with emphasis on microbial ecology, bioenergetics, and the role of chemical structure in biodegradability. Utilization kinetics of inhibitory and non-inhibitory organic compounds. Biological process analysis and design (aerobic and anaerobic) for municipal and industrial wastewaters, using a mass balance approach. Prerequisite: senior standing or above. SPRING. [3]

ENVE 273. Environmental Characterization and Analysis. Introduction to the acquisition and interpretation of environmental data. Principles of chemical measurement, sample collection and sample program design; laboratory safety and good laboratory practices; analytical instrumentation and methods; quality assurance and quality control; and statistical interpretation of data. Hands-on experience is gained in combination with demonstrations featuring state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation. Prerequisite: junior standing, CE 226, ENVE 271, or consent of instructor. SPRING. [3]

ENVE 274. Surface Water Quality Modeling. Analysis of physical, chemical, biological, and physiological contaminants in streams, lakes, and estuaries, and surface water/groundwater interfaces. Analytical and numerical modeling techniques. One- and two-dimension computer simulation of surface water quality. Prerequisite: ENVE 270 or equivalent. SPRING. [3]

ENVE 276. Ground Water Hydrology. The occurrence and flow of ground water. Basic concepts of the effects of varying permeability and capillarity on seepage flow. Flow toward wells, through dikes, and beneath dams. Students cannot receive credit for both ENVE 276 and Geology 257. Prerequisite: Math 198; CE 203. SPRING. [3]

ENVE 277. Physical/Chemical Unit Processes. Principles of mass transfer, chemistry, and chemical reactor technology applied to the design and operation of water and wastewater treatment processes. Unit processes such as coagulation/flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, carbon adsorption, ion exchange, air stripping, precipitation, chemical oxidation and chemical reduction will be evaluated as alternatives for the treatment of drinking water and industrial wastewaters. Prerequisite: CE 226 or equivalent and senior standing or above. SPRING. [3]

ENVE 280. Atmospheric Pollution. (Also listed as ChE 280) Fundamentals of atmospheric pollution and control. The sources and nature of gaseous and particulate air pollutants, the relation of meteorological conditions to their dispersal, and their effects on health and materials are discussed along with administration, standards, and control of air pollution. Prerequisite: junior standing. SPRING. [3]

ENVE 296. Safety, Security, and Environmental Risk Management. Development of safety and security programs for protecting human health, the environment and business continuity. Focus on defining an all-hazards risk management process and program implementation, performing risk assessments, determining and selecting appropriate risk reduction strategies, and influencing risk management decisions internally and externally. Applications drawn from natural disasters, man-made accidents and intentional acts. Prerequisite: senior standing or consent of instructor. SPRING [3]

ENVE 312. Pollutant Transport in the Environment. An introduction to the mathematical foundations of fluid mechanics and transport of pollutants in the environment. Fundamental conservation of mass, momentum, and energy equations will be developed. Appropriate initial and boundary conditions and solution techniques will be discussed for a number of applications. Prerequisite: CE 203, Math 198. FALL. [3]

ENVE 325a–325b–325c. Individual Study. Literature review and analysis, or laboratory investigation of special problems under faculty supervision. FALL, SPRING, SUMMER. [Variable credit: 1–4 each semester]

ENVE 369. Master’s Thesis Research.

ENVE 389. Master of Engineering Project.

ENVE 399. Ph.D. Dissertation Research.