English for Civil Engineering: Bridge Construction

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As is known, the development of bridges is in line with the development of human civilization. But it is not an easy thing and requires a long process to achieve the bridge structure as it exists today. The history of bridges begins with a "cut and try" process and then developed using empirical methods along with thoughts on knowledge of the materials that make up bridges.

The thinking of ancient civilizations has been a very valuable contribution to bridge technology. Ancient humans crossed rivers by installing stone pillars, logs, or fallen trees over very short spans. Ancient humans also used tree roots or branches as suspension bridges to hang from one tree to another.

The ancient type of bridge was a simple beam bridge, and was used only for short spans. However, in this era the arch bridge type was also found, even though the shape and construction materials were still relatively simple.

Over time, the era of iron and steel bridges was in line with the industrial revolution. In this era, iron bridges were built using curved principles, especially for road bridges, but in this era cantilevers were used in their construction. In this era, bridges use a variety of steel structural components and systems: decks, girders, trusses, arches, supports and cable hangers.

Bridges as a means of transportation have an important role in the smooth movement of traffic. Where the function of a bridge is to connect transportation routes or routes that are separated by rivers, swamps, lakes, straits, canals, highways, railways and other crossings.

Apart from that, the construction of bridges, which are one of the complementary road buildings which have a very vital function and role in supporting the smooth flow of transportation, is also an important need for the community. By building bridge infrastructure, the rate of economic growth in the community will accelerate because the flow of goods in and out, both agricultural products produced and goods needed by the community that must be imported from outside the region, will be delivered more quickly.

Initially, bridges were only used to connect two separate places over a relatively short distance. As it develops, bridges can be used to connect separate places at long distances, even across the sea. With the increase in technology and supporting facilities such as computers, space is no longer an obstacle.

From an economic perspective, bridges can reduce transportation costs. And in terms of time efficiency, the existence of a bridge can shorten travel time on separate land trips so that it can improve the community's economy.

5 Common Types of Bridge Construction

1. Truss Bridge

Truss Bridge is a bridge whose construction is stronger because it uses a triangular truss frame. Even though they are not embedded in the ground, the bridge pillars are stiffer because of the triangular shape that connects one pillar to another. Apart from that, the diagonal lines on the bridge pillars also function to transfer the load to a wider area, so that the load does not gather at one point.

2. Beam Bridge

Also known as a grider bridge, this construction design is the simplest way to make a bridge. Generally, this bridge is straight horizontal, with vertical pillars as pillars to strengthen it. Usually, piles are made of steel or concrete that are driven into the ground. Beam bridge construction is commonly used to connect two areas that are relatively close. For example, areas separated by rivers.

3. Arch Bridge

Arch or what in English means arch is a bridge that is made curved like an arrow. Even though construction saves more material (it doesn't require a lot of material), in terms of durability, this design is stronger than beams or trusses.

4. Cable Stayed Bridge

Cable-stayed bridges use cables as supporting elements for the traffic floor. In cable-stayed cables, the cable is directly supported by the tower.

5. Cable-stayed Bridge

A cable-stayed bridge is a continuous girder with one or more towers installed on the bridge pillars in the middle of the span. Cable-stayed bridges have a relatively low center of mass position so that this type of bridge is very good for use in areas with an earthquake risk and is used for varying span lengths of 100 – 600 meters.

6. Suspension Bridge

Suspension Bridge means a suspension bridge. The basic structural system of a suspension bridge is in the form of a main cable that carries a suspension bridge. Bridge traffic floors are usually not connected directly to the pillars, because the principle of supporting the girder lies in the cables.

References:

https://dpupkp.slemankab.go.id/sejarah-perkembangan-jembatan.slm

https://pupr.ngawikab.go.id/pengertian-dan-jenis-konstruksi-jembatan/

The value of English to students majoring in Civil engineering

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English has become an international language because it is used in various parts of the world. Someone who masters English can definitely communicate with other people in various parts of the world.

Even though English is used by native speakers in countries such as the United States, Australia or England, you can also use English to communicate as a global language with foreigners in India, Turkey, China or others.

Why is English Important for Civil Engineering Students?

Engineering students are also required to learn English to improve career opportunities. In fact, these benefits were conveyed directly by Shree (2016) as follows:

1. For Communication Purposes

An engineering worker will learn a lot of theory in English. English language proficiency is very important to understand all these theories. Engineering students must of course be proficient in communicating in English because they will communicate with colleagues from various parts of the world.

In the world of work, you will also meet technology experts, scientists and business experts who have different languages and backgrounds. So, English is an important means of communication, connecting you with other workers.

2. For Professional Purposes

When in the world of work, you will meet recruiters who are looking for graduates with communication skills and technical knowledge. Additionally, having good communication skills is a valuable asset for engineering workers.

Professionals who have a good understanding of English at a higher level in a company. These workers have a higher chance of being able to work abroad, either for training or assignment reasons. English as a universal language is used in various fields of work, one of which is the engineering field.

English is also a language that can open your horizons. Most of the books are related to the latest technology, such as notes, academic papers, webinars, and also other technical communications in English.

Many translations offer technical material in several languages. English language proficiency will provide access to new knowledge, allowing engineering workers to learn further related skills. Share opinions with other people from various parts of the world using social media or solve problems related to current issues in engineering.

For communication purposes, an engineering worker should pay attention to the following: 1. Most of the theory is taught in English. For this reason, the expected level of English proficiency is very important. 2. Today's engineering workers must communicate with colleagues spread across the world. Among most professionals such as scientists, technologists and business experts who have different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, English is considered a communication language that can connect people from different backgrounds.

For professional purposes, English may be very useful. Here are some reasons: 1. In today's world, employers are looking for graduates with good communication skills, along with technical knowledge. 2. Having good communication skills is a valuable asset for engineering workers. Professionals with a good understanding of English are included in higher level standards in a company. These workers will have a greater opportunity to be sent abroad to work or to undergo training.

English is a universal language used in many fields of work including engineering. In fact, English is considered a language that can open up knowledge. Today, most technology-related books, academic papers, notes, webinars, and other technical communications are in English — although many translations provide technical material in several languages. English proficiency can ensure access to new knowledge, enabling engineering workers to learn more about their craft, share ideas with others in different parts of the world via social media, and find better solutions to the problems they are working on.

There are many ways that engineering workers can learn English. You can take English courses both online and offline. To get direct English learning, offline English courses are highly recommended, but if you want to get new things with updated knowledge, one of them is Extension which can be opened at www. extension.ucsd.edu/international-programs. Mastering English is very important and has become a necessity nowadays. It is a shame if technical workers do not have good English language skills because there will be so many missed opportunities such as learning more advanced technology and how to master it or the opportunity to work in international level companies. It's never too late to learn English, all engineering workers of all ages have the same opportunity to develop their abilities by adding English to their qualifications.

References:

https://jagobahasa.com/academic-english/belajar-bahasa-inggris-untuk-mahasiswa-teknik/

https://ft.kahuripan.ac.id/2021/06/09/pentingnya-bahasa-inggris-untuk-dikuasai-pekerja-teknik/