Department of Civil Engineering
Introduction
The Department of Civil Engineering was established along with the founding of CET in 1939, making it one of the oldest and most distinguished departments in the institution. Civil Engineering is the backbone of society — it shapes the infrastructure we live in, the roads we travel on, the bridges we cross, and the water systems we depend on. Newcomers to this department often enter with questions about career paths, specialisations, and what the four years truly look like. This overview addresses exactly that.
Core Subjects
Throughout the programme, students learn across five major pillars of civil engineering. Structural Engineering covers the design and analysis of beams, columns, slabs, frames, and foundations — the skeleton of every building and bridge. Geotechnical Engineering deals with soil mechanics and foundation design, teaching students how structures interact with the earth beneath them. Hydraulics and Water Resources covers fluid mechanics, open channel flow, irrigation, and dam design. Transportation Engineering teaches the planning and design of roads, highways, and traffic systems. Environmental Engineering addresses water treatment, waste management, pollution control, and sustainability. Computer-aided tools like AutoCAD and STAAD.Pro are used across subjects.
Faculty
The department has a large and experienced faculty body including professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and research-active members. Faculty combine classroom teaching with active consultancy and sponsored research, many of whom are involved with the Transportation Research Centre (TRC) — a dedicated research facility under the department.
Labs
The department is equipped with well-developed UG and PG laboratories. Key labs include the Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Lab, Hydraulics Lab, Concrete and Building Materials Lab, Surveying Lab, Environmental Engineering Lab, Transportation Lab, and a Computer Centre with structural analysis software. A significant MOU with the Central Water Commission has funded the development of the PG Hydraulics Lab and Geoinformatics Lab to the tune of ₹80 lakhs.
Placement Statistics
Civil Engineering graduates from CET find employment across construction companies, infrastructure firms, government departments, and consulting organisations. Major recruiters include L&T Construction, AECOM, Tata Projects, and various PSUs. Graduates also pursue higher studies and competitive exams like GATE and the Kerala Engineering Services.
Professional Societies & Club Activities
The department has active chapters of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Indian Concrete Institute (ICI), Indian Geotechnical Society (IGS), Indian Builders Association (IBA), and Indian Plumbing Association (IPA). These societies regularly conduct workshops, site visits, technical talks, and quiz competitions that help students stay connected with the profession.