Civil engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure and public works projects. It encompasses a broad range of disciplines within engineering, including structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, environmental engineering, and water resources engineering, among others.

Civil engineers play a crucial role in shaping the built environment, contributing to the development of society by designing and constructing infrastructure that facilitates everyday life. Some common examples of projects that civil engineers work on include:

1. Transportation infrastructure: This includes the design and construction of roads, highways, bridges, railways, airports, and transit systems to facilitate the movement of people and goods.
2. Structural engineering: Civil engineers design and analyze the structural components of buildings, bridges, dams, and other structures to ensure their safety and durability.
3. Water resources engineering: Civil engineers work on projects related to the management, distribution, and treatment of water resources, including the design of water supply systems, wastewater treatment plants, and flood control measures.
4. Environmental engineering: Civil engineers develop solutions to environmental challenges, such as pollution control, waste management, and sustainable development practices.
5. Geotechnical engineering: This involves the study of soil and rock mechanics to assess the stability of foundations and slopes for construction projects and to mitigate geotechnical hazards such as landslides and earthquakes.

Overall, civil engineering plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for communities around the world by providing essential infrastructure and addressing societal needs in a sustainable and efficient manner.