Hey, ADOTKids! Did you know math is used in building transportation structures like bridges? Find out how in this blog!
Civil Engineers use math to design, build and maintain transportation structuresDid you know there are 26 different types or branches of math? Math is not just solving number problems — it is also needed for physics, chemistry and engineering! Civil engineers, like the ones at ADOT, use nearly every form of math at one point in time to do their job. It’s important to have a good foundation of math, especially if you are interested in a career as an engineer.
Civil engineers use trigonometry when surveying a structure. Surveying deals with land elevations as well as the various angles of structures. Trigonometry is the study of the sides and angles, and their relationship in triangles. Civil engineers use math equations that are derived from chemistry. Chemistry’s equations are used to measure the strength of materials. Engineers use these equations to select the right material for a project, for example, to determine the amount of force a beam can handle and to figure out where to place supports on a bridge.