This page is to provide learners with resources and information to support them with the Civil and Infrastructure Engineering Projects Qualification (SCQF level 4).
This course is made up of 3 outcomes and as such the support resources below are split accordingly.
For educators please see this page with more information about how to run this qualification in your school. [Insert link to page]
Outcome 1: Describe the objectives and likely benefits of a civil and infrastructure engineering project.
The purpose of an infrastructure project is to provide a service that meets the needs of owners and users, not only to deliver a physical structure. Infrastructure is the architecture that connects communities and grows economies.
Great infrastructure transforms communities. Roads, rail, communications, airports and energy projects are a gateway to a modern prosperous world and improve the quality of people’s lives, create greater resilience to natural disasters and ensure sustainable growth and affordable access to services.
Civil and infrastructure engineering projects are made up of multiple physical, digital and human components.
A new tunnel, for example, exists to support a system such as a railway that includes physical trains, stations and track; digital signalling, safety and communications as well as human components such as the procedures followed by drivers. In the case of an airport, by contrast, this would include the terminal structures, air traffic control facilities and baggage handling systems.
In addition, while some infrastructure projects inevitably include amazing feats of civil engineering, they are of little use without a host of other supporting elements working to create an integrated and functioning system – a railway line is of little use without signalling, trains or stations.
And so, systems provide the mobility, sanitation, energy and all other infrastructure services on which we rely.
Below is a video from the Scottish Government highlighting the importance of infrastructure projects.
Below are some links to other sources of information on civil and infrastructure engineering projects.
What is civil engineering?
What is infrastructure?
Case study: The A9 Dualling
This video gives an overview of a civil and infrastructure engineering project, the A9 Dualling.
Scottish Government Ministers are committed to dualling 129 km (80 miles) of road between Perth and Inverness.
This forms part of the Scottish Government’s plan to connect all Scotland’s cities with a high-quality transport system in the future.
The A9 Dualling Programme is a complex and challenging civil engineering project and is the largest transport investment in Scotland’s history to date.
The A9 is the longest trunk road examples in Scotland, with the Perth to Inverness section forming 177km (110 miles) of the 433km (269 miles) total.
The A9 Dualling Programme aims to deliver economic growth through improved road safety and reliable and quicker journey times.
In addition, the Programme will deliver better links for pedestrian, cycling and public transport facilities.
Use the links below for further reading on this project, its objectives and benefits.
Outcome 2: Describe the work of different professionals involved in a civil and infrastructure engineering project.
You will be familiar with the My World of Work website for finding information on what particular jobs involve.
From what you have learned about civil and infrastructure engineering so far, you may want to research some relevant job roles.
Case Study: The A9 Dualling
Read through the summary below of some of the particular jobs involved in the A9 dualling.
Below are some Video Interviews from people who work on the A9 dualling explaining a bit about their jobs.
Outcome 3: Explain non-routine elements (or challenges) in the work of professionals on a civil and infrastructure engineering project
In attempting to consider the effects of a civil engineering and infrastructure project on the existing landscape the company must consult, negotiate and, at times, compromise, with a range of groups, each of which has their own concerns and interests.
The first stage of this process is for the company to assess the existing landscape and consider any challenges which might be present when undertaking the civil engineering and infrastructure project.
Then consider what effect these challenges might have on the project.
The company would then plan to find potential solutions to these challenges before discussing their plans with the various interested groups and consulting, negotiating or compromising.
Here you will find some background information on potential constraints for civil and infrastructure engineering projects.
Case Study: A9 Dualling
The document below will guide you through the challenges associated with dualling the A9.
Use the maps below, which highlight parts of the A9 to be dualled, to consider which challenges would apply for that road section.
