Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a natural resource in civil engineering?

1. Dams

2. Drainage systems

3. Municipal buildings

4. Shoreline protection

The correct answer is: Municipal buildings

Civil engineering focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure and natural environments. Natural resources typically refer to materials or environmental assets that occur naturally in the world, which can be utilized in engineering projects. In this context, municipal buildings are predominantly human-made structures designed for specific community functions, such as governance, education, or services. While they may consume natural resources in their construction, they themselves do not qualify as natural resources. Dams, drainage systems, and shoreline protection, on the other hand, are structures or systems that manage natural water flow or shoreline preservation, thus directly interacting with natural resources. Dams harness rivers for water supply or energy, drainage systems manage rainwater and runoff, and shoreline protection works to prevent erosion and protect coastal ecosystems. Understanding the distinctions helps clarify the concepts and classifications within civil engineering processes.