29 Best Books on Basic Civil Engineering

We have compiled a list of the Best Reference Books on Basic Civil Engineering, which are used by students of top universities, and colleges. This will help you choose the right book depending on if you are a beginner or an expert. Here is the complete list of Basic Civil Engineering Books with their authors, publishers, and an unbiased review of them as well as links to the Amazon website to directly purchase them. If permissible, you can also download the free PDF books on Basic Civil Engineering below.

1. Basic Civil Engineering

 
1."Basics of Civil Engineering" by S S Bhavikatti
“Basics of Civil Engineering” Book Review: The book is a comprehensive guide to civil engineering, providing important insights not only for civil engineers but also for engineers in other fields. The book explains the fundamental concepts of civil engineering in an accessible and easy-to-understand manner, with a focus on key topics such as civil engineering materials, building construction, surveying, mapping, and sensing. In addition, the book offers a detailed exploration of the design of disaster-resistant buildings, allowing readers to develop a practical approach to the subject. The use of sketches and illustrations helps to clarify complex concepts and make them easier to understand, while practice questions at the end of each chapter enable readers to test their understanding and knowledge of the topic.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
2."Handbook of Civil Engineering" by RPH Editorial Board
“Handbook of civil engineering” Book Review: This book has been specifically created for individuals preparing for competitive exams in civil engineering. It presents the key components of civil engineering in a condensed and succinct format, enabling readers to quickly review important concepts and formulas, even at the last minute. This resource is valuable for both revising and comprehending the essential topics of civil engineering, and can be frequently referenced for ongoing use.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
3."Basic Civil Engineering" by Gopi
“Basic Civil Engineering” Book Review: This book is a valuable resource for non-civil engineering students seeking to gain a basic understanding of civil engineering. It covers essential topics such as the sources and characteristics of raw materials, as well as their use in industry. The book also provides a succinct overview of the various stages of construction. In addition, it offers in-depth coverage of fundamental surveying concepts, as well as major areas of civil engineering such as environmental engineering, transport traffic, geotechnical engineering, urban engineering, irrigation, and water supply engineering. The book includes numerous sketches and illustrations to enhance readers’ comprehension of the subject matter.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
4."Basic Civil Engineering" by B C Punmia and Ashok Kumar Jain
“Basic Civil Engineering” Book Review: The purpose of this book is to help civil engineering students gain a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts of their field, while also covering all topics essential for civil engineering exams. The book provides a thorough overview of important civil engineering materials such as bricks, cement, timber, glass, cement mortar, and cement concrete. Additionally, it explores the fundamentals of surveying including chain, compass, and plane table survey, while also teaching readers about levelling and contouring through the use of clear diagrams. Furthermore, the book offers an in-depth explanation of building plans, foundations, and water supply and sanitation.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
5."Basic Civil Engineering" by RAMAMRUTHAM S
“Basic Civil Engineering”: Book Review: The primary goal of this book is to introduce non-civil engineering students to the fundamental principles of civil engineering, making it an ideal introductory resource. The book provides a comprehensive overview of key topics in civil engineering such as civil engineering materials, building and construction, surveying and positioning, and mapping and sensing. It delves into important elements of building construction, including foundations, brick masonry, and stone masonry, while also offering a clear explanation of disaster-resistant buildings and the codes governing its design. The book includes numerous solved problems related to surveying and positioning, enhancing readers’ understanding of the material. Additionally, the review questions provided at the end of each chapter are helpful in reinforcing the concepts covered.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
6."Basic Civil Engineering" by Rakesh Ranjan Beohar
“Basic Civil Engineering” Book Review: This is an introductory book for civil engineering students. It covers all the basic concepts of civil engineering, such as surveying, building materials, building construction, water supply, and sewage treatment. The book also discusses the different types of structures and their design principles, including reinforced concrete structures, steel structures, and timber structures. Additionally, the book covers transportation engineering, including highway engineering and railway engineering. The final chapter of the book is dedicated to environmental engineering, including topics such as air pollution, noise pollution, and solid waste management. The book is written in simple language and includes numerous illustrations and examples to help students understand the concepts easily.

advertisement
advertisement
Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
7."Basic Civil and Mechanical Engineering" by K Mylsamy and S Shanmugasundaram
“Basic Civil and Mechanical Engineering” by K Mylsamy and S Shanmugasundaram
Basic Civil and Mechanical Engineering: Book Review: The objective of this book is to provide engineering students from all branches with a fundamental understanding of mechanical and civil engineering concepts. It covers all the essential principles of both fields, from the basics of civil engineering like surveying, levelling, and materials determination to advanced topics such as brick masonry, stone masonry, foundation design, and bridge construction. The book also includes a clear explanation of the basics of interior design and landscaping. Furthermore, it delves into crucial mechanical engineering topics like power plants, turbines, pumps, energy resources, air conditioning systems, and manufacturing technology. The exercises at the end of each chapter and the tabular presentation of critical data make it easier for students to understand the concepts.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
8."Basic Civil Engineering" by M.S. Palanichamy
“Basic Civil Engineering”: Book Review: This book is an excellent source of comprehensive knowledge on the fundamental concepts of civil engineering. It has been tailored to meet the needs of first-year students studying this subject. The book provides a detailed analysis of topics such as civil engineering materials, buildings, dams, tall structures, geometric properties of sections, roads, docks, and harbors. It also includes extensive coverage of surveying and water and environmental engineering, delving into topics such as water sources, water disinfection, and solid waste management. Additionally, it provides a blend of theoretical and practical aspects of interior designing and landscaping.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
9."Basic Civil and Mechanical Engineering" by A Kumaragurubaran
“Basic Civil and Mechanical Engineering” Book Review: This is an introductory textbook for students pursuing engineering courses. The book covers fundamental concepts and principles of both civil and mechanical engineering in a simple and easy-to-understand language. The book starts with an introduction to engineering and then covers various topics such as mechanics, engineering materials, structures, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and manufacturing processes. The book also includes multiple-choice questions, review questions, and practical exercises to help students reinforce their understanding of the concepts. Overall, it is a comprehensive textbook that provides a solid foundation for students to build upon in their future studies in civil and mechanical engineering.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
10."A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics and Basic Civil Engineering" by Gupta J P
“Basic Civil and Mechanical Engineering” Book Review: This book is a comprehensive guide for B.E/B.Tech students, covering various topics in engineering mechanics and civil engineering. The first half of the book explains concepts like centroid, moment of inertia, friction, the transmission of power, and shear force with step-by-step diagrams. The second half covers basic civil engineering topics such as materials, building construction, surveying, mapping, and disaster-resistant building. The book includes viva questions with answers and previous year question papers with solutions, helping learners evaluate their knowledge. With detailed explanations and practical examples, this book is an essential tool for students pursuing a career in engineering.

Buy-this-Book (India)
 
11."Objective Civil Engineering" by P K Mishra
“Objective Civil Engineering” Book Review: This is a comprehensive book that covers all the essential topics required for the civil engineering competitive examinations. The book covers topics such as building materials, surveying, environmental engineering, transportation engineering, and structural analysis. The book also contains numerous objective-type questions with detailed explanations. Additionally, the book contains model test papers and previous year’s question papers that are useful for students preparing for various competitive exams. This book is an ideal resource for students and professionals in the field of civil engineering.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
12."Building Construction" by Rangwala S C
“Building Construction” Book Review: This 760-page book aims to help undergraduate civil engineering students to understand building construction concepts better. It covers various topics such as Functional Planning of Buildings, Important Building Components, Site Investigation and Ground Techniques, Foundations, Deep Excavations, and Deep Foundations. This latest edition also includes updated techniques and methodologies along with new problems to solve. The book also features special chapters on Cofferdams, Caissons, Stone Masonry, Brick Masonry, Structures in Brickwork, Partitions, Scaffolding, Shoring and Underpinning, Damp-proofing, Water-proofing and Termite-proofing, Cement Concrete Construction, Arches, Lintels, Stairs, Form-work, Doors, Windows and Ventilators.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)


2. Elements of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics

 
1."ELEMENTS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING MECHANICS" by PRAKASH M N SHESHA |MOGAVEER GANESH B
“ELEMENTS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING MECHANICS” Book Review: This book is a comprehensive guide to the fundamentals of civil engineering and engineering mechanics, providing a well-rounded study of both disciplines. Specifically designed to meet the syllabus requirements of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), it is an indispensable resource for undergraduate first-year students across all branches of engineering. The book covers a wide range of topics, including structures and infrastructure such as buildings, roads, highways, dams, and bridges. The information is presented in a clear and concise step-by-step manner, accompanied by numerous practice examples to aid comprehension. Additionally, the book comes with a CD containing software to solve questions on forces, centroid, and moment of inertia, allowing students to better understand the key concepts. The CD also includes the latest question paper for additional practice.

advertisement
Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
2."Elements of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Semester" by Sawant H J
“Elements of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Semester” Book Review: This is a comprehensive textbook for undergraduate students pursuing civil engineering courses. The book covers essential topics of civil engineering such as surveying, building materials, building construction, and engineering mechanics. It also provides detailed explanations of structural analysis, mechanics of materials, and fluid mechanics. The book is written in a student-friendly language, with clear and concise explanations of complex concepts. Each chapter includes a set of review questions and problems to test the student’s understanding of the subject matter. With its comprehensive coverage and practical approach, this book is an invaluable resource for civil engineering students.

Buy-this-Book (India)
 
3."A Textbook on Elements of Civil Engineering and Mechanics" by S S Bhavikatti
“A Textbook on Elements of Civil Engineering and Mechanics” Book Review: This book is a comprehensive guide for students pursuing civil engineering. The book covers essential topics such as types of structures, surveying, building materials, and building services. It also delves into mechanics, covering topics such as laws of motion, work, energy, and power. The book offers numerous examples and practice problems to help readers apply their knowledge. With its practical approach and easy-to-understand language, this book is an ideal resource for students and professionals seeking to master the fundamentals of civil engineering and mechanics.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
4."Engineering Mechanics and Elements of Civil Engineering" by S S Bhavikatti
“Engineering Mechanics and Elements of Civil Engineering” Book Review: This book is specifically written for undergraduate civil engineering students enrolled in Vishweshwaraiah Technological University (VTU). It comprehensively covers the basic elements of civil engineering, as well as construction management components, including materials that are not typically used in construction, such as composite and smart materials. In addition, the book delves into surveying, discussing remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS). The fundamentals of engineering mechanics are also explained, including coplanar forces, friction, and inertia. The book includes numerous illustrative examples and practice problems throughout to facilitate a thorough understanding of the subject matter.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
5."Elements of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics" by Ganesh B M N Shesha Prakash Mogaveer
“Elements of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics” Book Review: This book is specifically designed to introduce civil engineering and engineering mechanics material to undergraduate students at the beginning of their engineering education. The book covers essential knowledge necessary for students in these fields. The engineering mechanics chapters cover forces, centroid, moment of inertia, and friction, with numerous solved problems included in each chapter to facilitate better understanding.

Buy-this-Book (India)
 
6."Elements of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics" by Raikar R V
“Elements of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics” Book Review: This book is a comprehensive guide for civil engineering students. The book covers various topics related to civil engineering, including surveying, building materials, construction techniques, soil mechanics, fluid mechanics, and engineering mechanics. The book provides a clear understanding of the fundamental principles of civil engineering and engineering mechanics. The chapters are written in a concise and easy-to-understand manner, and the book includes numerous examples, illustrations, and exercises to help students practice and master the concepts. The book is an excellent resource for undergraduate students studying civil engineering and those preparing for competitive exams.

advertisement
Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
7."Elements Of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics : AS PER NEW CBCS SCHEME OF VTU" by K S S KESHAV
“Elements Of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics : AS PER NEW CBCS SCHEME OF VTU” Book Review: This is a comprehensive textbook designed as per the new CBCS scheme of VTU. It covers a range of topics including the history of civil engineering, surveying, construction materials, mechanics, and structural analysis. The book also delves into topics such as fluid mechanics, hydraulics, and environmental engineering. The chapters are structured in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for students to follow and understand. The book is an ideal resource for undergraduate students pursuing civil engineering, and for those preparing for competitive exams such as GATE and ESE.

Buy-this-Book (India)
 
8."VTU Elements of Civil Engineering and Mechanics" by H J SAWANT and S P Nitsure
“VTU Elements of Civil Engineering and Mechanics” Book Review: This is a comprehensive textbook designed for students pursuing Civil Engineering at VTU. The book covers a wide range of topics, including engineering materials, mechanics, structures, surveying, and environmental engineering. The book provides detailed explanations of concepts and principles, along with numerous examples and exercises for students to practice. The chapters on structures cover different types of structures such as beams, columns, and trusses, and explain how to analyze and design them. The book also covers topics such as water supply, waste management, and transportation engineering. With its comprehensive coverage and clear explanations, this textbook is an essential resource for students of Civil Engineering.

Buy-this-Book (India)
 
9."Elements Of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics" by Rehman
“Elements Of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics” Book Review: This book is specifically designed to cover the syllabus of the first and second semesters of elements of civil engineering and engineering mechanics at Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU). While intended for first-year undergraduate students, it can also be a useful resource for students of all branches of engineering. The book covers essential topics, including roads, bridges & dams, coplanar non-concurrent, equilibrium of forces, and many others.

Buy-this-Book (India)
 
10."Modern Protective Structures (Civil and Environmental Engineering)" by Theodor Krauthammer
“Modern Protective Structures (Civil and Environmental Engineering)” Book Review: This book provides a comprehensive overview of military operations, including low intensity conflicts, terrorist activities, rescue operations, forensic investigations, and modern protective structures. It offers guidelines for analyzing, designing, and assessing protected facilities, as well as understanding retrofitting and conducting research. Additionally, it covers general background information on explosive devices, their effects, and the effects of conventional and nuclear explosions and loads. The book summarizes existing blast-resistant design approaches and describes the dynamic responses of structural systems to blasts, shocks, and impacts. It also includes specific information on structural connections, traditional concepts of P-I diagrams, and progressive collapse. Furthermore, it provides a systematic and balanced approach to protective design and explores how impulsive loads affect different types of buildings and facilities.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)


3. Infrastructural Civil Engineering

 
1."Strengthening of Concrete Structures Using Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP): Design, Construction and Practical Applications" by Hwai-Chung Wu and Christopher D Eamon
“Strengthening of Concrete Structures Using Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP): Design, Construction and Practical Applications” Book Review: This book is intended for civil and structural engineers pursuing B.Tech/M.Tech worldwide, as well as professionals and educators. It explains the procedures involved in constructing highways and evaluating them, using China and Hong Kong as examples to design methodologies. It also covers various quality control techniques for strengthening bridge structures, infrastructure design and inspection, case studies, and evaluation results.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
2."An Evaluation of the Role of Highways Infrastructural Development Policy in the 1990's" by Wing-Hong Chung
“An Evaluation of the Role of Highways Infrastructural Development Policy in the 1990’s” Book Review: This book is intended for civil and structural engineers pursuing B.Tech/M.Tech worldwide, as well as professionals and educators. It explains the procedures involved in constructing highways and evaluating them, using China and Hong Kong as examples to design methodologies. It also covers various quality control techniques for strengthening bridge structures, infrastructure design and inspection, case studies, and evaluation results.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
3."Civil Engineering: Conventional and Objective Type" by Gupta J K and Khurmi R S
“Civil Engineering: Conventional and Objective Type” Book Review: The target audience of this book includes civil engineers and structural engineers pursuing B.Tech/M.Tech worldwide, and teachers who can use it to prepare questions for their students. The book covers all the fundamental concepts of civil engineering in a textbook format. It begins with an explanation of the basics and then moves onto the principles of structures. The book covers topics like oscillation and waves, electrostatics, magnetostatics, and electrodynamics. It further delves into light, interference, distraction, polarisation, optical activity, and optical fibres. The book also explains crystal structure, dielectrics, and conductors, and ends with vacuum technology and nanotechnology. The book includes objective type questions to help students practice and teachers to assess their understanding.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
4."A Handbook for Civil Engineering" by Made Easy Editorial Board
“A Handbook for Civil Engineering” Book Review: This handbook is designed for civil and structural engineers pursuing B.Tech/M.Tech worldwide, as well as educators who wish to prepare their students for exams. It includes all the necessary formulas and theoretical aspects of civil engineering, covering various theories from quantum mechanics, optics, and magnetic materials, as well as diffraction, polarisation formulas, bipolar junctions, thermoelectricity, solid mechanics, construction technology, surveying, and planning.

Buy-this-Book (India)
 
5."Civil Engineering: Through Objective Type Questions" by S P Gupta and S S Gupta
“Civil Engineering: Through Objective Type Questions” Book Review: This book is designed for civil and structural engineers pursuing B.Tech/M.Tech worldwide. Teachers can use it to prepare questions for students too. The book covers a range of topics starting with oscillation, waves, and electrostatics, then moving on to magnetostatics and electrodynamics. Light, interference, and distraction are also covered, followed by polarisation, optical activity, and optical fibres. The book then goes on to explain crystal structure, dielectrics, conductors, solid mechanics, and construction technology. Finally, it covers surveying and planning. Objective type questions are included to help students practice and teachers assess their understanding.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
6."Civil Engineering (Objective Type)" by P Jaya Rami Reddy
“Civil Engineering (Objective Type)” Book Review: This book is suitable for civil and structural engineers pursuing B.Tech/M.Tech worldwide, as well as educators who wish to prepare questions for their students. It is a comprehensive textbook covering all the necessary concepts in civil engineering, starting with the fundamentals and moving on to the principles of structures, oscillation and waves, electrostatics, magnetostatics, electrodynamics, practical design and construction issues, inspection, quality control, infrastructure design and inspection, case studies, and evaluation procedures. Objective-type questions are included to help students practice and teachers to test their students’ understanding.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
 
7."Understanding The Roles Of A Construction Estimator" by Louis Henry
“Understanding the Roles of a Construction Estimator” Book Review: This book serves as a guide for civil engineering courses offered throughout the country. It is typically offered to students in their first to third graduate college year, following elementary courses. The book has been revised periodically to include all relevant changes each year. Chapters such as Responding to Proposals, Five Fatal Estimating Mistakes, Sample Site Visit Form, and Step-by-Step Process for Making Plans are included in subsequent chapters.

Buy-this-Book (India) Buy-this-book (US)
We have put a lot of effort into researching the best books on Basic Civil Engineering and came out with a recommended list and their reviews. If any more book needs to be added to this list, please email us. We are working on free pdf downloads for books on Basic Civil Engineering and will publish the download link here. Fill out this Basic Civil Engineering books pdf download" request form for download notification.

advertisement
advertisement
Subscribe to our Newsletters (Subject-wise). Participate in the Sanfoundry Certification contest to get free Certificate of Merit. Join our social networks below and stay updated with latest contests, videos, internships and jobs!

Youtube | Telegram | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Manish Bhojasia - Founder & CTO at Sanfoundry
Manish Bhojasia, a technology veteran with 20+ years @ Cisco & Wipro, is Founder and CTO at Sanfoundry. He lives in Bangalore, and focuses on development of Linux Kernel, SAN Technologies, Advanced C, Data Structures & Alogrithms. Stay connected with him at LinkedIn.

Subscribe to his free Masterclasses at Youtube & discussions at Telegram SanfoundryClasses.