Civil Engineering
Discover the best information, whether you’re a new Civil Engineering student starting your first assignment or delving into a research project.
Library essentials
Reading Lists
These are set up by your tutors to guide you to good quality, relevant and useful materials to help you with your studies. They are a great starting point before doing your own research.
Library Search
Did you know? The citation tool in Library Search can help you create references! Learn how to make the most of Library Search through our short, interactive guide: Use Library Search to find academic information for your assessments.
Subject specific resources
Key resources for civil engineering students
Databases
Databases are searchable collections of good quality, academic material, particularly journal articles. They can be small subject specific or large collections covering a wide range of subject areas. Most databases provide access to full-text items.
The following databases are specifically for Civil Engineering
| The largest full-text database of civil engineering research and practical publications. | |
| A comprehensive online civil engineering resource with books on all topics of civil engineering. | |
| Contains important construction and built environment information and enables you to access key industry documents. It includes information every stage of the construction lifecycle from design and completion to operation and ongoing use. |
The following databases cover wider range of science, engineering and technology subjects:
| Provides validated design methods, data and software tools covering a wide range of engineering disciplines. It is especially useful for aeronautical and mechanical engineering subjects. | |
| Provides a wide range of video and text material focusing on engineering failures and successes. | |
| Provides a comprehensive collection of journal articles, conference papers, books, and more on a wide range of science, engineering, and technology subjects. | |
| Provides a large collection of journals and books, mainly in the science, technology, engineering, and medicine subject areas. | |
| The largest abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature. It also provides access to patents from five patent offices. | |
| Online collection of journals, eBooks, reference works and protocols across a vast range of subject disciplines. |
Standards
A standard is an established norm or set of requirements which describe the best way of doing something. This can relate to products, the use of materials, or delivering a service. Standards cover a huge range of activities.
| British Standards Online | Contains officially recognised British, European (EN) and International (ISO) standards. |
| ASTM Compass | Provides technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. |
| Standards - Worldwide Standards Developing Organizations Index | A commercial website providing bibliographic details of standards produced by over 460 technical societies around the world. |
Industry Websites
There is a wealth of information on the internet, just remember to evaluate what you find carefully. The following are some trusted industry websites that support your studies and professional development.
| An independent professional association for civil engineers, that includes news, events and conferences, publications, an image library, and career development opportunities. | |
| The world’s leading professional body for structural engineering and public safety issues in the built environment. The fully searchable library is especially useful for tracing reports, papers and standards. | |
| A global centre for innovation in transport and mobility; provides information on bridges, pavements and transportation. |
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers more than 9,000 professionally produced online courses covering a wide range of technical, creative and professional skills.
Always use our institutional link to log in – you will need your University email address and password. The first time that you log in, you will be taken through a setup process to discover courses tailored to your interests.
Discover more in our video: Using LinkedIn Learning at Salford.
Print Books
You can borrow print books from the Library. The location details below are a guide, it is best to use Library Search for exact location of items:
| Classmark | Subject area |
| 624 | Civil Engineering |
Inclusive Collections
Expand your research with diverse voices and perspectives using our Inclusive Collections initiative. Explore school-based collections to find high-quality, inclusive resources.
Develop your skills
Finding information skills
Developing information skills saves time and give you stronger sources for your assessments. Finding information on the Skills website covers everything you need to learn how to search for resources effectively.
Further support
The Skills website has eLearning to help you achieve your study goals - from academic writing support and referencing guidance to help with presentation skills, using generative AI, time management and more.
You can also attend our academic skills workshops. If you need extra support you can contact the Academic Skills Team to ask a question or request a one-to-one appointment.