“A Textbook of Civil Engineering” by P.N. Khanna is a well-known book for civil engineering students. It explains basic concepts clearly and includes many solved examples.
The book covers important topics like building materials, surveying, and structural design. It is beneficial for both learning and exam preparation.
The book
focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, helping
students not only prepare for exams but also understand real-life engineering
problems. It includes illustrations, diagrams, solved examples, and practice
problems, which make learning more effective.
Contents:
- It includes a wide range of
topics such as:
- Building materials
- Surveying and levelling
- Strength of materials
- Structural analysis
- Water resources engineering
- Transportation engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Construction management
Key
Features:
- Easy-to-understand language.
- Covers both theoretical and
practical aspects.
- Includes numerical problems and
objective questions.
- Useful for both academic
learning and exam preparation.
Chapter-by-chapter
highlights (typical)
- Building Materials: Properties, tests, and
practical uses of cement, aggregates, steel, bricks, timber — practical
points and common tests described simply.
- Surveying & Levelling: Instrument descriptions,
chain/tape, compass, plane table, contouring, levelling procedures, and
numerical examples — strong for practical lab work.
- Strength of Materials: Stress/strain, bending,
shear, torsion basics and simple beam problems — good for fundamentals,
less so for advanced continuum mechanics.
- Structural Basics: Behaviour of beams, columns,
slabs, simple analysis — conceptual and example-driven.
- Hydraulics & Water
Resources: Basic
fluid properties, flow in pipes/channels, basics of irrigation —
introductory coverage with worked problems.
- Transportation &
Environmental Engineering: Road/rail fundamentals, basic pavement considerations,
water supply and sewage fundamentals — adequate for overview.
- Construction Practice &
Management: Estimation
basics, simple project planning, measurement units — practical for on-site
technicians.
The Khanna book in civil engineering is most notably referred to as the "Civil Engineering Handbook" by P.N. Khanna. This book is highly regarded for its practical approach and useful content tailored for both practising civil engineers and students.
It includes comprehensive coverage of key civil
engineering concepts, formulas, illustrated theory, and practical knowledge
essential in various branches of civil engineering. The book's language is
simple and lucid, enhanced with diagrams and solved problems, making it
suitable for exam preparation and on-site application.
Overall,
P.N. Khanna’s Civil Engineering Handbook is a timeless resource that balances
theoretical knowledge with practical application, making it indispensable for
civil engineering students aiming to excel academically and professionals
seeking a reliable on-field guide.
