[tomerv]

Right, but this is about civil engineering. I suppose that field also had tinkerers at some point, but today we expect civil engineers to have a diploma and license. Maybe software engineering will go that way too in the future, after the Internet of Unsecured Things finally implodes.

[airhead969]

I know of a civil engineer PE who is an expert in code interpretations of the ASME (not ASCE) boilers and pressure vessels (BPVC) codes. He acts as an expert witness and also makes interpretations for clients who are unsure about the code's meaning. He makes millions because the correct design and use of such items affect lives and property at immense scales.

Safety regulations are written in blood that is too easily washed-off.

[airhead969]

CE's play with mud. They can go to the beach, get some LEGO, or build a bridge of stones across a brook.

;-))

There are plenty of ways for CE's to "tinker" using civil and mechanical engineering statics and dynamics simulators.