Structural engineering designs support systems for buildings, bridges, and industrial structures using physics and mathematics. Structural engineers work with architects and use materials such as steel, concrete, and timber. They must consider various factors and be licensed, with at least four years of undergraduate education.
Structural engineering is the design of structural support systems for buildings, bridges, earthworks and industrial structures. This branch of engineering focuses on the safe support of a load and relies on the principles of physics and mathematics to design these supports. The work is done by structural engineers, although in many areas the lines between civil and structural engineering are blurred. As buildings become more and more complicated, many universities and licensing boards are creating separate programs and certifications for structural engineers, helping to distinguish it as its own separate field.
The tasks involved in structural engineering are varied and complex, but the main objective is always to develop a support system that allows the structure to remain safely and minimize the risk of collapse. An engineer must consider changes in temperature, climate, and many other factors during design, and choose materials that can withstand those elements. He or she must create a structure with sufficient deflection and sway to account for natural changes and expansion without creating danger or discomfort for the occupants. Finally, he or she must complete the design and specify the materials that fit the project budget.
During the design of a building, structural engineers work closely with architects and other project team members. For structurally intensive projects, such as skyscrapers, the structural engineer often leads the design process. In cases like this, structural elements often take precedence over architectural features, although the design must still accommodate necessary building components such as mechanical and electrical systems.
Using columns, beams, plates, and other engineering structural elements, the engineer will design a practical and safe support system that meets all design criteria. He or she may use materials made of iron or steel as the building’s structural foundation, although pre-stressed concrete and precast panels are another solid option. For smaller structures, hardwood timbers can also be an effective support material, and they also offer a unique look when left exposed. Other materials used by the structural engineer include aluminum and steel alloys, as well as masonry units.
Due to the complexities of this field, most structural engineers around the world have at least four years of undergraduate education. In most areas, structural engineering professionals must also be licensed, although requirements vary greatly. In the US, a structural engineer must have a four- or five-year degree and several years of professional experience before he can apply for licensure. All potential candidates are tested using exams developed by the National Council of Examiners in Engineering and Inspection (NCEES), which is the national governing body for engineering certification.
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