We all get the same question when we first heard of structural engineering – What is Structural Engineering and What does a Structural Engineer do? This is the one final article that you need to know about Structural Engineering. Here is the comprehensive list of all works that a Structural Engineer do on a daily basis
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What is Structural Engineering?
A lot of people believe that Structural Engineering is merely a branch (more like a sub-division) of Civil Engineering. But Structural Engineering goes hand-in-hand with all other branches of Engineering, like Automobile, Aerospace and even Medical sciences to name a few.
To be fair, Structural Engineering should be treated as a unique branch of engineering but Civil Engineering stands as a great foundation for a Structural Engineer. Some of the concepts and theories that a Civil Engineer learns is applied and extended in Structural Engineering.
Structural Engineering is rooted in Sciences and Mathematics. It is close to Architecture and it is founded on Logical and Analytical thinking. It is a very demanding profession where excellence, efficiency and above all safety is ensured.
What does a Structural Engineer do?
Here comes the other question, what does a structural engineer do? We’ve put a comprehensive list that a structural engineer actually do rather than listing the industries they work in.
Analysis
Structural Engineers are expected to analyse a structure however complex it can be. The analysis includes the computation of loads, study of the stability of the structure and comes up with the best possible methods of making the structure safe. The analysis differs from material, loads and also the type of structure.
As the behaviour of the material changes with the material, loads & the type of loads and the type of element or structure. In general, Analysis is divided into Static Analysis and Dynamic Analysis.
If you are just starting out learning or trying to understand analysis better, here is our pick, Structural Analysis by R.C. Hibbeler, taken from some of the best books we’ve curated that you got to read to understand Analysis of Structures the better way.
Design
A structural engineer has to design the structure keeping in mind the safety and also the economy. Overdoing either of them would result in a loss (either of life or money). So, a balanced design following the regulations of that particular location with the highest principles of engineering needs to be adopted.
The design of a Structure also differs from material, loading conditions. From a Material point of view, design is categorized as and
The design of Structures is also categorized depending on the type of structure like Bridges, Tunnels, Buildings and even aeroplanes. Each of them is a specialization of its own.
If you are starting out, Reinforced Concrete Design by Devdas Menon is one of the best books in Concrete design and Steel Structures: Design, Theory and Practice by Subramanian is the easiest way to get you going in the vast field of Steel Structures.
Repair & Rehabilitation
Apart from the new construction, structural engineers also take care of the Repair & Rehabilitation of the existing structures. Even though the design is of the highest standards, a structure loses its strength as the increase in its life.
This degradation of the strength is of various reasons like corrosion, temperature effects and so on. Hence these structures need to be repaired or rehabilitated for good. Cracks and other construction defects are troublesome and lead to permanent damage to the structures if not taken care of in the initial stages. A structural engineer is required to study the existing strength and provide the necessary methods of either repairing or rehabilitating the structure.
Demolition of the Structure
A structure has to be demolished for various reasons like loss of strength, no longer serves the purpose or did not follow the regulations while constructing. Although construction of a structure takes time, the demolition of the same is easy and quick.
Demolition of the existing structure needs to be carried out in the presence of a structural engineer and other experts. A structural engineer has to carefully select the points of demolition in such a way that the debris when fallen do not affect any life or existing infrastructure surrounding the structure.
How to Become a Licensed Structural Engineer?
Although it varies from place to place, usually a Civil Engineer Graduate has to take a Master’s course on Structural Engineer in a recognized university and complete the necessary course-work to get a degree in Structural Engineering.
To become a Professional or Licensed/Chartered Structural Engineer, he/she has to undergo an exam as a structural engineer while some countries like India doesn’t need any. But Experience (varying from 3-5 years depending on the location) is necessary.
Usually, structural engineers take a membership with the Structural Engineering Organisations and Associations like IStructE (UK) or any other depending on your location. All these organizations provide the necessary training and resources for structural engineers to become licensed and also to keep them in touch with the changes in the regulations and trends in construction.
Conclusion
In short, a structural engineer plan, analyze, design, optimize and get involved in construction, inspection, monitor, maintain, rehabilitate and demolition of a structure. Also, structural engineers research the behaviour of different structural elements.
That sounds a lot. But it is what it is. Hence, Structural engineers would further choose a specialization/niche in the later stages of their career and there is a lot of options to opt for depending on the type of work, industry and construction material.