The design of structural support systems for buildings, bridges, earthworks, and industrial structures is structural engineering. This branch of engineering focuses on safely supporting a load and uses physics and math principles to design these supports. Structural engineers are in charge of the work, though the lines between civil and structural engineering are often blurred. As buildings become more complex, many universities and licensing boards are developing separate structural engineering programs and certifications, allowing structural engineers to be recognized as a distinct field.
The tasks involved in structural engineering are varied and complex, but the primary goal is always to develop a support system that allows the structure to stand safely and with the least amount of risk of collapse. During design, an engineer must consider temperature changes, weather, and a variety of other factors, as well as materials that can withstand such conditions. He or she must design a structure that has just enough deflection and sway to account for natural shifts and expansion without putting people in danger or causing discomfort. Finally, he or she must complete the design and specify materials that are cost-effective for the project.
Structural engineers collaborate closely with architects and other project team members during the design of a building. The structural engineer is often in charge of the design process for projects that require a lot of structural support, such as skyscrapers. In situations like this, structural elements often take precedence over architectural features, though mechanical and electrical systems must still be accommodated in the design.
The engineer will design a safe, practical system of support that meets all project criteria using columns, beams, plates, and other structural engineering elements. As the building’s structural base, he or she could use iron or steel, though pre-stressed concrete and pre-cast panels are also viable options. Wooden timbers can also be an effective support material for smaller structures, and they have a unique look when left exposed. Aluminum and steel alloys, as well as masonry units, are some of the other materials used by the structural engineer.
Because of the complexities of this field, the vast majority of structural engineers have at least a four-year bachelor’s degree. Structural engineers are required to be licensed in most areas, though the requirements vary greatly. A structural engineer in the United States must have a four- or five-year degree as well as several years of work experience before applying for licensure. The National Council of Examiners in Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), the nation’s governing body for engineering certification, administers exams to all potential applicants.