Have you ever asked yourself who the person is that calculates the maximum safe-weight of a Structure? Estimates to ascertain the maximum force of wind that a structure is able to withstand? Evaluating the endurance of a building in the event of a fire, flood and wind. Structural engineering is the answer. From hurricane force winds to the magnitude of flash floods, engineering ensures durability and safety of all structures.
Over and above functional security, the efficient usage of all building resources is also hallmarked by this level of engineering. It is an engineer who calculates the optimal grade of a material that is safe, functional and not economically prohibitive. This task is performed whilst collaborating with architects to make sure that the aesthetics of each project is met. In a structural-nutshell, engineering combines:
- Practical function
- Visual appeal
- Budgetary resources
A More In-depth Understanding Of Structural Engineering
The two guiding principles of engineering are physics and mathematics. The strength and capacity of any material can be estimated when physical laws are examined hand-in-hand with thorough and empirical research . In addition to this, geometry has to be considered and factored in to fully determine the soundness of a building. Ultimately, design and analysis are the core fundamental components of engineering.
The Heavy Responsibility of Structural Engineers
Being a subdivision of civil engineering and project management, it can be said that structural engineers have the responsibility of:
- The design of large buildings
- Estimating the physical integrity of structures like bridges
Essentially, their duties are far removed from those of an architect. While architecture is all about shape, size, appearance, and functionality, structural engineers work singularly on technicalities. The obligation of a structural engineer to bring the architect’s vision to reality.
The Various Roles of Structural Engineers
- Mechanics
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Creative problem-solving
- 3D conceptual skill
- Logic
These are all abilities that a structural engineer should imperatively have. However, the diversified ‘role-hats’ that they wear aren’t limited to these capabilities either. Structural engineers have a surplus of qualities that include:
Support by Design
They play a crucial role in planning individual elements of a structure and the whole. Their primary function is the design and detailed data about:
- Floors
- Beams
- Foundations
- Type of roofs
- Wall retention
- Quantity of steel
- Calculating the stress
- Suspension of bridges
It is their designing role that ensures the beam, columns, and foundation can support the load of the whole structure.
Analysis Of Material
Technology has given rise to intricate designs that employ an amalgamation of construction material to create modern buildings. Properly utilizing them and guaranteeing the strength, safety and reliability of the structure is also another task of structural engineers. They analyse the various materials that are available and decide on the specification of each. Furthermore, they estimate the detailed and precise requirements of the substances whilst keeping in mind regulations and code as well as any features the client demands.
Investigation Of Site
The very first step and starting point to a construction project is an in-depth and comprehensive investigation of the site where the building will occur. It is the job of the structural engineer to survey the location accordingly. They investigate if the site is indeed suitable for construction and whether the earth is apt and also suitable for the upcoming building.
Security of Workers
How stable a building is when faced with static or dynamic loading is one of the most apparent roles of a structural engineer. However the element of safety is not just after the project has been built, it is incorporated during construction too. When engineers plan the design, they ensure that the workers, laborers, and visitors to the site are always secure. They make the building less hazardous and hassle-free.
Coordination With Others
A project management consultants demands the collaboration of many different professions. It is the onus of the structural engineer to communicate needs and coordinate operations. They have to be in constant touch of:
- Engineers
- architects
- landscapers
- environmental scientists
- Government bodies and authorities that inspect the building
A Managerial Lead
The one final ‘role-cap’ that structural engineers need put on is that of a manager. It is their chore and responsibility to properly check the delivery of all construction materials and ensure that it matches the set specifications. They also keep a close and vigilant eye on the equipment required during all the stages of building. Furthermore, they manage and supervise all the labor involved on site.
What Training Do Structural Engineers Need?
An undergraduate course in a discipline of engineering followed by professional qualification under the Institution of Structural Engineers. The career demands meeting stringent standards and highly immense practical experience. Once an engineer manages to get a foot in the field, they need to train and learn for the rest and remaining duration of their profession. It is pivotal as the industry is continuously upgrading materials and methods of construction. Any individual who is happy and keen to invest dedication and time to the field will ultimately rise high in the sector with exciting projects thrown in their direction.
It’s An Engineer’s World
Succinctly said, the world of construction and the one we live in is by all means an engineer’s metaphorical oyster. Without them, we wouldn’t have tunnels that break the monotony of traffic or bridges that span miles of rivers and oceans. Essentially, it is structural engineering that dynamically marries mathematics with physics to subsequently produce paramount buildings with the most cutting-edge design possible.
Accurate and effective structural assessment guides constructors, and at Falkofske we are the forerunners in structural engineering design. Our team is equipped to test design efficiency and measure costs. We are the well-known architects and engineers in Arlington Texas who can chalk out the material required for all types of projects, of any scale while overseeing effective utilization of all resources.
