Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the design of support systems for structures such as earthworks, bridges, and other structures. Structural engineers are responsible for ensuring that these structures remain safe and stable during use, and that they do not deviate, rotate, vibrate excessively, or collapse. They also help society address major issues such as climate change and disaster relief, build bridges to connect isolated communities in developing countries, and study how to make buildings more resilient to natural disasters. Structural engineering is an innovative field that makes a significant contribution to facilities, the market, and advances in leisure and home.
Structural engineers must be knowledgeable about the properties of various materials, such as their density, hardness, tensile strength, volume modulus, and flexural strength. This knowledge is essential for the successful implementation of complex projects, even when the architect is the prime contractor. Structural engineers must also be able to follow all stipulations and manage to place the predefined structure within the time frame and with high levels of accuracy. Structural engineers are increasingly relying on computer-aided design (CAD) systems to help them with their work.
They are responsible for determining the loads (such as the forces of earthquakes, wind, and snow) on a structure design presented by a designer or builder, adapting the structure to the architecture, and choosing which structural systems to use. Structural engineers often work alongside civil engineers and architects as part of a construction team. They also visit construction sites to ensure that their designs are being implemented correctly. Mechanical engineering is another related field that applies principles of engineering, physics, and materials science to the analysis, design, manufacture, and maintenance of mechanical systems.
Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing structures such as automobiles, area cars, cranes, ships, airplanes, bridges, buried structures, footings, and area frames.
