One of the main fields of engineering which contracts with the structural veracity and building strength or the strength of the structure is structural engineering. It is a speciality or a special branch of civil engineering that makes sure that the structures are stable and safe for people to use and don’t collapse under practical loads. It focuses, importantly, on the design and analysis of the structure. Information is also provided by the careful analysis of the speed of the wind, which can carry the structural loads, and the complete capacity and use of the building. An evaluation of the structure as per the basics of structural engineering will ensure that the structure depends on all the needed codes of design. Besides all of that, the structures have to be designed in such a manner that they can withstand their own weight as well as the loads and weights that will be placed on them.

Structural Engineer’s Role:

In residental structures, the structural engineers take very important steps in which crucial data about the material quality, foundations, load types, roof types, beams and columns, retaining walls, etc. is collected. Some of the pivotal responsibilities of the structural engineers are as follows: A structural engineer is the one who plays an important role as a team member among other professionals like an architect, surveyor, quantity surveyor, and so on. A structural engineer will do the modelling of structures using engineering software. Then they will also evaluate the structure’s response to the pressure and stress. It is the duty of the structural engineer to finalise the proper concrete material that would be suitable for the structure.

Duties of Structural Engineers

Next important duty of the structural engineer is to access the budget of the new project or every project. Then, the engineers also have to communicate with the construction contractors to make sure that the newly constructed buildings are structurally sound. They should use computers and CAD technology for replication purposes. There are certain skills that are needed to become a structural engineer. Those skills are analytical skills, detailed orientation, creativity, strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, and so on. Knowledge of CAD software applications like ROBOT, ETABS, PROKON, etc. is required. A structural engineer should have excellent computer skills and knowledge of construction management. Then, they should also be familiar with codes and specific regulations for the industry and possess the latest technical skills.

Structural Engineering Roles:

In the world, the most important factors for an economy are buildings, urbanization, and civil infrastructure. It needs a plethora of natural resources and energy for the maintenance, operation, and construction of the same. So, structural engineers play a pivotal role in the efficacious designs, execution of a building, construction, and so on. At the start of the construction projects, in collaboration with the engineers, owners, architects, and managers, we decide the efficaciousness, possibility, and cost effectiveness of the concepts. As the project progresses and gets through the design stage, the structural engineers give out the first set of executive design documents. With environment sustainability, the structural engineers have not identified themselves traditionally. One of the things that is driving the need for structural engineers is the rise of smart cities, natural environment concerns, and so on, like energy efficiency, sustainability, and so on. Lastly, structural engineers are mostly suitable as design engineers as well as site and project engineers.