Structural engineers design, plan and oversee the construction of new buildings and bridges, or alterations and extensions to existing properties or other structures. It can be very satisfying to have the chance to see something you’ve had a part in become a reality.

What does a structural engineer do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills Structural engineers are primarily concerned with designing and constructing buildings and structures that are safe and capable of withstanding the elements to which they will be exposed, as well as improving the structural integrity of existing buildings.

The job is very closely related to that of civil engineer, Key tasks include:

preparing reports, designs and drawings making calculations about loads and stresses selecting appropriate construction materials providing technical advice obtaining planning and/or building regulations approval liaising with relevant professional staff such as architects monitoring and inspecting work undertaken by contractors administering contracts managing projects inspecting properties to check conditions/foundations.

Most structural engineers work either for construction/engineering consultancies – where they focus on designing structures and tend to work in an office environment – or for contractors, where they will oversee the construction of the structure, working on site.

1. Most engineers will specialise in a type of project (or infrastructure), such as bridges or buildings.
2. See a list of the main specialisms here.
3. Working hours for consultant structural engineers are typical office hours, with some overtime to meet deadlines; engineers working on site tend to have longer hours and shiftwork.

Find out what you could earn as a graduate and experienced structural engineer here.

What is the role of structural engineer in civil engineering?

The role of the structural engineer – HKA History For as long as humankind has walked the earth, we have sought to improve and adapt our environment, although often great structures were understandably built in early history by trial and error. The Roman builders were perhaps the first to adopt an analytical approach to building geometry and record those methods for practical use.

• Following the decline of the Roman age, much of that recorded knowledge fell into disuse, great cathedrals were built, often by empirical methods.
• In the 17 th century some thinkers turned their attention to the physical sciences.
• As the first industrial revolution became established, new materials became available that advanced the boundaries of established knowledge.

At the beginning of the 20th Century, new forms of construction were emerging with the use of reinforced concrete and steel frames. There was a plethora of proprietary systems and patentees, but no regulating body to advise upon acceptable practices. A ruling body that would provide design guidance to support parties planning to deploy reinforced concrete and steel frames, was required.

• Such guidance was not catered for by engineering institutions then in place, nor was there any provision as to how to use these materials within the London Buildings Act.
• In 1908 a group of practitioners congregated in London’s Ritz Hotel and collectively agreed to the establishment of The Concrete Institute.

Interestingly, the hotel in which they met had recently been completed using a steel frame within its construction; a reflection of the rapidly evolving construction industry of the time. Four years later, it became clear that the growth in construction necessitated the establishment of a more broadly based body to advise on good practice in all aspects of structural engineering, particularly steel frames.

“Structural Engineering”: “a branch of engineering which deals with the scientific design, the construction and erection of structures of all kinds of material”; and”Structures”: “those constructions which are subject principally to the laws of statics as opposed to those which are subject to the laws of dynamics and kinetics, such as engines and machines”.

The Role of the Structural Engineer The role of the structural engineer is an essential element in the construction process. Structural engineering is a specialised discipline within the broader discipline of civil engineering, where structural engineering is concerned with the design and integrity of structures such as, buildings, bridges, and monuments.

1. Structural engineers must have a sound understanding of maths and physics, and the ability to apply those skills in creative problem solving.
2. Being able to understand the theoretical principles of mechanics, mathematics and physics is not enough, however, to define an engineer.
3. Those skills must be developed by applying them to the design of safe and sustainable structures.

Structural engineers often take a sophisticated concept design and develop a solution that is capable of being executed practically, safely and within commercial parameters. The roles and responsibilities of structural engineers can be diverse and varied but typically include: Design For many structural engineers, the primary focus is the technical structural analysis in the design of structures.

Typically, this covers deriving the loads and assessing stresses the construction will be subjected to in service. Structural engineers also need to have an in-depth knowledge of the properties of a range of building materials, and understand structural form to provide support beams, columns and foundations.

Investigation Before design work can begin, Structural engineers are involved in preliminary investigation and survey of proposed building sites to determine the ground conditions to assess foundation options, and often to assess existing structures for planned modification.

1. Communication One of the fundamental abilities sometimes overlooked is communication.
2. As structural engineers often work as part of teams comprising multiple construction professionals, their ability to communicate ideas and solutions to provide co-ordinated responses to a problem is vital to the success of a project.

Such communication and collaboration skills are also of importance in the instance that structural engineers are called upon to assist government bodies with investigations relating to their specialist field. Due Diligence In modern society the term “Engineer” is overused, perhaps sometimes abused.

However, in the United Kingdom, not only is a designated title of ‘Chartered Engineer’ highly respected, but ‘it is also protected by Civil law’. In order for this title to be bestowed on an individual, they will have to hold either a relevant degree (such as mathematics, engineering or science) or a Higher National Certificate or Diploma.

A further stipulation, in place since 1997, means that candidates are required to demonstrate additional learning and knowledge by gaining a relevant Masters’ degree.

With this training and associated assessment completed by a sponsoring institution, an individual can then apply for Chartership registration with the Engineering Council in its capacity as the regulatory body for engineersAs this registration is required, this means that due diligence as to the qualification and relevant experience of individuals can be checked readily.In addition, there are also professional bodies that maintain membership directories as follows:

It is perhaps worth noting that, by contrast, the contracted term ‘Engineer’ – interpreted often to denote someone engaged in the design, manufacture, operation and maintenance of a system – is not a protected title in the UK. This is the case, as the terms ‘engineering’ and ‘engineer’ having been used in common parlance for many centuries.

1. Responding to the Environment A significant factor in drawing up design is to use the environment in which the structure is to be built, operated and maintained.
2. Accordingly, parameters for designs are based upon statistical analysis of historic data to ascertain the likelihood of an event impacting a given structure.

For example, the impact of wind loading, and rainfall associated with a 1 in 100-year (or 1%) storm – are assessed to ascertain how they will affect the life of the building. As a greater volume of more detailed information is recorded, fundamental design parameters are continuously evolving, not least because intense storms are occurring with increasing frequency.

1. In addition, building gravity loading comprising of permanent (dead) loading and variable occupancy (imposed) loading are also considered.
2. Those occupancy loadings set out in standards are related to statistical probability that they will not be exceeded.
3. A Continuously Evolving Profession On May 16th 1968 in Canning Town, London, a gas explosion caused Ronan Point, a 22-storey block of flats to partially collapse.

Although, fortunately, there were few casualties, subsequent investigations identified deficiencies in both design and construction as factors that had given rise to the failure. Inevitably, public confidence in high-rise residential buildings sank, but as a result of the investigations, major changes in UK building regulations were implemented.

The collapse, proportionate to the size of initial event; andThe degree to which the damage extended, which has given rise to gradual collapse, may be deemed to have brought about disproportionate collapse.

There are, however, instances where complete collapse is accepted. In other cases, partial collapse, without collapse spreading unduly, or indeed a significant distortion or alteration to the structure can be regarded as manageable. That is, the structure must be stable as opposed to serviceable as, ultimately, the imperative is for the structure not to put lives at risk.

1. Once occupants are evacuated to a place of safety, it may be necessary to demolish the building.
2. The structural requirement states that the primary frame and floors must provide for emergency evacuation, but does not extend to the stipulations regarding the protection of façade, finishes etc.
3. That is, the requirement has a simple aim of saving lives.

It is not required to attenuate all outcomes, rather, just avoid collapse becoming disproportionate. Continual Development On June 14th 2017 the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block in North Kensington, London caught fire. The fire, which engulfed the building caused at least 72 deaths, and over 70 injuries.

As with Ronan Point, public confidence in such structures has dropped. This and the subsequent Hackett report which identified shortfalls in current Building Regulations, mean changes in UK building regulations are expected to be implemented. Looking to the Future It has been said that were it not for engineers, we would all still be living in caves.

We sometimes allow ourselves grandiose mission statements, “to divert natural resources for the benefit of humankind”. Perhaps more pertinent to our engineering role is we are at the forefront of assessing the natural environmental influences on our designs, wind, rain and flood.

What is the difference between an architect and a structural engineer?

Structural Engineers: Roles and Responsibilities The role of the structural engineer is a key component in the construction process. Part of the wider discipline of civil engineering, structural engineering is concerned with the design and physical integrity of buildings and other large structures, like tunnels and bridges.

Structural engineers have wide range of responsibilities – not least a duty to ensure the safety and durability of the project on which they are working. Unlike architects, who must focus on the appearance, shape, size and use of the building, structural engineers must solve technical problems – and help the architect achieve his or her vision for the project.

What do structural engineers do? Structural engineers work in offices and on construction sites – or may split their time between both contexts. Locations can be varied, including work in metropolitan and rural environments. Depending on the size of the project, structural engineers may also be required to work long hours – in teams consisting of professional, skilled and semi-skilled workers.

1. Structural engineers must have a strong grasp of physics, three-dimensional conceptual skills and creative problem solving.
2. Outside of an ability to apply principles of mechanics, mathematics and physics to construct safe, sustainable buildings, the roles and responsibilities of structural engineers include: Design: Many structural engineers deal primarily in the design of structures – calculating the loads and stresses the construction will have to safely withstand.

Structural engineers should be able to factor in the different qualities and strengths delivered by a range of building materials, and understand how to incorporate support beams, columns and foundations. Investigation: Before work can begin, structural engineers are involved in the investigation and survey of build sites to determine the suitability of the earth for the requirements of the upcoming project.

Communication: Structural engineers will be required to co-ordinate and consult with other members of their projects, including engineers, environmental scientists, architects and landscape architects. They may also be required to assist government bodies in their own inspections relating to the project.

Management: Structural engineers are often responsible for the organisation and delivery of materials and equipment for the needs of the construction project. The supervision and management of on-site labour may also be a necessity. Training Because of the safety issues involved in their work, structural engineers must be trained to strict standards.

Most structural engineering courses require a related undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline. After graduation, structural engineers work towards professional qualifications – becoming Associated and then Chartered Members with the Institution of Structural Engineers. Structural engineering courses can be very competitive and prospective candidates should look for practical experience to bolster their applications.

After qualification, work experience placements are useful for getting a foot in the door of the industry – and developing network contacts. Becoming a structural engineer takes a substantial amount of time and dedication – including a focus on professional development.

What skills do you need to be a structural engineer?

The role of the structural engineer – HKA History For as long as humankind has walked the earth, we have sought to improve and adapt our environment, although often great structures were understandably built in early history by trial and error. The Roman builders were perhaps the first to adopt an analytical approach to building geometry and record those methods for practical use.

Following the decline of the Roman age, much of that recorded knowledge fell into disuse, great cathedrals were built, often by empirical methods. In the 17 th century some thinkers turned their attention to the physical sciences. As the first industrial revolution became established, new materials became available that advanced the boundaries of established knowledge.

At the beginning of the 20th Century, new forms of construction were emerging with the use of reinforced concrete and steel frames. There was a plethora of proprietary systems and patentees, but no regulating body to advise upon acceptable practices. A ruling body that would provide design guidance to support parties planning to deploy reinforced concrete and steel frames, was required.

Such guidance was not catered for by engineering institutions then in place, nor was there any provision as to how to use these materials within the London Buildings Act. In 1908 a group of practitioners congregated in London’s Ritz Hotel and collectively agreed to the establishment of The Concrete Institute.

Interestingly, the hotel in which they met had recently been completed using a steel frame within its construction; a reflection of the rapidly evolving construction industry of the time. Four years later, it became clear that the growth in construction necessitated the establishment of a more broadly based body to advise on good practice in all aspects of structural engineering, particularly steel frames.

“Structural Engineering”: “a branch of engineering which deals with the scientific design, the construction and erection of structures of all kinds of material”; and”Structures”: “those constructions which are subject principally to the laws of statics as opposed to those which are subject to the laws of dynamics and kinetics, such as engines and machines”.

The Role of the Structural Engineer The role of the structural engineer is an essential element in the construction process. Structural engineering is a specialised discipline within the broader discipline of civil engineering, where structural engineering is concerned with the design and integrity of structures such as, buildings, bridges, and monuments.

Structural engineers must have a sound understanding of maths and physics, and the ability to apply those skills in creative problem solving. Being able to understand the theoretical principles of mechanics, mathematics and physics is not enough, however, to define an engineer. Those skills must be developed by applying them to the design of safe and sustainable structures.

Structural engineers often take a sophisticated concept design and develop a solution that is capable of being executed practically, safely and within commercial parameters. The roles and responsibilities of structural engineers can be diverse and varied but typically include: Design For many structural engineers, the primary focus is the technical structural analysis in the design of structures.

1. Typically, this covers deriving the loads and assessing stresses the construction will be subjected to in service.
2. Structural engineers also need to have an in-depth knowledge of the properties of a range of building materials, and understand structural form to provide support beams, columns and foundations.

Investigation Before design work can begin, Structural engineers are involved in preliminary investigation and survey of proposed building sites to determine the ground conditions to assess foundation options, and often to assess existing structures for planned modification.

• Communication One of the fundamental abilities sometimes overlooked is communication.
• As structural engineers often work as part of teams comprising multiple construction professionals, their ability to communicate ideas and solutions to provide co-ordinated responses to a problem is vital to the success of a project.

Such communication and collaboration skills are also of importance in the instance that structural engineers are called upon to assist government bodies with investigations relating to their specialist field. Due Diligence In modern society the term “Engineer” is overused, perhaps sometimes abused.

1. However, in the United Kingdom, not only is a designated title of ‘Chartered Engineer’ highly respected, but ‘it is also protected by Civil law’.
2. In order for this title to be bestowed on an individual, they will have to hold either a relevant degree (such as mathematics, engineering or science) or a Higher National Certificate or Diploma.

A further stipulation, in place since 1997, means that candidates are required to demonstrate additional learning and knowledge by gaining a relevant Masters’ degree.

With this training and associated assessment completed by a sponsoring institution, an individual can then apply for Chartership registration with the Engineering Council in its capacity as the regulatory body for engineersAs this registration is required, this means that due diligence as to the qualification and relevant experience of individuals can be checked readily.In addition, there are also professional bodies that maintain membership directories as follows:

It is perhaps worth noting that, by contrast, the contracted term ‘Engineer’ – interpreted often to denote someone engaged in the design, manufacture, operation and maintenance of a system – is not a protected title in the UK. This is the case, as the terms ‘engineering’ and ‘engineer’ having been used in common parlance for many centuries.

Responding to the Environment A significant factor in drawing up design is to use the environment in which the structure is to be built, operated and maintained. Accordingly, parameters for designs are based upon statistical analysis of historic data to ascertain the likelihood of an event impacting a given structure.

For example, the impact of wind loading, and rainfall associated with a 1 in 100-year (or 1%) storm – are assessed to ascertain how they will affect the life of the building. As a greater volume of more detailed information is recorded, fundamental design parameters are continuously evolving, not least because intense storms are occurring with increasing frequency.

In addition, building gravity loading comprising of permanent (dead) loading and variable occupancy (imposed) loading are also considered. Those occupancy loadings set out in standards are related to statistical probability that they will not be exceeded. A Continuously Evolving Profession On May 16th 1968 in Canning Town, London, a gas explosion caused Ronan Point, a 22-storey block of flats to partially collapse.

Although, fortunately, there were few casualties, subsequent investigations identified deficiencies in both design and construction as factors that had given rise to the failure. Inevitably, public confidence in high-rise residential buildings sank, but as a result of the investigations, major changes in UK building regulations were implemented.

The collapse, proportionate to the size of initial event; andThe degree to which the damage extended, which has given rise to gradual collapse, may be deemed to have brought about disproportionate collapse.

There are, however, instances where complete collapse is accepted. In other cases, partial collapse, without collapse spreading unduly, or indeed a significant distortion or alteration to the structure can be regarded as manageable. That is, the structure must be stable as opposed to serviceable as, ultimately, the imperative is for the structure not to put lives at risk.

Once occupants are evacuated to a place of safety, it may be necessary to demolish the building. The structural requirement states that the primary frame and floors must provide for emergency evacuation, but does not extend to the stipulations regarding the protection of façade, finishes etc. That is, the requirement has a simple aim of saving lives.

It is not required to attenuate all outcomes, rather, just avoid collapse becoming disproportionate. Continual Development On June 14th 2017 the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block in North Kensington, London caught fire. The fire, which engulfed the building caused at least 72 deaths, and over 70 injuries.

As with Ronan Point, public confidence in such structures has dropped. This and the subsequent Hackett report which identified shortfalls in current Building Regulations, mean changes in UK building regulations are expected to be implemented. Looking to the Future It has been said that were it not for engineers, we would all still be living in caves.

We sometimes allow ourselves grandiose mission statements, “to divert natural resources for the benefit of humankind”. Perhaps more pertinent to our engineering role is we are at the forefront of assessing the natural environmental influences on our designs, wind, rain and flood.

Why do we need the Institute of structural engineers?

The role of the structural engineer – HKA History For as long as humankind has walked the earth, we have sought to improve and adapt our environment, although often great structures were understandably built in early history by trial and error. The Roman builders were perhaps the first to adopt an analytical approach to building geometry and record those methods for practical use.

• Following the decline of the Roman age, much of that recorded knowledge fell into disuse, great cathedrals were built, often by empirical methods.
• In the 17 th century some thinkers turned their attention to the physical sciences.
• As the first industrial revolution became established, new materials became available that advanced the boundaries of established knowledge.

At the beginning of the 20th Century, new forms of construction were emerging with the use of reinforced concrete and steel frames. There was a plethora of proprietary systems and patentees, but no regulating body to advise upon acceptable practices. A ruling body that would provide design guidance to support parties planning to deploy reinforced concrete and steel frames, was required.

1. Such guidance was not catered for by engineering institutions then in place, nor was there any provision as to how to use these materials within the London Buildings Act.
2. In 1908 a group of practitioners congregated in London’s Ritz Hotel and collectively agreed to the establishment of The Concrete Institute.

Interestingly, the hotel in which they met had recently been completed using a steel frame within its construction; a reflection of the rapidly evolving construction industry of the time. Four years later, it became clear that the growth in construction necessitated the establishment of a more broadly based body to advise on good practice in all aspects of structural engineering, particularly steel frames.

“Structural Engineering”: “a branch of engineering which deals with the scientific design, the construction and erection of structures of all kinds of material”; and”Structures”: “those constructions which are subject principally to the laws of statics as opposed to those which are subject to the laws of dynamics and kinetics, such as engines and machines”.

The Role of the Structural Engineer The role of the structural engineer is an essential element in the construction process. Structural engineering is a specialised discipline within the broader discipline of civil engineering, where structural engineering is concerned with the design and integrity of structures such as, buildings, bridges, and monuments.

1. Structural engineers must have a sound understanding of maths and physics, and the ability to apply those skills in creative problem solving.
2. Being able to understand the theoretical principles of mechanics, mathematics and physics is not enough, however, to define an engineer.
3. Those skills must be developed by applying them to the design of safe and sustainable structures.

Structural engineers often take a sophisticated concept design and develop a solution that is capable of being executed practically, safely and within commercial parameters. The roles and responsibilities of structural engineers can be diverse and varied but typically include: Design For many structural engineers, the primary focus is the technical structural analysis in the design of structures.

Typically, this covers deriving the loads and assessing stresses the construction will be subjected to in service. Structural engineers also need to have an in-depth knowledge of the properties of a range of building materials, and understand structural form to provide support beams, columns and foundations.

Investigation Before design work can begin, Structural engineers are involved in preliminary investigation and survey of proposed building sites to determine the ground conditions to assess foundation options, and often to assess existing structures for planned modification.

Communication One of the fundamental abilities sometimes overlooked is communication. As structural engineers often work as part of teams comprising multiple construction professionals, their ability to communicate ideas and solutions to provide co-ordinated responses to a problem is vital to the success of a project.

Such communication and collaboration skills are also of importance in the instance that structural engineers are called upon to assist government bodies with investigations relating to their specialist field. Due Diligence In modern society the term “Engineer” is overused, perhaps sometimes abused.

1. However, in the United Kingdom, not only is a designated title of ‘Chartered Engineer’ highly respected, but ‘it is also protected by Civil law’.
2. In order for this title to be bestowed on an individual, they will have to hold either a relevant degree (such as mathematics, engineering or science) or a Higher National Certificate or Diploma.

A further stipulation, in place since 1997, means that candidates are required to demonstrate additional learning and knowledge by gaining a relevant Masters’ degree.

With this training and associated assessment completed by a sponsoring institution, an individual can then apply for Chartership registration with the Engineering Council in its capacity as the regulatory body for engineersAs this registration is required, this means that due diligence as to the qualification and relevant experience of individuals can be checked readily.In addition, there are also professional bodies that maintain membership directories as follows:

It is perhaps worth noting that, by contrast, the contracted term ‘Engineer’ – interpreted often to denote someone engaged in the design, manufacture, operation and maintenance of a system – is not a protected title in the UK. This is the case, as the terms ‘engineering’ and ‘engineer’ having been used in common parlance for many centuries.

• Responding to the Environment A significant factor in drawing up design is to use the environment in which the structure is to be built, operated and maintained.
• Accordingly, parameters for designs are based upon statistical analysis of historic data to ascertain the likelihood of an event impacting a given structure.

For example, the impact of wind loading, and rainfall associated with a 1 in 100-year (or 1%) storm – are assessed to ascertain how they will affect the life of the building. As a greater volume of more detailed information is recorded, fundamental design parameters are continuously evolving, not least because intense storms are occurring with increasing frequency.

1. In addition, building gravity loading comprising of permanent (dead) loading and variable occupancy (imposed) loading are also considered.
2. Those occupancy loadings set out in standards are related to statistical probability that they will not be exceeded.
3. A Continuously Evolving Profession On May 16th 1968 in Canning Town, London, a gas explosion caused Ronan Point, a 22-storey block of flats to partially collapse.

Although, fortunately, there were few casualties, subsequent investigations identified deficiencies in both design and construction as factors that had given rise to the failure. Inevitably, public confidence in high-rise residential buildings sank, but as a result of the investigations, major changes in UK building regulations were implemented.

The collapse, proportionate to the size of initial event; andThe degree to which the damage extended, which has given rise to gradual collapse, may be deemed to have brought about disproportionate collapse.

There are, however, instances where complete collapse is accepted. In other cases, partial collapse, without collapse spreading unduly, or indeed a significant distortion or alteration to the structure can be regarded as manageable. That is, the structure must be stable as opposed to serviceable as, ultimately, the imperative is for the structure not to put lives at risk.

Once occupants are evacuated to a place of safety, it may be necessary to demolish the building. The structural requirement states that the primary frame and floors must provide for emergency evacuation, but does not extend to the stipulations regarding the protection of façade, finishes etc. That is, the requirement has a simple aim of saving lives.

It is not required to attenuate all outcomes, rather, just avoid collapse becoming disproportionate. Continual Development On June 14th 2017 the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block in North Kensington, London caught fire. The fire, which engulfed the building caused at least 72 deaths, and over 70 injuries.

• As with Ronan Point, public confidence in such structures has dropped.
• This and the subsequent Hackett report which identified shortfalls in current Building Regulations, mean changes in UK building regulations are expected to be implemented.
• Looking to the Future It has been said that were it not for engineers, we would all still be living in caves.

We sometimes allow ourselves grandiose mission statements, “to divert natural resources for the benefit of humankind”. Perhaps more pertinent to our engineering role is we are at the forefront of assessing the natural environmental influences on our designs, wind, rain and flood.