What is Structural Engineering?

Have you ever stopped to wonder at a huge variety of the buildings and bridges and other structures that we see all around us? Why do we just assume that houses will stay up and bridges won’t fall down? Have you ever wondered who made the Burj Khalifa, an 828-meter tall structure standing? Have you ever wondered who made Akashi-Kaikyo bridge with the longest span of 1992 meter standing just on two legs? The answer can be found out in the work of the Structural Engineer. As highly trained professionals, they work with architects and surveyors to ensure that whatever they are building can sustain the load and stresses, it will have to wear as well as improving the places where we live. They are the guardian of safe construction through the challenges they face, diverse and require both creativity and problem-solving skills.

Burj Khalifa

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

That’s why structural engineers are designers and problem solvers too, they are specialists to account for extreme conditions such as heavy snow or coastal storms. There are seismic structural engineers who meet the challenges of construction within Earthquake zones. There are those who focus on disaster relief helping to rebuild shattered communities and restore normal life. There are engineers who specialize in renovating the old building to continue use whilst preserving the heritage and meeting the modern standard and then there are forensic experts who investigate the reasons why some structures fail. Today’s structural engineer also faces the issue of climate change which will make structures need to endure a more challenging environment. Over time sustainability is an increasingly important goal, the new regulation requires materials and construction techniques to create a green building that is still strong and secure. Structural engineers are responsible for some of the most innovative concept projects and designs. They are developing new technologies and techniques to create extraordinary structures that are quite literally changing the world. But the work of the structural engineer isn’t just focussed on ground-breaking schemes they are also making a difference in people’s lives. Buying and improving your home can be a major expense but you can save money by consulting a qualified structural engineer. They identify problems early and provide cost-effective solutions and ensure that all regulation is probably met. They can also check that a property is structurally safe and secure with no nasty surprise to come later on.

So, the next time you are up on 50th floor or crossing a bridge or simply strolling a town, stop and reflect on just how much we owe to the talents and skills of the structural Engineers