Understanding What Structural

Engineering Is and Why It Is

Important
Structural engineering is one of the most fundamental engineering disciplines because it deals
directly with the structural integrity and strength of a building or structure. Thus all construction
projects must utilize the principles of structural engineering in order for the new building or structure
to bear its own load and to be able to withstand the demands that will be placed upon it. Let’s take a
closer look at what structural engineering is, why it is so important, and how Fittz & Shipman assists
its clients with this service.

What Is Structural Engineering?

Structural engineering is founded on the principles of physics and mathematics. It involves applying
knowledge of physical laws as well as empirical research into the strength of different materials as
well as the necessary geometry and calculations required for a structure to be sound. Some key
ways that structural engineering affects projects include the design of the structure and an analysis
of the structure.
Design of the Structure – Structures must be designed so that they can withstand their own weight
as well as the loads and pressures that will be placed upon them. Structural engineers provide
crucial information about roof types, foundations, floors, steel beams, material quality, retaining
walls, and more. A structure that does not consider structural engineering in its design runs the risk
of collapsing under its own weight or under the environmental pressures placed on it.
Analysis of the Structure – A thorough analysis of the structure according to the principles of
structural engineering will ensure that the new building or structure is up to all necessary design
codes. Careful analysis also yields information about the load the structure can bear, the wind
velocity it can withstand and the overall capability and utility of the building.

Why Is Structural Engineering Important?

Structural engineering is crucial because it directly impacts the safety and durability of buildings and
structures. For example it is structural engineering that allows for an accurate estimation of safe
weight maximums on bridges, the storm force winds a warehouse or facility can withstand, or the
magnitude of tremors a skyscraper can endure during an earthquake.
Structural engineering is also tasked with ensuring that materials and resources are used efficiently.
For example structural engineers must be able to determine the optimal material grade that ensures
safety and function without unnecessarily raising costs. Structural engineers must also be able to
work within the design aesthetics called for by the project. Thus structural engineering plays a crucial
role by marrying visual appeal, practical function, and budgetary resources in a way that satisfies all
needs.

What does a structural engineer do?

Structural engineers often work alongside civil engineers and architects as part of a construction team. "In
a nutshell," according to the Institution of Structural Engineers, "if a structure was a human body, then the
architect would be concerned with the body shape and appearance, and the structural engineer would be
concerned with the skeleton and sinews."
Structural engineers "design roof framing (beams, rafters, joists, trusses), floor framing (floor decks, joists,
beams, trusses, girders), arches, columns, braces, frames, foundations and walls," according to
the National Structural Code of the Philippines. "In bridges, they design the deck — or riding surface,
girders or stringers, and piers. The materials they use include steel, concrete, wood, masonry, and
aluminum. Engineers design the structure to resist forces from gravity, earthquakes, high winds, water,
soil, collisions and blast explosions."

Structural engineer's job includes:

 Analyzing blueprints, maps, reports, and topographical and geological data;

 Estimating the cost and quantities of materials, equipment and labor;

 Computing load and grade requirements, water flow rates and material stress factors to

determine design specifications;

 Inspecting project sites to monitor progress and ensure the project is being constructed according

to design specifications;

 Conducting studies of traffic patterns or environmental conditions to identify potential problems

and assess how they will affect the project.

Critical skills that a person needs in structural engineering include an in-depth understanding of physics
and mathematics. A structural engineer must also know the properties of various materials, such as their
density, hardness, tensile strength, bulk modulus and bending strength. They need to be able to calculate
how different materials will perform under stresses such as compression, tension, bending and twisting,
as well as under various environmental conditions of temperature, pressure, corrosive gases and liquids,
and even radiation. They also need to be able to predict how these materials will perform over an
extended period of time.

Structural engineers rely increasingly on computer-aided design (CAD) systems, so proficiency with
computers is essential. In addition to speeding up the drafting process, CAD systems allow for quick and
easy modifications of designs and three-dimensional (3D) visualization of finished parts and assemblies.