Topic: Introduction to Structural Engineering (Analysis
and Design Process)
Course & Section: CE 15.1 B2
What is structural engineering?
Structural engineering is the subfield of civil
engineering concerned with the strength and stability of
buildings, bridges, airplanes, vehicles and other
structures. The structural engineer works with architects
and designers to calculate the system of support and
other requirements to ensure the structural integrity of
the finished product. Structural engineers apply
knowledge of physics, math and many other disciplines
in their work and structural design requirements can vary
based on geological constraints and challenges such as
earthquake zones and soil types.
Structural engineering theory is based upon
applied physical laws and empirical knowledge of the
structural performance of different materials and
geometries. Structural engineering design uses a
number of relatively simple structural concepts to build
complex structural systems. Structural engineers are
responsible for making creative and efficient use of
funds, structural elements and materials to achieve
these goals.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is a historical achievement of
structural engineering.
Structural Engineering Theory:
Structural engineering depends upon a detailed
knowledge of applied mechanics, materials science, and
applied mathematics to understand and predict how
structures support and resist self-weight and imposed
loads. To apply the knowledge successfully a structural
engineer generally requires detailed knowledge of
relevant empirical and theoretical design codes, the
techniques of structural analysis, as well as some
knowledge of the corrosion resistance of the materials
and structures, especially when those structures are
exposed to the external environment. Since the 1990s,
specialist software has become available to aid in the
design of structures, with the functionality to assist in the
drawing, analyzing and designing of structures with
maximum precision; examples include AutoCAD,
StaadPro, ETABS, Prokon, Revit Structure, Inducta
RCB, etc. Such software may also take into
consideration environmental loads, such as earthquakes
and winds.
Structural Engineers:
Structural engineers are responsible for engineering
design and structural analysis. Entry-level structural
engineers may design the individual structural elements
of a structure, such as the beams and columns of a
building. More experienced engineers may be
responsible for the structural design and integrity of an
entire system, such as a building.
Structural engineers often specialize in particular types
of structures, such as buildings, bridges, pipelines,
industrial, tunnels, vehicles, ships, aircraft, and
spacecraft. Structural engineers who specialize in
buildings often specialize in particular construction
materials such as concrete, steel, wood, masonry,
alloys, and composites, and may focus on particular
types of buildings such as offices, schools, hospitals,
residential, and so forth.
The role of a structural engineer today involves a
significant understanding of both static and dynamic
loading and the structures that are available to resist
them. The complexity of modern structures often
requires a great deal of creativity from the engineer in
order to ensure the structures support and resist the
loads they are subjected to. A structural engineer will
typically have a four or five-year undergraduate degree,
followed by a minimum of three years of professional
practice before being considered fully qualified.
Structural engineers are licensed or accredited by
different learned societies and regulatory bodies around
the world (for example, the Institution of Structural
Engineers in the UK).
Procedure of Structural Design
In this article named “Procedure of Structural Design”,
the steps involved in the design process are described.
The primary objective of structural analysis and design is
to produce a structure capable of resisting all applied
loads without failure during its intended life. If improperly
designed, elements of a structure would fail causing
serious consequences such as large expenses or
ultimately losses in lives which cannot be compared with
any cost.
Once the architectural engineer sets the function and
layout of the structure, the role of the structural engineer
begins which can be summarized in the following steps
to develop a safe, functional and economic structures.
CE 15.1 Lecture 1.0 | 1
 forces [Normal Force, Shear Force, Bending
Moments] on each elements is calculated.

Example of an Architectural Plan

STEP 1: CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

In this stage, initial design of the building elements (e.g.

slabs, beams, columns …etc.) is performed based on
code recommendations.
Example of a Structural Model

It starts with selecting the appropriate columns’ locations STEP 3: ITERATIVE DESIGN
and orientation in such a way that they do not interfere
with the architectural drawings. For example, you do not
Now you have the straining actions on the elements
want a column to be in the middle of a room or
based on the initial sizing and simply, you can use them
something like that. Also, one should consider that at
to design according to the relevant code. The design
least 30% of the total number of columns to be in either
process became so easy by using some spreadsheets
x- or y- directions to give adequate earthquake
or any other software that facilitates the design.
resistance of the building.

Next, the analysis model should be modified to the new

After that, the type of structural system is selected. For dimensions obtained from the previous design and the
instance, the slab might be chosen to be solid slab, analysis is re-run. Internal forces are obtained and
hollow block or flat slab … etc. Accordingly, the location design is made again based on the new forces.
of beams are determined.

STEP 2: DETERMINING THE INTERNAL FORCES OF

EACH ELEMENT

After finishing the initial design, the exact dimensions of

each building element shall be determined. First, an
analysis model is created for the building with its initial
dimensions as determined from STEP 1 on an analysis
software such as SAP 2000.

All the loads that act on the structure have to defined in

the model such as dead loads, live loads, wind and
earthquake loads … etc.From the model, the internal

CE 15.1 Lecture 1.0 | 2

Example of Stress Diagram

STEP 4: FOUNDATION DESIGN

After the final dimensions of members are found, the

foundation system type can be selected taking in
consideration, the bearing capacity of the soil and the
loading coming from the structure.

STEP 5: DRAFTING

In this step, the structural plans are created. These plans

should be fully detailed such that the construction
process in the site can proceed smoothly and not
delayed due to missing data in the drawings.

Example of Structural Drawings

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