What is structural engineering?

Structural engineering is a design of structural support systems for buildings, bridges, earthworks and industrial structures. This branch of engineering focuses on the safe support of the burden and relies on the principles of physics and mathematics in designing these supports. The work is carried out by structural engineers, although in many areas the boundaries between civil and structural engineering are blurred. As buildings become increasingly complicated, many universities and licensing councils create separate programs and certification for structural engineers and help to distinguish them as their own separate field.

Tasks involved in structural engineering are diverse and complex, but the primary goal is always to develop a support system that allows the structure to stand safely and minimize the risk of collapse. During the design, the engineer must be responsible for changes in temperature, weather and many other factors and choose materials that will withstand such elements. He or must create a structure with sufficient deflection and swing,to be responsible for natural shifts and expansion without creating danger or discomfort for passengers. Finally, they must complete the design and specify the materials that fit into the project budget.

During the design of the building structural engineers closely cooperate with architects and other members of the project team. For structurally intensive projects such as skyscrapers, a design engineer often leads the design process. In such cases, structural elements often take precedence over architectural features, although the design must still hold the necessary building components such as mechanical and electrical systems.

Using columns, beams, boards and other design engineering elements, the engineer suggests a safe and practical support system that meets all project criteria. May use mats made of iron or steel as a structural base of the building, although another solid variant isEdstical concrete and pre -wing panels. For smaller structures, wooden beams can also be efficient support material and also offer a unique look when left. Other materials used by the structural engineer include aluminum and steel alloys and brick units.

Due to the complexity of this area, most structural engineers have at least a four -year university degree. In most areas, structural engineering experts must also be licensed, although the requirements differ dramatically. In the US, a structural engineer must have a four or five -year degree of work experience for several years before he can apply for licensing. All potential candidates are tested by means of tests developed by the National Council in Engineering and the Survey (NCEES), which is the National Government Authority for Engineering Certification.