Structural Engineering

Structural engineering is a branch of the engineering profession that is concerned with the design, fabrication, and evaluation of structures. These structures can include those made from earth, concrete, wood, metal, or nearly any other available material. Structural engineers design roadways, bridges, skyscrapers, tunnels, pipelines, dams, and many other critical structures.

The earliest builders in history can be considered structural engineers. These early engineers built stone and earthen structures for fortifications, bridges to cross waterways that were otherwise impassable, and stone monuments, such as the Pyramids of Giza. Structural engineers designed and built ships to withstand the forces of water and wind.

Today's structural engineers generally have a background in either mechanical engineering or civil engineering. In either case, a structural engineer has a deep understanding of how materials behave under a variety of loading conditions, structural configurations, and environmental conditions.

Structural engineers are the most likely to be professional engineer, a title given by their state licensing board to engineers that meet rigorous requirements for education, experience, and competence.

Structural engineers often enter the work force as an entry-level engineer, working with more senior engineers. Entry-level structural engineers will often perform basic design work, calculations, and drafting tasks. Once he has gained more experience, he will earn more responsibility, including managing junior personnel and project. Structural engineers who achieve professional licensing can oversee larger projects and sign off on final designs. Senior structural engineers will manage larger teams of engineers and support personnel.