 Basically they construct. But there is more to it than dreaming up a design and constructing it. When you look at a construction - a bridge, a concert hall, a block of flats - you may not see an apparent similarity with one of nature's finest examples of structural engineering - the human body. But the similarity is there.
The central strength of the body lies in the skeleton, the hidden framework that supports our shape and is integral to our ability to function. Without it we would collapse. To the Chartered Structural Engineer, the same considerations of strength, shape and function are paramount in their conception of the framework of a structure.
Then having chosen appropriate materials - such as steel, brick, concrete or timber - they have to design the structure and make all the necessary checks and calculations to ensure that the foundations will be sound, that the floors and roof will not fall down, and that the construction as a whole will remain safe and serviceable for the length of its intended lifetime.
A structural engineer is a professional man or woman who is involved in the design and supervision of the construction of all kinds of structures such as houses, theatres, sports stadia, hospitals, bridges, oil rigs, space satellites and office blocks.
Every construction project is unique and will involve the expertise of a number of professional people including a structural engineer. The specialist skills of a structural engineer will include calculating loads and stresses, investigating the strength of foundations and analysing the behaviour of beams and columns in steel, concrete or other materials to ensure the structure has the strength required to perform its function safely, economically and with a shape and appearance that is visually satisfying. |
