Structural Information Survey

Click here to go straight to the survey.

Structural Engineering may be said to be a mature discipline. The basic ideas have been known for many years. Because of this there is a tendency in some quarters to think that research is not that important. However, as everyone will know, the challenges we face as Structural Engineers have changed and in many cases the need for basic information is just as critical. New techniques and new materials are being used in many situations and our increased ability to analyse structures in more detail means that our understanding of their basic properties and performance also needs to be more detailed. The structures we design also have to make their contribution to the low carbon, sustainable solutions that are required today.

The Institution's Research Panel would like to establish whether or not a lack of information is affecting our ability to provide the best answer for our clients. In order to do this we have set up a simple survey in which members can identify topics where they have had problems. The survey is web based and there are only six questions, so I hope that all members will find time to respond.

Responses will be collected up until 31 January 2008, but we would urge you to respond sooner rather than later. The results will be analysed and a strategy put in place to begin to resolve the issues that emerge.

Mike Banfi
Research Panel Chairman