What is Structural Engineering?

Structural engineering is typically considered to be a branch of civil engineering, although there are some programs of study and some degrees specifically in structural engineering. The primary work done by a structural engineer consists of analyzing and designing structures. This design must be done to ensure that the structures will withstand projected loads, yet be economical to build. The projected loads may include some due to natural forces of nature and some due to applied loads put on the structure as it is being used. The natural forces of nature may include wind, snow, or possibly an earthquake, for example. The other applied loads may include, for example, equipment, furniture, people, and the weight of the structure itself. The forces or loads that the structural engineer must design for may include forces that do not change with time, called static loads, and forces that do change with time, called dynamic loads.

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Structural engineers design a wide range of types of structures. Traditionally one thinks of examples such as large buildings, arenas, dams, or bridges in connection with the word structure, and in

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In order to be responsible for structural engineering work, it is necessary to be licensed as an engineer in most countries. Various agencies around the world have the responsibility for engineering licensing or certifying for their jurisdiction. In the United States, each state has jurisdiction for granting an engineering license to practice the profession in their particular state. In some jurisdictions, there is separate licensing for structural engineers. In other jurisdictions they may be lumped with civil engineers or simply professional engineers. In order to be eligible for licensing as a structural engineer, civil engineer or engineer, one typically must have completed an appropriate four or five year degree program, have at least three years professional experience under the supervision of an appropriately licensed engineer, and take and pass an examination.

A structural engineer typically doesn't work in isolation. Working together with professionals in other disciplines is usually part of the job. Other disciplines which often interact with structural engineers are architects, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, geotechnical engineers, and environmental engineers. The structural engineer often works closely with an architect. The structural engineer must understand the architect's plan and design, so that the structural support elements can be be placed so that they complement the design rather than interfere with it.