What is Structural Engineering?

Structural Engineering refers to the process of designing structures that are safe, stable and efficient. Effectively a structure’s skeleton or ‘bones and joints’, structural engineers ensure their design can withstand its loads, occupants and forces such as gravity, wind and earthquakes

From towering contemporary skyscrapers to humble bridges, structural engineers utilising complex mathematical models and software to conceptualise and design structural framework to meet specific requirements, taking into account variables such as load-bearing capacity, material strength and aesthetic needs.

Understanding and calculating stability, strength and rigidity, structural engineering theory is defined by applied physical laws and empirical understanding of how different materials and geometries perform structurally.

A structural engineer is responsible for selecting the correct material for jobs, assessing factors such as cost, durability and environmental impact, whilst overseeing construction to ensure structures are assembled according to the original design and meet the relevant safety standards.

The Importance of Structural Engineering

Safety

The most important feature of any structure is ensuring safety.

From homes and bridges to skyscrapers, structural engineers help to ensure safety by carefully designing structures that can withstand the forces of nature and human activity without collapsing.

There are various methods structural engineers utilise to contribute to a structure’s safety, including;

• Load Calculations – This helps to determine the weight and force that structures will be exposed to, such as human activity and weight, furniture, wind, snow, earthquakes and more. It’s crucial that structural engineers efficiently distribute weight around a structure, from roof to foundation, minimising stress on any single points. Structural elements used include beams, columns, slabs, trusses and arches.
• Material Selection – Depending on specific loads and environmental conditions, structural engineers will select the right materials for the job. From strength and durability to fire-resistance, materials are required to withstand loads, resist degradation from the weather and corrosion whilst performing effectively amid various environmental factors.
• Structural Analysis – Highly trained and experienced structural engineers use software and calculations to determine how structures will behave in different conditions to locate any possible weakness and make adjustments.
• Code Compliance – Structural engineers are responsible for ensuring projects adhere to building codes and regulations for public safety.
• Risk Assessments – Potential hazards such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and fires can pose a serious threat to structures, and structural engineers utilise information available to design structures which mitigate risks.

Optimising Resources

Although safety and functionality cannot be compromised, structural engineers play a key role in ensuring structural environments are sustainable and cost-effective. With resource optimisation, structural engineers can reduce costs by efficiently utilising materials and labour to reduce overall project costs.

Structural engineers can also minimise environmental impact by reducing material usage and waste to lessen a structure’s carbon footprint. Similarly, by providing optimised and detailed designs, structural engineers can contribute to faster construction timelines.

Innovation

Structural engineers are not just problem-solvers.

Structural engineers are pioneering figures within society, pushing the boundaries of structural possibility. Just some of the ways structural engineers drive innovation include:

• New Materials – By incorporating innovative materials such as carbon fibre, graphene and advanced composites, structures can offer enhanced straight-to-weight ratios and durability for creating efficient and sustainable buildings and projects.
• Design Optimisation – Utilising advanced software and computational tools, structural engineers can discover limitless design possibilities, including most efficient, aesthetically impressive and structurally reliable buildings.
• Construction Methods – Techniques such as 3D printing and modular construction help structural engineers to ensure integrity and safety of fresh and innovative design approaches.
• Sustainability – The threat and consorted effort to prevent climate change and natural disasters has never been greater, and structural engineers are constantly developing innovative building practises which incorporable renewable energy sources, energy-efficient designs and environmentally-friendly materials.

What do Structural Engineers Design?

In built environments, structural engineers design the skeletal framework that support and shape our cities and civilisations.

Buildings

• Residential – Houses, apartments, loft conversions, refurbishments
• Commercial – Offices, hotels, shopping centres
• Industrial – Factories, warehouses, power plants
• Institutional – Schools, hospitals, governmental buildings

Infrastructure

• Bridges – Road, rail and pedestrian
• Tunnels – Road, rail and pedestrian

Other

• Offshore structures – Oil & gas extraction, renewable energy platforms
• Stadia & arenas
• Airports
• Communications

Structural Engineering Services by ENR Consulting Engineers

Based in Essex and serving London & surrounding areas, ENR Consulting Engineers are an innovative team of structural engineers specialising in the design, analysis and inspection of building structures.