Whether the pyramids of Egypt or the Acropolis in Greece, both rely on ‘safe’ designs from excellent engineering techniques. One of the reasons why these structures stand safe after so many years is that the ancient engineers must have accurately predicted the performance of shapes and materials used in the structures to design the load-bearing elements the same, safely. This method is used today and is known by structural engineering. Structural engineering shall therefore be defined as a branch of civil engineering that incorporates the applications of the laws of physics and mathematics to design the load-bearing elements in artificial structures.
Structural Engineering Through Ages
Structural engineering has been in the limelight since 2700 B. C. E and has advanced through the ages to offer engineering services that cater to public safety. This type of engineering is also visible in the arcuate style of architecture that was prevalent in the medieval era in India. 12th Century India saw this stylistic development called proper arch, the weight of which relied on a load-bearing element called the keystone. The weight of the arch above the door or window relied entirely on this keystone. Likewise, several load-bearing elements in modern-day buildings ensure their safety and are incorporated into structural engineering services.
Structural Engineers and Their Role
On the other hand, structural engineers are trained professionals who ensure that the structures used in our daily lives are stable enough and don’t collapse under applied loads. These professionals exercise their technical knowledge to analyze the geometries and shapes of the building.
Generally, the structural design process can be divided into three parts: load calculation, structural analysis, and design. However, other factors like the building function, building standards, and building codes can be used to estimate the weight of the building and design it accordingly so that it remains unaffected by disasters. The top priority of a structural engineer is public safety. Creating a safe building design is the ultimate motto of any structural engineer.
The core competencies required to become a structural engineer include specialist knowledge in building informatics, business administration and geology, building structural analysis, and mastery over complex calculations. However, structural engineers are way more than math wizards. The structural engineering services shall be enlisted as under:
- Research on structural systems and components
- Analysis of structural components
- Preparing reports
- Preparing design drafts
- Assisting builders and architects in the way of construction
- Renovating the building according to the functionality
- Renovating a building after it has been damaged by fire or any other disaster
Many times, a structural engineer is confused with an architect. The two roles are entirely different. While an architect works on designing spaces that suit the customer’s needs, a structural engineer is into analyzing the structure to ensure that it is safe. So, if you are planning an alteration to any structural element or changing the use of a building, consulting a structural engineer is a must.
BIM: Digital Representation in Engineering
With the advancements in technology, structural engineering techniques have been made less labor intensive. The BIM modeling services have made it easier for structural engineers to improve their accuracy and constructability. BIM stands for building information and modeling services and shall be defined as a holistic process involving creating and managing information for an asset. More specifically, it integrates structured data to produce a digital representation of an asset across its lifecycle. Besides creating mechanical designs, it reduces errors and risks, thereby increasing accuracy and constructability.
Innovations that Cater to Structural Engineering
Apart from BIM services, several innovations have aided a structural engineer in determining the safety of a building.
- One such method is modular engineering which involves prefabricated building materials to improve build quality and reduce the workforce.
- On the other hand, advanced safety technologies like intelligent backup systems, RFID tags, and drone technologies have taken center stage in structural engineering owing to their interoperability with traditional safety systems and designs.
- Drone technology is widely used for structural inspections, and drone mapping works wonders for research.
- The digital simulation techniques make room for preparing an integrated structural design before the first shovel hits the dirt.
- With the advent of advanced 3D printing machines, or additive manufacturing as we call them, structural analysis has become more manageable and advanced.
Conclusion
Structural engineering is thus a crucial part of civil engineering that aims to work for public safety. It has broad applicability in disaster management and has taken center stage in the past few years with innovations and automated construction documentation. We are all aware that the consequences of a collapsed structure are catastrophic. It impacts human lives severely and leaves many of the population helpless. Advancements in structural engineering can thus cater to such problems in the present and future.
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