What is Structural Engineering?

The field of structural engineering entails the design of buildings and non-building structures, such as machinery, medical equipment, vehicles, etc. Structural engineering focuses on ensuring a building's structural integrity and strength. It is the discipline of civil engineering that ensures structures are sturdy, safe, and won't collapse under the weight of their loads.

Structural Engineers: Who are they and what do they do?

Engineers specialize in designing roof framing (beams, rafters, joists, trusses), floor framing (joists, beams, trusses, girders), arches, columns, braces, frames, foundations, and walls. From bridges to hospitals, homes, and public artworks, structural engineers help create record-breaking structures and they work with architects, builders, and other professionals in a team environment. They are also responsible for designing dams, water, and sewer systems, which must be built to be safe, meet local codes, and be built to last, in addition to designing roads and bridges.

These are the tasks that a structural engineer will have to perform: 

Using software to design structures 

Calculate the elements of a building accurately

 Analyzing how buildings react to stresses and pressures 

Choosing the materials that would be appropriate for the structure 

Budgeting the project

 Assuring that newly erected buildings are structurally sound by coordinating with construction contractors

 Simulating various structures using expert knowledge of the forces acting on them using computers and computer-aided design (CAD) technology

Engineers need the following skills

knowledge of engineering science and technology.

math knowledge.

knowledge of building and construction.

design skills and knowledge.

excellent verbal communication skills.

complex problem-solving skills.

thinking and reasoning skills.

to be thorough and pay attention to detail.

Top Structural Engineering/Civil Engineering Colleges in India

 Bharati Vidyapeeth's College of Engineering, 

Pune NMIMS' Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering

 Mumbai IES Institute of Technology and Management,

 Bhopal R.V College of Engineering, 

Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bangalore

 SRM University, Chennai

Most structural engineers work in engineering consultancies. This can be either large international companies or small firms operated by a single person. The large companies, which often offer a complete 'design and build' service, provide a high level of training, a range of work, and international travel opportunities.

Other employers include:

aircraft manufacturers

local authorities

oil companies

railway operators.

The following are some job options in detail 

Structural design engineer 

Engineers who specialize in structural design prepare the details, drawings, and schematics for building larger structures such as bridges and buildings. 

Civil designers

Civil engineers draft both 2D and 3D designs of pipe networks, utilities, roadways, and other infrastructure systems for building projects. In addition, they interpret civil engineering drawings and building plans to determine where utility and piping systems should be located

Quantity surveyor

quantity surveyors are experts in cost management and contract management in the construction industry. And they are responsible for managing the costs of building and civil engineering projects, right down to the final billing.

Lead Structural Engineer

The Lead Structural Engineer prepares the design and construction documents for new structures in addition to the structural upgrades of existing facilities of various sizes as a member of an integrated multidisciplinary team.