Structural engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with structures, including different types of buildings. Structural engineers will be involved with the designing of different parts of a building such as the beams columns, and arches, through to the actual design of the building itself.
The History of Structural Engineering
Structural engineering has been around for many centuries and the ancient Egyptian Imhotep was considered the first structural engineer but it is only since the 19th century that the structural engineer as we know it came in to being with new understanding of structures. Since then many new developments have been made in this field which have allowed for the construction of stronger and higher buildings able to bear a greater load.
Structural Building Engineering
Structural building engineering is a sub-branch of the structural engineering branch which deals specifically with buildings and their components. It uses principles of physics and mathematics to determine the safety of different building structures and help to design solid buildings that will be able to take the required pressures.
Training of Structural Engineers
Structural engineers are usually professional civil engineers who have done a further masters degree in structural engineering, though it is possible to do a separate undergraduate degree in structural engineering. The training provided and whether structural engineers are also classified as civil engineers will generally differ according to your location.
Licensing of Structural Engineers
Licensing of structural engineers in America is dealt with by the state and each state has their own specific requirements for structural engineers before licensing can be done. In the United Kingdom licensing is done slightly differently and engineers can get qualified as chartered engineers or chartered structural engineers by going through “Initial Professional Development” after graduation.
Finding a Structural Engineer
You can find a number of structural engineers using the HandyAmerican.com directory or by posting your project details. Posting your project makes it visible to local contractors and allows them to bid competitively on your project.
It is important when employing a structural engineer that you check on their qualifications and licensing to ensure that they know what they are doing and try to get references and follow these up.
Structural engineers are responsible for the safety of structures such as buildings and require a specialized degree such as a Masters degree in structural engineering. They will be involved with designing many aspects of a building from the individual elements to the building itself.
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