What is a Structural Engineer?
Structural engineers design, create, solve problems, innovate and use maths and science to shape the world. The structures they create are used by all of us every day; from houses, theatres, sports stadia and hospitals, to bridges, oil rigs and space satellites. Structural engineers are involved at every stage of a structure’s realisation and they play a key part in design and construction teams. Working with architects, and alongside other professions, structural engineers create conceptual designs and ensure that the structure can be built and is stable and durable. Structural analysis enables engineers to understand the effects of loads or stresses caused by gravity, the users of the structure, and the widely varying climatic conditions and ground conditions around the world. Choosing appropriate materials for the structure is also an important feature of the structural engineer’s work.