Who is a Structural Engineer? Structural Engineer - a person engaged in the professional practice of consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning or design of structures (buildings, bridges, or other structures) to safely resist vertical and horizontal loads which include gravity, earth pressure, wind and seismic forces. The structual engineer is licensed through examination by the state to use the title "Structural Engineer". What is the difference between a Civil Engineer and a Structural Engineer? Very good question. Structural Engineering is a discipline of Civil Engineering. Most of the Universities give their degrees in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Structural Engineering. In the state of California this is a title which needs to be earned by examination. In the state of California, "any civil engineer may practice structural engineering except in those areas specifically restricted. The practice is restricted by laws and ordinances enacted by State, counties, and municipalities after the authority was established. Currently, one must be registered as a Structural Engineer to design Hospitals and schools (primary, secondary, junior college) structural systems."
What's the difference between an Architect and a Structural Engineer? The Architect designs what a building will look like, they define the building's style. The Structural Engineer designs the building's structure (skeleton) so that it will not collapse during normal every day use due to imposed gravity loads. The Structural Engineer's design also attempts to prevent the building occupant's from loss of life during an earthquake or wind storm (example: Hurricane) where damage is expected to occur to the building from such an event.
What does a typical workday for a structural engineer involve?
A typical workday would involve performing structural calculations, building computer based models of the structure, drawing up supportive building details, making plan changes on the drawings, interacting with the client/architect and other consultants involved in the project. Depending on what capacity you are working in, it might also involve supervising junior engineers working with you on the project, coordination/generation of cad drawings etc. If your involved in the construction administration phase of a project, you would be visiting the job site to resolve construction related issues and working with the contractor on the project. In a nutshell, a typical day calls for a right mix of engineering, fieldwork, public relations and decision-making.
How do I talk with a structural engineer to obtain more information?
Your best resources to find a Structural Engineer in your area are to look in the yellow pages under "Engineers - Structural" and then this Web page under SE referrals. When calling a Structural Engineering Firm ask to speak to one of the principles of the firm and be prepared to give a little information about your specific problem or question.
How do I hire a structural engineer to do engineering analysis? This will depend upon your design project (house, office building, etc). On larger projects, often the architect you selected for your project hires the structural engineer and other consultants. As a prospective building owner, you can always request that the architect use the structural engineer you personally select. For small projects you may choose to have a written contract directly with the Structural Engineer. The engineer should tell you exactly what would be covered by their services (engineering analysis, preparation of structural drawings, any corrections required by Building Department, site inspections, etc.). Who Designs Schools and Hospitals in California? The structural framing members (beams, columns, walls, floor, roof, etc.) of Schools and Hospitals can only be designed by California licensed Structural Engineers. California licensed Civil Engineers are not allowed to specially design these types of structures.
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