Civil and structural engineering: the major principles

Structural engineering is a discipline within the field of civil and structural engineering that focuses on the framework of any building. This is specifically with reference to the stresses and pressures that will be placed on any structure, with regards to the materials used and conditions the building will be placed under in the future.

The primary aim of any structural engineer is to ensure that the structure is strong enough to support the rest of the building, and that it won’t fall down, fracture or break.

Structural engineering is among the oldest fields in the profession. From the moment mankind started making buildings, there have been engineers working out how much weight they can take and how to increase the strength of building designs.

Structural engineers also need to think about the environmental conditions. There are many external factors that can have an influence on the structure of a building. These can include gravity, wind and weather conditions, ground movement, inclines and more. All of these need to enter the equation for any structural engineer.

As you can tell, structural engineers need to be highly trained and skilled in what they do. Engineers need to have an in-depth understanding of material strength, as well as cost, an understanding of building design and the ability to work closely with architects, builders and other professionals in the building process. Clear communication is an essential tool of the structural engineer.

Engineers also need to be able to monitor effectively. This refers to the process by which things change during the build. Engineers need to check for any modifications that are made and be prepared for any future changes that might occur. For example, steel can rust, which greatly reduces its strength and integrity. Structural engineers need to be aware of this and take precautionary measures to mitigate it.

Here at APEC we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality civil and structural engineering services. We aim to deliver projects on time and in budget. So if you're looking for Civil Engineering Contractors in East Anglia, find out more about our services and projects by getting in touch with our team on 01379 673 024