What is structural engineering?

Posted by Architecture & Engineering Malaysia on November 30th, 2020

What is structural engineering?

Structural engineering includes the study and construction of systems such as buildings, bridges, towers, marine structures, dams, tunnels, retaining walls, and other infrastructures. Structural engineering underpins and sustains the built environment, where the buildings must be safe, serviceable, strong, aesthetically pleasing, and economical.

Structural engineering applies mathematics and physics to conventional building materials such as concrete, concrete, steel, timber, and glass and revolutionary engineering materials, including aluminium, polymers, and carbon fibres.

Structural design

The structural design shall specify the type of structure that is appropriate for a specific purpose, the materials to be used, the loads and other acts to be carried out by the structure, and the arrangement, layout, and dimension of its different components.
Structural architecture shall contain detailed measurements to ensure that:

• The structure is stable.
• All sections have sufficient strength to withstand design loads.
• The structure as a whole will remain serviceable throughout its construction life and will be able to fulfil its intended purpose
• Finally, structural architecture requires meticulous planning of sketches that will communicate the engineering design to the builders who will construct the structure.

Structural analysis

Structural analysis is an important part of the architecture of the structure. It requires the measurement of the structure's response to the design loads and the deformations exerted that it would have to endure over its lifespan. In structural engineering, the term 'deformation' refers to whether the object is temporarily or permanently modified due to the force applied. These calculations enable structural engineers to choose the best material for the construction and to ensure that it is suitable for the purpose for which it is being designed.