Structural Engineering is both the art and science of designing structures (buildings and residential site infrastructure in the case of Structensor), analysing structural performance and assessing historic and forensic structural performance. Structural Engineers are excellent problem solvers, designers and safety experts to ensure the safe and economical development of building structures. They use a background in mathematics and physics which is coupled with practical experience to build models of structural behaviour that inform design decisions for new build developments and provide an insight into the performance of existing or even failed structures.
A Chartered Structural Engineering is a professional member of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IstructE). This is the professional body to which professional structural engineers belong. See the video for additional information from IstructE.
Structural Engineers dealing with building structures within the UK typically operate within the framework of the UK Building Regulations and, in particular, Part A of the Building Regulations. Outside of building structures, they operate within extended UK standards such as those developed by Highways England for infrastructure. In each case, they comply with the Eurocode Standards for structural engineering and where this is not applicable, develop safe design and assessments methods from first principles. In addition to core standards, they will operate in compliance with Health and Safety standards such as the Construction Design and Management Regulations within the UK.
Each and every day a person relies on structural engineering. Whether it be in the stability of the home in which they reside, the office they work, the bridge they cross when travelling or in the reliance they place in the telecommunication mast for their mobile phones.
Structural Engineers work with other professionals within the building industry to deliver successful developments. These include Civil Engineers, Architects and Architectural Technologists, Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, Geotechnical Engineers and Geologists to name a few. They are appointed by all forms of clients from private individuals to developers, corporate organisations, insurers and warranty providers.