Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering which core function is the design of

support systems for structures such as earth works, bridges, buildings, and industrial
structures. The main focus is put on supporting that these structures bear, and it relies on the
concepts of mathematics and physics. The modern times are defined by increasing complex
designs, and this has made the licensing boards and universities to come up with separate
certifications and programs for structural engineers. These are essential in demarcating the
line between structural engineering and other specializations in civil engineering. Numerous
complex tasks are often carried out by structural engineers all of which culminate into the
development of support systems that allow structures to stand safely with minimal chances of
collapsing.

Structural engineering is one of the engineering specializations that started sometime in 2700
BC. The first engineer to be known by name was Imhotep who built the step pyramid for
pharaoh. The pyramids are some of the famous buildings that structural engineers pride
themselves for due to the fact that their structural form is intrinsically stable to the point
where they can be almost scaled infinitely. This sets the pyramids apart from most of the
ancient structural forms that cannot facilitate a linear increase in size in proportion to the
increased loads. The structures and designs that were put up in ancient and medieval history
were mainly based on what had worked before rather than on empirical evidence. Thus, most
of the time, there were replication of structures with minimal increase in scale from what had
been put up before.

The advent of the structural engineering specialization, industrial revolution, and concrete re-
invention brought about rapid changes in terms of structural development. The structural
engineers are mainly motivated by the ingenious manipulation of forms and materials coupled
with the fundamental principles of mathematics and physics. This culminates into structures
that fulfill their core functional requirements. The structures are also safe since they can bear
different types of loads. While striving for ensuring that these structures are put up
successfully, the engineers still manage to be economical. Thus, the end result is not only
artistic, aesthetic, and functional but also safe, economical, and realistic to be performed.
In most of the building projects, the architect assumes lead role of the designer. In such
instances, the structural engineer assumes the role of a sub-consultant. This will always be the
scenario only when the projects are structurally simple such as residential establishments and
multi-storey offices. However, when the structure in question greatly relies on its form for
strength, then the structural engineer has a greater influence on the form and aesthetics than
the architect. Such structures include grid shells and shells that are mainly governed by tensile
forces . Thus, the successful implementation of complex projects is mainly credited to the
structural engineer even when the architect is the lead contractor.

Structural engineering plays a crucial role in contributing to the growth, expansion, and
advancement of nations. In any developing nation, the structural engineering forms like
nuclear and thermal power plants, bridges, and multi-storey edifices play important role in
strengthening the economy. For instance, when the engineers construct such structures as
bridges, the country’s economy and resources are marketed to the whole world right from the
design phase to the final implementation. Through this, they contribute to the growth of the
economy. When the engineers go to extremes in ensuring that a structure is successfully put
up, they get to integrate either directly or indirectly some of the life skills such as
management and marketing, which are not taught in school to be put into practice.
Some other engineering specializations such as hydraulics and geotechnical engineering can
effectively implement processes through pure trial and error techniques in instances where the
whole design is not dependent on the built conditions. However, the credibility of any
structural engineering form is rarely questioned since it is based on the strict adherence to the
requirements of the standard codes. However, the structural engineer get to master the art to
the point in time. Here, he or she can follow all the stipulations and manage to put up the
predefined structure within the time frame and with high accuracy levels

Structural engineering is basically a specialization of civil engineering. However, these

engineers get to apply the knowledge acquired within a vast field that encompasses almost all
key engineering designs. The knowledge of these specialists is not just confined to buildings
and other complex structures. These engineers can also take up roles that involve designing
machinery in the instances where the structural reliability of the design item impacts its
durability and safety. Thus, the engineers’ competence, decisiveness, efficiency, and quick
decisions come to play in such situations since they always have to guarantee that the final
product is safe and economical.

Structural engineers are also credited for the high levels of safety that they strive for ensuring
since they hold the lives of other people in their hands. The engineers have to design
structures that are physically able to resist specific forces and pressures. Thus, they take up
one of the most significant roles in the field of construction. The expertise and technical
knowledge of structural engineers have ensured that the buildings that people live or work in
and spend practically the majority of their days does not expose them to serious injury or even
death . During the lifetime of any structure, it will be subjected to numerous strains and
stresses. The structural engineers ensure that the buildings remain flexible and robust enough
to maintain safety and solidity. Without the contribution of structural engineers, buildings
may vibrate, bend, or twist in a manner that can result in loss of human lives and structural
damage . The engineers also take the initiative of ensuring that old buildings still remain safe
and strong.

Structural engineering encompasses the probable changes that may need to be incorporated in
the future by ensuring that these structures can safely withstand all the forces. The structures
that they put up are designed to adequately meet their main goal and still serve the intended
purpose throughout their lifetime.They not only invest in the immediate demands and loads
but in the future ones as well. This is an exciting and thoughtful prospect that can result in
rapid development due to the reduction in the amount of time spent on expanding or
correcting structures every few years. The resources that would have otherwise been used on
one project for extended periods are maximally allocated, and the given nation gets to
experience tremendous growth. This concept also enables structural engineers to act in every
stage of the project since their innovation and creativity make them come up with sustainable
solutions to some of the major problems encountered during implementation

The work of structural engineers is not confined to an office, it includes visiting construction
site too. The design and calculations can be done in the office. However, they still go to the
construction site to check the site conditions, the dimensions, the progress and so on. All of
this is done within the standard working hours. In the initial stages of the project, the engineer
has to visit the site to determine the accessible area, the height limitations, and many other
factors that are crucial in ascertaining the feasibility of the project. However, once all the
measurements have been done, they go back to the office work and occasionally visit the site
to check the progress and areas that need amendments. This flexibility enables them to handle
more than one project at a time. Some people may say that they just landed into their given
professions; however, for structural engineers, several factors drive them to pursue that
course. For instance, when the news headline has something to do with natural disasters, then
an individual is compelled to think of how important it is to have safe and solid structures.

The modern world is characterized by an ever increasing quest for rapid expansion by taking
up large-scale projects. Even when there is a recession, the opportunities will always be there
for structural engineers during the recovery process. This happens owing to the fact that the
specialization provides some of the most important requirements for modern society. That is,
people will always need a place to live, safe water supplies, waste treatment, and disposal
facilities. The ancient world had intelligent and creative thinkers who came up with solutions
for the problems of their times.. These engineers simply think differently compared to many
other professionals. Structural engineers have different mind-sets and opinions from those of
managers, and this difference may sometimes create conflict. However, most people in all
professions eventually learn to work around the creative nature and imaginative sense of
engineers and even empower them to imagine, innovate, and invent. Structural engineers are
indeed important since they make the world habitable, solve problems, contribute to
economic growth, and get paid sufficiently while doing it.