The Role of Structural Engineer in Building Construction

THE ROLE OF A

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

THE ROLE OF A STRUCTURAL

ENGINEER IN BUILDING

CONSTRUCTION

To begin with, we must first understand what is it that makes an engineer

a structural engineer? Or in other words what defines a structural

engineer's job? For this, we need to be acquainted with the term

'Structural Engineering’

?Structural Engineering is that filed of engineering which looks after

the aspect of a building's ability to withstand environmental pressure

including harsh weather conditions and constructional damages during

earthquakes and storms.

?The branch deals with the analysis and design of a structure and a

structural engineer is the one held responsible for accomplishment of

these tasks. .

Structural Engineering:

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History of Structural Engineering:

?The history of structural engineering dates back to earlier times when

artisans like masons and carpenters used to carry out architectural

design and construction work.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus

in Athens

Greece, as seen in 2009;

view of the temple

?Over a period of time, workers attained mastery in the related job but

the nature of the job remained the same.

(Image Courtesy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Olympian_Zeus,_Athens)


What Structural Engineering

has to offer?

Global competition today has given rise to a concrete jungle comprising

of highly complex structural marvels across the world. Eiffel Tower in

Paris is a marvel of structural engineering. Another structural engineering

example is Sydney Opera House in Australia.

(Image Courtesy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower)

First drawing of the Eiffel Tower

by Maurice Koechlin

Eiffel Tower from below


Vital aspects of Structural Engineering:

Talking about what other aspects are related to structural engineering, we

can say the answer to the above question lies within the statement “Is the

design of a concerned building or structure safe or not?”

(Image Courtesy: http://www.cityofsound.com/blog/2002/01/about_cityofsou.html)

?The knowledge of whether a

structure is safe for habitation is of

utmost significance to structural

engineers as they have to prove a

building's feasibility to the concerned

local authorities.

?The professional will calculate

mathematically to conform to a

prospective design and see if the

design is safe to be implemented or

not. If the design is faulty, there is a

high risk of damage to the internal

structure and human casualties.

?A structural engineer complements

the work of an architect who looks

after the spatial and designing aspect

of any construction.

?While, we discuss here the role of

structure engineers, we must

acknowledge the criticality of their

job as their work involves carrying

out inspections and going on regular

visits to construction sites and

ensuring that the building under

construction is being built in

accordance with the standards.

?No one understands a construction

framework better than a structural

engineer.


What does a

structural engineer

do?

(Image Courtesy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower)

?A structural engineer's job is to

confirm and prove to the local

authority that a certain building or a

structure is safe to be inhabited by

people for residential or commercial

purpose.

?The first and foremost role of a

structural engineer is to ensure strong

structural support and supervise

construction of a structure that is

able to resist the load it is subjected

to.

Experience matters....

?Experience counts a lot in this profession and which is why, a structural engineer

who has just stepped out of a professional college is asked to design individual

structure components like columns or beam or floors. However, after gaining

experience, a structural engineer is assigned the task of planning and designing an

entire building.


Responsibilities of a Structural Engineer:

?A structural engineer checks a survey and reports its findings including cave-ins,

or sinking in of spotted areas or any potential damage to the building.

?The engineer has to report the fault or mistake; determine if the existing problem

is a major one and needs immediate action; and lastly recommend an appropriate

remedy.

?Also, if strengthening of a structure is required, the engineer is supposed to advise

an alternative remedial action for the same.

?A structural engineer is the right person to refer to for an alternative action when

the material used in a building is of poor quality or when there is problem with the

footings or when cracks are developed in walls or when there is basic structure

damage in a wall due to earthquake or storm.


When to contact a Structural Engineer?

(Courtesy: Structural Engineering Forum of India)

(Source: https://www.facebook.com/sefindia)

?A structural engineer is the best person to contact to when the need emerges to

redesign or repair an existing structure.

?The professionals have expertise on the strength of a material to be used in a

building's construction.

?It is always a wise to consult a structural engineer; seek technical advice on a

building's construction framework and check if the foundation laid is strong and

according to the set standards.


TAKEAWAYS:

?The job of structural engineers is of serious nature as they have to

undertake inspections to see if a structure built or being erected is in

accordance to the set standards.

?A structural engineer is held accountable for claiming a building safe

for residential use or commercial use. S/he has to ensure the safety of

the structure.

?A structural engineer is the best person to contact whenever there

arises a need of repair or redesign of any structure.

?To check the strength of a material to know if it is safe to be used for

construction is another area of concern for a structural engineer.

?Lastly, a structural engineer masters the science of understanding the

strength of a material.


Company Profile:

Hi-Tech Outsourcing Services is an ISO 9001:2008 certified and privately

owned firm, established in 1992. With current employee strength of over

700 professionals, the company offers services in BPO, Architectural

Engineering Construction Services, Engineering Solutions and Software

Solutions. Hi-Tech's primary customer base is USA, Canada, UK, EU,

Australia, Middle-East and other countries. Outsourcing your projects to

Hi-Tech will save 60%-70% on client's costs.

Hi-Tech is affiliated with several national and international business

groups and industrial bodies. This enables the company to stay connected

with its clients across the globe.

Hi-Tech is affiliated to the following:

?U.S. Chamber of Commerce

?Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC)

?U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

?Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)

?Computer Society of India (CSI)

?Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

?National Association of Software and Service Companies

(NASSCOM)

?Gujarat Electronics & Software Industries Association (GESIA)


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The Author:


Megha Sharma is Hi-Tech's content developer. She regularly

administers matter related to various social media platforms and

creates content on topics under SEO, ITO, ESO, and BPO

among others.

Megha is responsible for measuring and scaling efforts, the

organization puts into various activities online.

Bibliography:

?

?

?

?

?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Olympian_Zeus,_Athens

http://www.cityofsound.com/blog/2002/01/about_cityofsou.html

https://www.facebook.com/sefindia


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The Role of Structural Engineer in Building Construction