Structural engineer

Structural engineers design, assess and inspect structures to ensure they are efficient and stable. Structural engineering was traditionally considered a sub-discipline of civil engineering, however, it has developed as an important and complex specialism and is now recognised as an engineering discipline in its own right.

Structural engineers work on a very wide range of projects, including buildings, infrastructure and other structures. It is both a technical and creative role that involves close collaboration with professionals from other disciplines.

The scope of services provided by a structural engineer might include:

Structural failure can be devastating. It is important therefore to select an individual or company that has a good track record and experience in structurally similar projects. Suitably qualified professionals will generally be Chartered or Incorporated Engineers who are members of the Institution of Civil Engineers and/or the Institution of Structural Engineers.

It is good practice to employ a structural engineer based on their capability, competence and quality rather than simply by the lowest fee. A good design that explores a wide variety of options to find the best solution can save significant costs over the life of a building.

John Nolan, Institution of Structural Engineers President 2012 said in his Presidential Address; "One thing I am particularly proud of from that time is the contribution we made in value engineering the now ubiquitous McDonald’s 'drive-thru' down to a third of the cost and a third of the construction time of the traditionally built design. We did this by standardising the design to a structure that could be factory engineered and fitted out, transported to site in x6 3m by 12m modules and founded on prefabricated foundations. This concept has since saved hundreds of millions of pounds worldwide." This concept is in use now by the structural engineers.