Structural engineering is the field of engineering that deals with the design of building and other non-building structures such as the design of machinery, medical equipment, and vehicles, etc.
Structural engineering is a specialty of civil engineering, where a structural engineer ensures that architectural components are structurally sound.
Responsibilities of a Structural Engineer
A structural engineer works closely with clients, architects, building contractors and other engineers. Work activities of a structural engineer depends on the structures being worked on and the teams.
A structural engineer will have to perform the following tasks:
- design models of structures using software
- perform accurate calculations about each elements of a building
- assessing the reaction of buildings to pressures and stress
- finalising the materials that would be suitable for the structure
- assessing budget of the project
- liaising with construction contractors to ensure that newly erected buildings are structurally sound
- applying expert knowledge of the forces that act on various structures
- using computers and computer-aided design (CAD) technology for simulation purposes
Educational Requirements for a Structural Engineer
- A bachelor degree or masters degree in structural engineering or civil engineering is a must.
- Some individuals with HNDs in subjects including construction and civil engineering also become structural engineers.
- Many large engineering companies offer graduate training schemes and these are popular ways of gaining entry into the industry.
Skills Required To Become A Structural Engineer
It necessary for every structural engineer to posses the following skills:
- Analytical skills
- Detail orientation
- creativity
- strong interpersonal skills
- communication skills
- proficiency with CAD software application like AutoCAD and RISA
- Excellent computer skills
- Knowledge of construction management
- Familiarity with codes and regulations specific with the industry.
- Up-to-date technical skills
Where does a Structural Engineer work?
The major employers of structural engineers include:
- Engineering consultancies
- Local authorities
- Oil companies
- Railway operators
- Civil Engineering contractors
- Public utility companies
- The Civil Service
- The Armed Forces
Pay-scale of a Structural Engineer
- A newly qualified structural engineer can earn approx.$18,000 to $25,000.
- An experienced structural engineer can anywhere between $40,000 to $50,000.
- In India, starting monthly salary in the private sector could be around Rs 12,000 to Rs 20,000. In government departments, initial income may range from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000.
- With experience and advanced degrees one can earn Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 per month.
Top Structural Engineering/Civil Engineering Colleges in India
- Bharati Vidyapeeth's College of Engineering, Pune
- NMIMS' Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering, Mumbai
- IES Institute of Technology and Management, Bhopal
- R.V College of Engineering, Bangalore
- Bangalore Institute of Technology, Bangalore
- SRM University, Chennai
Top Structural Engineering Colleges Abroad
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
- The University of Tokyo
- University of Cambridge