Understanding the Role and Importance of Structural Engineering

Construction of monuments has been an integral part of human civilisation. Structures like the great pyramids of Giza, the Taj Mahal at Agra or the step-pyramids of Babylon have inspired us for centuries. In modern times, structures like the National Stadium in Beijing, which holds the distinction of being the largest steel structure in the world, leave us in awe.

If you have an urge to be the architect of the next engineering marvel in the world, a career in structural engineering can be a good fit for you. Structural engineers ensure that modern constructions are structurally sound and can withstand extreme environmental conditions.

The easiest way to enter the structural engineering domain is to pursue B.Tech or M. Tech in structural engineering. If you want to become a structural engineer and are curious to know the scope of this profession, this blog can be an informative read. It provides an insight into the job of a structural engineer and lists several interesting career options open to a structural engineering graduate.

What is structural engineering?

Structural engineering is a specialisation of civil engineering that deals with all types of man-made constructions. Structural engineering deals with the analysis of different constructions for their strengths and weaknesses and building new designs for structures that can stand the test of time.

This specialisation also deals with other non-building structures such as machinery or medical equipment. Structural designers work on improving the design of existing structures as well as work on new designs.

What does a structural engineer do?

If you are passionate about magnificent bridges and beautiful monuments, you fulfil half the requirement of being a structural engineer. These engineers are usually responsible for the following.

• Calculating the stresses, pressures, and strains of structural components like beams and basements
• Checking the physical properties of different building materials like steel, glass and concrete
• Ensuring that the proposed structure meets the legal guidelines and all the health, safety and environmental regulations
• Creating drawings and specifications of building structures, towers, dams or bridges

Career scope of a structural engineering degree

The scope of the structural engineering domain is bright with multiple career opportunities. Here are a few exciting roles that a degree in structural engineering can get you.

• Water supply managers
• Engineering geologists
• Environmental engineers
• Control surveyors
• Zoning office consultants
• Design engineers
• Site managers
• Director of public works department
• Quality analysts
• Supervisory engineers
• Chief engineers
• Managers in construction companies
• Architecture consultants

Professionals qualified in structural engineering play an important role in the modern construction industry. You can work in both the government and the private sector as employees, self-employed contractors or consultants. If you wish to remain in the academic field, you can become instructors at an architecture or a design school.

Working as a structural engineer can provide you with the opportunity to create architectural masterpieces that can act as your legacies. The role also acts as a platform for your engineering knowledge and creativity to flow. Join an M.Tech structural engineering course today to take your engineering career forward.