2. What is a
STRUCTURAL
ENGINEER
Structural engineers are
specialists in design,
construction, repair, conversion
and conservation. They are
concerned with all aspects of a
structure and its stability. They
are fundamental to any build
project.
!
If a structure was a human
body then the architect would
be concerned with the body
shape and appearance, and the
structural engineer would be
concerned with the skeleton
and sinews.
Structural engineers make a
difference and shape the built
environment. They are people
who enjoy a challenge,
responsibility and the
excitement of an innovative and
varied career. Structural
engineering presents both
creative and technical
challenges and requires
excellent problem solving skills.
3. What do Structural Engineers do?
• analyse configurations of the basic
structural components of a building
or other structure.
• calculate the pressure, stresses and
strains that each component.
• consider the strength of various
materials.
• liaise with other designers,
including architects, to agree on safe
designs and their fit with the
aesthetic concept of the construction
• examine structures at risk of
collapse and advising how to
improve their structural integrity.
• make drawings, specifications and
computer models of structures for
building contractors.
• i n v e s t i g a t e
g r o u n d
conditions and
analyse results
of site tests
• liaise with construction
contractors to ensure that newly
erected buildings are structurally
sound.
• apply expert knowledge of the
forces that act on various
structures
• use computers and computer-
aided design (CAD) technology
for stimulation purposes
4. What is a
CIVIL
ENGINEER
Civil engineers touch
many aspects of our
everyday lives. From the
water you use to brush your
teeth in the morning to the
road you drive on to work
and the school where you
take your children to the
power that charges your
cell phone.
!
Civil engineer practices
civil engineering such as
the application of planning,
designing, constructing,
maintaining and operating
infrastructures while
protecting the public
and environmental health.
Civil engineers usually practice
construction engineering,
geotechnical engineering,
structural engineering, land
development, transportation
engineering, hydraulic
engineering, and environmental
engineering. Some civil
engineers, particularly those
working for government
agencies, may practice across
multiple specializations,
particularly when involved in
c r i t i c a l i n f r a s t r u c t u r e
development or maintenance.
5. What do Civil Engineer do?
• consult with clients, government
officials and other professionals on
the requirements of each project
• evaluate the suitability of proposed
construction and development sites
• plan and design structures such as
roads, drainage systems, buildings,
dams or wharves
• work out whether structures will be
able to withstand the loads that will
be placed on them by people,
weather and other natural forces
• prepare reports, working drawings
and specifications
• prepare cost estimates and evaluate
the cost efficiency of projects
• assess environmental impacts of
p r o p o s e d
developments
• g e t p l a n s
approved by
r e l e v a n t
authorities and
obtain building
permits
• supervise construction to ensure
structures are built correctly
• ensure assets such as water
plants and roading are
efficiently managed.
6. CivilEngineerV.SStructuralEngineer Although they may belong
to the same field of
engineering, they differ in
several aspects. For
example, civil engineering
focuses more attention in
design elements while
structural engineering is
more concern on inspecting
materials to be used for the
construction. They ensure
that the materials being
used for construction can
support the design of the
structure.
To sum it up, civil
engineering is a broad
subject which covers
structural engineering. On
the other hand, structural
engineering is a subject
under civil engineering.
However, it is
a l s o a
specialization which leads to
a master's degree or a
doctorate.
In reality, their difference and
similarities is not that
important, the important thing
is that they are both crucial
knowledge needed by the
construction industry.
Engineering firms, such as
Godfrey-Hoffman & Hodge
in Connecticut, provide both
civil engineering and
structural engineering
services to customers
because they understand
that they are both
e s s e n t i a l i n a n y
construction work or
