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Structural

Structural Engineers design and analyze the load resisting systems of buildings, bridges, dams and other structures. Structural engineers are not architects. Instead structural engineers bring the architect's vision to reality by creating a structure that is safe for human occupancy or use. Structures must be able to withstand the extreme forces found during blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural events. Structural engineers have tremendous responsibility for the safety of human life!

Structural work includes design and management for:

• Commercial, recreational, or industrial facilities.
• Public complexes such as museums and stadiums.
• Transportation facilities such as highway bridges, rail systems, ports and harbors, lock systems and airports.
• Aircraft, aerospace and automotive frames.
• Power generating and transmitting facilities.
• Analysis and retrofit of structures for new uses or loadings.
• Forensic engineering to determine the cause of structural failures.

Structural engineers work in a variety of situations. They may be found working in consulting engineering firms, for construction contractors, and in government.