A structural engineer is critical to the integrity and longevity of any building, bridge, or other structure. The longevity of a building relates directly to its sustainability. The longer the structure lasts, the less construction is needed to replace it. Areas of the country that face natural hazards such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes are especially reliant on experts in the field of structural engineering.

Structural engineering is critical to any project and in everyday life, people travel into, over, and through the results of projects that are designed and implemented by a structural engineer. Buildings, bridges, and tunnels are just some of the examples of such projects.

The sheer weight of buildings, natural shifting and settling of the earth, wind and water are just a sample of the conditions that an engineer must take into account when overseeing any project. A prime example of structural engineering at work was the construction of the World Trade Center in New York City. Structural engineers were required to design a system that would keep out the rivers surrounding Manhattan so that the towers would not suffer from erosion over time.

The World Trade Towers were to become the tallest buildings in the world at that time. The structural engineer had to find a way to keep the rivers out of the footprints for the towers. The solution finally chosen was that of a "sludge wall." Another problem to be tackled was that of wind. The structural engineer in charge then had to ensuring that the structure could stand the constant high winds at the peak of the towers without damage.

Structural engineering must take into account a variety of factors both in construction and design. A great deal of education and experience is required to understand all the potential problems and design solutions into the project. In some regions, the demands will be even higher. In Florida, hurricanes are factors in all major construction projects, as is the high water table of most of the state.

A structural engineer is important for any building or construction project to ensure the sustainability of that project. There is not much point to spending the time and money on a building, bridge, or other structure if it will not stand the test of time, weather, or other elements of nature. These engineers also make sure that the building and structures are flexible within acceptable limits.

A structural engineer must consider many variables and they do so by surveying the location and studying historic models. When a bridge is being designed, it needs a certain level of flexibility but not too much or it becomes unsafe to travel across. It must also withstand regular vibration without weakening joints or components. Structural engineering is what makes these structures safe.

A structural engineer is critical to any modern construction project. Structural engineering was critical in many of historic projects such as the pyramids or the Roman Coliseum. As modern society embraces sustainability, an experienced engineer and their team, will become even more important.

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Article Submitted By: Mary J. Smith
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