CE 213: Civil Engineering

Orientation
Introduction to
Structural Engineering
Objectives of Structural Engineering

Structural engineering is the science and art of designing

and making, with economy and elegance, buildings,
bridges, frameworks, and other structures so that they
can safely resist the forces to which they may be
subjected.
The Structural Engineer,
Official Journal of the British Institute of Structural Engineer
Structural Engineering Processes
Determine types magnitudes of loads
Determine structural context
-Geometric and geological information
-Cost / schedule / height/ etc. limitations
Generate alternative structural systems
Analyze one or more alternatives
Select and perform detailed design
Implement (usually done by contractor)
The Role of the Structural Engineer
The role of the structural engineer is an essential
element in the construction process.
Structural engineering is a specialized discipline
within the broader discipline of civil
engineering, where structural engineering is
concerned with the design and integrity of structures
such as, buildings, bridges, and monuments.
Design
Many structural engineers deal primarily in the
design of structures-calculating the loads and
stresses the construction will have to safely withstand.
Structural engineers should be able to factor in the
different qualities and strengths delivered by
a range of building materials, and understand how to
incorporate support beams, columns, and
foundations.
Investigation
Before work can begin, structural engineers are
involved in the investigation and survey of
build sites to determine the suitability of the earth
for the requirements of the upcoming project.
Communication
Structural engineers will be required to co-
ordinate and consult with other members of their
projects, including engineers, environmental
scientists, architects, and landscape architects.
Management
Structural engineers are often responsible for the
organization and delivery of materials and
equipment for the needs of the construction project.
Training
Because of the safety issues involved in their work,
structural engineers must be trained to strict
standards. Most structural engineering courses
require a related undergraduate degree in an
engineering discipline.
Types of Loads
Dead loads
Live loads
Dynamic loads (e.g., trains, equipment)
Wind loads
Earthquake loads
Thermal loads
Settlement loads
Dead Loads
weight of the structure itself
floors, beams, roofs, decks,
beams, superstructure
loads that are “always there”
Live Loads
People, furniture, equipment
Loads that may move or change
mass or weight
Minimum design loadings are
usually specified in the building
cod
Load example
Dynamic Loads
Moving loads (e.g.
traffic)
Impact loads
Gusts of wind
Loads due to cycling
machinery
Load example
Earthquake Loads
Structure loaded when
base is shaken
Response of structure is
dependent on the
frequency of motion
When frequencies match
with natural frequency of
structure - resonance
Earthquake Loads
Earthquake Loads
Earthquake Loads
Earthquake Loads
Settlement
Some Types of Structures
Arch
Planar Truss
Beam/Girder
Braced Frame
Rigid Frame
Space Truss
Cable Suspended Structure
Arch
Arch
Planar Truss
Planar Truss
Beams/Girders
Beam / Girder
Frames
Frames
Cable Suspended Structure
Cable Suspended Structure
Cable Stayed Bridge
Load Path
Load Path is the term used to describe the path by
which loads are transmitted to the foundations

Different structures have different load paths

Some structures have only one path
Some have several (redundancy good)
Load Path in Framed Structure
Duties and Responsibilities

Analyze maps, blueprints, and charts

Structural engineers look at detailed charts and schematics
on a regular basis to determine the
best way to build new projects and repair existing
infrastructure systems. Analyze Maps,
Blueprints, and Charts
Analyze maps, blueprints, and charts
Design project plans

Structural engineers create new design plans for brand-

new infrastructure systems, as well as
creating plans to repair existing buildings, bridges, and
other structures.
Write reports and estimates

Structural engineers write detailed project reports and cost

estimates for proposed
building and repair projects that show detailed time table,
material, and construction
data.
Oversee construction sites

The structural engineer is responsible for hiring and managing

construction staff, which requires
frequent check-ins at building project sites.
Hire Engineering staff

Structural engineers may need to hire other engineering

professionals for large-scale building
and repair projects, which requires acting as a supervisor to
keep projects moving ahead on
schedule.
Common industries that structural engineers
can work in:
• Airports
• Coastal and Marine Structures
• Buildings
• Bridges
• Energy Power Plants
• Railways
• Highways
• Tunnels
• Water and Public Health Structures
Future of Structural Engineering
Responsibilities will be the same.
More complex structures.

Technology is more advanced.

“STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS ARE CIVIL ENGINEERS,
BUT NOT ALL CIVIL
ENGINEERS ARE STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS.”
Activity: Envisioning the Future of Structural
Engineering