Assessing a building’s ability to support itself under various loads is the responsibility of a structural engineer. They can conduct inspections, offer advice, or even design sturdy structures and systems. However, how can you tell whether your project needs a structural engineer? What characteristics should you look for?
Your new engineering project’s safety, efficiency, and aesthetics may be significantly affected by knowing the answers to these questions. So, let’s get started without further ado.
Who is a Structural Engineer?
An engineer specializing in structural design examines and plans the structural support systems for buildings and other substantial constructions like dams and bridges. They oversee making sure that these structures are structurally sound. Structural engineers need a solid grasp of physics, mathematics, and engineering concepts. Additionally, they need to be able to use this knowledge about each project’s particular requirements. Typically, structural engineers are employed by construction or engineering firms. They may also be employed by governmental organizations, academic institutions, or architectural firms if they’re in charge of creating the structural components of buildings.
Things to Consider Before Hiring a Structural Engineer
To make sure the company you hire is suitable for the project, ask the appropriate questions before hiring a professional engineer:
Associations and Certifications
A degree from an accredited institution is the minimum requirement for a structural engineer. It is preferred to have a postgraduate degree. In addition, to sit for the licensing exam, you must have completed at least 4 years of training under a licensed professional engineer. In every state where Structural engineering services are provided, licensing is necessary. Additionally, look for structural engineering companies that are members of organizations that are relevant to the industry, such as the American Society of Civil Engineers, Professional Women in Building, and the National Association of Home Builders. These relationships connect the structural engineer and the building sector.
Specialties in Engineering
Specialties are areas in which the Engineer is an expert. These are the fields like civil, structural, transportation, wastewater, and environmental, where the engineer has a lot of experience or specialized training. Each Engineer will have a specific area of expertise within the Structural Engineering specialties, such as residential, commercial, and industrial structures and particular building materials. Although an engineer might have certifications and a degree, you should ensure they know what is necessary to successfully carry out your specific construction project.
Understanding All Ordinances
Legally, structural engineers must follow established building codes. The structural engineer you hire ought to know how to ensure that your construction project complies with all applicable building codes, including local and international ones.
Project Budgets
Accurate project estimates determine the budget and schedule for construction projects. Even though the estimated cost and project schedule change and need to be adjusted as the project progresses, a seasoned structural engineer knows how to develop accurate project estimates. An experienced structural engineer also understands the external nuances that affect the project. To give a range and help the client set reasonable expectations, the Engineer creates project estimates while keeping these details in mind.
Prior Project Experience
When selecting candidates for construction projects, nothing beats experience. You should request references and recommendations before hiring a structural engineer. Inquire further about their portfolio of previous projects. Seek out instances of earlier projects that resemble yours in terms of type and scope. Everyone should have the opportunity to gain experience. Still, a skilled structural engineering company can provide examples of projects that have been proven to be successful in the past.
How Do Structural Engineers Leverage BIM to Add Value?
Building information modeling, or BIM, has undoubtedly developed to become the primary strategy for addressing issues in the AEC sector, like productivity, quality, coordination, communication, and consistency. Here are some benefits provided by BIM modeling services to structural engineers:
Productivity Gains/Easy Design Changes
Any important updated information is automatically updated throughout the model by BIM. Engineers don’t need to make sure that everyone is aware of changes when making changes; they only need to work on changing the data contained in one place, the model.
Real-time Coordination
By improving coordination between the findings of the structural analysis and the overall design, the project becomes more consistent. Therefore, the coordination of a project is much easier for structural engineers than the structural analysis itself.
Visualizations and Simulation
Structural engineers can easily extract and filter any area or aspect of specific importance from the structure and visualize it in 3D. This gives a great deal of insight into the project, which improves understanding and makes it easier to solve issues and generate ideas.
Greater Collaboration
By enabling multiple team members to use the same model, BIM improves collaboration for structural engineers, MEP specialists, and architects.
Conclusion
Engineers in the structural design field must be responsible and diligent in their studies. One needs to have a fundamental understanding of structures and sufficient experience working with or learning from a practicing consultant to be an expert in structural engineering. Before beginning one’s own structural consulting business, it is imperative to work on structural engineering projects for reputable consultants.
