Structural engineering is a field where you learn about structural frameworks, designing those frameworks and the physics behind them i.e. what factors makes them stand secure and tall, how to prevent them from collapsing etc.
This field of engineering has been around for the longest of time and with the structural frameworks becoming more and more complicated, the field has pretty much expanded too. Buildings and bridges alike are being constructed with complex designs and the need for competent structural engineers is on the rise.
Structural engineers rarely work alone; if you look at professionals from this field you will mostly see them working in close collaboration with civil engineers as well as architects. The reason behind this is that the niche of all these 3 professions is pretty similar. The civil engineers and architects focus on the design of the building, its size and shape on the other hand structural engineers focus on making sure that the shape and size suggested by the former two are designed in a manner which can actually be sustained.
To make sure that whatever is being constructed, survives, structural engineers pay a lot of attention to blueprints of the buildings. Other than analysing blueprints, these engineers also spend time studying topographical and geological data of the location that the building is to be constructed on since both topographical and geological factors can have a major impact on the constructions.
Other job responsibilities of a structural engineer may also include calculating the costs of the construction material, equipment as well as the labour that will be building the material. They will also have to show up for site inspections to see that the construction project is going smoothly.
Using computer-aided design systems (CAD systems) is also a part and parcel of a structural engineer’s job. So if you are proficient with computers that’s great, if not you might want to work on that because today most of the designs that structural engineers are studying are through CAD. This is because computer assisted designing allows them to make quicker modifications to any designs if the need arises. Additionally, the 3D visualisation of the construction project is also done more easily when done through a CAD system as compared to otherwise.
If you genuinely enjoy studying mathematics and physics, structural engineering is going to be a lot of fun for you. There are excellent colleges that are offering amazing degrees in structural engineering. Australia seems to be one of the more preferred places to study structural engineering.
The fact that there are some world-class engineering schools and colleges in Australia is just one reason; the other reason is the vast number of relevant job opportunities that can also be sought in Australia only. A degree from a highly rated engineering school may give you a competitive edge so choose your institution wisely.
Getting a bachelor’s degree in structural engineering is just the first step. Working in structural engineering and building yourself a solid career means constantly trying to keep yourself updated via training and courses.
This is because most employers want to hire structural engineers who are on top of all the recent trends and developments that are happening in the world of structural engineering. Follow the points presented in this post and you will hopefully find a lucrative career in this field.
