Structural engineering is the science of building design and analysis. Contrary to the popular misconception, that a structural engineer’s work is limited to structural design, a structural engineer is also concerned with the stability under different weather conditions. For example, structural engineer in Mountain View, California has to factor in wind and rain loads while designing a building.
Scope of structural engineering is not limited to home and building design, it includes everything from designing a retaining wall to designing the international space station.
- A comprehensive approach towards design: the firm you want to hire should not suggest a generic solution and should be based on a proper assessment of all important factors like wind and snow loads. A solution by structural engineer in California would differ from a solution provided by an engineer in Alaska for a same building at these places.
- Technical competency: the firm should have reasonable practical experience. They should have the knowledge of the required skills and also an ability to apply those skills in specific situations.
- Diverse skill set : structural engineers employed by the firm should specialize in different aspects like
Building codes: these codes define minimum safety and legal standards.
Building materials: brick, concrete, and metals
External factors: fires, earthquakes, wind and snow.
- Innovation and project specific experience: if the firm specializes in a single market segment then project specific experience should not be problem. But if it caters to diverse market segments then it should posse’s experience that might be useful in specific projects.
Innovation is necessary or you will find your structure will have marked resemblance to other structures.
- Legal status and licenses: each jurisdiction has different licensing requirements. A company should posses required licenses to seal the drawings and assume legal responsibilities for works and calculations.
- Use of latest methodologies: the company is expected not to use Stone Age methodologies. Integration of technology helps in optimization of the process and reduces costs.
- Construction knowledge: although a structural engineer never builds the structure but they should have knowledge about construction process and its optimization. The design should be practically manageable and not based on theory.
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