Structural engineers specialize in the safety, stability, and strength of structures, collaborating with architects to provide expertise that architects typically do not have. When included early in the design process, structural engineers can help ensure that each project remains on or below budget and that challenges during construction are kept to a minimum.

Structural engineers help building owners and developers maximize efficiency and minimize costs, especially if structural engineers are involved early in the design process. Structural engineers have the technical skills necessary to recommend the optimal structural system is selected for each project, considering both first-cost and long-term maintenance perspectives.

Every building site is unique, and structural engineers can help identify necessary modifications to the built structure to enable it to comply with all site constraints and local building codes. Without a structural engineer’s input for projects based on prototype plans, the design may not meet local safety requirements and could result in costly and time-consuming revisions, delays, or structural failure during or after construction.

Structural engineers have the tools to efficiently assess the structural condition of an existing building and identify aspects of the structure that likely would require strengthening or retrofit as part of the renovation or adaptive reuse. Early identification of these issues is critical to a successful due diligence phase on renovation or adaptive reuse projects.

Building codes do not prescribe what measures should be taken to prevent or reduce vibrations. However, structural engineers can work with project stakeholders to determine if vibration might be a concern for the building. Structural engineers can offer project guidance to address and limit vibrations. If the building is located near a source of vibration, such as heavy traffic or construction, it may be necessary to design the building with additional stiffness or damping to prevent excessive vibrations and noise. If the building is designed without considering vibration, it is possible that it will not perform as required, affecting the use of sensitive equipment.

Structural engineers can very quickly assess the general structural condition of a building and advise on what repairs or retrofits might be necessary to provide the level of performance required. Structural engineers also can assist with high-level cost estimating of necessary repairs, which can be included in a pro forma.

Climate change is causing more frequent extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, all of which can cause significant damage to structures. As codes evolve to the realities of climate change, structural engineering designs will also evolve. Structural engineers can design structures that are more resistant to these extreme weather events by using stronger materials and incorporating design features that reduce the effects of wind, water, and seismic forces.

Structural engineers can also play a role in mitigating the effects of climate change. For example, they can specify sustainable materials or help to mitigate the environmental impact of new construction.

A professional engineer (PE) license applies to a variety of engineering disciplines, including civil, environmental, geotechnical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural. Depending on the jurisdiction and location of the project, a practicing structural engineer with a PE license in good standing can sign off on most projects. Some states require structural engineers to have a structural engineer (SE) license in addition to a PE license for certain types of projects.

Structural engineers can play an important collaborative role in helping artists realize their vision for large-scale sculptures. Because these sculptures often involve complex geometries and unconventional materials, a structural engineer can provide the necessary technical expertise to consider the sculpture’s safety, stability, and durability. To help artists with large-scale sculptures, a structural engineer will typically work with the artist to understand their creative vision and technical requirements and develop a structural solution that achieves that vision.

Understanding the soil conditions that exist at a particular site is critical in determining not only if a site is suitable to support a new structure, but also in determining the foundation structures required. A geotechnical report provides detailed information about the subsurface conditions of a particular site. Typically prepared by a geotechnical engineer, a geotechnical report can help avoid costly mistakes, reduce the risk of unforeseen conditions, and help construction progress more smoothly.

Some structural engineers play an important role in emergency response after natural disasters, conducting critical safety assessments of buildings and infrastructure. For example, structural engineers can determine the stability of a collapsed structure as victims are extracted from debris. Later, they assess structural damage to establish whether buildings and bridges are safe to use, need repair, or should be demolished. Structural engineers may also design and oversee the construction of temporary structures, such as shelters and tents, to provide immediate and safe shelter to those affected by natural disasters.

Even before natural disasters, structural engineers work to reduce risk by assessing buildings and infrastructure in high-wind or seismic risk areas and recommending retrofitting or strengthening measures to improve safety and reduce damage. Researchers and committees of structural engineers may also work together to develop amendments to building codes, creating advanced guidelines for design that consider these forces of nature.