What is Structural Engineering
Structural engineering fort Myers is based in the discipline of civil engineering. Have you ever stopped to appreciate the magnificent structures we witness all around us? The security of these buildings is placed in the hands of structural engineers; without them, we’d crumble – literally!
What are the Responsibilities of a Structural Engineer?
The structural engineer is charged with ensuring the safety of a building through a prolonged period of time. Given the harsh conditions that many cities must endure, this task is incredibly important. The wide detrimental possibilities of the environment are one reason why engineers are not only designers but also problem solvers. They must create a reliable system in which a building will maintain itself throughout the duration of its use. The diverse kinds of extreme weather conditions create niches for many structural engineers to focus on a speciality. Some engineers will be called upon for areas that experience heavy snow, while others will be called upon when dealing with hurricane prone areas. The responsibilities of a structural engineer do not stop here, many are also given the task of understanding why some structures have failed. For a list of the many duties of a structural engineer, see below:
Seismic
Forensic
Climate Change
Disaster Relief
Conservation
Although it is not true for every area, most areas require licensing to practice within certain locations if an engineer is providing a service to the public. The contemporary structural engineer is not completely focused on environmentally stable buildings. They are here to ensure every safety precaution is acknowledged when creating every structure.
The History of Structural Engineering
Dating back to the pyramids of 2700 BCE, structural engineering may be one of the earliest jobs of society. The majority of engineers were given the job description of masons and carpenters until being graced by the title of master builder. The knowledge of construction relied solely on what had worked in the past and remained hidden within guilds (or clubs) of builders. The progression of architecture and building remained stagnant for many years; without any understanding of structure, there was little creative leeway. It was not until the 18th century when Daniel Bernoulli and Leonhard Euler derived the Euler-Bernoulli beam equations which became the fundamental theory for all modern structural engineering. Through the monumental advances in human technology during the 19th and 20th century, structural engineering developed at a rapid pace. In this time, new materials and sciences brought forth incredible advances and engineering capability not seen in previous centuries. The development of concrete led to enhanced sanitation. Henry Bessemer patented the Bessemer process in 1855 and 1856, allowing for the commercial production of steel. These two accomplishments created the foundation for our contemporary cities and skyscrapers. The manifestation of structural engineering continues to progress to this day.
Compensation of a Structural Engineer
A structural engineer maintains structures but also their own knowledge. Many companies will only accept entry level applicants who have achieved a bachelor’s degree in engineering. In order to have the ability to excel in this field, there are professional engineering certifications that revere individuals who attain them. These certifications enhance an individual’s ability to work at a management or consulting level. In order to expedite the advancement in one’s career, many return to school for their master’s degree which usually enhances position if not, salary.
According to Salary.com in 2016, the median income of a structural engineer is $101,058. The bottom 10% earn $78,192 or less and the top 10% earn $115,113 per year. These figures are shaped based on the prior experience, education level, and area of employment. When engineers reach the highest levels, most tend to start their own businesses or get promoted to managerial positions.
Where do We Go From Here?
Structural engineering is changing by the day, literally. In this day in age, we are living in abundance that humankind has not witnessed before. We are discovering new technologies and resources that will render the newest technologies today, useless tomorrow. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of structural engineers will grow about 8% between 2014 and 2024. The statistic is based upon civil engineering statistics due to the lack of data on structural engineering. This projection is the normal rate for many occupations, signifying the tough but feasible possibility of becoming a structural engineer.
Here at Atlas Engineering, we are fully capable and hopeful to help you achieve the dreams you have for any structure you can imagine. We not only work in structural engineering, we have highly trained professionals within the fields of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing fields as well. We take pride in the dedication of our hardworking professionals and would love to provide you with our services. Structural engineering is hard, but we are here so it does not have to be.
