THE ROLE OF A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

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THE ROLE OF A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

To begin with, we must first understand what is it that makes an engineer a structural engineer? Or in other words what defines a structural engineer's job? For this, we need to be acquainted with the term 'Structural Engineering

Structural Engineering:
? Structural Engineering is that filed of engineering which looks after

the aspect of a building's ability to withstand environmental pressure including harsh weather conditions and constructional damages during earthquakes and storms.
? The branch deals with the analysis and design of a structure and a

structural engineer is the one held responsible for accomplishment of these tasks. .

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History of Structural Engineering:

? The history of structural engineering dates back to earlier times when

artisans like masons and carpenters used to carry out architectural design and construction work.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens

Greece, as seen in 2009; view of the temple

? Over a period of time, workers attained mastery in the related job but

the nature of the job remained the same.

(Image Courtesy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Olympian_Zeus,_Athens)

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What Structural Engineering has to offer?

Global competition today has given rise to a concrete jungle comprising of highly complex structural marvels across the world. Eiffel Tower in Paris is a marvel of structural engineering. Another structural engineering example is Sydney Opera House in Australia.

First drawing of the Eiffel Tower by Maurice Koechlin

Eiffel Tower from below

(Image Courtesy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower)

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Vital aspects of Structural Engineering:

Talking about what other aspects are related to structural engineering, we can say the answer to the above question lies within the statement Is the design of a concerned building or structure safe or not?

? The knowledge of whether a

structure is safe for habitation is of utmost significance to structural engineers as they have to prove a building's feasibility to the concerned local authorities.
? The professional will calculate

after the spatial and designing aspect of any construction.

? While, we discuss here the role of

mathematically to conform to a prospective design and see if the design is safe to be implemented or not. If the design is faulty, there is a high risk of damage to the internal structure and human casualties.
? A structural engineer complements

structure engineers, we must acknowledge the criticality of their job as their work involves carrying out inspections and going on regular visits to construction sites and ensuring that the building under construction is being built in accordance with the standards.
? No one understands a construction

framework better than a structural engineer.

the work of an architect who looks

(Image Courtesy: http://www.cityofsound.com/blog/2002/01/about_cityofsou.html)

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What does a structural engineer do?

? A structural engineer's job is to confirm and prove to the local authority that a certain building or a structure is safe to be inhabited by people for residential or commercial purpose.
? The first and foremost role of a

structural engineer is to ensure strong structural support and supervise construction of a structure that is able to resist the load it is subjected to.

Experience matters....
? Experience counts a lot in this profession and which is why, a structural engineer who has just stepped out of a professional college is asked to design individual structure components like columns or beam or floors. However, after gaining experience, a structural engineer is assigned the task of planning and designing an entire building.

(Image Courtesy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower)

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Responsibilities of a Structural Engineer:

? A structural engineer checks a survey and reports its findings including cave-ins, or sinking in of spotted areas or any potential damage to the building.
? The engineer has to report the fault or mistake; determine if the existing problem

is a major one and needs immediate action; and lastly recommend an appropriate remedy.
? Also, if strengthening of a structure is required, the engineer is supposed to advise

an alternative remedial action for the same.

? A structural engineer is the right person to refer to for an alternative action when

the material used in a building is of poor quality or when there is problem with the footings or when cracks are developed in walls or when there is basic structure damage in a wall due to earthquake or storm.

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When to contact a Structural Engineer?

? A structural engineer is the best person to contact to when the need emerges to redesign or repair an existing structure.
? The professionals have expertise on the strength of a material to be used in a

building's construction.
? It is always a wise to consult a structural engineer; seek technical advice on a

building's construction framework and check if the foundation laid is strong and according to the set standards.

(Courtesy: Structural Engineering Forum of India) (Source: https://www.facebook.com/sefindia)

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TAKEAWAYS:
? The job of structural engineers is of serious nature as they have to

undertake inspections to see if a structure built or being erected is in accordance to the set standards.
? A structural engineer is held accountable for claiming a building safe

for residential use or commercial use. S/he has to ensure the safety of the structure.
? A structural engineer is the best person to contact whenever there

arises a need of repair or redesign of any structure.

? To check the strength of a material to know if it is safe to be used for

construction is another area of concern for a structural engineer.

? Lastly, a structural engineer masters the science of understanding the

strength of a material.

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Company Profile:
Hi-Tech Outsourcing Services is an ISO 9001:2008 certified and privately owned firm, established in 1992. With current employee strength of over 700 professionals, the company offers services in BPO, Architectural Engineering Construction Services, Engineering Solutions and Software Solutions. Hi-Tech's primary customer base is USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, Middle-East and other countries. Outsourcing your projects to Hi-Tech will save 60%-70% on client's costs. Hi-Tech is affiliated with several national and international business groups and industrial bodies. This enables the company to stay connected with its clients across the globe. Hi-Tech is affiliated to the following:
? U.S. Chamber of Commerce ? Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) ? U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) ? Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) ? Computer Society of India (CSI) ? Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) ? National Association of Software and Service Companies

(NASSCOM)
? Gujarat Electronics & Software Industries Association (GESIA)

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Ahmedabad - Headquarter Hi-Tech House, B/H V-Murti Complex, Near Gurukul Tower, Gurukul, Ahmedabad-380 052, Gujarat, India. Phone: +91-794-000-3000 +91-793-014-3000 Fax : +91-794-000-3202 E-Mail: info@hitechcaddservices.com Ahmedabad Office 3rd Floor, Chanakya Plaza, New C.G. Road Opp. Swagat I Chandkheda Ahmedabad 380 006 Gujarat India Cochin Office 43-A E Block 3rd Floor, Cochin Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) Kakkanad Cochin - 682 037 Kerala India

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The Author:

Megha Sharma is Hi-Tech's content developer. She regularly

administers matter related to various social media platforms and creates content on topics under SEO, ITO, ESO, and BPO among others. Megha is responsible for measuring and scaling efforts, the organization puts into various activities online.

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Bibliography:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower ? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower ? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Olympian_Zeus,_Athens ? http://www.cityofsound.com/blog/2002/01/about_cityofsou.html ? https://www.facebook.com/sefindia ?