Structural engineers play important roles in various industries, including construction, aerospace, and shipbuilding. Tasked with designing buildings and other structures that are strong enough to handle heavy loads, structural engineers are highly trained individuals who use their knowledge and experience to partner with architects, homeowners, and contractors. These engineers can act as consultants that create blueprints and plans for a project, or they could take a more hands-on approach to manage the construction activity at the worksite directly. The list below describes a few of the common jobs that structural engineers work on regularly. 

1) Residential Home Renovations

Renovating an existing house can be an extensive job. A detailed outline must be created to guide the contractor or architect from start to finish. When major structural changes are planned, a structural engineer is an essential person to include in the project. For example, if you want to remove a load-bearing wall in your home, you should seek guidance from a structural engineer before any work begins. The engineer can evaluate a number of factors to determine if the plan accounts for live and environmental loads or columns and beams that may need to be placed for safety reasons. Without this information, the finished project could have disastrous and dangerous consequences. Additionally, some cities will not issue a building permit at all until the homeowner provides a drawing from an engineer, so structural engineers are frequently hired to advise home renovation jobs. 

2) Commercial Building Projects

Commercial buildings require structural engineers as well. Since these kinds of buildings are much more complex than residential structures, the construction plans typically incorporate information from a structural engineer regarding the best foundational layout for the building to maintain integrity under severe stress or force. A high-rise office building, for instance, is often susceptible to extreme weather conditions that may cause a significant impact to the structure. To prevent substantial damage, an engineer will create a construction design that helps the building withstand these structural loads and remain standing even during an earthquake or other serious environmental event. For most commercial projects, the work cannot commence without the involvement of a structural engineer.

3) Bridge Construction

Another common type of project that structural engineers work on often is bridge construction. Bridges can experience a great deal of fatigue over time, as there is a constant cycle of stress from vehicles and weather elements. As a result, structural engineers are needed to build bridge designs that calculate the possible loads that may put pressure on the structure. Since many bridges are situated over water, the construction materials are also crucial. Structural engineers check that the most durable materials are used to avoid a buildup of corrosion and rust that could adversely affect the strength of the bridge. Ultimately, engineers make sure that the proper systems of materials and support columns are configured to guarantee that a bridge is structurally sound. 

With technical expertise and an emphasis on safety, structural engineers are vital members of a construction team. The work they do ensures that buildings, homes, and bridges safely maintain structural integrity for years to come.