1. WHAT IS A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER?

The easiest way to explain it is this: If a building was a human being, a Structural Engineer designs the skeleton! In all seriousness, structural engineers are licensed professionals governed by state boards. They are trained at university and through internship to analyze factors that exert force, such as gravity, wind, temperature and pressure, upon a building. Through analysis and experience, they must make the call about whether the structure can hold up and resist those forces. They have training in areas concerning the structural soundness of buildings. While there may be some overlaps at times, a structural engineer is not the same as a contractor, inspector or architect.

Inspectors and contractors are skilled at detecting early warning signs that indicate there may be a problem. An engineer can analyze the severity of the problem, determine the source of trouble, and what a suitable solution would be. While architects concentrate on the aesthetics, functionality and other code compliance aspects of a building, the structural engineer makes certain structures support and resist the loads to which a building is subjected.

2. WHAT MAKES A GREAT STRUCTURAL ENGINEER?

A good engineer will guide architects and their clients to the best solution– they won’t just go with what has been designed if there are more efficient ways of achieving their goal. Structural Engineers should be adaptable, and sympathetic to the needs of their client – whilst always aiming to provide what the client wants, for the lowest possible cost. To be a great structural engineer, one must have these five qualities:

Creativity

Structural engineers use their skills and knowledge to design structures that are strong and flexible to withstand the rigors of staying vertical. Their input ensures that structures do not bend excessively or collapse putting people at risk. Creativity is a key quality in designing structures that are safe, practical and cost-effective.

Team Player

A structural engineer works alongside a team of other construction professionals. Team members often include a client, architects, civil engineers and other discipline engineers. It is essential these professionals work together effectively and have cordial relations from the beginning of the project to the end. A great engineer should blend in the project team seamlessly to ensure that the project is successful and completed on time and in budget.

Be Meticulous

Structural engineering by its very nature demands meticulous attention to detail. The smallest error in calculation or design can have a catastrophic effect leading to collapse, so every detail must be continually and thoroughly reviewed to ensure the success of any project. Key considerations should be observed especially in designing the foundation, framework and connections of a structure.

Revit screenshot, via Suite Projects and Investments

Eager to Learn

Structural engineering projects involve:

· Designing structure models using hand analysis and/or computer software.

· Ensuring that health and safety regulations are adhered to. Codes and regulations are constantly changing and require research for each job designed.

· Supervising projects and updating clients on the progress.

· Recommending the best materials to be used.

These tasks require an engineer to be knowledgeable not only in engineering but in other fields related to construction. Remaining up to date on the newest technology requires a research, time and continuous learning.

Problem Solver

There are numerous conditions that an engineer might come across in the course of any given project. Unfavorable site conditions, constraints from existing structures and unique design conditions are commonplace in most projects. In some cases, structural engineers are called upon to verify old buildings can withstand forces that weren’t considered as part of the original design. Qualified engineers should be able to come up with solutions to these common situations.

Engineers with these qualities are able exploit their talents to deliver quality and peace of mind their clients. There is no end to an education through experience or refining the skills it takes to be a great structural engineer.

3. WHY HIRE A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER?

Purchasing or selling home:

Whether you are purchasing or selling your home, occasionally an inspector reports that a home has a structural problem that requires extensive repair. The absolute best decision you can make is to hire an engineer to review the situation. In some cases, an engineer can save homeowners large amounts of money in situations that appear scary but aren’t nearly as bad as they are initially made out to be. Be weary of “free” structural inspection performed by a foundation repair company.

Building a new home:

If you are building a custom home, you’ll want to hire a structural engineer to make sure the plans for your dream home are sound. An engineer will also consider the building site suitability for the intended use, integration with existing site features and impact on the environment.

Building additions or altering a house’s layout:

An addition could be anything from a room, studio, garage, raised patio deck or in-law suite to something like a glass sun room or glass enclosed pool. A structural engineer will be able to determine if the planned property addition will be able to be built without compromising the original structure’s integrity. He or she can also ensure the addition’s foundation is adequately reinforced and if necessary, tied to the existing foundation. Altering your homes layout to be more “open” is often desired. Keep in mind that removing or altering a load-bearing wall could cause significant structural damage to a home creating a much more “open” feeling than you intended! A structural engineer can accurately determine which walls carry the weight of the home’s structure and how the planned renovations could affect the structural integrity of your home.

New structural beam, Load bearing wall has been removed.

Solar panel or wind turbine installation:

Instead of an addition, let’s say you’re looking to add sustainable structures to your home or property, such as solar panels or a wind turbine to harness the power of that Oklahoma breeze. A structural engineer can perform the appropriate structural feasibility studies. With solar panels, a structural engineer can check that your desired panel layout and that the brand/type of panel that you have chosen will work on your roof. Roof systems are not typically designed for the weight of solar panels or for the foot traffic that installation and maintenance bring. With wind turbines, a structural engineer can perform a wind force study and provide you with any structural support upgrades for the installation of the correct equipment for the site. He or she can also work with a wind turbine manufacturer to identify the zoning restrictions relative to the installation.

Structural damage:

Have you have noticed structural damage or has a contractor or inspector has pointed it out to you? It is best to contact a structural engineer in order to determine the severity and cause of the concern, as well as recommend solutions. Common signs of structural damage include:

Sheet rock crack at door, via Coldwell Banker

Interior Signs

· Bowed Walls

· Gaps where your walls and floors meet

· Drywall cracks, especially around door frames

· Nail pops

· Cracked basement wall (horizontal, stair-step or vertical)

· Uneven or bouncy floors

· Sticking windows and doors

· Cracked basement walls – horizontal, stair-step or vertical

· Cabinets that swing open (No, you probably don’t have a poltergeist. Your home may be uneven from the settlement.)

Stair-step masonry crack, via Coldwell Banker

Exterior Signs

· Stair-step cracks in brick or stonework

· Front porch or stair pulling away from your home

· Gaps in your windows or door framing

· Cracked or leaning chimney

Fire, water, termite or wind damage:

Fire, water, termite or wind damage can threaten the integrity of a home or other structure. As with other forms of structural damage, a structural engineer can assess the degree of the problem and recommend an appropriate solution. An engineer will also be able to, through forensic investigation, determine whether an issue existed prior to an event for a claim’s adjuster.

High wind causes damage to a home in Oklahoma.

If any of the above home conditions apply to you, seek out a structural engineer with the required state licenses and certifications as well as professional insurance. He or she will be able to ensure that your property is stable, strong and able to stand for many years to come.

The Residential Structural Engineering Rundown