Structural engineering has
been applied since mankind commenced building of structures. Structures are
designed, with the aim to accomplish the desired functions of creation,
ensuring the visualization of all the loads that could be applied on the structures,
and adequate safety of structures.
Structural engineering is a
specialty of civil engineering that deals with the design and analysis of structures used to support loads in the most
economical manner, with maximum element of safety. The loads applied could be
of a varied nature, including the load on bridges due to traffic, effect of
strong winds on high buildings, load on structures because of variation in
temperatures caused due to changes in weather, and load due to earthquakes.
Specialties of structural engineering are building engineering, industrial
structures, and pipeline engineering. Structural engineering has a significant
influence on the life, healthiness, and goods of people, due to which extra
vigilance is required during the construction and inspection of the structures.
Structural engineering has
been in use since ages, and one of the greatest ancient structures was the
Pyramid of Giza that was constructed in the 26th century BC. The major
structures during the medieval period were the pyramids since the shape of the
pyramids is basically stable. Theoretical knowledge about the structures was
limited, and construction techniques were based on experience only. The real
advancement in the structural engineering was achieved in the 19th century
during the industrial revolution when significant progress was achieved in the
sciences of structural analysis and materials science.
Due to the rapid growth of
computer technology and other sciences, there has been a radical advancement in
the science of structural engineering. Powerful computers have enabled the use
of the finite element analysis, for carrying out the design and structural
analysis. Programs of the finite element analysis can now precisely foresee the
distribution of stresses in structures, and indicate where the structures may
bend or twist due to these stresses. These programs offer numerous simulation
options in the field of modeling and
analysis of different systems. Other topics that have been developed in the
modern period are composite materials, fatigue, and vibration control.
Structural building
engineering is based on the manipulation of materials and the scientific and
mathematical theories to obtain structures that are safe when subjected to the
applied loads, meet the functional requirements, and are economical. The
structural design of a building should make sure that the building will resist
extreme deflections that may generate fatigue in the structural elements, or
cause failure of fixtures and partitions. Science of structural engineering is
utilized in the construction of bridges, earthworks, foundations, dams, roads,
and other structures. A structure basically includes columns, beams, archways,
and other elements. Structural engineering essentially utilizes physical
testing, modeling, and computer simulation to
create structures that are safe and economical.
Structural failure is the loss
of the load bearing capacity of a member of a structure, or the complete
structure. Failure or extreme deformations of a structure occur when the
material is subjected to its limit of strength. When the limit of the load
bearing capacity is reached, damage to the member or the structure has taken
place. Chances of structural failure can be minimized by reducing human error,
carrying out proper hazard identification, and adopting suitable maintenance
procedures for the structures.