Structural engineers specialize in the safety, stability, and strength of structures, collaborating with architects to provide expertise that architects typically do not have. When included early in the design process, structural engineers can help ensure that each project remains on or below budget and that challenges during construction are kept to a minimum.

Structural engineers help building owners and developers maximize efficiency and minimize costs, especially if structural engineers are involved early in the design process. Structural engineers have the technical skills necessary to recommend the optimal structural system is selected for each project, considering both first-cost and long-term maintenance perspectives.

Structural engineering fees are typically a modest percentage of overall project construction costs. The more significant budget consideration is the structural system itself, which is often one of the largest material cost drivers in a building. An efficiently designed structural system — one that is optimized for the specific site, use, and budget — can generate meaningful savings in both material quantities and construction schedule.

Engaging a structural engineer early in design, rather than after major decisions are set, tends to reduce overall project cost. Early involvement allows structural and architectural decisions to develop together, avoiding expensive redesigns or value-engineering exercises later in the process.

Every building site is unique, and structural engineers can help identify necessary modifications to the built structure to enable it to comply with all site constraints and local building codes. Without a structural engineer’s input for projects based on prototype plans, the design may not meet local safety requirements and could result in costly and time-consuming revisions, delays, or structural failure during or after construction.

Structural engineers have the tools to efficiently assess the structural condition of an existing building and identify aspects of the structure that likely would require strengthening or retrofit as part of the renovation or adaptive reuse. Early identification of these issues is critical to a successful due diligence phase on renovation or adaptive reuse projects.

Building codes do not prescribe what measures should be taken to prevent or reduce vibrations. However, structural engineers can work with project stakeholders to determine if vibration might be a concern for the building. Structural engineers can offer project guidance to address and limit vibrations. If the building is located near a source of vibration, such as heavy traffic or construction, it may be necessary to design the building with additional stiffness or damping to prevent excessive vibrations and noise. If the building is designed without considering vibration, it is possible that it will not perform as required, affecting the use of sensitive equipment.

Structural engineers can very quickly assess the general structural condition of a building and advise on what repairs or retrofits might be necessary to provide the level of performance required. Structural engineers also can assist with high-level cost estimating of necessary repairs, which can be included in a pro forma.

Climate change is causing more frequent extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and floods, all of which can cause significant damage to structures. As codes evolve to the realities of climate change, structural engineering designs will also evolve. Structural engineers can design structures that are more resistant to these extreme weather events by using stronger materials and incorporating design features that reduce the effects of wind and water.

Structural engineers can also play a role in mitigating the effects of climate change. For example, they can specify sustainable materials or help to mitigate the environmental impact of new construction.

A professional engineer (PE) license applies to a variety of engineering disciplines, including civil, environmental, geotechnical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural. Licensing requirements for structural work vary by jurisdiction and project type. In many states, a PE license is sufficient for a wide range of projects. However, some states require structural engineers to hold a structural engineer (SE) license — in addition to a PE — for certain project types, such as high-rise buildings, hospitals, or schools. When in doubt, verify the requirements for your specific location and project with your structural engineer.

Structural engineers can play an important collaborative role in helping artists realize their vision for large-scale sculptures. Because these sculptures often involve complex geometries and unconventional materials, a structural engineer can provide the necessary technical expertise to consider the sculpture’s safety, stability, and durability. To help artists with large-scale sculptures, a structural engineer will typically work with the artist to understand their creative vision and technical requirements and develop a structural solution that achieves that vision.

Understanding the soil conditions that exist at a particular site is critical in determining not only if a site is suitable to support a new structure, but also in determining the foundation system that is required. A geotechnical report provides detailed information about the subsurface conditions at a particular site, including soil types, soil conditions, stability, bearing capacity, seismic site class, and groundwater conditions. Typically prepared by a geotechnical engineer, a geotechnical report can help avoid costly mistakes, reduce the risk of unforeseen conditions, and assist the structural engineer in designing a foundation system that meets the needs of the site and the structure you are placing on it.

Some structural engineers play an important role in emergency response after natural disasters, conducting critical safety assessments of buildings and infrastructure. For example, structural engineers can determine the stability of a collapsed structure as victims are extracted from debris. Later, they assess structural damage to establish whether buildings and bridges are safe to use, need repair, or should be demolished. Structural engineers may also design and oversee the construction of temporary structures and emergency shelters to provide immediate safety and refuge for those affected by natural disasters.

Even before natural disasters, structural engineers work to reduce risk by assessing buildings and infrastructure in high-wind or seismic risk areas and recommending retrofitting or strengthening measures to improve safety and reduce damage. Researchers and committees of structural engineers may also work together to develop amendments to building codes, creating advanced guidelines for design that consider these forces of nature.