In this article (and video above), which is the third video in a 5 part series about the 5 different civil engineering disciplines you can choose from, we discuss the roles, responsibilities, and credentials needed to become a civil structural engineer to give you a better idea what to expect both in your studies, and FE exams. In the previous videos we discussed the Geotechnical, as well as Civil Engineering Disciplines, which you can find on our YouTube playlist called Civil Engineering Disciplines.
For those of you who already took their FE exams, or are getting close to taking the exam, and are thinking of taking the Civil PE Exam next, we did a complete series on our Pass the PE Exam YouTube about each of the 5 different PE Civil depth exams in detail, explaining the topics covered on each of the exams and what the pass rates are for each topic to help you in your decision. You can check it out on our Pass the PE exam YouTube Playlist called Civil Engineering Disciplines – How They Show Up in the PE Exams.
What is Civil Structural Engineering?
Civil Structural Engineering is a specialty within Civil Engineering, although some say that it is a discipline on its own, and they can make a good argument for that since there is a separate structural engineering license or SE, that is required in some states. Structural Engineers create drawings and specifications, perform calculations, review the work of other engineers, write reports and evaluations, and observe construction. A Professional Engineer’s license is required in order to practice Structural Engineering, and as I said an SE license may be required, depending on your location of practice.
The basic tasks of structural engineering relate numerical quantities of physical forces to physical configurations of force-resisting elements. Analysis is the process of determining forces in each element in a structure (such as a beam) when the configuration of elements is already defined. Design is the process of configuring elements to resist forces whose values are already known. Analysis and Design are complementary procedures in the overall process of designing new structures. After performing a preliminary design, the designer estimates the final configuration of elements of a structure, but only until an analysis is performed can the forces in those elements be known. After performing an analysis, the element forces are known, and the elements can be designed (their configuration can be chosen) more precisely. The process iterates between analysis and design until convergence is achieved.
As a civil structural engineer you may be responsible for accurately working out the structural integrity of a proposed construction project and ensuring it meets regulations including health and safety.
Common Work Includes:
- Using computer modeling simulations to predict how structures will act under varying conditions, for example, high winds, flooding or earth tremors,
- Calculating loads and stresses on structural foundations, beams and walls,
- Ensuring projects meet legal, environmental and health and safety standards,
- Advising on suitable materials for a build,
- Inspecting buildings to assess their structural integrity,
- Advising on building repairs or demolition,
- Preparing bids for tender,
- Working with designers to develop construction plans and blueprints,
- Improving a structure’s energy efficiency,
- Delivering progress reports,
- Analyzing building behavior over time,
- Assisting with renovations, or restoring heritage buildings to extend their lifespan,
- Working at a client’s business, on a construction site or in an office, often outdoors or in noisy, dusty and cramped conditions.,
Additional Skills Which May Benefit Anyone Looking To Become a Civil Structural Engineer Include:
- Knowledge of engineering science, math and technology,
- Knowledge of building and construction,
- Design skills,
- Excellent verbal communication skills,
- Thinking and reasoning skills,
- Able to use a computer and the main software packages competently.
Lastly, if you were wondering how much you will get paid once you qualify as a structural engineer, the average structural engineer salary in the USA is $97,500 per year or $46.88 per hour. Entry level positions start at $79,921 per year while most experienced structural engineers make up to approximately $131,203 per year.
There you have it, if you like what you heard here, and can see yourself working in this specific field, then this discipline might be the right one for you.
This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI
PPI
has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here.
In upcoming articles, I will answer more FE Exam questions and run through more practice problems. We publish videos bi-weekly on our Pass the FE Exam YouTube Channel. Be sure to visit our page here and click the subscribe button as you’ll get expert tips and tricks – to ensure your best success – that you can’t get anywhere else. Believe me, you won’t want to miss a single video.
Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of the videos or here on this page and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.
I’ll see you next week.
Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
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