Structural engineering relies on detailed knowledge of applied mechanics, materials science, and applied mathematics to understand and predict how structures support and resist self-weight and imposed loads. To apply the knowledge successfully, a structural engineer generally requires detailed knowledge of relevant empirical and theoretical design codes, structural analysis techniques, as well as some knowledge of corrosion resistance of materials and structures, especially when those structures are exposed to the external environment. Since the 1990s, specialized software has been available to assist in the design of structures, with the functionality to assist in the drawing, analysis and design of structures with maximum precision; examples include AutoCAD, StaadPro, ETABS, Prokon, Revit Structure, Inducta RCB, etc. Such software can also take into account environmental loads, such as earthquakes and winds.

A structural load should be understood as those mechanical stresses (forces, moments, deformations, displacements) that must be included in the calculation of the resistant mechanical elements. The structure is made up of the set of resistant mechanical elements and their mechanical joints considered as a system. Structural loads are generally classified as:.

• - dead loads that act continuously and without significant changes. This group includes the self-weight of the structure, thrusts of liquids (as in a dam) or solids (such as the soil in a retaining wall), tensioners (as in bridges), prestress, permanent settlements;

• - live loads which are those that vary in intensity over time due to use or exposure of the structure, such as traffic on bridges, changes in temperature, machinery (such as a press), accumulation of snow or hail, etc.; accidental loads that have their origin in actions external to the use of the structure and whose manifestation is short-lived, such as seismic events or wind gusts.

Some basic principles of structural calculation are:.

• - Randomness and uncertainty, about the value of the acting loads, so these must be treated as random variables, so a safe structural calculation includes determining statistical values ​​associated with the probability density of each load. Thus, the characteristic value of a charge F with an unfavorable effect is defined as the value such that:.

• - Limit states method, many technical instructions and recommended methods use this method, which consists of identifying a set of potentially dangerous situations for the structure, when the value of a certain magnitude exceeds a certain threshold. The structural calculation consists of identifying a set of relevant quantities and verifying that for all of them the following is true:

• - Load hypothesis, given the existing uncertainties about a structure, and the different conditions in which it can work, it is not possible to determine the general effect of the loads through a single calculation or combination of loads. For this reason, most technical instructions establish different load combinations, which together reproduce qualitatively different situations that can occur during the useful life of a structure.

• - Mechanical models, the actual calculation of a structure involves using some type of mechanical model that relates structural loads to the effects on the structure. Among the most frequently used mechanical models are:

• The theory of linear elasticity "Elasticity (solid mechanics)") which for complex structures gives rise to a finite element scheme.

• Beam theory and derived calculation models such as the matrix method of stiffness

• The theory of plates and sheets.

Normally the calculation and design of a structure is divided into differentiated elements although linked by the internal forces that are exerted on each other. Usually, for calculation purposes, real structures are usually divisible into a set of separate units, each of which constitutes a structural element and is calculated according to kinematic hypotheses, behavioral equations and differentiated materials.

The most common linear and two-dimensional structural elements are:.

Structural engineers are responsible for engineering design and structural analysis. Beginning structural engineers can design the individual structural elements of a structure, such as the beams and columns of a building. More experienced engineers may be responsible for the structural design and integrity of an entire system, such as a building.[5]​.

Structural engineers typically specialize in specific types of structures, such as buildings, bridges, pipelines, industrial structures, tunnels, vehicles, ships, aircraft, and spacecraft. Structural engineers who specialize in buildings may specialize in specific construction materials, such as concrete, steel, wood, masonry, alloys, and composites.[6]​.

Structural engineering has been around since humans began building their structures. It became a more defined and formalized profession with the emergence of architecture as a distinct profession from engineering during the industrial revolution at the turn of the century. Until then, the architect and the structural engineer used to be the same thing: the master builder. Only with the development of specialized knowledge of structural theories that emerged during the 19th and early 20th centuries did professional structural engineers emerge.[7]​.

The role of a structural engineer today involves significant knowledge of static and dynamic loads and the structures available to resist them. The complexity of modern structures often requires a great deal of creativity on the part of the engineer to ensure that the structures support and resist the loads to which they are subjected. A structural engineer will typically have a four or five year degree, followed by a minimum of three years of professional practice before being considered fully qualified. Structural engineers are chartered or accredited by different scientific societies and regulatory bodies around the world (for example, the Institution of Structural Engineers in the United Kingdom). Depending on the degree course they have studied and/or the jurisdiction in which they are seeking licensure, they may be accredited (or licensed) as structural engineers only, or as civil engineers, or as civil and structural engineers. Another international organization is IABSE (International Association of Bridge and Structural Engineering). The objective of this association is to exchange knowledge and promote the practice of structural engineering throughout the world in the service of the profession and society.

• - Portal:Engineering. Content related to Engineering.

• - Civil Engineering.

• - Building engineering.

• - Seismic engineering.

• - Structural reliability.

• - Wikimedia Commons hosts a multimedia category on Structural Engineering.

• - Weblog dedicated to the dissemination of structural design.

• - Site where topics in solid mechanics are reviewed and bibliography and exercises are provided.

• - Construnario, Technical catalogs on structural engineering.

Structural engineering relies on detailed knowledge of applied mechanics, materials science, and applied mathematics to understand and predict how structures support and resist self-weight and imposed loads. To apply the knowledge successfully, a structural engineer generally requires detailed knowledge of relevant empirical and theoretical design codes, structural analysis techniques, as well as some knowledge of corrosion resistance of materials and structures, especially when those structures are exposed to the external environment. Since the 1990s, specialized software has been available to assist in the design of structures, with the functionality to assist in the drawing, analysis and design of structures with maximum precision; examples include AutoCAD, StaadPro, ETABS, Prokon, Revit Structure, Inducta RCB, etc. Such software can also take into account environmental loads, such as earthquakes and winds.

A structural load should be understood as those mechanical stresses (forces, moments, deformations, displacements) that must be included in the calculation of the resistant mechanical elements. The structure is made up of the set of resistant mechanical elements and their mechanical joints considered as a system. Structural loads are generally classified as:.

• - dead loads that act continuously and without significant changes. This group includes the self-weight of the structure, thrusts of liquids (as in a dam) or solids (such as the soil in a retaining wall), tensioners (as in bridges), prestress, permanent settlements;

• - live loads which are those that vary in intensity over time due to use or exposure of the structure, such as traffic on bridges, changes in temperature, machinery (such as a press), accumulation of snow or hail, etc.; accidental loads that have their origin in actions external to the use of the structure and whose manifestation is short-lived, such as seismic events or wind gusts.

Some basic principles of structural calculation are:.

• - Randomness and uncertainty, about the value of the acting loads, so these must be treated as random variables, so a safe structural calculation includes determining statistical values ​​associated with the probability density of each load. Thus, the characteristic value of a charge F with an unfavorable effect is defined as the value such that:.

• - Limit states method, many technical instructions and recommended methods use this method, which consists of identifying a set of potentially dangerous situations for the structure, when the value of a certain magnitude exceeds a certain threshold. The structural calculation consists of identifying a set of relevant quantities and verifying that for all of them the following is true:

• - Load hypothesis, given the existing uncertainties about a structure, and the different conditions in which it can work, it is not possible to determine the general effect of the loads through a single calculation or combination of loads. For this reason, most technical instructions establish different load combinations, which together reproduce qualitatively different situations that can occur during the useful life of a structure.

• - Mechanical models, the actual calculation of a structure involves using some type of mechanical model that relates structural loads to the effects on the structure. Among the most frequently used mechanical models are:

• The theory of linear elasticity "Elasticity (solid mechanics)") which for complex structures gives rise to a finite element scheme.

• Beam theory and derived calculation models such as the matrix method of stiffness

• The theory of plates and sheets.

Normally the calculation and design of a structure is divided into differentiated elements although linked by the internal forces that are exerted on each other. Usually, for calculation purposes, real structures are usually divisible into a set of separate units, each of which constitutes a structural element and is calculated according to kinematic hypotheses, behavioral equations and differentiated materials.

The most common linear and two-dimensional structural elements are:.

Structural engineers are responsible for engineering design and structural analysis. Beginning structural engineers can design the individual structural elements of a structure, such as the beams and columns of a building. More experienced engineers may be responsible for the structural design and integrity of an entire system, such as a building.[5]​.

Structural engineers typically specialize in specific types of structures, such as buildings, bridges, pipelines, industrial structures, tunnels, vehicles, ships, aircraft, and spacecraft. Structural engineers who specialize in buildings may specialize in specific construction materials, such as concrete, steel, wood, masonry, alloys, and composites.[6]​.

Structural engineering has been around since humans began building their structures. It became a more defined and formalized profession with the emergence of architecture as a distinct profession from engineering during the industrial revolution at the turn of the century. Until then, the architect and the structural engineer used to be the same thing: the master builder. Only with the development of specialized knowledge of structural theories that emerged during the 19th and early 20th centuries did professional structural engineers emerge.[7]​.

The role of a structural engineer today involves significant knowledge of static and dynamic loads and the structures available to resist them. The complexity of modern structures often requires a great deal of creativity on the part of the engineer to ensure that the structures support and resist the loads to which they are subjected. A structural engineer will typically have a four or five year degree, followed by a minimum of three years of professional practice before being considered fully qualified. Structural engineers are chartered or accredited by different scientific societies and regulatory bodies around the world (for example, the Institution of Structural Engineers in the United Kingdom). Depending on the degree course they have studied and/or the jurisdiction in which they are seeking licensure, they may be accredited (or licensed) as structural engineers only, or as civil engineers, or as civil and structural engineers. Another international organization is IABSE (International Association of Bridge and Structural Engineering). The objective of this association is to exchange knowledge and promote the practice of structural engineering throughout the world in the service of the profession and society.

• - Portal:Engineering. Content related to Engineering.

• - Civil Engineering.

• - Building engineering.

• - Seismic engineering.

• - Structural reliability.

• - Wikimedia Commons hosts a multimedia category on Structural Engineering.

• - Weblog dedicated to the dissemination of structural design.

• - Site where topics in solid mechanics are reviewed and bibliography and exercises are provided.

• - Construnario, Technical catalogs on structural engineering.