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:.

Some basic principles of structural calculation are:.

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.

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:.

Some basic principles of structural calculation are:.

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.