Structural engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads. Structural engineering is a speciality within civil engineering, although it can also be studied in its own right. Structural engineers are commonly involved in the design of buildings and large non-building structures but they can be involved in the design of machinery, medical equipment, vehicles or any item where structural integrity affects the item’s function or safety.
Structural engineering theory is based upon physical laws and empirical knowledge of the structural performance of different materials and geometries. Structural engineering design utilizes a number of simple structural elements to build complex structural systems. They are responsible for making creative and efficient use of funds, structural elements and materials to achieve these goals.
The history of structural engineering contains many collapses and failures. Sometimes this is due to negligence and other times due to structural failures. The results of these inquiries have resulted in improved practices and greater understanding of the science of structural engineering.
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