Before beginning structural design for a new project, engineers must master key concepts in structural mechanics, load paths, and behavior under dead, live, wind, seismic, and thermal loads. They must evaluate framing systems, load distribution, and ensure compliance with standards like Eurocode, ACI, BS, and IBC. Proficiency in modeling and structural analysis tools is essential to produce safe, efficient, and cost-effective designs. Coordination with architectural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines is critical to resolve spatial and loading constraints. A solid grasp of construction sequencing and detailing ensures the design is buildable, code-compliant, and aligned with project requirements.
4.1.1 Structural Analysis and System Behavior
Covers structural system behavior under loads, enabling engineers to ensure stability, strength, and code compliance from concept to construction.
4.1.2 Design Standards and Code Compliance
Ensures structural designs meet legal and technical codes, promoting safety, compliance, and accuracy in analysis, detailing, and documentation.
4.1.3 Structural Materials and Their Applications
Covers structural materials’ properties, behavior, and applications, guiding engineers in material selection, detailing, and compliance for optimal performance.
4.1.4 Tools, Technology, and Structural Detailing
Explores digital tools and practices for structural analysis, modeling, and detailing, ensuring efficient, accurate, and coordinated design documentation.
4.1.5 Interdisciplinary Coordination and Construction Integration
Focuses on structural coordination with architecture, MEP, and construction teams to ensure integration, constructability, and successful site execution.
Structural design is a core phase in any construction project, focusing on the safe and efficient configuration of foundations, columns, slabs, beams, and frames. Engineers analyze loads—dead, live, wind, seismic, and thermal—and select appropriate systems like concrete, steel, or composites to ensure structural integrity. The process adheres to codes such as Eurocode, ACI, BS, and ASCE, while aligning with architectural and MEP requirements. Integration with BIM and analysis tools enhances precision and coordination. This phase transforms conceptual load paths into detailed, constructible solutions that ensure safety, durability, and performance across the building’s lifecycle.
4.2.1 Concept Design
Defines structural strategies aligned with architecture and site conditions, establishing system type, grid, and coordination framework for design development.
4.2.2 Schematic Design
Develops coordinated structural framing, foundations, and load paths, translating concept into schematic systems aligned with architecture, MEP, and constructability.
4.2.3 Design Development
Advances schematic layouts into coordinated, code-compliant structural systems with validated calculations, member sizing, and integration across architectural and MEP disciplines.
4.2.4 Construction Documents
Produces detailed, coordinated structural documents and specifications for tendering, construction, and authority approval, ensuring compliance, clarity, and buildability.
4.2.5 Bidding Phase
Facilitates contractor selection by issuing coordinated structural documents, responding to inquiries, and supporting evaluation to ensure clarity and execution readiness.