| The branch of engineering that deals with | | | | Occasionally structural engineers will get it wrong |
| structure design to effectively handle various | | | | and a bridge will collapse, or something will go |
| loads and stresses is called structural engineering. | | | | wrong in a skyscraper. We have all seen reports |
| The structures see on a daily basis or on | | | | of these tragedies on television. To prevent these |
| television can be attributed to those in this | | | | types of occurrences often multiple independent |
| profession. A subset of this industry can also be | | | | structural engineers will be brought in to provide |
| involved in the development of machinery or | | | | second and third opinions. Once a plan has been |
| equipment that requires the same mathematical | | | | decided upon, these plans will also get multiple |
| specifications. Responsibility lies upon the shoulders | | | | opinions to try and find any mistakes. In modern |
| of these specialists to ensure that the equipment | | | | times, structural engineers have had the |
| and structures are safe. If there is any question | | | | assistance of computers and software. Depending |
| regarding the safety of a building after an | | | | on their needs, whether it is custom AutoCad in |
| earthquake, for example, a structural engineer will | | | | Texas, or other engineering software, they have |
| surely be brought in to determine the possibility of | | | | many wonderful tools that allow them to do more |
| compromised building integrity. Another strength | | | | and more complicated jobs, with less and less risk. |
| of a structural engineer is the ability to design a | | | | There are now more checks and balances |
| structure that meets the demands of the builder, | | | | automatically build into every project. |
| but can do so affordably. | | | | |