Careers in Engineering: Structural Engineer

CAREERS IN ENGINEERING

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Institute Research Number 797 ISBN 1-58511-797-8 DOT Number 005.061-034 O*Net SOC Code 17-2051.00

CAREERS IN ENGINEERING STRUCTURAL ENGINEER IF “HUMPTY DUMPTY” FELL OFF HIS WALL TODAY WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO HIM?

Who would come to his rescue? Who could put him back together again? An engineer, of course! More specifically, a structural engineer who would look at Humpty’s overall design and then analyze it: what part of the design came up short; too round, too pointed; what vertical and lateral forces failed to function; was the wall structure at fault, and on and on. Engineering is the field that combines science and mathematics to create, analyze, design, develop, test and implement solutions to problems critical to society’s needs. Engineers are among the most highly educated and best trained professionals in the world, as well as

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among the highest paid. From the very first pyramid built around 2700 BC, to the world’s tallest structure now under construction in Dubai, engineering as a specialized field has slowly evolved from the stone masons, carpenters, master builders and early architects to the technologically-skilled engineers and the engineering profession we acknowledge and rely on in the 21st century. Engineering, in some form, touches almost every aspect of our lives from home, to work, to play. Engineering is a large and diverse field – more than 1.5 million engineers work in the United States. The engineering profession is divided into many specialized areas from aerospace to petroleum. Civil engineering is one of the oldest disciplines in this field because it covers the design and construction of buildings, bridges, tunnels, roads, dams, water supply and sewage systems, airports, etc. The infrastructure in our cities and towns from coast to coast and around the world, attest to the history, the creativity and implementation of the work of civil engineers. And, there are more specialties within civil engineering, including structural, construction, transportation, water resources, environmental and geotechnical engineering. Structural engineering is the specialty of civil engineering that deals with the design of structures – physical objects and systems – and their main function of resisting loads and dissipating energy. This includes the design of buildings and non-building structures, as well as machinery, aircraft, medical equipment, furniture and a variety of vehicles. Structural engineers can further specialize in areas such as building engineering, pipeline engineering, bridge engineering, and industrial or special structures. While a few other engineering disciplines can touch on this field, the professionals agree that it is the structural engineer that is the designer of choice for all structural objects and systems regardless of scientific or industrial application.

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STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING DEFINED THE TERRORIST ATTACKS ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, SPECIFICALLY ON THE WORLD

Trade Center twin towers, opened up a dialogue that is still going on about the structure of the buildings and how they could have collapsed as they did. Engineers from around the world will continue to study videos of the collapse of each building, focusing on the point of entry of each plane, and how each structure reacted to the impact. The positioning of the columns, beams and other design elements will be carefully analyzed and discussed, and then future designs will be improved to be able to withstand such an outside force. A major bridge collapsed in Minnesota in 2007, with loss of life, and cutting off the major transportation artery between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Immediately, cities and towns across the country began inspecting bridges, and the results were alarming. Too many bridges were found to have structural deficiencies. In the state of Illinois, for example, there are about 26,000 bridges, and 2,400, almost 10 percent, were classified as “structurally deficient” according to federal transportation records. But Illinois is below the national average of “structurally deficient” bridges which is 12 percent, an unacceptable figure. America is facing aging cities where the infrastructure can be 100 years old. An exploding population after World War II created a demand for more automobiles that have now filled the state and federal highway system with traffic gridlock, putting a great strain on roads and bridges. Repairing the infrastructure is very costly, and too often politicians have ignored the problems or have accepted band-aid solutions, keeping their fingers crossed that nothing tragic would happen. Traffic is a major problem across the country. From the Los Angeles freeway to the Brooklyn Bridge, drivers are stuck in traffic jams on aging roads and bridges that need major overhauls to make it through the 21st century. Many famous skyscrapers were built in the 1930s and 40s. When structural and other building problems arise, replacement parts are often impossible to find because they are no longer made. It is becoming clear that all engineering disciplines will be called upon to contribute and address these problems, but structural engineers will lead the way.

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Structural engineers are educated and trained, and must be licensed to ensure that the integrity of every structure they work on can resist vertical and lateral forces without collapsing or failing in some way to function. Modern structures are going skyward and have become highly complex, requiring structural engineers to create designs that support and resist the enormous loads they are subjected to. This takes on great importance not only for terrorist attacks, but also in areas that are prone to such natural disasters as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis. Structural engineering is a complex and difficult academic study. It requires a high degree of concentration, and expertise in mathematics and the sciences. The program to become a structural engineer is long and hard. This is an important field where professionals constantly challenge the norm and push the envelope to make lives and the world better.

Specialties Within Structural Engineering

THERE IS

CONSIDERABLE SPECIALIZAtion within this profession. Structural engineers

can be responsible for the structural design and integrity of an entire project or system, and they can also specialize in one of these areas: Bridge Engineering Bridges and tunnels are engineering marvels and can take years to build. Common bridge types include suspension, arch, truss, cable-stayed and beam, plus the scenic covered bridge. Bridge engineers are responsible for the overall design standards that include the ideal place to build the bridge, the basic design, and materials to be used, and potential traffic. They make a load capacity evaluation that includes fatigue and fracture studies, seismic evaluations, and corrosions and protection studies. They calculate the ongoing inspection and upkeep costs. Building Engineering Also known as architectural engineers, building engineers plan and design all types of buildings, and then are involved with their construction, operation, renovation and maintenance. There is a subtle difference, as building engineering is the manipulation of materials and forms, considering functional and safety requirements, and the need to be practical and economical to construct. The architect can be the lead designer whose goal is a building that is aesthetic, functional, and artistic. This is an interdisciplinary part of engineering as civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers must 5

integrate their specific knowledge to make the building whole. Building engineers can be involved in all phases of a structure that includes energy efficiency, air quality, lighting and acoustics, HVAC and control systems and more. Pipeline Engineering Across the United States, there are approximately 165,000 miles of petroleum transmission pipelines that serve as the primary means of moving oil products such as crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel and more to consumer markets. Most are buried underground and operate safely and efficiently. Pipeline engineering deals with the site, archeology concerns, size and length, soil type, environmental impact concerns, design underground and above ground, materials, construction, workforce, government oversight and more. Pipeline engineers design and develop the massive lines of gas and oil pipes that deliver these valuable commodities to markets and communities. The work is intricate and highly specialized. If you want to get a feel for the enormity of pipeline engineering, go to the website of the Alaska pipeline that was developed and constructed in the 1970s to learn the facts about everything from the cost to the workforce to the actual construction at: www.alyeska-pipe.com/Pipelinefacts/PipelineEngineering.html Industrial and Special Structures These are the moveable or moving structures that are subject to different forces such as fatigue and load variation that can vary significantly depending upon the structure. They include boats, aircraft, construction and medical equipment, vehicles, etc.

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IMPORTANCE OF THE PROFESSION TWO IM PORTANT RE PORTS WERE RELEASED RECENTLY THAT EVENTUALLY WILL

impact the engineering profession in general, and structural engineering in particular: The final report of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, and the report of the National Transportation Safety Board on the collapse of the Minneapolis bridge on August 1, 2007. The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission (website: www.transportationfortomorrow.org), was created by Congress in 2005 to review the current condition and future needs of our surface transportation system and make recommendations for now and the future. The Commission released its final report on January 15, 2008. You can view it on their website. Its mission statement notes, “The US surface transportation system links Americans to each other and to the world. This enormous network of highways, ports, freight and passenger railroads and transit systems is vital to America’s economy, security and way of life. It is currently the best surface transportation system in the world – the challenge now is to ensure that it remains the best in the future.” The NTSB cited a design flaw in the steel plates connecting beams in the bridge collapse that killed 13 people and injured 145 people. “The NTSB can’t discount the possibility of similar errors in similar bridges, and cautions that states and contractors should look at the original design calculations for such bridges.” The bridge in Minneapolis opened in 1967. These two important reports go to the very heart of the infrastructure problems across all 50 states, and the huge task that awaits engineers, architects, contractors and the construction industry in keeping the transportation systems viable throughout the 21st century. Estimates are there will be an increase of over ten percent in employment for the engineering field overall over the next decade, but an almost 20 percent employment growth for civil engineers for the same period! The population is growing and the infrastructure is aging. The need to repair and replace old public structures, including roads and bridges, water supply systems, pollution control systems and building complexes and more, will create many new jobs. The government reports that there are about 250,000 civil engineers (this includes structural engineers) working, and projects that number to rise to 300,000 by the year 2016. The employment picture for structural engineers for the foreseeable future is very good. 7

HISTORY OF THE CAREER IMHOTEP LIVED IN EGYPT DURING THE REIGN OF KING DJOSER (2630-2611 BC) AND

is the first master builder or architect in recorded history known by name. He built the Step Pyramid complex at Saqqara for his king, considered one of the wonders of the ancient world and recognized as the first monumental stone structure. Imhotep was also a doctor, high priest, scribe and vizier to at least three Egyptian kings of that period. Pyramids became common major structures in ancient civilizations because their form was considered stable and infinitely scaled. The men who worked on these projects were called artisans, and included stone masons and carpenters. The top job went to the master builder. During ancient times, there were no theories or blueprints of how structures should be constructed, or calculations of the strength of the structure and how the materials would fare. Most structures were repetitive, and the increases in scale or changes in design were incremental. In the third century BC, Archimedes, considered the greatest mathematician of his age, was also an inventor of a variety of machines including pulleys and the screw pumping device, and wrote On the Equilibrium of Planes, where he calculated the areas and centers of gravity of various geometric figures including triangles and hemispheres. His understanding of the role of mathematics in structures can be found in modern structural engineering. The physical science of structural engineering began developing during the Renaissance with such luminaries as Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) and Galileo (1564-1642). Leonardo, without knowing anything of beam theory and calculus, produced many engineering designs based on his scientific observations, including a bridge design that was dismissed without merit during his lifetime, but eventually was judged to be feasible and structurally solid. Galileo outlined the science of the strength of materials and the motion of objects in his Dialogues Relating to Two New Sciences. In 1660, English physicist, mathematician and inventor Robert Hooke (1635-1703) first described the law of elasticity, and through his work developed a balance spring, or hairspring, that for the first time enabled a watch to keep time with some accuracy. In 1676, Hooke’s Law provided the first scientific understanding of the elasticity of materials and how they reacted under their loads. Hooke was also the first person to use the word “cell” to describe the basic unit of life. 8

Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727), developed an intense interest in mathematics and the laws of nature at an early age, and is considered by many to be the father of modern science. His discoveries were numerous and varied, and when in 1687 he published his Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathemaica, and in 1704 his Opticks, he helped define the laws of gravity and planetary motion. Newton was a cofounder of the field of calculus that revealed for the first time an understanding of the fundamental laws governing structures. He was the first scientist to be buried in Westminster Abbey. Gottfried Leibniz (1646-1716), German philosopher, mathematician and logician, discovered calculus independently of Newton, and his notation is the one still in use today. Leibniz also discovered the binary system that is the foundation of all modern computer architectures. Swiss mathematician and physicist, Leonhard Euler (1707-1783), considered to be the greatest mathematician of the 18th century and one of the greatest of all time, made important discoveries in the fields of calculus and graph theory. He pioneered much of the mathematics and methods that today enable structural engineers to model and analyze structures. Along with Swiss mathematician Daniel Bernoulli (1700-1782), he developed the Euler-Bernoulli beam equation that is the fundamental theory of most structural engineering design. Two important construction advancements at the end of the 18th century: The construction in 1796 and 1797 of the world’s first iron framed building – the Ditherington Flax Mill in Shrewsbury – designed by English architect, Charles Bage (1751-1822); and in 1795, Bage and English inventor William Strutt (1756-1830) collaborated to build the world’s first “fire-proofed” building – the Belper North Mill in Derby. In 1821, French engineer and physicist Claude-Louis Navier (1785-1836), developed the general theory of elasticity in a mathematically usable form making it possible to construct anything with sufficient accuracy. Navier was the first to state that the role of a structural engineer was not to understand the failed state of a structure, but to prevent a failure in the first place. The development and pace of materials science and structural analysis took on new meaning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, first with the discovery of Portland cement, and then the process to produce steel. In 1824, a British bricklayer, Joseph Aspdin, received a patent for a process of making a cement mixture that he called Portland cement. While cement had been in use since ancient 9

Greek and Roman times, Aspdin refined and simplified the process using available, cheap materials that made concrete construction economically feasible. During the 1850s, English engineer and inventor Henry Bessemer developed a process to produce steel when he successfully converted cast iron into cast steel. In time, steel would replace wrought iron and cast iron as the metal of choice for construction. Even though steel construction was being used in many cities, French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, and French structural engineer, Maurice Koechlin, chose to design and build their tower in 1889 using iron. This world famous landmark known as the Eiffel Tower is only one of Eiffel’s engineering design feats that include bridges, buildings, pavilions, and in 1886, the structure that supports the Statue of Liberty in New York City. Russian structural engineer, scientist and architect, Vladimir Shukhov (1853-1939), closed out the 19th century with developments and new methods of analysis in structural engineering that enabled breakthroughs in industrial design for the oil industry and the construction of bridges and buildings. He pioneered hyperboloid structures, shell structures, tensile structures, pipelines, oil reservoirs, boilers, ships and barges. Shukhov also invented a new concept of doubly-curved structural forms, known today as the hyperboloids of revolution, and developed a series of light-weight towers and roof systems, and the mathematics for their analysis. The foundation for structural engineering had evolved over many centuries, and at the dawn of the 20th century, new generations of engineers, mathematicians and scientists would add to the knowledge in this discipline and make many improvements. Sir John Fleetwood Baker (1901-1985), British scientist and structural engineer, developed the plastic theory of design that was revolutionary because it gave steel structures a lower bound on the collapse load and made them safer. Prior to this, the design of steel structures was based on the elastic theory of design giving an upper bound on the collapse load. During World War II, Baker used this design to create the Morrison indoor shelter that saved many lives during the war bombings. By the late 20th century and now into the 21st century, the development of new and powerful computers has become a widely-recognized tool for structural design and analysis. Significant advances that led to accurately predicting stresses in complex structural design allowed computational analysis to be used on such 10

structures as the Sydney Opera House in Australia. This advanced technology, along with a better understanding of materials and structural behavior, has led to breakthroughs in earthquake engineering, fracture mechanics, dynamics and vibration, fatigue, composite materials and temperature effects on materials and more. The depth and breadth of this knowledge are leading to increased specialization within structural engineering.

WHAT STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS DO STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS APPLY THE PRINCIPLES OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS IN

the design of and building of physical objects such as buildings, bridges, towers, airports, tunnels, roofs, walls, roads, dams, pipelines, aircraft, vehicles, furniture and medical equipment. Every physical object must be able to stand up to all safety standards, and have a design that is practical and will function without excessive movements or deflections that could cause fatigue of structural elements, any cracking, failure of fittings or partitions. Structural engineers must rely on their detailed knowledge of loads, physics and materials to not only understand, but to predict how structures will support and resist self-weight and imposed loads. Loads are generally classified as live – transitory or temporary, and unpredictable, and dead – permanent, including all major permanent components. The strength of the structure will depend upon material properties and their capacity to withstand different types of stress. Structural engineers apply all this detailed knowledge of mathematics, and empirical and theoretical design codes, to design a structure or physical object that meets all these criteria. They must also make creative and efficient use of funds and materials to reach these goals. Structural engineers use computers and other technologies in their analysis and design of structural systems. Structural engineers plan and design aircraft, vehicles, medical and construction equipment, amusement park rides and much more. They are also at work on the International Space Station. The three major subspecialties in structural engineering are building engineering, bridge engineering and pipeline engineering.

Building Engineers Also sometimes known as architectural engineers, they plan, design, construct, operate, renovate and maintain buildings of all shapes and sizes, as well as ascertaining the structure’s impact on the surrounding 11

environment. Building engineering is an interdisciplinary career that draws knowledge from different disciplines, including architecture (form, function, building codes and specifications), civil engineering (the foundation and structure), mechanical engineering (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems), electrical engineering (power distribution, control and electrical systems), physics (building science, acoustics and lighting), chemistry and biology (indoor air quality), and economics (project planning and scheduling). The building engineer must identify and explore all phases of the life cycle of a building, and anticipate problems and have appropriate solutions to always improve the performance of the building. Building engineers are also concerned with energy efficiency, air quality, building materials, construction management, control systems, and resistance to wind effects and natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Computer technology is very important to building engineers, who must understand and be comfortable using advancing technologies. Additional specialties within building engineering include façade engineering, fire engineering, roof engineering, tower engineering and wind engineering.

Bridge Engineers Bridge engineers plan, survey, design, build, inspect, repair, retrofit, preserve and investigate failures on many types of bridges. Depending upon the site, size and type of bridge needed, these structures can require anywhere from many months to several years to build. First, there is the placement, or site of the proposed bridge. If the distance to be spanned is short, it may accommodate a beam bridge or a small truss bridge. If the span is very large, over an ocean bay for example, a suspension bridge may be required. The proposed site must be surveyed with electronic measuring devices to map out the whole area and calculate the length and placement of the structure. The bridge is designed taking into account potential traffic loads, best materials to be used, inspection and upkeep costs, and other factors. Finally, there is the construction – after all the local and federal approvals, and financing – that usually begins with an excavation or landfill on the banks of either side of the bridge. Bridge engineers are concerned with structural evaluations and load ratings; inspections and load testing; corrosion protection studies as well as preservation studies and durability studies; seismic evaluations and upgrades in addition to fatigue and fracture studies, and failure investigations.

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Pipeline Engineers Pipeline engineers develop, survey, plan, design, and oversee the construction of the massive lines of gas and oil pipes that carry petroleum commodities to communities across the country and around the world. From soil samplings to animal crossings, land ownership to archeological surveys, government permits and oversights to design modes and concrete weights, and roads, pumping stations, terminals and materials, to actual workforce and construction, pipeline engineering is interdisciplinary as it involves civil planning, a number of engineering disciplines and construction. Today, petroleum products such as crude oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel move across the 50 states through 165,000 miles of petroleum transmission pipelines that are safe and efficient. Most are buried underground or under the sea and are the primary means of moving the crude oil from the fields and offshore installations to refineries where the oil is turned into fuel and other products, and then to terminals where the products are trucked across country to retail outlets. But it all starts with the pipeline. Computers and design software programs are a staple of this specialty and pipeline engineers must have excellent knowledge of this advancing technology.

WHERE STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS WORK STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS CAN BE FOUND WORKING IN LARGE CITIES AND SMALL

towns across the US and around the world. They work in offices in high rise buildings; in trailers on construction sites; in onsite offices for buildings, bridges, dams, offshore structures, roads, tunnels, waterways, and pipelines; in gas and oil fields; and at manufacturing sites for aircraft, boats, vehicles, medical equipment, furniture, and construction (heavy lifting and moving) equipment. Structural engineers work for corporations, construction companies, engineering companies, architects, local, state and federal governments and agencies and others. They can be part of a team or work independently, and structural engineers can work as consultants on major projects. From a three-piece business suit to jeans and a hard hat, structural engineers are on the job everywhere and anywhere. These professionals are always willing to share their work experience with students who want to know more about this complex, but challenging profession. Here are some of their comments.

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STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS TELL YOU THEIR STORIES I Am a Pipeline Engineer “I always knew that I wanted to be an engineer, and when I was young an engineer was just an engineer that took care of designing and building roads and buildings. It wasn’t until high school that I realized engineering was divided into many specialties, and suddenly my options were increased tenfold. I chose civil engineering because I grew up in a large urban metropolis and saw the problems associated with aging buildings, bridges and roads. I wound up in structural engineering when I worked in an oilfield during the summer of my third year in college as a gofer to a group of pipeline engineers who were working on making a major addition to an existing pipeline and hired several dozen students to help. It was dry and hot and windy, and the work was really hard, but it turned out to be so challenging that when I returned to school, I did some research on pipeline engineering, and then talked to my advisor about what additional courses I could take to become a pipeline engineer. That was 21 years ago, and my work has taken me to many parts of this country and interesting places abroad. I started out working for an oil company in the West, and really got my credentials learning the ins and outs of pipeline engineering. For the first two years, I was mentored by several engineers both structural and pipeline, and worked under their careful scrutiny on pipeline design, the preparation of specifications, judging the risks, materials to be used, construction schedules and costs, and so much more. We use computer software that is specifically designed for this work. I spent hours on end at construction sites to see the progress first hand and to make sure that we stayed on schedule and on budget. When you look at the end product – a pipeline – you would be surprised at the amount of planning and work involved. It takes professionals of all different levels and disciplines to work together to ensure that each step is error free, so that when you finally connect pipe A with pipe B they actually are a fit. 14

I spent some time working in the Middle East and that was a good experience. Eight years ago I went to work for an engineering firm specializing in structural engineering projects across the country and in Asia and Africa. I am now part of a team of structural and pipeline engineers that work on pipeline projects wherever we are needed here and abroad. Each project is different and each is difficult in its own way. What makes this work so challenging and interesting are the people and the problems. New projects mean new people to work with in different surroundings, and new problems to solve. Somewhere down the line I will probably wind up doing consulting work, and that would be a fitting close to my career. I make great money and I really like what I do. I have never regretted the years of study and training, and the struggle to learn and to make my mark in this field. I may not be famous, but I am proud of the work I have done and continue to do and, in certain circles, they may even ask for me by name when they are building a new pipeline.”

I Am a Structural Engineer “I work for a company that develops, owns and operates all types of broadcast installations across the 50 states, and our 35 plus team of engineers design and oversee the building of the towers that are seen from the rooftops in the city to the corn fields in the country. Our installations include weather radar towers, television and radio towers, cellular towers, structures for traffic cameras and other applications. This company recruited me from graduate school almost five years ago after I was noticed for winning a school-sponsored structural engineering competition with my design of a television tower. The company was impressed with my innovative ideas and offered me a job upon graduation. I had evaluated the job market while I was earning my bachelor’s in civil engineering, and decided to go right into a master’s program to increase my career options. It paid off. Math and science were my strong subjects in high school, and my teachers really opened my eyes to engineering and challenged me to go for it. I was fortunate to secure some 15

scholarship money and the die was cast as I started down a path to my structural engineering career. School was long and difficult, and I studied very hard to maintain a very good grade point average. My work today involves helping to develop technologically advanced facilities that will enable broadcasters to provide the best signal coverage in their markets. From site selection to construction, I am part of a team that works with clients and other professionals to create and construct every type of broadcast tower, including project planning, design and modifications, structural analysis, single and multiple antennae positioning, facility integration and project management. In major cities, we also provide rooftop options for antenna sites, and this involves evaluating the building both inside and outside, the surrounding areas, other antennae signals that could present problems, and permits and regulations. My responsibilities are increasing, and I am now being asked to take on a bigger role in some of our projects. Every day I gain more experience and feel more comfortable working alongside my colleagues. I realize that success in this profession takes time, and that learning to be patient and doing the job right in the first place will make me a good structural engineer. I listen and learn from my colleagues, as well as read our association newsletters and magazines. Recently, I have been asked to attend outside meetings, and next year will go as a representative of my company to my first national conference. I want to go for my doctorate and have discussed this with my boss who believes I have a good future with this company. If this all works out, there is a local university that has a program that I feel confident I would qualify for, and the company will pay for most of it if I agree to stay at least five years after receiving my degree. Because this is a large company with offices in other parts of the country and many options for advancement, I could rise in the company to eventually become part of management. I want to make sure that I want to stay here before I make the commitment.”

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I Am a Bridge Engineer “I specialize in designing and building small bridges that span lagoons and other areas in parks and zoos, foot bridges that span over roads allowing people to get from one side to the other, bridges that go across small rivers and other speciality bridge types. When I started more than 35 years ago, I was into the big bridges and made a good career in designing and building and renovating and maintaining these structures in metropolitan areas. Over the years I scaled down my projects, and by the time I was ready to start my own engineering firm, I had good credentials in the small bridge arena. My father was a civil engineer and my dream was to follow in his foot steps from my earliest years, but I was also fascinated by bridges, and that interest solidified by the time I was in college studying to be a civil engineer. My interest in bridges actually started in our local zoo, where there were a number of small bridges spanning lagoons that connected animal exhibits. Early in my career I had a number of jobs with companies that built bridges, and through the years I helped design and build some good sized bridges in major American cities. My interest in small bridges took shape when I worked on a historic bridge renovation project in The Netherlands and saw the charm and the design intricacies of small bridges that were everywhere. When I returned to the states I was ready to make another career move and looked for an engineering firm specializing in small bridge design and construction. I couldn’t find one so I decided to go into business for myself. Up to that point I had made very good money and had invested it wisely, so I was ready to start my own engineering firm specializing in new small bridge design and construction, as well as the redesign and renovation of existing structures. I wanted two or three partners and through networking found two structural engineers who were small bridge specialists. We are about to celebrate our tenth year in business. We have two offices staffed with three bridge engineering specialists and two overall structural engineers, support staff and interns.

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We have been successful, and work projects have taken us to parks, zoos and other areas across the country and to several cities abroad. Currently, I am working on the design and reconstruction of a bridge over a lagoon that was built almost a hundred years ago. The span was originally made mainly of wood with some steel, and about 40 years ago, the span was replaced with concrete and steel. However, the foundations finally gave way and now the structure must be reconstructed. First, we investigated the site to determine the existing conditions, and then did a feasibility study that included alternatives for a new bridge, materials to be used, cost estimates, construction schedule and, of course, the final construction drawings and specifications. We got the job, and I will stay with the project until completion and I can walk across the new bridge. My career has been challenging and rewarding. I have worked for and with some wonderful people, and I have been well compensated for my experience and expertise. I have a family and two of my three children are in engineering schools. The third is a musician. In many ways I have been fortunate, but I have also made good decisions and have worked very hard for the successes I have achieved.”

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING WORK IS ALWAYS ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF

technology, as these highly-educated and trained engineers turn ideas into reality by combining the principles of science and mathematics. This is one of the most serious and challenging careers, and the men and women who are licensed and earn the title Professional Engineer (PE), are the problem-solvers who combine knowledge, judgment and common sense to make things work quicker, better and more efficiently. To be a structural engineer you should be: Very strong in science and mathematics and computers, and comfortable in using the latest technology and equipment. Structural engineering is based on precision, and every fraction of measurement and figure of calculation counts.

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Knowledgeable about construction methods, different materials, tools of the trade, transportation systems, engineering resources, security and public safety issues, local, state and federal rules and regulations, costs versus benefits and more. Much of this will come with education and experience. Curious, inquisitive and creative. Structural engineers wonder how things work and why they do not work. They keep asking questions to get to the root causes of problems and carefully listen to the answers. From this ongoing curiosity and dialogue comes their innovative creations. Analytical and detail oriented. Every project undertaken by a structural engineer requires an analysis that strips away the surface appearances and gets to the core. No detail is too small to leave to chance. This professional can spend days and weeks, even months, going over what others would consider the most insignificant data to ensure that the specifications are accurate and will work in reality. An excellent communicator, both speaking and writing. Structural engineers communicate with other engineers, scientists, technologists, technicians, clients, and other professionals. They share their findings in reports, scientific papers given at meetings, and in publications and other venues. A good grasp of the English language is critical, and that includes the meaning of words, good spelling and knowing the rules of grammar and composition.

A team player. Every structural engineering project involves many professionals and nonprofessionals. Working under pressure in tense situations can be difficult, but as part of a team, the structural engineer meets each challenge with a positive attitude and the willingness to work together to solve any problem. Who gets the credit is never as important as seeing the project completed. Those who are good team players will get noticed. Trustworthy with confidential information. Most structural engineering projects are costly and involve a great deal of money, often from several different sources. The engineer is privy to confidential information both in and out of the office, and discretion is critical when discussing what is seen and heard.

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POSITIVE ASPECTS STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS ARE WELLRESPECTED, SMART, CREATIVE AND IN-DEMAND

professionals who work in cities and towns across the country and around the world on interesting and challenging projects that range from a hand-held machine to a mighty skyscraper. The work is necessary as it benefits mankind in many ways directly and indirectly. These professionals tackle some of the most daunting problems facing the planet especially when it comes to the infrastructure in aging cities, dwindling resources such as water and oil, global warming, the quality of air, and planning to accommodate a global population explosion. Structural engineers work on the projects that matter to our work, home and recreation. From the roads we ride on to the buildings where we work and live, structural engineers touch everyone’s life in ways most cannot even imagine. Structural engineering is complex and requires creative thinking to design and develop structures that are made of composite materials, are resistant to earthquakes and wind storms, fatigue and vibrations. Structural engineers use scientific knowledge and the principles of mathematics to achieve functional and structurally-safe structures. There are many attractive options in this field. Professionals can further specialize in areas such as building engineering, bridge engineering and pipeline engineering. Structural engineers study hard and work hard, and are very well compensated. In fact, they are among the highest paid professionals in any career. The rewards are many, especially when a project has been completed and the results of your labor are in evidence. Then all the long hours and problems give way to an appreciation of your skills and accomplishments.

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NEGATIVE ASPECTS STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING IS A VERY HARD COURSE OF STUDY TO MASTER, AND

you really must be a top student in math and science to complete the education and compete for work. The field is highly competitive, and while the earnings are excellent, you may not feel they are always worth the long hours and frustrations. The deadlines are strict and constant and can make you crazy as everything has to be done either immediately or yesterday. It can be a hassle to get your opinions heard unless you are in the top tier of management or in a senior position. Then there is the blame game – if anything goes wrong they point fingers and look for a scapegoat. There are always more new things to learn, as the technology keeps advancing. It is difficult to keep up with new systems and methods and materials and rules. Take computer software programs for example. By the time you have mastered the latest program or system, there is an even newer one on the horizon. And, it takes many hours on your own time to read all the literature and articles that pertain to your work and try to remember all the details. Clients don’t appreciate all the hard work that goes into a project, but only know how to complain if a problem arises. Everyone expects you to have all the answers and then be knowledgeable and creative and perform miracles.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING ALL CAREERS REQUIRE SOME EDUCATION AND TRAINING, BUT A CAREER IN

engineering requires rigorous academic preparation because no one can become a professional engineer without the required academic qualifications and licensure. And the qualifications for civil engineering and its structural engineering specialty are among the most rigorous and complex found in any field. On the plus side, your civil engineering education and training will prepare you for a variety of jobs from business to computer technology, government, statistics, mathematics, teaching, policy and planning. So if you should decide to change careers later in life, you will be in good shape with your civil engineering degree. Many a business executive started out as a civil engineer. The first step is to check out the schools that have accredited engineering programs. 21

There are more than 1,800 accredited programs in engineering at institutions of higher learning. A list can be found at the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) website at www.abet.org. Click on Accredited Programs, then Engineering Programs, and you can do your research by region or specialty. Remember, the operative word is accredited, because most employers will only consider hiring graduates from accredited institutions. If civil engineering is your career goal, and structural engineering your desired specialty, then you should already be taking these courses in high school: advanced algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus, physics, chemistry, computer programming/computer applications, biology, social studies, humanities/fine arts, English and foreign languages. There are also advanced level courses in many high schools for those interested in the career of engineering, especially honors and Advanced Placement courses in mathematics and physics. Check with your counselor about these classes. Colleges seek not just students with good grades, but students who are well rounded, with backgrounds that include extracurricular activities, summer jobs and internships. Another helpful website is the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) at www.jets.org. Typically, bachelor degree programs in engineering are designed to last four years, but many students take five years to complete their degree. College education will start with basic science and mathematics courses that will be the foundation of your studies. This is the foundation for all engineering studies, whatever specialty you pursue. The freshman year can be the hardest for engineering students, because in addition to getting used to the rigors of college, you will also have frequent exams, more lectures, problem sets and laboratories. Statistics show that a high number of students drop out or do not continue in the engineering program after the first year because of these challenges. By the sophomore year, students are usually required to choose their major – civil engineering, for example – and begin to really delve deeper into the specialty. Structural engineering is a major part of the civil engineering program. The heavy specialty study is usually done in the last two years. There are also joint programs with two years in an engineering school, followed by a three year program in liberal arts study. And there are cooperative bachelor’s and master’s degree five or six year programs that combine classroom study with practical 22

work, allowing students to get valuable experience and help finance part of their education. Courses and concentrations vary from school to school, and you must carefully check to find the program that fits your interests, requirements and budget. Many employers now look for candidates with a master’s degree in an engineering specialty, and many students choose to continue their education and get a master’s to enhance their job prospects. If you are interested in pursuing research or a teaching career then you will need a PhD.

Getting Your License Engineers must be licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia if you are offering services directly to the public. The candidate must be a graduate of an accredited program, have at least four years of relevant work experience, and successfully complete the state examination. The exam comes in two parts. The initial Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) is taken upon graduation. When you pass you will be called Engineer in Training (EIT). The second examination comes after some suitable work experience and is called the Principles and Practice of Engineering. When you pass both parts, you will be able to use the designation PE (Professional Engineer). Some states have mandatory continuing education requirements for maintaining your license, and most states recognize licenses from other states. In addition, there are various certificate programs offered by professional organizations to showcase the competency in specialty areas of engineering. Your work as an engineer will be exacting, and failures can cost lives and loss of property, which is why so much emphasis is placed on education and training. Nothing can ever be left to chance.

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EARNINGS POTENTIAL A CAREER PATH SHOULD NEVER BE SELECTED BASED ON INCOME ALONE, BUT YOU

do want to know that your career choice will bring you financial rewards. Engineers are paid some of the highest starting salaries of any group with bachelor’s degrees. Civil engineers are among the best paid of all the engineering specialty salaries. Most engineering salary surveys list civil engineers and do not break out specific salary information on the specialty of structural engineering. Please keep in mind that salaries in all fields, including engineering, differ from state to state and region to region. Also in play are the size of the company or organization you work for, the area of the country you work in, your education and training, how much experience you have, your job title and responsibility, and other factors. According to one recent survey, the average annual salaries of structural engineers in various regions of the country range between $55,000 and $65,000. Another salary survey for structural engineers reports the median salary by year’s experience: Less than one year $50,000 One to four years $55,000 Five to 10 years $65,000 10 to 19 years $75,000 Over 20 years $90,000 This survey has the federal government as an employer leading in the median salary range with $80,000, followed by state and local government with $70,000, self-employed at $70,000, companies at $60,000, and private practice firms at $55,000. US government statistics indicate that the median income for civil engineers is about $70,000, with the lowest 25 percent at $55,000, the highest 25 percent at $90,000, and the highest 10 percent at over $100,000. The average starting salary for civil engineers with a bachelor’s degree is about $50,000. 24

OPPORTUNITIES TAKE A WALK DOWN MANY STREETS IN YOUR CITY OR TOWN AND YOU WILL FIND

old buildings ready for renovation or replacement. Ride on the streets or highways and feel the unevenness, pot holes, and buckling. Recent studies have noted the poor conditions of many of the bridges across the country and how they need repairs, badly. While this is only one part of the work of structural engineers, it is a major part and one that is crying out for attention. The beginning of the 21st century is posing many challenges in correcting infrastructure problems, and America and the world will look to civil engineers, in general, and structural engineers, in particular, to keep cities, bridges and roads viable and stable. There are numerous corporations, construction companies, engineering firms and other organizations already working on these problems. The needs will only increase over the coming decades, and the call to work for more structural engineers will be loud and will grow significantly. Another challenge for structural engineers is the growth in population across the country and around the world, and the need for more houses and housing units, office buildings and corporate complexes, schools, shopping centers, healthcare facilities and much more. Urban and suburban areas must expand. Building engineers will be in high demand as they analyze areas, design every type of structure – educational, commercial and residential – and oversee construction to accommodate the expanding population. There is the problem with dwindling energy resources. Oil is a good example, as the search continues for fertile fields across this country and offshore. Many more pipeline engineers will be required to keep the oil flowing to more cities from coast to coast. This will be no small feat as these structural engineering specialists will have to be creative in devising new types of pipelines to be constructed with new materials and positioned within ever more crowded cities, towns and countrysides. There is also the water supply and the need for structural engineers to harness and protect this precious resource with new types of waterways, dams and irrigation systems. To keep pace with all the new construction over the next 50 years, there will be a growing need for more structural engineers to design bigger and more technically-advanced computers, software programs, and construction and earth-moving equipment to get the jobs done.

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In healthcare, structural engineers will be called upon to design new diagnostic and other medical equipment that will allow healthcare professionals to have greater success in the prevention of illnesses. Structural engineers will also design and work on amusement park rides, sporting arenas, airports and more. Structural engineers will continue working for NASA and the International Space Station, and some will pioneer a new type of structure that could be built on another planet, such as Mars, when we arrive there sometime later on in the 21st century. There is no question that opportunities for work for structural engineers will grow and grow.

GETTING STARTED IF YOU HAVE READ TO THIS POINT, THEN YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT more about a career in structural engineering. You have all the necessary basic data, and now you must advance to the next level so that you have all the information available to go forward and make your career move. You must already be an excellent student with good study habits, because this career is very serious when it comes to education and training.

Understand first that you must earn a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited college or university before you can pursue a concentration in structural engineering. Given today’s competitive job market, you may need to earn a master’s degree in civil engineering with a concentration in structures or structural engineering. Structural engineers must be knowledgeable about math and science and computers before entering a degree program. Right off in your first semester, you will be into an introduction to civil engineering, general chemistry, general chemistry laboratory, engineering graphics and design, calculus and analytic geometry, social science and the humanities. It does not get easier. Because of the complexity of structural engineering and the commitment you will need to make in terms of education and training, it is very important that you know as much upfront as possible so that your decision to go ahead is an informed one. This means doing your own research on this career, and talking with those who know structural engineering and work in this field. 26

Become a sponge and read everything you can find on civil engineering and structural engineering. Look over the list of associations and publications with their websites. Visit every one and search their links. Make notes. Form questions. Ask for even more information. Many have historical data and interviews with professionals and pertinent articles from major publications. Visit the ABET website for accredited schools of engineering and research a few just to get their requirements, costs and coursework. How do your talents, grades and interests match up? Will you be up to the challenge? Look in your local telephone directory for civil engineering firms and make appointments to talk with as many professionals as possible. Maybe invite a structural engineer to talk to your high school math, computer or science class. Talk with your school counselor, teachers, family and friends about structural engineering as a career path and get their input. Selecting a career is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life, and it should be made with as much information as you can gather from a variety of resources. Becoming a structural engineer will require a heavy commitment in time, effort and money. Whether you wind up in structural engineering or another career, make this time count. Start your search today. Good luck!

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ASSOCIATIONS  American Council of Engineering Companies

www.acec.org  American Engineering Association

www.aea.org  American Pipeline Institute

www.api.org  American Society of Civil Engineers

www.asce.org  Association for Bridge Construction and Design

http://abcdpittsburgh.org  Bridge Engineering Association

www.bridgeengineer.org  The Design-Build Institute of America

www.dbia.org  Engineer Girl

www.engineergirl.org  International Association for Bridge and Structural

Engineering www.iabse.ethz.ch  National Academy of Engineering

www.nae.edu  National Council of Structural Engineers Association

www.ncsea.com  National Society of Professional Engineers

www.nspe.org  Professional Institute of Pipeline Engineers

www.pipeinst.org  Society of Women Engineers

www.swe.org

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 Structural Engineers Association International

www.seaint.org  All of the above associations have journals, magazines

and newsletters and when you visit their websites click on Publications.

WEBSITES  I Civil Engineer

www.icivilengineer.com/structural_engineering  The Bridge Site

www.bridgesite.com  National Engineers Week

www.eweek.org  Global Pipeline Monthly

www.pipemag.com  The Structural Engineer

www.thestructuralengineer.info

COPYRIGHT Institute For Career Research 2009 CAREERS INTERNET DATABASE www.careers-internet.org

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