As our infrastructure continues to age and deteriorate at a rapid rate, structural engineers are facing a growing demand for their services. Whether you're new to structural engineering or already have an established career, it's important to be up-to-date on the latest structural engineering software and methods to ensure that you're marketable to employers.

When looking for information on structural engineering training, it's important to target the training that's at the appropriate level for you. After all, it wouldn't make sure to go straight into a graduate course if you've never taken a single civil engineering class. Structural engineering education and training can come in a variety of ways, including:

1. Obtaining an undergraduate degree in civil engineering.

2. Working towards a graduate degree that focuses on structural engineering.

3. Finding continuing education that is relevant to structural engineers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take the first step in your journey to be a structural engineer and get an undergraduate degree

Before you can become a structural engineer, it's absolutely mandatory that you have an undergraduate degree. While some universities offer actual structural engineering degrees, many offer degrees in civil engineering that can then be applied to the structural realm.

I recommend: The University of California, San Diego, offers an undergraduate degree in structural engineering as well as a non-accredited option in engineering sciences. The University of Virginia's civil engineering program features a strong structural component.

Earn a graduate degree to make you an expert in structural engineering services

If you're a professional civil engineer, you can further your career and cement your reputation as a subject matter expert by getting a graduate degree. Your degree can focus on your particular industry or be of a broader range to allow for you to change positions as needed.

I recommend: The graduate program at the University of Wisconsin allows you to choose from a variety of specialized courses to give you a degree that fits your needs. North Carolina State University offers a online civil engineering graduate program that is targeted to working adults.

Learn the newest structural engineering information through additional training

If you want to stay abreast of the latest information about structural engineering, you have to attend regular supplemental training. Many structural engineering organizations offer education opportunities that can be combined with networking events.

I recommend: The Structural Engineers Association International offers a large online library of research material that you can use for either a specific job or general knowledge. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has a wide variety of continuing education opportunities available to its members.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you know the licensing requirements for structural engineers in your area. Virtually all states require engineers to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in order to obtain your license. The information needed for this exam is very specific, and may require additional remedial classes to ensure that you pass.

Structural engineers build structures as complex as bridges, and ships to overseeing changes in office design and residential buildings. They’re usually a mandatory part of a construction job and structural engineering input is valuable at all stages of the building process. Projects that range from new construction, remodeling an existing residence, expanding up to demolishing an office; takes the expertise of a civil or structural engineer. In addition, a structural engineer handles the use of composite materials such as steel and concrete. The services of a civil engineer deals with the overall layout and utilities. Structural engineering firms help to ensure the building is safe for their occupants.

Use professional development and online programs to train staff to complete projects that require information about structural engineering. The job duties and information on structural engineering determines which type of engineering service is associated with the project. Structural engineers have specialized education and experience that differs from civil engineers. Consider the following factors to aid in adding a department of structural engineers to your small engineering firm.

1. Understand the types of projects available for a structural engineer.

2. Online programs can help civil engineers gain advanced degrees and continuing education credits for license renewal.

3. Complete calculations and designs using software designed for structural analysis.

4. Small business can offer civil and structural engineering project quotes online.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Advertise structural engineering services online

Job boards offer structural engineering firms the opportunity to submit bids to clients in need of services. List your company to complete construction drawings online and receive request for quotes.

I recommend: Complete small structural engineering projects online at iFreelance.com. Get project specifications from local individuals and companies on projects of all sizes through ConstrucionDeal.com.

Take advantage of the rising need for structural engineers

Smaller engineering firms often rely on those with general engineering degrees. Getting staff advanced degrees in structural engineering helps in qualifying for in-depth projects where environmental conditions and structural design impact a buildings safety. Online courses for working professionals allow engineers to increase their education as they work.

I recommend: Extend professional learning with an online structural engineering certificate from The University of Idaho. Complete an online MS certificate in structural engineering from The University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Make use of structural engineering software

Software programs simplify complicated structural engineering information and assist with following building codes. Easy to use software packages help small businesses understand building specifications when building or remodeling.

I recommend: Download leading structural engineering software from Risa Technologies for drawing and creating plans with 3D graphics. Perform calculations and design structural elements using spreadsheets from Engineering International or concrete flow charts from Strunet. Get a free demo from StruCalc, engineering software designed for small commercial projects.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some states offer licenses specifically for structural engineers, others only require a professional engineer's license, research your states requirements to ensure company compliance.

Structural engineering is an important sub-branch of civil engineering. It deals with the evaluation, analysis, design, construction and repair of load-supporting elements of structures.

Whether you want to pursue a career in the field of structural engineering or you want to consult a structural engineer, you will need to understand various technical terms. This guide will explain key terms relating to structural engineering, such as earthquake engineering, fire engineering, tensile strength, compressive strength, columns and beams.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Earthquake engineering

Earthquake engineering is a branch of structural engineering that deals with the study of seismic loading on different residential, commercial and industrial structures. This science is related to the design, construction and maintenance of structures against earthquakes.

I recommend: To understand the basics of earthquake engineering, read through information at NISEE (National Information Service for Earthquake Engineering).

Fire engineering

Fire engineering (also known as fire protection engineering or fire safety engineering) deals with the preventive techniques that protect construction structures and personnel from various hazards posed by fire and smoke.

I recommend: The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) offers basic information about fire engineering and its scope.

Wind engineering

As the name indicates, this branch of structural engineering studies the effect of wind on different civil engineering products.

I recommend: For the definition of this term, read through information at CPP, Inc., a reputable company in the field of wind engineering.

Tensile strength

Tensile strength is the ability of a material to withstand longitudinal stress before it breaks. A structural engineer must be aware of the tensile strength of standard materials used in different civil engineering projects.

I recommend: To learn more about tensile strength and its units, read through the glossary at Granta Design Limited. In addition, you can read through the snow and avalanche glossary at CSAC.

Compressive strength

Compressive strength is the ability of a material to withstand stress and load that tends to crush it. For a structural engineer, it is very important to consider compressive strengths of different materials used for erecting the structure.

I recommend: For the definition of this term, you can read through the glossary of construction terms at Contractor School Online. Additionally, ConProTec (PDF) offers a glossary of technical terms, such as tensile strength and compressive strength.

Beams

A beam is a horizontal structural member that supports other loads by virtue of its internal resistance to bending.

I recommend: You can read through the glossary of building terms at Buildeazy.Com Ltd.. Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) also offers a glossary of technical terms, such as beams.

Columns

Unlike beams, a column is a vertical structural member that transfers loads from other structural members. A column must have sufficient compressive strength so that it does not buckle under the loads acting on it.

I recommend: BuildingsGuide.com Online Inc. offers definitions for various building terms, such as beams and columns. You can also read through the explanation by IDEERS, a project by the University of Bristol.

Structural engineering is an imperative portion of many businesses. Whether it is designing machinery to pack and ship products to actually building structures where businesses are held, structural and civil engineering are a large part of the business world. In fact, structural engineering and the associated principles are applied to businesses on every continent of the globe.

Take the time to learn some of the basic tenets associated with structural engineering so that you may understand how it might be incorporated and utilized to grow your business. Here are some resourceful links to help get you started. Think of this little tutorial as structural engineering for beginners.

1. Read online publications that offer structural engineering information to familiarize yourself with the topic.

2. Seek out structural engineering firms and set up a consultation to learn about the basics in the world of civil and structural engineering.

3. Learn about structural engineering software by interfacing with some of the programs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Visit websites of magazines dedicated to structural engineers and their field

There are several publications that focus on and provide information on structural engineering. Read these magazines and publications to learn about the basic tenets and landscapes covered by the field of civil engineering and structural engineering.

I recommend: Visit the website for Go Structural.com for basic information regarding structural engineering. You may also sign up for their free newsletter that keeps tabs on the industry. Also, Structure Mag.org is another great resource of people interested in civil and structural engineering.

Get structural engineering information by interfacing with firms that specialize in the field

Take the time to sit down with structural engineering firms and structural design firms so that you may learn how they operate, the services they offer and how they might be incorporated into your next business project or design your next business location. Many structural and civil engineering firms offer free consultations for potential clients.

I recommend: Contact the structural engineering firms of George Riley P.E. or McMullan & Associates to set-up a consultation so that you can learn how to incorporate their structural engineering services into your business.

Visit the websites of structural engineering software makers

Structural engineering software allows both novices and professionals alike to design projects utilizing the basic principles of structural engineering. The computer programs help teach the users about some of the basic functions, uses and codes a user must follow when planning a structural engineering project.

I recommend: Check out the websites for Enercalc and Risa Technologies. Both companies make structural engineering software. Peruse the various applications, take tutorials and download some of the free trials to familiarize yourself with the platforms.