General Information about
Structural Engineering

Structural Engineers design, construct and maintain structures of various kinds. May it be a building, bridge or sports stadium the structural engineer should have an understanding of structural behaviour (strength, deflection etc.) through basic theory and also have knowledge of designing using different materials in every day use.

A structure is usually the main visible element of construction and it should be strong enough for it's intended use and not suffer undue deflection due to wind loading for example.

The Structural Engineer should be confident in designing with concrete, steel, timber or masonry. Using these materials together in a composite such as reinforced concrete will provide better strength properties and may thus decrease the amount of material used and allow the designer to build larger buildings or span greater gaps for a bridge.

Within the department all undergraduates study basic structural behaviour, design and engineering. There is a separate Structural Degree Course that concentrates on more in depth theory and wider aspects of structural engineering such as architecture, building science and historic structures. Within the core Civil Engineering degree there is the opportunity to specialise to a greater depth within this field. Projects for such option students have involved building a reinforced concrete bridge deck at Cragside Hall and shadowing the design and construction of the cable stayed Garrison Road footbridge at Hull.