Structural engineering is a critical but little known aspect of any construction project. Structural engineers are responsible for all phases of the structural design of a project. The design directly affects the longevity of a structure which is directly related to its sustainability. Structures that last longer require less frequent replacement, less construction, fewer materials and in the end are more sustainable.

Whether the project is a building, a bridge or a tunnel, structural engineers are critical to the design of each component of the project. Properly engineered structures ensure the safety and longevity of the project, and ultimately, the people who use them. Some construction firms hire their own engineers, and some subcontract the work. Other structural engineers work for local governments to ensure compliance to building codes and various other regulations

A structural engineer understands the dynamics of weight distribution, settling of the ground, water damage, and wind, to name just a few of the many factors that come into play. For example, during the construction of the original World Trade Center in the'70s, structural engineers had to figure out how to keep the water from the East River and Hudson River from undermining the integrity of the future towers.

Nothing of their size had ever been constructed before and many potential solutions were merely theoretical. The structural engineer who was in charge of the project created a means of using sludge walls to hold out the water and protect the interior of the massive towers footprints. Then, as if that were not enough, they were required to consider the effect the wind would have on the buildings themselves.

Structural engineering must take into account a variety of factors both in construction and design. A great deal of education and experience is required to understand all the potential problems and design solutions into the project. In some regions, the demands will be even higher. In Florida, hurricanes are factors in all major construction projects, as is the high water table of most of the state.

Structural engineering helps to determine the longevity of any project. When millions of dollars are at stake, the project isn't intended to be short-term. A structural engineer will consider all factors and the effects nature and time will have on it to make sure the structure lasts as long as possible. They also need to allow a degree of flexibility in any structure designed. Too much or too little flexibility in a structure can become dangerous.

A structural engineer must consider many variables and they do so by surveying the location and studying historic models. When a bridge is being designed, it needs a certain level of flexibility but not too much or it becomes unsafe to travel across. It must also withstand regular vibration without weakening joints or components. Structural engineering is what makes these structures safe.

A structural engineer is critical to any modern construction project. Structural engineering was critical in many of historic projects such as the pyramids or the Roman Coliseum. As modern society embraces sustainability, an experienced engineer and their team, will become even more important.