Structural Engineering has been in use since ages, and one of the

greatest ancient structures was the Pyramid of Giza that was constructed in
the 26thcentury BC. The major structures during the medieval period were
the pyramids since the shape of the pyramids is basically stable and can be
almost infinitely scaled. Theoretical knowledge about the structures was
limited, and construction techniques were based on experience only. The real
advancement in the structural engineering was achieved in the 19th century
during the industrial revolution when significant progress was achieved in the
sciences of structural analysis and materials science.

Throughout ancient and medieval history most architectural design and

construction was carried out by artisans, such as stone masons and
carpenters, rising to the role of master builder. No theory of structures
existed and understanding of how structures stood up was extremely limited,
and based almost entirely on empirical evidence of "what had worked
before." Knowledge was retained by guildsand seldom supplanted by
advances. Structures were repetitive, and increases in scale were
incremental.[6]

No record exists of the first calculation of the strength of structural

members or the behavior of structural material, but the profession of
structural engineer only really took shape with the industrial revolution and
the re-invention of concrete. The physical sciences underlying structural
engineering began to be understood in the Renaissance and have been
developing ever since.

Due to the rapid growth of computer technology and other sciences,

there has been a radical advancement in the science of structural
engineering. Powerful computers have enabled the use of the finite element
analysis, for carrying out the design and structural analysis. Programs of the
finite element analysis can now precisely foresee the distribution of stresses
in structures, and indicate where the structures may bend or twist due to
these stresses. These programs offer numerous simulation options in the
field of modeling and analysis of different systems. Other topics that have
been developed in the modern period are composite materials, fatigue, and
vibration control.

2. Role and objective of structural engineer

The role of a structural engineer is to have a general understanding
that structural engineer is to develop the skeletal framework and the
foundation and other soil/structural interfacing works for bridges, buildings
and other structural forms, which are to withstand against the natural forces
due to gravitational, wind, soil, water, earthquake and/or other
environmental effects.
Structural engineers are responsible for engineering design and analysis. Entry-level structural
engineers may design the individual structural elements of a structure, for example
the beams, columns, and floors of a building. More experienced engineers may be responsible for
the structural design and integrity of an entire system, such as a building.

Structural engineers design structures to withstand stresses and pressures imposed through
environmental conditions and human use. They ensure buildings and other structures do not deflect,
rotate, vibrate excessively or collapse and that they remain stable and secure throughout their use.
Structural engineers have to choose appropriate materials, such as concrete, steel, timber and masonry,
to meet design specifications. When construction has begun, they are often involved in inspecting the
work and advising contractors.
They also examine existing buildings and structures to test if they are structurally sound and still fit for
purpose. Structural engineers have to make efficient use of funds and materials in order to achieve
structural goals.
The objective of a structural engineer is to design a structure that will be able to withstand all the
loads to which it is subjected while serving its intended purpose throughout its intended life span.

3. Different structural elements

Beams are straight horizontal members that are used generally to
carry vertical loads. It may be designed from several of element and
materials like concrete, metal and others with rectangular or other cross
section.
Tie rods are structural members subjected to a tensile force. Due to the
nature of the load, these elements are rather slender and are often chosen
from rods, bars, angels, or channels.

Columns are members that are generally vertical and resist axial
compressive loads. These are elements similar to the tie rods but they carry
vertical loads.