What is Civil Engineering ?

Structural Engineering

Structural engineers plan and design structures of all types. As structures become more complex, the structural engineer strives to provide improved building performance. They must identify special building problems and find innovative solutions. They deal with advanced building materials, earthquake resistance, building aerodynamics, construction management, rehabilitation and maintenance of structures,energy efficiency, ice-structure interaction, computer analysis of structures, and much more.

Structural engineers are involved in:

the basic planning and designing

of such structures as:

Bridges
Dams
Tunnels
Water towers & Light Houses
Hydro-electric plants, coal fired plants, gas fired plants, nuclear power plants
Research facilities
Buildings (office, apartment & special purpose)
Storage facilities
Roller Coasters & Ferris Wheels & other Recreational Facilities
Rare & Unusual Structures

using many types of building materials such as:

stone, clay or brick - Masonry
concrete
steel
wood
synthetic building materials

and using Intelligent Technology as a helpful tool.

They are also involved in:

Associated Sites:

Structural Engineering Challenge (v2.0) - software package that has been designed to make it as easy as possible (and fun) for people learn about and explore how structures work in a laboratory type environment.

The Institute for Research in Construction (IRC) - "Through its research and in partnership with industry, the Institute works to improve the safety, durability and comfort of Canadian workplaces, homes and public infrastructure while helping builders become more competitive."