Close your eyes. Think about the future and imagine the ever-growing built environment of tomorrow. How do you see it? As the current projects are already meeting the anticipated needs and desires of the next generation, we can come to a conclusion that the engineering of the future can be more spectacular than you could ever imagine. As kids, we have seen the Flintstones in a world of machines powered by birds and dinosaurs. But as we see the Jetsons live in a futuristic utopia of huge robotic contraptions and mischievous inventions, we have greatly anticipated our future to be more like the world that they have. Now is an exciting time for structural engineering with more opportunities in many other futuristic endeavors.
Structural engineers are constantly addressing global environmental challenges. Being a highly-liable profession, mistakes can result in the loss of property, and life. Professionals are becoming more optimistic with the new trends in structural engineering that are now cropping up. These include the development of tools used for assessment, management and mitigation of risks that can be caused by natural calamities. With all these, we can look forward to more ambitious designs and stronger materials in the buildings of the future.
Developments of structural engineering from the past are well-documented, and are visible. We are the lucky ones to enjoy them in the present, but the profession is expected to achieve more as it keeps on pressing forward. Over the past 50 years, the strengths of steel has improved by 40 percent, while concrete progressed as much as 100 percent. These progress will continue.
Aside from the increasing strength of steel and concrete which are the most widely used materials in structural engineering, it is also a good idea to explore some alternatives. A good engineer takes responsibility in providing the best possible solutions.
Working With Structural Engineers
To achieve success in any project, relationships within the team of engineers and between the structural engineers and clients must be built upon open-mindedness and sound mind. Structural engineers provide extensive services that can be liken to the scope and level of service that architects and other members of the delivery team do. They are the ones who examine the sites during the construction phase of the project. They also observe activities, offer solutions to various aspects, and provide alternative design and construction approaches and their cost. They are passionate with their work, and this passion shows at what they do.