Structural Engineering

Commonly seen as a load bearing header over windows and doors, the deceptively simple post and lintel system can require non-trivial design analysis. While span limited due mainly to strength limitations in the lintel materials, this trabeated system has many other applications. The Simplest Form                                                                         In the simplest form, post and lintel structures consist of two vertical…

What is the best method for traveling from point A to point B? This is but another timeless question in civil engineering that transportation efficiency computer models attempt to answer, helping quantify mass transit effects and reducing the worst traffic jams along the way. The Worst Traffic Jams Traffic Jams Are Not Very Tasty Reducing…

For thousands years the use of wood trusses has been an important architectural and structural engineering practice. The concept has been considerably improved over the last 70 years to enable wood roof trusses and wood floor trusses to become common place construction components. The Versatility of Wood Trusses                    With hundreds of variations of a few…

Searching for the top engineering colleges for civil and structural engineering? There are many outstanding institutions to consider, and here is one possible short list of only some of the most notable choices. Visit the websites, talk to alumni, and otherwise do the homework when deciding. Narrowing Down the Selection For prospective structural engineering students,…

Overtaking the wood truss as a popular choice for structural design, the steel truss has become an important architectural and structural engineering element. Cold forming into curvilinear engineered steel trusses creates an astounding variety of architectural design. History And Types Of Steel Trusses As a relatively new building material, steel has become especially useful when incorporated into…

Computer models are useful in structural analysis, but are no substitute for laboratory testing. An important facet of structural testing and design, field and laboratory evaluation of engineering materials provides invaluable design and forensic information for structural engineers. The Need For Structural Testing In this age of computer modeling and analysis one might begin to think that structural testing…

Tedious hand calculations and slide rules for structural engineering design and analysis has given way to a plethora of low cost or even free structural engineering design software. A few example links are listed for convenience. The Evolution of Structural Engineering Design Software It wasn’t too long ago that structural engineering design calculations were performed…

Bridges have been constructed since ancient times. Simple bridges constructed from felled trees have been improved upon modern ones constructed by the modern light and strong materials. The latest computer technologies have significantly facilitated bridge design and bridge construction. History Of Bridges Bridge study has revealed that people have been carrying out bridge construction since humans first…

Bridge construction has been improved tremendously with the advancement in science and technology. Better and lighter materials are now available that can endure greater loads. The construction is now much faster due to the introduction of a variety of heavy construction equipment. Bridge Construction Planning                         Bridge construction tends to involve huge projects that encompass the…

Noise pollution is caused by unwanted sounds that intrude into our daily lives. The increasing density in urban planning has made it essential to deal with this problem. Noise is a pollutant that is controllable and is amenable to abatement technology. Standards have been set out by the Environmental Protection Agency which sets the standards…