structural engineer

The structural engineer (colloquially also structural engineer ) designs the supporting structure of buildings , engineering structures and other structures. He is one of the designers of a building project. He usually creates the proof of stability required by building regulations . The basis of his static calculations are load and load-bearing capacity assumptions as well as calculation models, which he usually takes from the relevant standards ( generally recognized rules of technology ). The activity of the structural engineer can be combined with other tasks such as B. the thermal insulation calculation or the fire protection certificate.

The aim of his structural planning is to reconcile the required load-bearing capacity and usability of a building structure during the intended service life with the requirements for economic efficiency and aesthetics. To implement this task, the static calculation is mostly used, which is based on the rules of structural engineering . In exceptional cases, tests serve as proof of feasibility.

A responsible structural engineer or structural engineer is often colloquially referred to as a structural engineer .

Situation in Germany

In terms of building regulations , the structural engineer in Germany acts as a draftsman or as an expert consulted by the draftsman or the client. As the draftsman, he has to ensure that the drawings, calculations and instructions required for the execution are supplied and that they comply with the approved building plans, the public law regulations and the technical rules introduced as technical building regulations.

As a rule, the structural engineer is a civil engineer . As part of his studies, he will be provided with comprehensive knowledge of both the statics of load-bearing structures and the building material-specific measurements (concrete and reinforced concrete construction, wood and steel construction, foundation construction, etc.).

Also, most of the architects during the training in Structural Engineering explains the basic principles for planning the structures. For the state-certified construction technicians and the master craftsmen (carpenters and masons), basic structural knowledge is also part of the training. Architects, construction technicians and master craftsmen should be able to read and understand statics. Master carpenters used to make statics themselves.

There is an official description of the structural planner's areas of activity for Germany in the fee schedule for architects and engineers .

literature

• Konrad Zilch : Dimensioning in structural concrete construction. Springer Verlag, Berlin a. a. 2010, ISBN 978-3-540-70637-3 .

Web links

• HOAI service profile structural planning
• Platform from structural engineers for structural engineers

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Süddeutsche Zeitung : "... to prosecute the structural engineer if necessary." from July 13, 2012.