Structural engineering is the discipline that applies physics and mathematics to ensure the stability and safety of constructed elements like buildings and bridges, by analyzing and designing them to withstand various forces.
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Ever wonder how tall buildings can withstand windy days?
Or why bridges don't collapse when large trucks drive over them?
Well, the answer is structural engineering.
Structural engineers uses physics and math to design and analyze the sturdiness of structures,
you know things like bridges, buildings, concert stages and even roller coasters.
Don't get me wrong, designing any of one of these things can involve multiple types
of engineering, but it's structural engineering that's responsible for making sure that
that structure won't collapse or fall over.
You see, a structure must be able to handle the forces or loads that it is likely to experience.
Take a skyscraper for example. It not only has to support itself, but also all the people
and furniture inside the building, and also external factor like wind, snow or an earthquake.
The materials and geometry that make up a structure influence how it may respond to those forces
Different materials have different properties, like strength, weight and flammability that
can influence a structure's sturdiness.
For example, steel is generally stronger and weighs more than wood.
And different geometric shapes work better for different purposes.
For example, a square or rectangular base can typically hold more weight than a triangular base.
So structural engineers perform calculations to determine the best materials and shapes
to use in order to build a sturdy structure.
So the next time you find yourself at the top of a roller coaster, you can thank structural
engineers for doing their part to make sure it's nice and sturdy.
