Perhaps you are building an extension to your property or would like to make structural alterations to your property - taking down a load bearing wall for example. Then you will likely need to engage the services of a structural engineer.
What is a Structural Engineer?
According to the Institution of Structural Engineers a Structural Engineer is able to use their technical expertise to diagnose problems with structures and for new builds or extensions ensure that the work is carried out safely and economically.
Simon Pitchers, a Chartered Structural Engineer, uses a helpful analogy: if a building was the human body then a structural engineer is responsible for the skeleton. Although this does not mean a structural engineer is not concerned with aesthetics. A structural engineer's job is to consider all the constraints given (by the client, architect etc.) and develop a structurally efficient and safe solution.
How do I find a Structural Engineer?
Finding a structural engineer is usually quite a simple exercise of searching online but the important thing is to ensure you are engaging an appropriately qualified engineer for the works that you require. The Institution of Structural Engineers keep a members directory where you are able to find current members of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
What qualifications does a Structural Engineer have?
It is important to note that the term "structural engineer" is not a protected title in a similar way to accountant vs Chartered Accountant. It is therefore important when seeking a qualified structural engineer that close attention is paid to their qualifications and the title they use.
A Chartered Structural Engineer will have the post-nominal "CEng MIStructE" alternatively many practising structural engineers will be Chartered Civil Engineers and their post-nominal will be "CEng MICE". The alternative FIStructE or FICE may also be used and this is for Fellows of the respective institutions.
There are other grades of membership but it is only the above who are entitled to call themselves "Chartered Structural Engineer" or "Chartered Civil Engineer".
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