The Difference Between a Structural Engineer and an Architect

There are a couple of reasons why some individuals have a hard time differentiating between structural engineers and architects. For one, when you look at the job description for each, they can sound a bit similar and for two, you can often see them working side by side on a variety of projects. But alas, there is a thing or two that separates us from our friends in the architecture business.

The best way to separate the two is to remember that it is an architect’s job to focus more on what the structure will eventually look like once the project is complete. Everyone has heard of an interior decorator and all that that entails, so it shouldn’t be hard to understand why an architect can be considered the exterior decorator. They have their hand in all areas of what everything should look like, where things go and exactly what purpose they will serve in the long run.

On the other hand, the structural engineer is more responsible for the skeleton of the structure. All aspects of what goes into making that piece a solid, well supported structure weighs heavily on the skills and calculations of the engineer. It’s extremely important for the structural engineer to deliver a final product that not only ensures that the project will be effective in the long run, but that can also be considered safe for the general public.

All in all, though structural engineers and architects both work towards making the final product live up to all expectations, each has their own area of focus. At the end of the day however, whether the structure stand the test of time relies heavily on the work of the structural engineer.

(Post by Tray Allen of James Thomas Engineering)  

What Lego Blocks Can Teach Us About Structural Engineering

Nine times out of ten, if you mention Lego blocks to anyone, they won’t be able to help themselves from picturing children linking various colored blocks together on the living room floor. We don’t even think about the fact that subconsciously, they are mentally configuring the best way to use the building blocks to build the tallest and best structure.

In a rather interesting article on howstuffworks.com, we read that these Lego blocks, which we find just about anywhere a child is, can actually teach us quite a bit about structural engineering. It may seem hard to believe that the something so simple could explain anything about a complex industry but in fact, the article goes on to point out five ways in which it does.

1.   Building to Scale – before you begin the actual building process, I think we can all agree that it’s important to determine the scale of the project and just how big the structures need to be. In Lego building, you’ll find that many kids build their masterpieces big enough so that all of their toy figures can maneuver around and inside of it. In structural engineering, building to scale allows professionals to put the materials into perspective and plan everything before moving onto the real thing. 

2.    Loading Constraints – So what’s going to happen when weight is added to any of your structures? The use of Lego blocks helps an engineer to picture both static loading, which show the weight and pressure on a structure while it’s immobile, and dynamic loading, which shows how outside forces influence a structure while it’s being used. Every structure is going to have its own physical limitations, but what if you add movement to it and are expecting for it to support people? If you use a remote toy car to test how a Lego structure is affected as it moves across, you’ll be able to test where its loading constraints lie.

3.   How to Brace – In using Legos to build a structure, you may find that it can turn out to be a little unstable at first. So what do you do? Chances are, you’re instincts are going to tell you to add more pieces to increase support. Similarly, the trusses, columns and beams that engineers use provide bracing for an overall structure.

4.   Design Around Nature – This particular point applies mostly to buildings but overall it’s a good thing to keep in mind. As a company who manufactures trusses that are used for a variety of projects across the country, we have to keep natural factors in mind. We may be creating a structure for an outdoor concert in California – a state prone to earthquakes – and if the proper measures aren’t met, there may be obvious safety concerns.

5.   Tension and Compression – The fifth and final point to be made about how Lego blocks can teach us a lot about structural engineering is that much like how Legos can be used to suspend certain portions of whatever you’re building, trusses can be used to do the same with full scale structures. Depending on the material you are using, its stiffness will be able to tell you a lot about how much pressure can be supported.

Chances are, you’re never going to look at your child’s Lego set again now, are you? You may just have the next great structural engineer on your hands!

(Post by Tray Allen of James Thomas Engineering) 

Take your Project to the Next Level with a Custom Design

While our company does offer a great selection of trusses that have already been planned out and measured, our expertise goes well above and beyond the industry standard. If you come to us with a specific vision in mind, we’d be more than happy to sit down with you and discuss the specifics of what we could come up with for you and your company.

In the past, our company has created a variety of custom projects for special events across the country. If you take the time to visit our site, you’ll be able to see a couple of great examples right before your eyes, including our 20x20 heart shaped structure. 

Of course, any of the truss systems that we offer will deliver the quality performance that you have come to expect from James Thomas Engineering, but a custom design could really take your project to the next level. You may not even be sure what you’re looking for yet, but that’s alright, we can help you brainstorm some ideas. We’re sure that we can come up with something monumental for you. Give us a call today!

(Post by Tray Allen of James Thomas Engineering) 

Top Graduate Schools for Structural Engineering

Last week, we mentioned that with the engineering industry on the rise, there is more of a need for talented individuals in the field. For those of you who have developed an interest in structural engineering and are looking to take your education a step further, we may have just a few great suggestions for you. With the help of Education Portal, we can give you provide you with a bit of information on the top three structural engineering graduate programs in the country right now.

1.    Stanford University, CA – In 2011, U.S. News & World Report listed the university’s graduate engineering school as #2 of America’s Top Colleges. Through the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department of this graduate school, students can earn degrees in both structural engineering and geomechanics.

2.    The University of California – San Diego in La Jolla – Also making the list for being one of the top universities in the U.S, UCSD’s engineering school, The Jacob’s School of Engineering, ranked #14 by U.S. News & World Report in 2011. At this particular school, graduate students have the option of receiving their M.S. or their Ph.D. in the field of structural engineering.

3.    The University of Texas at Austin – Included in the top 20 of the same list was both UT Austin’s undergraduate and graduate engineering programs. At this particular university, programs in structural engineering are offered at both the master’s and doctoral level in the Civil, Architectural or Environmental Engineering Departments.

Of course, these are not the only options you have when considering an education in structural engineering. In fact, this article goes on to list an additional ten graduate schools that would be great to look into. Check it out and make the next step towards a career in this exciting field!

(Post by Tray Allen of James Thomas Engineering)