Structural Engineering Process & Load Types

Process of Structural Engineering

The construction of structures, such as bridges, roads, buildings, dams, and stadiums, requires careful consideration of various factors. Engineers must propose the most convenient criteria, ensuring the structure is functional, strong, durable, and economical, while also considering environmental and aesthetic aspects. The realization of a work begins with stating the problem and ends with execution, following this order:

1. Planning: This stage involves examining the program, analyzing needs and resources, and establishing the general approach to construction.
2. Project: This stage proposes the general geometry and distribution, including the structural system, according to the services the structure will provide throughout its service life.
3. Analysis: This stage determines the design actions, calculates the forces and moments in each section and structural element, and identifies the maximum and most unfavorable combinations.
4. Design: This stage involves dimensioning the structural elements based on the analysis results, deciding on materials, considering the expected overall behavior, and presenting building and operational plans along with structural memory results.
5. Construction: This stage involves executing the project on-site, utilizing all necessary resources as outlined in the drawings and structural memory.

Types of Loads and Their Effects

Dead Load: This refers to the load that remains constant throughout the structure's life. It includes all elements of the structure, such as building blocks, that occupy a permanent position and whose weight does not change substantially over time.

Live Load: These are non-permanent loads produced by materials, articles, or people in continuous motion. Live loads are generated by the use and occupancy of the building and do not include environmental loads or dead loads.

Vibrations: Structures experience daily vibrations due to earthquakes, wind, passing vehicles, the transit of people, and other impacts.

Effects on the Structure

Vibrations can cause deterioration of the structure and problems in the foundation, piles, and the building itself.

Effects on People

Vibrations in structures can have harmful physiological effects on individuals, reducing concentration, increasing fatigue, and decreasing productive performance.