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Structural
engineering involves the utilization of art and science in
the planning, analysis, design, and construction of structural
systems. It encompasses the areas of structural analysis and
design, structural mechanics, soil mechanics, foundation design,
and structural properties of materials. Typical structures
of concern to the structural engineer include the traditional
civil engineering structures such as buildings, bridges, highways,
and dams, but also the more specialized and complex types
of structures such as aircraft and space structures, nuclear
containment vessels, transmission towers, and underground
structures. The fundamental principles of engineering mechanics
comprise the theoretical underpinning of all areas of structural
engineering. Application of these principles permits the structural
engineer to determine the stresses and corresponding serviceability
of a structure, the geotechnical engineer to assess the engineering
properties of soil and the corresponding appropriate foundation
design, and the materials engineer to predict and design engineering
materials with desired strength and response characteristics.
While structural engineers use sophisticated mathematical
models and employ digital computers extensively to perform
analysis calculations, the total planning and design of a
structural system requires experience and judgement as well
as mathematical abilities.
Although
only one part of the overall civil engineering profession,
structural engineering is a broad discipline offering challenging
opportunities in a diversity of career paths. The undergraduate
program in civil engineering at the University of Virginia
attempts to provide every student with the necessary fundamentals
in structural engineering. Therefore, the student will be
able to make a reasonable choice as to career preferences
and will also have the necessary background to make a contribution
in the chosen job, whether it be with a consulting firm, private
industry, or government.
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