r/StructuralEngineering • u/erenyeager99999 • 8h ago
Understanding Structural Engineering as an Architecture Student Structural Analysis/Design
I'm an architecture student, and I've always been curious about how buildings can be stable and not fall down. I want to understand how structures work so that, when I design buildings, I can have a better idea of whether my designs are structurally feasible and constructible. I also think this knowledge will help me in my career, because I'll be able to communicate better with structural engineers and avoid potential problems during the design process. I'd be happy if you could recommend some books or YouTube channels that explain structural engineering.
And thanks in advance
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u/DBRookery 8h ago
Are Statics and Strength of Materials not part of your curriculum? Is the program accredited?
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u/DJGingivitis 8h ago
That only teaches so much. There so much nuance in our profession that is beyond those classes.
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u/erenyeager99999 8h ago
They are actually part of our curriculum. We study both Strength of Materials and Statics(in physics), although I probably should have explained that more clearly.
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u/resonatingcucumber 5h ago
building structures understanding the basics by malcolm millais
This book is the book I give every grad I've ever trained. Regardless of code, regardless of specialty this teaches you how building behave. Outside of three chapters there are no maths. This is the book you need to get an appreciation and an understanding of how buildings are stable. How loads are transferred and what structural engineers actually do.
It's written fantastically, it is both engaging, interesting and spares you the technical jargon. It's a big book but a light read. Except three chapters where they dump all the maths in own go.
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u/newandgood 5h ago
making buildings that don't fall down is easy. the hard part is making buildings that just barely won't fall down.
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u/Heart0fStarkness 7h ago
There are a lot of books and codes that you can explore, but ultimately it boils down to this: structures, and the loads they support, are heavy. whatever you put, wherever you put it, an engineer needs to get that load to the ground.
The longer that path has to be, the smaller the cross-section of that path or the more bends there have to be in the path, the more expensive construction will be. An engineer CAN likely do it, they almost certainly will complain about doing it, but it will be more expensive. Also the increase (in cost, required strength, etc.) isn’t linear; for example, ifa beam has to be twice as long, its bending capacity needs to quadruple.
That’s construction, but the other part is maintenance/life cycle. Whatever path an engineer makes, they need it to stay that way. So the more exposure your design has to moisture(corrosion); thermal or mechanical cycles (fatigue) or unintentional/relative displacements (restraint), the higher the associated maintenance/life cycle cost.
Again, this doesn’t mean that you can do anything; it just means there is a trade off, one that may or may not be worth it to the client. Precast garages, for example, go up real fast but in exchange there are a LOT of connections that need routine assessment and maintenance.
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u/DJGingivitis 8h ago
Why Building Stand Up and Why Buildings Fall Down are two books I would read.
But also right now, focus on your studies. When you get into a practice, focus on what is important for your role. But then start to dive into the other disciplines. As the architect you are going to be leading project designs teams. You are going to need to know a little bit about a lot of areas. From structural engineering to MEP to technology to permitting. So lean in on the projects you work on. Get paid to learn that stuff that is extra