Structural Engineering (STE)

Structural engineering (STE) has always been seen as one of the few professions where one can combine real technical skills with artistic flair. Structural engineers are known to be people who enjoy innovation, opportunities, responsibility, and excitement, whilst working within a creative profession. Structural engineers plan and design various structures such as buildings, bridges, dams, sports stadiums, towers, and underground structures.

As they create the built environment, they have an enormous impact on our everyday lives. In order to design and construct safe and economic structures, they need to keep abreast with the latest methods of structural analysis, modeling concepts for computation, advanced design, material technology, and improved knowledge of structural loadings.

The field educates professionals who will be at the forefront of advanced research in Structural Engineering. They are trained to respond creatively to the industrial requirements of infrastructure development.

Areas of Specialization

STE offers two areas of specialization, (a) Structural Analysis, Mechanics, and Computation, and (b) Structural Design and Materials.

The availability of inexpensive computer technology allows structural engineers to equip themselves with advanced structural theories to improve the quality of their professional work and achieve global competencies. This is the core of studies in the area of Structural Analysis, Mechanics, and Computation. Researches in the area include the analysis of complex and nonlinear structures, finite element methods, computational and applied mechanics, structural dynamics and vibration control, wind and earthquake engineering, computer-aided design, and expert systems.

Structural Design and Materials prepare students for a career in structural engineering in its broadest sense. Depending upon individual choice and interest, students may select courses such that they receive training in a specific area of their choice. Researches in the area cover advanced and low-cost construction materials, analytical and experimental methods for concrete technology, reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, and steel structures, earthquake and wind-resistant design of structures, building and bridge engineering, and fire protection technology.

Course Structure

STE delivers three types of courses: basic, advanced, and interdisciplinary. Basic courses focus on the specific aspects of structural systems. They are offered in five areas –

(a) Analysis and Computations (CE72.1x)

(b) Dynamics of Structures (CE72.2x)

(c) Mechanics of Structures (CE72.3x)

(d) Material Technology (CE72.4x)

(e) Structural Design (CE72.5x).

While advanced and interdisciplinary courses (CE72.6x) address new frontiers or the integration of skills in a holistic manner and are designed specifically for doctoral or advanced master’s students. Advanced courses provide emerging concepts and techniques in Structural Engineering.

In offering opportunity and choice, students can design their own study programs according to their inclinations and future career objectives. In addition to the courses specified below, students, under the guidance of their academic advisors, can select courses from a wide range of electives from other fields/schools as part of an approved study plan.