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.

Research Focus Area

• Structural analysis
• Mechanics and Computation
• Structural design and materials
• Structural analysis, mechanics, and computation
• Structural dynamics and vibration control
• Finite element methods
• Computational and applied mechanics
• Wind and earthquake engineering
• Computer-aided design and expert systems
• Reinforced and prestressed concrete structures
• Steel structures
• Earthquake and wind-resistant design
• Bridge engineering

• Have strong academic records (both undergraduate and graduate) and normally hold a four-year bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree*, preferably with a combination of course and thesis work, from an institution of good standing, acceptable to AIT. The minimum cGPA requirement for admission to the doctoral program is 3.50 or equivalent, at the Master’s degree level.
• English Proficiency Requirement: AIT-EET: 6; IELTS Academic: overall 6 (writing 6); TOEFL iBT: overall 80 (writing 21-23); & PTE Academic: overall 52 (writing 62-73)
• Submit a brief outline of dissertation research proposal (5-10 pages) including the required research facilities, if necessary.
• Two recommendation letters.

Graduates of the Structural Engineering (STE) program are equipped to pursue careers as structural engineers, focusing on the design, analysis, and construction of various types of infrastructure, including buildings, bridges, and other large structures. With a deep understanding of advanced topics such as structural dynamics, finite element methods, earthquake and wind engineering, and forensic engineering, they can work in engineering firms, construction companies, and governmental agencies. Their expertise allows them to ensure the safety, durability, and resilience of structures, particularly in the face of natural disasters like earthquakes and strong winds, making them key players in the development of modern infrastructure projects.