Structural design

What is structural design?

Structural design is an activity in which civil engineers design structures using knowledge, experience, and rules. Structures include buildings, bridges, dams, railways, marine structures, and other civil structures. In this process, the performance of the structure needs to be determined, and then the structural designer uses modeling and analysis to design the structure so that it can withstand the loads applied to the building. In simple terms, if we want to explain structural design, it means designing the structure or members of a building (beam, column, brace, shear wall, etc.) with the aim of bringing that structure to the desired and ideal resistance. In structural design, dead loads and live loads, especially lateral loads, as well as the choice of construction method and building details are considered.

Who is a structural design engineer?

Civil engineers who specialize in the design and calculation of structures and design structures according to the functional needs of the structure and based on valid regulations and standards are called structural designers. They must have the ability to analyze the behavior of structures against forces applied to the building and create accurate models of structures using civil engineering software.

Structural design methods

The load and resistance coefficient method, the allowable stress and limit state method, are among the building design methods, and the direct analysis method, the effective length method, and the first-order analysis method are also considered acceptable methods for designing and analyzing steel structures.

In general, the structural design engineer is responsible for modeling and designing project structures to create safe, stable, and load-bearing structures. He/she must also consider cost optimization and resource utilization in the design of the structure, taking into account customer needs, industry standards, and regulations.

Important duties of a structural engineer

  • Converting architectural drawings into structural models
  • Use of modeling and design software
  • Preparing structural execution drawings
  • Familiarity with design regulations
  • Skills in structural drawing

Building design stages

  1. Reviewing architectural drawings
  2. Initial structural modeling
  3. Dimensional design of structural members
  4. Accurate modeling of the structural skeleton according to the second phase of architecture drawings
  5. Drawing of structural execution plans
  6. Preparing a structural calculation booklet
  7. Seal and signature of the accounting engineer
  8. Sending computational files and maps to the municipality
  9. Review of the engineering system organization
  10. Re-editing and final presentation

Building design software

There are several popular software for designing. Below, I will mention some of them:

SAP2000: One of the most powerful design software that includes analysis and design of steel, concrete, wood, and 3D structures.

ETABS: ETABS software designs and analyzes concrete and steel structures and is used in the design of tall buildings with flexural frames.

Revit Structure: This software offers a variety of tools for designing and modeling concrete and steel structures and integrates seamlessly with other building modeling components.

Tekla Structures: This software is used to design and model steel and concrete structures, including industrial buildings and bridges.

SAFE: This software is used for the design and analysis of concrete structures, especially bridges and structures under various loads. SAFE also has capabilities such as the design of residential and commercial units.

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conclusion

One of the most important stages of construction is structural design, which must be completed by design engineers before a building permit is issued. Building builders must have design expertise in four engineering disciplines, including architecture, structure, mechanical installations, and electrical installations.

For this reason, some design offices can do all of them, and sometimes, depending on the circumstances, they assign each of the engineering disciplines to a specific office.

Unprincipled design can significantly increase costs. Therefore, we suggest that you pay enough attention when choosing the company to which you are going to entrust the design work of your building.

Mehraz, will reduce your project costs in a principled and optimal manner by having experienced engineers in the field of design.

If you need to speak with Mehraz Shahr Iranian Building Holding experts or inquire about design prices, contact the numbers on the contact page.

We look forward to hearing from you. You can also register your contact number so we can call you.