What Does a Structural Engineer Do?

June 8, 2025 | By Rise Engineers

 

 

Structural engineering is one of the most important fields within the construction and design industry. Structural engineers are responsible for ensuring that buildings and other structures are safe, stable, and capable of withstanding the forces they encounter over time.

Their work forms the foundation of any construction project, from small residential homes to large commercial developments.

 

 

The Core Role of a Structural Engineer

A structural engineer’s main responsibility in simple terms is to design and assess structures to ensure they are safe, stable, and strong.
Their work focuses on making sure that buildings can support the loads and forces they experience throughout their life span, such as:

• Gravity (the weight of the structure and its contents including live loads like people, vehicles, and furniture)
  
• Wind and weather impacts
  
• Earthquakes and ground movements
• Others forces such as impact loading

Structural engineers design the “skeleton” of a building, elements like beams, columns, slabs, and foundations, to ensure everything holds together as intended.

 

 

 

 

Typical Responsibilities

Structural engineers are involved at multiple stages of a project, from early design to final inspections. Their responsibilities include:

• Designing structural systems: Selecting the right materials and creating efficient, safe designs for the building’s framework.

• Calculating loads and forces: Ensuring every component can safely carry the stresses it will experience.

• Site inspections: Checking construction work on-site to confirm it matches the design and complies with relevant standards.

• Assessing existing structures: Diagnosing issues like cracks, movement, or deterioration, and proposing repair or strengthening solutions.

• Providing reports and Certifications: Supplying documentation for council approvals, construction, and occupancy certifications.

 

 

When Is a Structural Engineer Needed?

You typically need a structural engineer for:

• New builds (residential, commercial, or industrial/infrastructure)

• Renovations and extensions

• Building inspections and structural assessments

• Remedial and repair projects

• Fire safety upgrades that affect the building structure

• Stormwater and drainage designs involving structural elements

Essentially, any project that involves changing or supporting a building’s structure requires a structural engineer’s input.

 

Structural engineers play a critical role in creating buildings that are not only functional but also safe and enduring.
From the earliest design stages to project completion, they ensure that every structure stands the test of time.

 

 

At Rise Engineers, we are proud to deliver practical, efficient, and high-quality structural solutions across a wide range of projects.

 

If you need expert advice or support for your next project, contact Rise Engineers today.