Structural Engineering Skills: Research Report and Proposal Analysis

This document presents a comprehensive report on the essential skills for structural engineers, incorporating both a literature review and a research proposal. The literature review synthesizes existing research, discussing the core competencies, such as analytical and numeracy skills, required for success in the field, and the importance of these skills for designing and building structures that can withstand various pressures and environments. The research proposal outlines an exploratory research design, detailing the methodology to gather insights from experienced structural engineers. It addresses the 'six W's' of research design rationale to clarify the research scope, data collection methods, and analysis techniques. The study aims to identify and understand the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities of structural engineers, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the profession. This report, available on Desklib, offers valuable insights into the field of structural engineering, providing students and professionals with a resource for understanding the profession's demands and best practices.

Applied research method

Table of Contents
Q1. Literature Review......................................................................................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5
Q2 Research Proposal......................................................................................................................1
Research Design Rationale.........................................................................................................1
Research Design..........................................................................................................................1
Data Collection...........................................................................................................................2
Data Analysis..............................................................................................................................2
Value of the study.......................................................................................................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................4

Q1. Literature Review
According to Cameron and Devitt, (2016) structural engineering is the branch of civil
engineering where structural engineers provided with appropriate training to comprehend,
anticipate and calculate the stability, rigidity and strength of building so that development of
design and integration of their design with other designers can be made efficiently. They are
involved in design of machinery, equipment and auto mobiles where structural integrity
influences functioning and safety. I believe that what author wants to connote is precise as
structural engineering is the branch of civil engineering where structural engineer has to
anticipate and calculate the strength and loopholes of the building.
As per, Soong and Costantinou, (2014) structural engineering is grounded on applied
laws of physics and empirical knowledge of structural performance of different methods and
geometries. The knowledge is useful to use numerous simple elements of structural engineering
to design and build complex structural system. In order to achieve goals and objectives,
structural engineers are responsible for utilising funds and structural elements in efficient
manner. Structural engineers are accountable for developing and designing structure that can
sustain in particular environment and pressure.
According to Woods, (2017) structural engineers performs one of the most crucial and
important job in construction sector. Inadequate skills and competencies in structural engineer
may lead the project towards devastation. In order to develop robust structure that can withstand
in the particular pressure and environment, the structural engineer needs to have precise skills,
knowledge and abilities. Chen and Duan, (2014) elucidated that structural engineers must have
excellent numeracy and analytical skills. In order to design buildings, structural engineers has to
perform numerous calculations and complex mathematical equations. Thus, structural engineers
must have numeracy skills. In order to resolve both complex and uncomplicated problems that
structural engineers faced in building project, it is important for them to have analytical skills. I
agree with the statement enunciated by the authors, as it is important for me as a structural
engineer to have adequate skills such as numeracy for performing complex calculations and
analytical skills for solving typical problems occurred in the project.
Taranath, (2016) argued that in-depth scientific knowledge, efficient problem solving
skills, ability to operate with high tech machineries and computer system, good communication
skills and interpersonal skills are also equally important and essential for structural engineers. In
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order to accomplish the desired aim and objectives of the construction project efficiently, these
skills must be possess by the structural engineers (Structural Engineering. 2015). McCrum,
(2017) said that structural engineers are responsible for performing precise calculations of
pressures and stresses placed on each element of the building. Structural engineers also with the
help of high tech computer programmes design structure and prototype of the building and check
the strengths and weakness of the building virtually in order to make robust structure. Law,
(2016) argued that usually structural engineers are able to work at 9 to 5, but at workloads and
peak time they have to work overtime and present at short notice in order to inspect building that
can be collapsed due to certain nature activities. According to my perception, a structural
engineer must be prepared to give overtime as and when needed.
Yeomans, (2017) said that on daily basis, structural engineers monitor the progress of
construction project from its initial stages to its completion. They perform calculations, form
plans, analyse funds and design the structure in precise manner that can withstand specific
pressure and forces. Furthermore, they usually create initial design models, using in-depth
mathematical and scientific knowledge, and, once construction has started, they monitor the
work and meet with contractors to ensure that the designs are being followed closely. According
to Wang and et.al., (2016) structural engineering is one of the most crucial engineering
disciplines as it deals directly with integrity and strength of a building and structure. The
important aspect to determine in structural engineering is the design and development of the
building which ensures the safety and protection of the people who will going to live in the
building. I agree with the explanation provided by the authors. Structural engineering is very
crucial and it is very important for the structural engineer to work diligently by using in-depth
mathematical and scientific knowledge and monitor the team and other workers so that building
can be constructed effectively and efficiently.
Xie and Xie, (2015) enunciated that structural engineering is crucial as it ensures that
optimum use of resources, materials and other elements which are required to build construction
project. Structural engineers are responsible for performing tasks which include monitoring,
directing, planning and controlling his or her team in an effective and efficient manner so that the
set targets can be accomplish on time. Yang and et.al., (2016) said that structural engineers
possess ability to pay close attention to detail and ability to calm under pressure. With these
skills, they are easily able to control stressful situation. In the professions, these engineers faced
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various issues and challenges which a stressful and problematic, but empirical knowledge and
efficient skills, they are able to control the situation effectively and efficiently. Structural
engineers are responsible for performing investigation of pre-existing buildings. This is done in
order identify the issue which can impact on the building life. As per my views, it is important
for structural engineer to properly allocates the resources. It will helps me in ensuring that right
resources are used for right purpose. As a structural engineer I have to examine the project I have
been assigned to and provide precise judgement on it.
As per Garg, (2014) structural engineers possess certain skills and abilities in order to
conduct the construction project effectively and efficiently. These skills include quantitative
skills, analytical skills, decision making skills, leadership skills, communication skills and
comprehending skills. These skills are very important and essential as these assists the structural
engineers to reduce their efforts and they can enhance the quality of the construction project. For
research perspective these analysing these skills would be more appropriate as these defines the
abilities and competencies of structural engineers (Dada and Jagboro, 2015). Structural engineers
are responsible for performing precise calculations of pressures and stresses placed on each
element of the building.
Structural engineers also with the help of high tech computer programmes design
structure and prototype of the building and check the strengths and weakness of the building
virtually in order to make robust structure. Structural engineers must have excellent numeracy
and analytical skills. In order to design buildings, structural engineers has to perform numerous
calculations and complex mathematical equations (Senaratne and Gunawardane, 2015). Thus,
structural engineers must have numeracy skills. In order to resolve both complex and
uncomplicated problems that structural engineers faced in building project, it is important for
them to have analytical skills. I have to work on high tech computer systems and technologies in
order to design efficient and flawless structure. This can help in raising my skills and knowledge
regarding the use of computers and systems.
Thus, from the above study, it can be concluded that structural engineering is the branch
of civil engineering where structural engineers provided with appropriate training to
comprehend, anticipate and calculate the stability, rigidity and strength of building so that
development of design and integration of their design with other designers can be made
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efficiently. In this context, the skills, abilities and responsibilities of structural engineers has been
assessed in the literature review.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Cameron, S. and Devitt, J., 2016. Essential skills for engineering cadets and graduates:
Responses from an industry survey. In 27th Annual Conference of the Australasian
Association for Engineering Education: AAEE 2016 (p. 122). Southern Cross University.
Chen, W.F. and Duan, L. eds., 2014. Bridge engineering handbook: construction and
maintenance. CRC press.
Dada, J.O. and Jagboro, G.O., 2015. Core skills requirement and competencies expected of
quantity surveyors: perspectives from quantity surveyors, allied professionals and clients
in Nigeria. Construction Economics and Building, 12(4), pp.78-90.
Garg, H., 2014. Solving structural engineering design optimization problems using an artificial
bee colony algorithm. Journal of Industrial and Management Optimization, 10(3), pp.777-
794.
Law, A., 2016. The role of modelling in structural fire engineering design. Fire Safety
Journal, 80, pp.89-94.
McCrum, D.P., 2017. Evaluation of creative problem-solving abilities in undergraduate
structural engineers through interdisciplinary problem-based learning. European Journal
of Engineering Education, 42(6), pp.684-700.
Senaratne, S. and Gunawardane, S., 2015. Application of team role theory to construction design
teams. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 11(1), pp.1-20.
Soong, T.T. and Costantinou, M.C. eds., 2014. Passive and active structural vibration control in
civil engineering (Vol. 345). Springer.
Taranath, B.S., 2016. Structural analysis and design of tall buildings: Steel and composite
construction. CRC press.
Wang, H., and et.al. 2016. Structural engineering of porphyrin-based small molecules as donors
for efficient organic solar cells. Chemical Science, 7(7), pp.4301-4307.
Woods, D.D., 2017. Resilience engineering: concepts and precepts. CRC Press.
Xie, J. and Xie, Y., 2015. Structural engineering of electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution
reaction: order or disorder?. ChemCatChem, 7(17), pp.2568-2580.
Yang, T., and et.al., 2016. Structural engineering of gold thin films with channel cracks for
ultrasensitive strain sensing. Materials Horizons, 3(3), pp.248-255.
Yeomans, D.T. ed., 2017. The development of timber as a structural material. Routledge.\
Online
Structural Engineering. 2015[Online]. Available through:<https://www.structural-
innovations.com/structural-engineer-essential-qualities/>
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Q2 Research Proposal
The motive of research proposal is to present and justify the need to study a research problem
and demonstrates pragmatic ways in which the proposed study should be conducted (Taylor,
Bogdan and DeVault, 2015).
Research Design Rationale
Six W's of research design rationale
The research proposal demonstrates the concepts of structural engineering and how one
can enhance his or her career in the respective field.
Who: In the present study, the respondents will be structural engineers who have experienced in
the field of structural engineering. Engineers with different skills such as analytical, numeracy,
technical etc. will be interviewed in the study in order to ascertain right skills.
What: The types of information that will be obtained includes the skills required for becoming
efficient structural engineer., qualifications required, key responsibilities, authority and
accountability, working condition and experience.
When: The information can be collected when participants of research are free especially on
weekends and on Sunday's.
Where: In order to gather the information from respondents, the researcher can either visit there
site, office or where the participants are comfortable.
Why: The rationale for obtaining information from the participants was to enhance the learnings
regarding the subject matter. By interacting with people who practically do the job, the
researcher can increase his knowledge level and abilities. The knowledge of structural
engineering is useful to use numerous simple elements of structural engineering to design and
build complex structural system. Skills such as numeracy, analyticla and technological skills are
important for structural engineers. In order to understand the concepts and skills which are
required for the particular area, market research is necessary (Taranath, 2016).
Way: The marketing research project is conducted in order to analyse the trends which are
currently following in the market relating structural engineering. The researcher will obtain
information through interview. Researcher will going to interview the structural engineers where
he or she is going to ask to the participants of the research project. In this way, researcher will
able to gather precise and appropriate information.

Research Design Research Design: It is an essential methodology. Research design is the plan through
which researcher attempts to answer the questions associated with the research
(Silverman, 2016). In the present study, the researcher will use exploratory research
design in order to gather the vital information from the participants. Qualitative research
method will be implemented in order to analyse the data collected by using interview
method (Cicourel, 2016).
 Participants of research: The participants of research study mainly comprises structural
engineers working in different construction organisation incorporating in Australia. A
total of 10 structural engineers will be participate in the research study, from whom
researcher will ask questions. In order to enhance the level of knowledge, researcher will
be using interview survey method. Individual depth interview will be conducted by the
researcher. He or she will visit the decided location to meet participants of the research
individually and conduct the interview survey efficiently. Open ended questions will be
asked from the participants regarding skills required for becoming efficient structural
engineer., qualifications required, key responsibilities, authority and accountability,
working condition and experience.
Data Collection
Data collection is the process of gathering relevant data and information in order to carry
out the research study (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault, 2015). Data collection is important process
of research. As discussed earlier, the researcher will gather the data using individual depth
interview survey. The question will be open ended relating with the type of work they do, skills
required, etc.
Data Analysis
Data analysis is an essential process where the researcher converts the raw collected data
into meaningful information (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault, 2015). Qualitative research method
is used where the researcher has to analyse theoretical data and information. In the qualitative
study, the researcher will implement thematic data analysis, where researcher will produce
themes of the questions he or she asked in the interview. The thematic analysis of research is
provided below:
Theme 1: What activities you do in your job?

Interpretation: In the market research study, researcher asked questions individually to the
structural engineers regarding the key activities they perform in their job. In the response to
which 4 structural engineers said that they mainly monitor their teams and make decisions
regarding future step in the construction process. 6 participants responds that the key activity
they perform is to generate design of models, deciding which material would be appropriate for
each part of structure, assessing budget of each project and monitor their team members and
workers.
Theme 2: What skills are required to satisfy the requirements of this position?
Interpretation: In the research study, the researcher asked question regarding the mandatory
skills which are required to satisfy the position of structural engineering. In this context, 5
structural engineers responds that skills such as numeracy, analytical, scientific, and problem
solving are mandatory for progressing in the career of structural engineering. 5 structural
engineers elucidated that in order to succeed in the career of structural engineering, one must
have technical skills, communication skills, in depth scientific skills, numeracy skills, computer
skills, team building skills and decision making skills.
Theme 3: What are they key responsibilities of structural engineers?
Interpretation: The researcher asked question regarding key responsibilities of structural
engineers in the market research study to the participants of the research. In response to this, 3
structural engineers enunciated that structural engineers are responsible for performing precise
calculations of pressures and focuses on each element of building, using computer systems to
design the structure and deciding which material will be appropriate. 7 structural engineers said
that they are responsible for designing structure, monitoring team and resources and ensuring
that legal requirements are fulfilled.
Value of the study
The research study will help in enhancing the level of knowledge and abilities of the
researcher in the field of structural engineering. In the future, the researcher can expand the level
of understanding by increasing the number of participants. Furthermore, in order to succeed in
the career of structural engineering, researcher needs to follow the responses of the structural
engineers whom he or she has included in the research study. Researcher can expand his or her
level of understanding by using different models and theories related with structural engineering.

In this way, the researcher would be able to accomplish the aim and objective of the study
efficiently.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Chen, W.F. and Duan, L. eds., 2014. Bridge engineering handbook: construction and
maintenance. CRC press.
Cicourel, A., 2016. Method and measurement in sociology.
Silverman, D. ed., 2016. Qualitative research. Sage.
Taranath, B.S., 2016. Structural analysis and design of tall buildings: Steel and composite
construction. CRC press.
Taylor, S.J., Bogdan, R. and DeVault, M., 2015. Introduction to qualitative research methods: A
guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons.