Wide flange steel columns are used in structural design to add strength and stability to a structure that will support heavy loads. Wide flange steel column are most often used in commercial construction, such as the construction of high rise buildings. A structural engineer has many different types of columns and materials to choose from when designing a high rise building.

Columns Used in the Construction of High Rise Buildings

The science of structural engineering is constantly evolving. Structural engineers continually look to develop new architectural designs to please clients. As new building materials emerge, structural engineers are pushed to integrate these materials into new construction. They must study the way these materials react under the stress of load and predict how to support key areas strategically to maintain the structural integrity of the structure.

The science of structural engineering helps structural engineers build more stable structures while pushing the current limits of design as we know it. By studying the science behind the factors that affect the stability of structures, structural engineers can design and build structures that can withstand the forces of nature and loads, even under extreme circumstances.

More about State and Federal Building Codes

State and Federal Building codes are an important part of the construction process. For structural engineers, working knowledge of state and federal building codes is essential. Keeping on top of constant changes made to state and federal building codes can be challenging. Building codes vary from state to state. There are several websites available to help you keep up to date on federal and state building codes. Try these resources to help you stay on top of federal and state building codes.

Designing Earthquake Safe Buildings and Structures

Buildings and structures are susceptible to the ravaging devastation of earthquakes. Great amounts of research have been performed to determine what types of buildings and structures are able to withstand an earthquake and how structural engineers can design earthquake-safe buildings and structures for the future.

Flexibility is Key

One of the most important physical traits of earthquake safe buildings and structures is flexibility. A rigid structure will crumble and collapse during the movement caused by an earthquake. Taller structures are inherently more flexible than two or three story buildings and structures. Shorter buildings and structures require greater amounts of reinforcement to withstand the forces of an earthquake.

Structural engineers have the task of helping an architect design a structure that will resist the forces of nature, remain stable and dissipate energy appropriately.  This task is often made easier by the use of computer assisted design and special calculating programs. With today’s technology, nearly any design problem can be solved by a structural engineer.

These technological advances have resulted in amazing and unusual architectural designs that would not have been possible 50 years ago. Continuing advances in the field of structural engineering allow architects to continue to push the envelope for innovative building designs.