Structural design is a methodical investigation to get the economical specification of a structure or a structural element to carry the predicted load safely. With the application of structural design we can obtain required size, grade, reinforcement etc. of structural members to withstand the internal forces calculated from the structural analysis.
Structural design is a part of Structural Engineering which is a sub-division of Civil Engineering. Structural engineers are trained to design the structural elements accurately and supervise during construction to ensure the proper implementation of the structural design.
Objectives of Structural design
- Produce a structure which is capable to resist all applied loads without failure during its service life
- Obtain the economical dimensions of structural members
- Investigate the strength, stability and rigidity of structures
- Ensure structural safety