Structural Engineering vs Civil Engineering: What's the Difference?

Civil engineering and structural engineering are two disciplines within the engineering field that deal with the analysis, design and construction of infrastructure projects. But despite their similarities, there are some clear differences that differentiate them. All structural engineers are civil engineers, but not all civil engineers are structural engineers. Civil engineers design and maintain structures such as public and private buildings, water systems, airports, and roads.

Structural engineers analyze, design, build and maintain structures and materials that counteract or reinforce loads. State and local ordinances will specify their requirements, depending on the type, size, use, and location of their structure. Civil engineers are often responsible for overall site design and coordination, while structural engineers ensure that load members are properly sized and positioned to support the intended load. This field of engineering is offered at universities as a first degree course and includes disciplines such as transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering and structural engineering. Structural engineering is offered as the second or third degree in engineering. There are many factors to consider before deciding whether to hire a civil engineer instead of a structural engineer.

Civil engineers can participate in different types of projects and aspects of projects than structural engineers. From drawing up a plan to manufacturing and CNC machining, Perth's infrastructure projects involve a large number of professionals working on the construction site. Some structures may not even need the services of civil and structural engineers, depending on which construction officer has jurisdiction. Simply put, all structural engineers are civil engineers, but not all civil engineers are structural engineers. It has also been clarified above that a civil engineer will do the work of design, planning and will also work under a structural engineer.

On the other hand, civil engineers focus on creating detailed drawings of drainage, falls and earthworks. The sources of the main differences between structural engineering and civil engineering are definition, education, type of work, jobs, etc. There are many factors to consider before deciding whether to hire a civil engineer instead of a structural engineer.