Department's Official Description 

Structural engineering, mechanics, and materials encompasses the analysis and design of all types of structural systems. Some structures, such as buildings, bridges, dams, industrial plants, and harbor facilities, are directly within the field of civil engineering. Other structures, such as aircraft, ships, space vehicles, large telescopes, and biological systems, are in related fields. 

Structural engineers assess the loads a structure must resist during its service life. Loads are caused by natural forces such as gravity, temperature changes, wind, waves, and earthquakes, or by use of the structure (vehicular traffic, vibrating machinery, or explosion). A structural engineer must calculate the displacement and stresses in a structure under the action of the expected loads. Structural design involves understanding the load-resisting properties of components such as beams, columns, walls, and slabs and selecting, proportioning, and connecting the components to resist the forces and displacements of the structure in a safe and serviceable manner. Structural mechanics parallels structural engineering, but with a stronger emphasis on the scientific basis for understanding the mechanical behavior of systems. Applied mathematics and engineering science are used to develop a rigorous mathematical description and solve a wide range of problems related to the behavior of structural components and systems. 

The field of structural materials deals with the scientific and practical understanding of materials such as concrete, metals, timber, and plastics that are used to construct structures. The process of designing the optimal material for maximum economy, safety, and aesthetic appeal is central to the field of structural materials. 

In addition, the department now offers a minor in structural engineering, designed particularly for students in the Department of Architecture, but also available to any student who has met the prerequisites and who is enrolled in a non-civil engineering program. For details, contact the Civil and Environmental Engineering Academic Affairs Office. 
 

Structural Engineering can be considered "classical civil engineering." Basically, Structural Engineers design all the things we commonly associate with civil engineering (buildings, bridges, dams, etc.). By studying Structural Engineering, you'll learn how to design these structures so they remain standing. All the different forces that act on any structure (gravity, temperature, wind, waves, earthquakes, etc.) are taken into account. Courses are offered on designing with the three most common civil engineering materials: steel, concrete, and wood. 

The Mechanics and Materials parts of the emphasis are related to Structural Engineering, but are more theoretical. Whereas Structural Engineering deals with the practical aspects of designing civil engineering structures, Mechanics deals with the scientific explanations of how the materials behave and Materials deals with optimizing the properties of the materials used in civil engineering projects. The theoretical concepts developed in the Mechanics and Materials fields may eventually end up being applied by structural engineers.