--- title: Structural Engineering Defined description: What Is Structural Engineering? What Does a Structural Engineer Do? Why Do We Need Them? image: https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/NewTown-18.jpg --- [![Enercept Structural Insulated Panels](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20copy.gif?width=1643&height=903&name=Logo%20copy.gif "Enercept Structural Insulated Panels")](http://www.enercept.com) The Future Of Framing [Content Title](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/structural-engineering-defined#) Description < Previous page Next page > Menu [Content Title](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/structural-engineering-defined#) Description < Previous page Next page > ### ABOUT ### Applications ### Products ### Resources ### Find Enercept ### Projects ### CONTACT ### Categories Filter Here - [SIPs (124)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sips) - [Structural Insulated Panels (71)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/structural-insulated-panels) - [Energy Efficiency (52)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/energy-efficiency) - [building systems (32)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/building-systems) - [SIP Home (30)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sip-home) - [Offsite Construction (15)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/offsite-construction) - [SIPA Building Excellence Awards (15)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sipa-building-excellence-awards) - [building envelope (15)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/building-envelope) - [Commercial High-Performance Envelope (14)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/commercial-high-performance-envelope) - [Green Building (13)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/green-building) - [Structural Insulated Panel (13)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/structural-insulated-panel) - [Green Homes (11)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/green-homes) - [enercept (9)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/enercept) - [Sustainable Homes (7)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sustainable-homes) - [r-value (7)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/r-value) - [EPS (6)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/eps) - [Timber Frame With SIPs (6)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/timber-frame-with-sips) - [greenbuilding (6)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/greenbuilding) - [insulation (6)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/insulation) - [Home Energy Score (5)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/home-energy-score) - [commercial building (5)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/commercial-building) - [cost of SIPs (5)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/cost-of-sips) - [Architect (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/architect) - [Construction Costs (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/construction-costs) - [Enclosing Timber Frame Structures (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/enclosing-timber-frame-structures) - [Log & Timber Home (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/log-timber-home) - [Post & Beam (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/post-beam) - [SIPs with Post & Beam construction (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sips-with-post-beam-construction) - [Timber Frame building (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/timber-frame-building) - [Wiring with SIPs (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/wiring-with-sips) - [home construction how to (4)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/home-construction-how-to) - [#affordableliving (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/affordableliving) - [#buildingsystems (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/buildingsystems) - [#customdesign (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/customdesign) - [Agricultural Construction (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/agricultural-construction) - [Barndominium (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/barndominium) - [Post and Beam Construction (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/post-and-beam-construction) - [SIP Floor System (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sip-floor-system) - [expanded polystyrene (EPS) (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/expanded-polystyrene-eps) - [homeconstruction (3)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/homeconstruction) - [#aboutsips (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/aboutsips) - [Barn Renovation (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/barn-renovation) - [Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Skins (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/fiberglass-reinforced-plastic-frp-skins) - [Home Shows and Events (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/home-shows-and-events) - [Log Home (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/log-home) - [OSB (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/osb) - [Post & Beam Barn (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/post-beam-barn) - [SIPsFAQ (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sipsfaq) - [Timber Framers Guild (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/timber-framers-guild) - [contractor (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/contractor) - [multi-family housing (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/multi-family-housing) - [residential (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/residential) - [small homes (2)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/small-homes) - [#architecture (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/architecture) - [#greenbuild (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/greenbuild) - [Affordable home plans (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/affordable-home-plans) - [Enclosing Timber Frames with SIPs (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/enclosing-timber-frames-with-sips) - [Habitat For Humanity (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/habitat-for-humanity) - [Insulated Concrete Forms (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/insulated-concrete-forms) - [Jumbo Panels (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/jumbo-panels) - [SIPs Electrical (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sips-electrical) - [Steel Frame Construction (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/steel-frame-construction) - [ZEHR (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/zehr) - [commercial (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/commercial) - [enercept leadership (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/enercept-leadership) - [homebuilders (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/homebuilders) - [sipshabitathouse (1)](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/sipshabitathouse) ### Recent Posts ![NewTown-31](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/NewTown-31.jpg) [SIPs Underground; Five Smart Reasons to Use Below-Grade SIPs](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/sips-underground-five-smart-reasons-to-use-below-grade-sips) ![](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/IMG_1570.jpeg) [Do Higher Lumber Prices Make Building With SIPs More Attractive?](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/do-higher-lumber-prices-make-building-with-sips-more-attractive) ![](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Weaver.jpg) [Are SIPs Right for Your Build? Do the Research.](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/are-sips-right-for-you-do-the-research-1) ![Enercept University Class of 2023](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/2-Mar-22-2023-02-15-13-6741-PM.jpg) [Enercept University 2023: Take Your Building Skills to the Next Level!](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/enercept-university-2023-take-your-building-skills-to-the-next-level) ![contractors-guide-ebook2](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/E-BOOKS/contractors-guide-ebook2.png) [SIPs vs. Sticks; Contractors' Guide to Using SIPs](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/sips-vs-sticks-contractors-guide-to-using-sips) # Structural Engineering Defined Posted by [Roberta Bartel](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/author/enerceptadmin) on April 24, 2019 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ### What Is Structural Engineering? What Does a Structural Engineer Do? Why Do We Need Them? **While we will never know who designed the Parthenon or the aqueducts of the Roman Empire, we do know that the Romans were among the earliest practitioners of structural engineering.**   **All buildings are subject to and need to be built to withstand the stresses and pressures of their environment:** **![Science station construction](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/A3.347.jpg?width=300&name=A3.347.jpg)** -   - **Gravity** - **Wind** - **Rain** - **Snow** - **Tornadoes** - **Earthquakes** - **Hurricanes** - **Terrain** - **Collisions**   **Structural Engineering** is the science and art that focuses on all these factors; then works to design structures that will withstand these stresses and pressures to keep the building safe, stable and secure for the occupants. **What is a Structural Engineer?**  The [Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE)](http://www.acec.org/case/) defines a structural engineer as: "An engineer with specialized knowledge, training, and experience in the sciences and mathematics relating to analyzing and designing force-resisting systems for buildings and other structures." In other words, Structural Engineers make sure your building doesn't fall down or collapse. ![henleyback](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/henleyback.jpg?width=600&name=henleyback.jpg) **Why Do We Need Them?**  While there are many instances when you may not think you need to hire a structural engineer; one has probably already been involved.  In the instance of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), the panels have been tested and are built to meet various structural requirements.   However, if your needs require unusual wall heights, your building on the side of a cliff, you need to have a rock-climbing wall, you're building a science station at the South Pole on hydraulic jacks, or any number of other needs or conditions, you may need a Structural Engineer.  Your Structural Engineer knows the requirements for the load carrying structural system you are building.  They will be able to calculate how different materials will perform under pressure and will be able to estimate how these materials will perform over an extended period. **Difference between Architects and Structural Engineers: **"In a nutshell," according to the [Institution of Structural Engineers,](http://www.istructe.org/education/structural-engineering-explained) "if a structure was a human body, the architect would be concerned with the body shape and appearance, and the structural engineer would be concerned with the skeleton and sinews." **LEARN MORE:** [![SIPS 101](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3823653/42b7d9ce-1d83-4f51-9883-ff83348d14a4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3823653/42b7d9ce-1d83-4f51-9883-ff83348d14a4)  **Our Mission: Our Commitment ***When you build with Enercept SIPs we provide a building that will go up faster and will be warmer, tighter, stronger, quieter and more cost-effective than conventional construction. It is a commitment that others simply can’t beat!*   Topics: [building systems](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/building-systems), [Structural Insulated Panels](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/tag/structural-insulated-panels) ### you may also like ![Enercept University 2024: Take Your Building Skills to the Next Level!](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/2-Mar-22-2023-02-15-13-6741-PM.jpg) #### [Enercept University 2024: Take Your Building Skills to the Next Level!](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/enercept-university-2024) ![Not All SIPs Are The Same](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/image004.jpg) #### [Not All SIPs Are The Same](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/not-all-aips-are-the-same) ![Enercept University 2023: Take Your Building Skills to the Next Level!](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/2-Mar-22-2023-02-15-13-6741-PM.jpg) #### [Enercept University 2023: Take Your Building Skills to the Next Level!](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/enercept-university-2023-take-your-building-skills-to-the-next-level) ![10 Tips For Starting Your Spring Home Construction](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/07-2021%20Howe%20residence%2063c.jpg) #### [10 Tips For Starting Your Spring Home Construction](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/ten-tips-for-starting-your-spring-home-construction) ![SIPs - A Custom Fit For High Performance Builders](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/07-2021%20Howe%20residence%2058c.jpg) #### [SIPs - A Custom Fit For High Performance Builders](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/sips-custom-fit-for-high-performance-builders) [![logosmallwebsite](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logosmallwebsite.png?width=113&name=logosmallwebsite.png "logosmallwebsite")](https://www.enercept.com/) ### CONTACT US: 3100 9th Ave SE Watertown, SD 57201 Phone: ([605) 882-2222](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/structural-engineering-defined#) Fax: ([605) 882-2753](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/structural-engineering-defined#) E-mail: [info@enercept.com](https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/structural-engineering-defined#) ### ABOUT ### Products ### Applications ### Resources ### Find Enercept ### Projects [Terms & Conditions](http://www.enercept.com/terms-conditions) [Privacy Policy](http://www.enercept.com/privacy-policy) [Site Map](https://www.enercept.com/sitemap) © Copyright 2018 Enercept, Inc. [Chat with us](https://www.livechatinc.com/chat-with/9209635/), powered by [LiveChat](https://www.livechatinc.com/?welcome) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Roberta Bartel", "url" : "https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/author/enerceptadmin" }, "dateModified" : "2020-02-20T15:47:15.920Z", "datePublished" : "2019-04-24T22:14:01.000Z", "headline" : "Structural Engineering Defined", "image" : [ "https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/NewTown-18.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://3823653.hs-sites.com/blog/structural-engineering-defined", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://3823653.hs-sites.com/hubfs/enercept-logo-orig-290x160_orig-2.png" }, "name" : "Enercept" } } ```