FAQs

Structural Engineering is the field of engineering which focuses on the framework of structures, and on designing those structures to withstand the load stresses and pressures of their environment and remain safe, stable and secure throughout their use

Civil Engineering is a broad engineering field that comprises of other engineering disciplines: Highway and Transportation Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Structural Engineering etc. Structural Engineering is a sub-discipline of Civil Engineering. So, all structural engineers are civil engineers but not all civil engineers are structural.

Structural engineers are trained in the universities or polytechnics to primarily design and supervise the construction of buildings and structures that are safe and capable of withstanding the loads to which they will be subjected, as well as improving integrity of existing structures.

No, all structural engineers are civil engineers but not all civil engineers are  structural engineers

The structural engineers’ primary responsibility in any project is to ensure the stability and safe functioning of the structure during construction stage and in service

Yes, structural engineers make sure that buildings and other structures do not collapse.

No, structural engineering tasks are delicate and failure consequences are usually disproportionate to the cause

The engagement of a structural engineer on a project would reduce the probability of structural collapse to almost zero

Yes, structural engineer enforces quality control standards during construction. Also there could be need to take some decisions on site which may affect the structural design.

Structural engineer is needed during the design and construction stages of all structural elements

It depends on the magnitude of the project and its complexity. For complex structural engineering projects he/she would be involved in all stages of the project. Residency is advisable in small projects, the structural engineer would only visit site at specific stages of construction because casting of structural elements to check the laying of the reinforcement.

YES

In Nigeria, a qualified structural engineer is some that studied Civil/Structural Engineering and he/she is registered with COREN and NIStructE.

Visit the website of the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers: www.nistructe.org.ng search for members by their location or go to the National Secretariat, NIStructE, 5, Akinhanmi Street, Surulere, Lagos or call  08055960846, 08122095767, 07045239915

Yes, the regulating body is the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria

Yes, Names can be obtained from NIStructE Secretariat OR the register of NIStructE members

Yes, Many

Structural engineers are paid professional fees for design and supervision. See ECOPACCE

The Engineering Consultancy and Project Management Services Agreement Charges and Conditions of Engagement (ECOPACCE) can be used for negotiation

No