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
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING PRACTICE IN NIGERIA
How is structural engineering different from civil engineering?
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.
Who is a structural engineer?
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.
Is civil engineer the same as a structural engineer?
No, all structural engineers are civil engineers but not all civil engineers are structural engineers
What is the role of a structural engineer in a building project?
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
Is the structural engineer’s role very important?
Yes, structural engineers make sure that buildings and other structures do not collapse.
Can other professionals, for example an architect handle structural engineering tasks on a project?
No, structural engineering tasks are delicate and failure consequences are usually disproportionate to the cause
Would the engagement of a structural engineer on a project prevent it from collapsing?
The engagement of a structural engineer on a project would reduce the probability of structural collapse to almost zero
Is it necessary for a structural engineer to supervise a project after he/she has issued the drawings?
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.
When do I need a structural engineer?
Structural engineer is needed during the design and construction stages of all structural elements
Would a structural engineer always need to visit the project site during construction?
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.
How do you know a qualified structural engineer in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, a qualified structural engineer is some that studied Civil/Structural Engineering and he/she is registered with COREN and NIStructE.
How can someone secure the services of a qualified structural engineer in Nigeria?
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
Is there a regulatory body for structural engineers in Nigeria?
Yes, the regulating body is the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria
Are there renowned structural engineers in Nigeria?
Yes, Names can be obtained from NIStructE Secretariat OR the register of NIStructE members
What costs are associated with hiring a structural engineer?
Structural engineers are paid professional fees for design and supervision. See ECOPACCE
Is there a standard scale of fees for structural engineering services in Nigeria?
The Engineering Consultancy and Project Management Services Agreement Charges and Conditions of Engagement (ECOPACCE) can be used for negotiation