Short answer
A structural engineer works out how a building carries load safely — down through beams, columns, walls and foundations into the ground — and designs the members needed to do it. The work covers load assessment, analysis, member and connection design, stability, foundations and buildability, and it is recorded in calculations and drawings. Engineers also inspect existing buildings, diagnose cracking and movement, appraise structures for change of use, and design temporary works. On most projects the engineer works alongside the architect and contractor rather than replacing either.
Branded guidance note, prepared for project records and circulation to your team.
The core of the work
- Establishing loads: self-weight, imposed floor loads, snow, wind and any special loading
- Following the load path from roof to foundation and checking every element on the way
- Designing beams, columns, slabs, walls, connections and foundations
- Checking stability, robustness and disproportionate collapse where applicable
- Producing calculations and drawings that others can price, approve and build from
Beyond new design
- Inspection and appraisal of existing buildings
- Diagnosis of cracking, deflection and movement
- Temporary works design for demolition and construction stages
- Independent checking and design review of others' work
How BES is typically involved
- Appointed early, BES can advise on feasibility before the design is fixed — usually the cheapest point to influence cost.
- Appointed at Building Regulations stage, BES produces the calculations and structural sketches required for approval.
- Appointed on site, BES can respond to unforeseen conditions, revise details and support the contractor.
Typical process
- 01Brief and information review
- 02Scheme options and feasibility advice
- 03Analysis and member design
- 04Calculations, sketches and drawings
- 05Construction-stage support
Common misconceptions
Commonly assumed
“A structural engineer draws the building.”
In practice
The architect drives the layout and appearance; the engineer makes it stand up and stay standing.
Commonly assumed
“Any engineer can sign structural calculations.”
In practice
Building control and warranty providers expect calculations from an engineer competent in structural design — chartered status provides that assurance.
Related tools and services
Resource Centre tool
Structural Project Navigator
Answer a few straightforward questions to identify the likely structural engineering input, information requirements and next steps for your project.
Start Project Navigator →Resource Centre tool
Preliminary Beam Sizing
Explore an indicative steel beam size using bending, lateral-torsional buckling, shear and deflection criteria.
Open Beam Sizing Tool →Related questions
Discuss your project
General guidance only goes so far. Describe your building and what you are planning, and you will receive project-specific advice from a Chartered Structural Engineer.
Discuss Your Project →Next scheduled review August 2027
Disclaimer
Indicative result only. The calculation depends on the assumptions and information entered and does not constitute structural design or professional advice. Do not use the result for construction, procurement, Building Regulations submissions or safety-critical decisions. All results must be independently verified by a suitably qualified structural engineer before being used for design, construction or regulatory purposes. Bebbington Engineering Studio Ltd accepts no responsibility for reliance placed on unverified results.