The Top 6 Tools Our Structural Engineers Rely On.
As Structural Engineers and designers we play a crucial role in designing and creating structures that are efficient, stable and where possible aesthetically pleasing. To excel in this field, we rely on a variety of tools and resources to ensure our projects meet the highest standards. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top six tools that we use as structural engineers at Superstructures. These tools include traditional essentials like pen and paper, alongside modern software like AutoCAD. We will also explain why we are engineers who use Revit, complemented by indispensable devices like calculators and a collection of informative books.
Number 1: Pen and paper
Despite there being advanced digital tools, the timeless combination of pen and paper is still very much used within our office and remains essential for each team member. Picking up a pen and piece of paper allows for quick sketching, jotting down of ideas and initial conceptualisation. It’s also a fast way to work out any calculations and visualising ideas prior to spending time adding them to more time hungry platforms. We do of course recycle our paper and make use of scrap paper to limit our usage.
Number 2: Revit
It is no industry secret that Revit is becoming an indispensable software tool for the industry. Revit is a Building Information Modelling (BIM) software that has been developed to allow integrated approach to design and documentation. We are able to create 3D models that interface with other members of the design and construction team, to allow us to design, plan and manage a project efficiently. This is why we are proud to be engineers who use Revit.
Number 3: AutoCAD
The staple software used by our team is AutoCAD. AutoCAD is a Computer-aided design (CAD) software and is widely recognised and utilised by many consultants. The software allows us to create accurate 2D and 3D drawings with precision. The main features AutoCAD has to offer is the ability to draft, add dimensions and essential project information which helps to streamline the design process and facilitate collaboration with other businesses involved in the project.
Number 4: Calculator
Although the majority of our designs are calculated using software these days, we can’t do without the trusty calculator. Sometimes you can’t beat the classics! It’s there to check the fundamentals of the complex software design and to carry out the quick feasibility calculations in the early stages of the project. Some of our left field projects aren’t covered by the software, so that’s where first principles come in!
Number 5: Books
Even though we have the continuous development of new technology and advancement in artificial intelligence (AI), books are still an invaluable resource. Textbooks, reference materials and industry standards provide us with essential knowledge and guidance. Books on structural analysis, material properties, and building codes are among the ones that we find most valuable for staying up-to-date with best practices and industry trends.
Number 6: Common Sense
You can have all the software and complex mathematics in the world, but we like to think that common sense is one of our best tools. Sometimes you have to look through the maths and physics for the right solution – not just the engineering solution, but the solution that’s the most buildable, economical, innovative and the one that fixes the ‘unfixable’ site problem at short notice!
If you would like more information about how we can collaborate with you, please feel free to reach out to us or email our Client Relationship Manager directly for further details and insights into our engineering processes.
