Difference Between Civil & Structural Engineer

During debates about urban city planning and design, the terms "civil engineering" and "structural engineering" are often misused. The distinct functions of these two engineering sectors are generally confused and often assume that these two engineering divisions play similar roles in the planning, building and maintenance processes.

There are, however, quite a few important differences between civil and structural engineer and it could help you plan your next building or remodeling project well if you are sure what makes the career distinguished.

beautiful woman civil engineer close up portrait in front of a sunset background

Common Misconceptions on Civil Engineering

It is important to identify a few popular misconceptions around the multifaceted area of study — especially between civil and structural engineering — for people who are not acquainted with the many different branches of engineering.

  • Misconception 1 - The only companies involved in schools, roads, bridges and other critical structure design, construction and maintenance in and around urban areas is civil engineering. It is important to recognize that when you see a huge skyscraper in the center of your city, a new bridge over one of the rivers between the suburbs and downtown or a new section of the road built to make evening transport easier, it is not done by only civil engineers. Certainly, civil engineering firms lead the project and handle all aspects of the new building and reconstruction sites effectively for these large-scale projects. Nevertheless, in the designing and manufacture of workplaces, bridges, tunnels and the like, structural engineering firms play a major role in ensuring that these structures can accommodate and provide resistance such as gravity, raise the weight of items such as vehicles, or even endure harsh weather events. Regarding new construction and large-scale reconstruction projects, the role of structural engineers is to measure the strength of goods–including metal and concrete–used for manufacturing purposes and to ensure the integrity and safe use of newly-built buildings, bridges and highways. The next time you see a bridge or a 20-story office building re-modeled, call a civil engineer.

  • Misconception 2 - Companies of civil engineering are used for urban planning only. While civil engineering is an attractive profession for those who want to go to urban planning, it is also required in rural areas. When engineers plan, design and build, their classifications do not change. For urban and rural areas civil engineers, technical engineers and the alike can work and remain a separate engineering sub-group.

  • Misconception 3 - Civil and structural engineering companies are unbelievably similar and no matter whom you hire, a new tunnel or skyscraper should be planned, designed, constructed and maintained. The most common misunderstanding in civil and structural engineering firms is that it plays similar roles and is essentially interchangeable. This idea, however, could not go beyond the facts. So, the aforementioned facts distinguish these two engineering branches.

If you need a structural engineer, do not delay booking an appointment with Ram Jack in Oklahoma. Our qualified engineers can help build your home with perfection.