The Differences to Know Between a Civil and a Structural Engineer

The two most confusing disciplines of engineering are structural engineering and civil engineering. Often you may be confused about whether to consult a civil engineer or a structural engineer when you are building something. The answer is not so simple to achieve, though. You need to clearly understand what civil engineering or structural engineer in OKC is to identify who you would need when you require it.

The Areas of Expertise:

Even though civil and structural engineering caters to building projects such as bridges, commercial structures, roads, etc., the disciplines offer different areas of expertise.

Civil engineering caters to the following:

• Urban planning

• Geotechnical

• Structural

• Material

• Water resources

• Environmental

• Transportation

Structural engineering caters to the following:

• A bridge required for a road

• Dam wall

• Water treatment plants and their structures

So, when you contact a structural engineer in OKC, they help you choose the materials you need to create a structure. Depending on what the project needs to become a success, you will have to determine the type of materials, such as timber, concrete, iron, steel, etc.

So, while structural engineering ensures that a structure does not collapse, civil engineering helps identify potential tailbacks for planning transportation.

Differences in Education for Both Disciplines:

Civil engineers must undergo a four-year program for a bachelor’s degree in engineering. They can obtain this degree from any college or university that offers this. They will also need to learn the basics and move to advanced studies during these years. Later, one can even choose higher education to become a specialist.

However, to become a structural engineer in OKC, people must spend two more years following the completion of their civil engineering. Does it make sense? You can say that every structural engineer is a civil engineer, but the opposite is not true.

Whether someone continues the two extra years of studies to become a structural engineer is up to them. But for civil and structural engineering, people must complete the required hours gathering field experience.

Which Engineer Do You Require?

Now that you know the difference between civil engineering and structural engineering, which one would you require for your next project? Ramjack has the most trusted and experienced structural engineers in OKC and civil engineering. If you want to know more about the functional differences and types of work these engineers perform, feel free to contact us.