TY - JOUR
T1 - Structural engineering in the new millennium
T2 - Opportunities and challenges
AU - Haldar, Achintya
AU - Mehrabian, Ali
PY - 2008/8/29
Y1 - 2008/8/29
N2 - Purpose Structural engineering as a part of civil engineering has over 5,000 years of distinguished history, as documented in this paper. An attempt is made in this paper to define structural engineering as it exists at present, then some historical structures are identified. Design/methodology/approach The advances of structural engineering are discussed in chronological order, encompassing the development of the concept, analysis, the use of innovative construction materials, and construction. The developments which necessitated the change of design philosophies are presented, and the current status of structural engineering is discussed in terms of several specific topics. Opportunities and challenges in the new millennium in structural engineering are then presented in terms of education, service to society, and research. Findings In the past, structural engineering always met the challenges it faced. It helped to improve our quality of life, and its role in society is not expected to change in the near future. Originality/value The paper has provided an over-view of this important profession – from ancient history to the present day. Based on research over several decades it offers a prediction of the direction in which this profession and the academic research that underpins it is likely to take in the future.
AB - Purpose Structural engineering as a part of civil engineering has over 5,000 years of distinguished history, as documented in this paper. An attempt is made in this paper to define structural engineering as it exists at present, then some historical structures are identified. Design/methodology/approach The advances of structural engineering are discussed in chronological order, encompassing the development of the concept, analysis, the use of innovative construction materials, and construction. The developments which necessitated the change of design philosophies are presented, and the current status of structural engineering is discussed in terms of several specific topics. Opportunities and challenges in the new millennium in structural engineering are then presented in terms of education, service to society, and research. Findings In the past, structural engineering always met the challenges it faced. It helped to improve our quality of life, and its role in society is not expected to change in the near future. Originality/value The paper has provided an over-view of this important profession – from ancient history to the present day. Based on research over several decades it offers a prediction of the direction in which this profession and the academic research that underpins it is likely to take in the future.
KW - Civil engineering
KW - History
KW - Structural engineering
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U2 - 10.1108/02630800810906548
DO - 10.1108/02630800810906548
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:51849114678
VL - 26
SP - 279
EP - 301
JO - International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation
JF - International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation
SN - 0263-080X
IS - 4
ER -