Pareshkumar Shah (CEng, MIStructE, MICE, P.E. (USA)), Director at PS Structural Ltd, has worked for more than 30 years across structural design consultancy, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors, and the manufacturing sector. Drawing on his extensive experience, he shares his insights into how the role of a structural engineer varies across different working environments. Pareshkumar Shah reflects on one important lesson learned throughout his career: “Although the fundamental principles of structural engineering remain the same, the role of a structural engineer can vary significantly depending on the environment in which we work.”
Whether working as a designer, consultant, contractor or within a manufacturing organisation, our responsibilities, priorities and level of involvement may change. However, one principle must always remain at the heart of our profession: a structural engineer must work collaboratively as part of the wider project team and always act in the best interests of the client and, ultimately, the end users of the structure.
Structural Engineering in a Consultancy Environment
In a structural engineering consultancy environment , projects may typically be small to medium in size, but every project can present different challenges.
Because each project is different, there may be comparatively fewer opportunities to standardise the entire structural design process. However, experience allows us to identify repeated tasks, develop standard approaches and improve efficiency while still applying engineering judgement to the circumstances of each project.
The Role of a Structural Engineer in EPC Contracting
Working for an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor is different. Projects are generally much larger and can be technically and commercially challenging.
Here, a structural engineer cannot think only about structural analysis and design. We also need to consider how the structure interacts with procurement, specifications, fabrication, construction, installation and other engineering disciplines.
A technically sound structural design is important, but it must also be practical to purchase, manufacture and install.
Structural Engineering in the Manufacturing Sector
Working for a manufacturer brings another perspective. When the same or similar products are manufactured repeatedly, there is much greater opportunity for standardisation, and even a relatively small engineering improvement can have a large-scale effect.
In this environment, the structural engineer can contribute throughout the complete product lifecycle, from procurement and structural design through manufacturing and installation.
Engineering principles can be used to standardise and optimise products so that they provide the best practical solution for both the customer and the employer.
The Importance of Communication in Structural Engineering
Regardless of whether we work in structural design consultancy, EPC contracting or manufacturing, the engineer's responsibility goes beyond structural calculations and drawings.
Another important part of the role is being able to explain engineering principles, limitations and challenges in simple words to people who may not be engineers but are experts in their own discipline. This includes architects, contractors, clients, project managers, sales teams, purchasing teams, installation teams and people working on the shop floor.
Effective communication across these different disciplines is essential to ensure that structural engineering solutions are understood, practical and deliverable, regardless of the working environment.
Engineering Is a Team Effort
Ultimately, regardless of the environment in which we work, engineering is a team effort.
Only when design, sales, procurement, manufacturing, project management and installation work together can we achieve a truly successful outcome.
Structural Design of Bolted Steel Liquid Storage Tanks
Having worked for more than 15 years in the bolted steel storage tank industry, I will be sharing a series of blogs focusing on the structural design of steel liquid storage tanks, exploring how structural engineering principles can make a significant impact on the design, optimisation and performance of bolted steel liquid storage tanks.
Keep an eye out for these upcoming blogs on the PS Structural Ltd blog.