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Interestingly , structural engineers aren ’ t necessarily doing anything different now to what they did when I started in the industry 20 years ago . However , the way in which we go about it – particularly with the improvements made through BIM – has made the industry more efficient .
The laws of physics don ’ t change - a piece of steel is a piece of steel - but the benefits of being increasingly digitised are clear in terms of efficiency and cost saving . Unfortunately , in my opinion , this has led to some more traditional parts of the role being lost , for example sketching and hand calculations , and the increased speed of delivery can – at times – mean a loss of quality and creativity .
Ultimately , it is incumbent on us as structural engineers to take a real look at the skills we have both within the industry currently and coming in fresh . The skills shortage across the built environment has the potential to be crippling , and it ’ s the responsibility of everyone currently in the industry to engage with schools , colleges , and universities to help solve this . ■
Chris Pollett www . rodgersleask . com
Chris Pollett is regional director at Rodgers Leask , a successful , independent engineering consultancy , established in Derby almost 40 years ago . From its offices throughout the UK , it offers civil , structural , traffic and transport and geoenvironmental services to clients nationwide .
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