Structural Engineer-Etymology

The term structural derives from the Latin word structus, which is “to pile, build, assemble”. The first use of the term structure was in 1440. The term engineer derives from the old French term engin, meaning “skill, cleverness” and also ‘war machine’. This term in turn derives from the Latin word ingenium, which means “inborn qualities, talent”, and is constructed of in- “in” + gen-, the root of gignere, meaning “to beget, produce.” The term engineer is related to ingenious. The term structural engineer is generally applied to those who have completed a degree in civil engineering specializing in the design of structures, or a post-graduate degree in structural engineering. However, an individual can become a structural engineer through training and experience outside educational institutions as well, perhaps most notably under the Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) regulations. The training and experience requirements for structural engineers varies greatly, being governed in some way in most developed nations. In all cases the term is regulated to restrict usage to only those individuals having specialist knowledge of the requirements and design of safe, serviceable, and economical structures. The term engineer in isolation varies widely in its use and application, and can, depending on the geographical location of its use, refer to many different technical and creative professions in its common usage.

Structural engineers are responsible for engineering design and analysis. Entry-level structural engineers may design the individual structural elements of a structure, for example the beams, columns, and floors of a building. More experienced engineers would be responsible for the structural design and integrity of an entire system, such as a building.Structural engineers often specialise in particular fields, such as bridge engineering, building engineering, pipeline engineering, industrial structures or special structures such as vehicles or aircraft. Structural engineering has existed since humans first started to construct their own structures. It became a more defined and formalised profession with the emergence of the architecture profession as distinct from the engineering profession during the industrial revolution in the late 19th Century. Until then, the architect and the structural engineer were often one and the same – the master builder. Only with the understanding of structural theories that emerged during the 19th and 20th century did the professional structural engineer come into existence.

The role of a structural engineer today involves a significant understanding of both static and dynamic loading, and the structures that are available to resist them. The complexity of modern structures often requires a great deal of creativity from the engineer in order to ensure the structures support and resist the loads they are subjected to. A structural engineer will typically have a four or five year undergraduate degree, followed by a minimum of three years of professional practice before being considered fully qualified.

Structural engineers are licensed or accredited by different learned societies and regulatory bodies around the world (for example, the Institution of Structural Engineers in the UK). Depending on the degree course they have studied and/or the jurisdiction they are seeking licensure in, they may be accredited (or licensed) as just structural engineers, or as civil engineers, or as both civil and structural engineers.

Building Code Inspections

Building Code Inspections

As a licensed engineering firm,  your Lineberger professional knows all the ins-and-outs of the latest International Building Code (IRC and IBC) for both Residential and Commercial homes & facilities.  Code inspections include a code analysis of your home or facility to assure compliance with the building codes mandated by your local building department and/or the State of Texas.

Texas Statutory Inspections

Lineberger has the enviable credentials and expertise to perform workmanship & materials and Structural Inspections as mandated by Texas Law and as specified by the 2004 Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC) Act.  Lineberger is fortunate to employ one of five former TRCC Third Party Inspector (TPI) residential combination inspectors and is an expert on all the state and local building requirements.

Getting Your Foundation Inspection and Engineer’s Letter

ABANDONED RESIDENCE - SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

ABANDONED RESIDENCE – SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Getting Your Foundation Inspection and Engineer’s Letter – Here’s what Development Services says:
… In order to obtain a permit, applicants must be the homeowner or registered as a residential builder and must complete the Foundation Repair Permit and submit it to the One Stop Counter at the DBS Center or any of the City’s Service Centers. This application and the permit must be available at the job site. This permit cannot be obtained using the department’s on-line permitting
system. A double fee will apply for failure to obtain a permit before starting work. The specific requirements for each foundation type are as follows:
  • Slab on Grade – This type of repair needs to be designed and inspected by a professional engineer, licensed by the state of Texas. In order to clear the foundation inspection, the engineer letter must specifically indicate that the drainage away from the foundation meets the minimum requirements of the City’s current building codes. Failure to include this information in the engineer letter will result in receiving a “partial pass” Foundation Inspection and will require the permit holder to schedule an Inspection in order for the department to verify that the drainage away from the foundation meets the minimum requirements of the code.
  • Pier & Footing – Applicants must state the type and number of piers that will be repaired and/or replaced. This type of repair or replacement work needs to be designed and inspected by a professional engineer, licensed by the state of Texas. An engineer letter must be submitted to clear the foundation inspection. NOTE: IF THE ENGINEER LETTER DOES NOT MATCH THE PERMIT APPLICATION, YOU WILL RECEIVE A “PARTIAL PASS” INSPECTION. IN ORDER TO CLOSE THE PERMIT, YOU WILL NEED TO EITHER SUBMIT A SECOND ENGINEER LETTER OR SUBMIT A REQUEST TO AMEND THE PERMIT (A PERMIT AMENDMENT FEE WILL APPLY).
The ICC Residential Building Code has additional requirements based upon the scope of work as follows:
  • Wood Sill/Beam/Girder/Shimming Repair or Replacement – This type of work must be designed and inspected by a professional engineer, licensed by the state of Texas. In order to clear the foundation inspection, the engineer letter must specifically indicate that the repair or replacement of the wood sills, wood shim, beam, girder, meet the minimum requirements of the City’s code. Failure to include this information will result in receiving a “partial pass” Foundation Inspection and the permit will remain open until the department receives verification from the engineer that the wood sills, beam, girder, shimming meet the minimum requirements of the code.
  • Skirting Removal, Repair or Replacement – If the scope of work requires you to alter the skirting, the permit holder is responsible for the additional requirement to schedule a Final Inspection to allow the department’s building inspectors to inspect the work for venting, subfloor access, and drainage. If the engineer letter specifically includes an inspection for venting, subfloor access, and drainage, a Final Inspection will not be requires.
All engineer letters should be standardized using the template attached hereto and submitted to Development Services.
You can verify the status of the foundation inspection on line at: www.sanantonio.gov/dsd/online.asp.  The department’s goal is to review and indicate the inspection results in Hansen within five business days from receipt of the engineer letter.  For additional information, please contact Development Services Department at 210.207.1111 option 0.