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Structural Design Technologist |
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Description Structures like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower have been standing for centuries and are both good examples of well-planned out projects on the part of structural engineers and technologists. If a building collapses to the ground, then the designer obviously did not take all the proper precautions during the design process. Structural design technologists provide technical support and services to structural engineers and contractors and help design and build several different types of structures, including buildings, roller coasters, Ferris wheels, tunnels and power plants. Structural design technologists help design and figure out how to build these edifices safely and economically so that they can withstand all expected loads. Structural design technologists help shape all of our lives and provide our cities and towns with a safe infrastructure. A structural design technologist serves as the link between structural engineers and construction workers. They adopt scientific, mathematical and engineering theories in order to solve various technical problems in the areas of research and development, manufacturing, construction, inspection and maintenance. Some technologists estimate constructions costs and suggest materials to be used in particular projects, while others conduct land surveys and ground tests and take measurements. Technologists develop designs and drawings from preliminary concepts and sketches and prepare construction specifications, cost and material estimates, project schedules and reports. Most structural design technologists specialize in a specific area once they gain some experience, such as research and development or quality control of designing. While working in development and research, technicians often conduct scientific studies and research in laboratories. They also participate in field surveys, inspections or technical investigations of topography, soils, drainage and water supply systems around construction sites and provide their findings as data in projects. Quality control involves conducting inspections and tests that must be performed in order to examine the existing quality of buildings. This type of work is helpful for reference when designing new structures. Structural design technologists use traditional and high-tech tools like Intelligent Transportation Systems and Smart Systems to help engineers solve problems and meet challenges such as traffic congestion, exhaust pollution and urban development in relation to our infrastructure. Then they can create structural designs from this data to help improve roads and other existing structures. Accordingly, when structural design technologists conduct research, they must find the most cost-effective solutions to problems within safety and environmental standards. They are required to constantly update their skills and knowledge in order to keep up with technological advancements in this quickly changing field. |
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Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2002, http://www.bls.gov/oes/2002/oes_nat.htm |
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