Structural Engineering Costs
Although the men who served the function of structural engineers on the Pyramids of Egypt had to worry about the other elements of this profession, they did not have to worry about the structural engineering costs.
The Pyramids of Egypt are often cited as one of the first great building projects in the history of Structural Engineering. We are not still completely sure how this massive building project was accomplished 5000 years ago when so little scientific and mathematical knowledge was available. Yet, one thing we do know. These building projects were ordered by the God Kings of Egypt and so the poor structural engineer did not have to be overly concerned with costs. However, this is no longer true and Structural engineering costs are very much part of the overall picture today.
It is no longer enough for a Structural Engineer to just figure out how to get it done. They can not take any road to making a dream or concept into reality, but rather, often, they must find the most economical road. Structural Engineering costs have become a major element in the field. A very delicate balance must be maintained. It is easy to make something inexpensive if reliability and durability are not factors in the equation.
However, structural engineers are not needed to design or build cheap disposable knick knacks. Reliability, durability, safety, and even the adherence to rigid codes are what they must be concerned with while at the same time allowing their projects to be both possible and competitive. A good structural engineer, who is given the blank check that most likely the Pharaoh of Egypt gave to his Pyramid building overseer, could build anything. Unfortunately, the Structural Engineer of today is handed a budget and not a blank check.
A knowledge and understanding of costs has become an essential tool of the trade to the Engineer. The ability to balance cost cutting and standards is the mark of the successful structural engineer. If he goes too far to either side of this issue, he is failing his profession. There are times when integrity and even courage is needed; times when the Engineer must stand firm and insist that a certain material or precaution is not open to debate as a possible way to save a dollar. On the other hand, if a competitor meets the same standards at a lower cost, the engineer has failed as well.
There is no escaping the almighty dollar in the world of Structural Engineering. The good engineer accepts this and makes the understanding of costs and value part of his arsenal along with geometry and physics. It is a wise engineer who takes an accounting course or two as an elective during his schooling. He will need this understanding of the basics of business to truly serve his clients to the very highest professional standard.