What Is Structural Engineering and What Do They Do?

When people ask us, “What is structural engineering?” we like to think of it as the art and science of making sure buildings, bridges, homes, anything that stands, do so safely, efficiently, and beautifully. At Rigid Frame Structural Engineers, we live this every day. In this article, I’ll walk you through a clear structural engineering definition, meaning, what we do (especially in Greater Toronto and Ontario), and why it matters for you.

At Rigid Frames we specialize in Structural Engineering using Steel, Wood, and Concrete based designs.  Our team inspects, evaluates and analyses any residential, commercial and industrial structures. We provide inspection reports based on the Building Code and best engineering practices.

To visit Rigid Builders for all your construction needs visit Rigidframebuilders.com

Contact us: 

Phone: (416) 276-6298

Email: [email protected]

Office: 250 Consumers Road, Unit 705 Toronto, Ontario M2J 4V6

What Structural Engineering Really Mean Without Jargon

Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering focused on designing, analyzing, and making sure structures (buildings, foundations, bridges, etc.) hold up under loads and environmental factors. It’s making sure things don’t collapse, crack, or deform in ways they shouldn’t.

Think of it like human bones. Just like bones give structure, support weight, and protect vital organs, structural engineering gives form and strength to buildings and infrastructure. If bones are weak or improperly shaped, the body suffers; similarly, if structures are poorly designed, the building fails or becomes unsafe.

What Are the Fundamentals of Structural Engineering

Here are key pieces that make up the structural engineering fundamentals:

• Materials knowledge: steel, wood, concrete, engineered wood (like LVL, PSL, LSL), masonry. At Rigid Frame, we design in all of those. 

• Load analysis: figuring out what forces the structure will face (people, furniture, snow, wind, earthquakes).

• Structural behavior: how those materials react under load, how beams bend, how columns compress, how foundations settle.

• Standards & codes: every place has a building code. In Ontario, we follow the Ontario Building Code plus best practices. Ensures safety, durability, legal compliance.

• Design & detailing: drawing what each part looks like and how they connect (beams, supports, joints, etc.).

How We Apply Structural Engineering: Services & Scope

At Rigid Frame, structural engineering is more than theory.

Here’s what we do in practice: 

a. Material-specific design

• Steel Design: full structural steel, lightweight steel framing, open web steel joists (OWSJ). We design whatever steel structure you imagine.  

• Wood Design: regular wood, engineered wood (LVL, PSL, LSL). Residential buildings are often wood-based here.  

• Concrete Design: foundations, slabs, columns, beams — whether cast‑in‑place or precast concrete.  

b. Kinds of Projects

We work on many types of structures: residential (homes, additions), commercial, industrial. Some specific tasks:

• Additions/extensions

• Renovations and retrofitting

• Removing load‑bearing walls

• Underpinning foundations

• Basement walkouts

• Garages and outdoor structures

• Low‑rise buildings

• Retaining and shoring walls

• Steel decks, mezzanines, fire escapes

• Putting rooftop units (RTU) on existing roofs.  

c. Inspection, Evaluation & Code‑based Reporting

We don’t just design. We inspect existing structures, evaluate their condition, and prepare reports and sign‑off letters. We follow the Building Code and what’s considered best engineering practice. We also help contractors, make site visits, certify when stages of work are done properly.

Why Structural Engineering Matters in Everyday Life

Sometimes people think engineering is all technical, but it matters in very human ways. Here’s what structural engineering ensures for you:

• Safety: You sleep easier knowing the walls and roof won’t collapse.

• Longevity: A well‑designed structure lasts decades with fewer issues.

• Cost‑effectiveness: Avoid expensive future fixes by getting it right from the start.

• Legal compliance and permits: To get building permits, you need drawings and designs that respect codes.

• Functionality: Spaces that work — open layouts, proper support for additions, safe load bearing etc.

Structural Engineering in Ontario & Greater Toronto: Our Experience

Because building environments differ, local knowledge matters. Here’s how structural engineering works in Ontario / GTA, and how we approach it:

• We ensure all designs comply with Ontario Building Code and municipal regulations.

• We know local climate: snow loads, freeze‑thaw cycles, soil types. These affect how foundations, roofs, and materials must behave.

• Urban constraints: in Toronto or close‑in areas, space is tight; adjacent buildings need protection (e.g., for shoring, retaining walls).

• Permitting process: we prepare comprehensive drawings so that your permit applications go smoothly.

How We Differ from Simple Explanations

You may find many pages online (like “Structural Engineering Basics”) that explain what structural engineering is. But what we offer goes beyond definition. We combine detailed design, deep inspection, real‑life applications, and we tailor to Ontario conditions. Our structural engineering isn’t hypothetical — it’s grounded in the services we provide, the codes we follow, the materials we use, and resolving actual structure‑challenges you face.

Structural Engineering Design Types: Steel, Wood, Concrete

Let’s break down how different materials affect the design approach:

The Structural Engineering Process: Step‑by‑Step

Here’s how we usually carry out a structural engineering task (new design, renovation, etc.):

1. Initial Assessment & Consultation
   We meet with you, gather existing drawings or site info, assess what you want (home addition, retrofitting, wall removal, etc.).

2. Site Inspection & Evaluation
   We inspect the current structure: foundations, load bearings, materials, any damage. We evaluate load path and any weak spots.

3. Preliminary Design & Material Selection
   Choose materials (steel, wood, concrete) best for the project; decide structure type (beam/column layout, foundation type).

4. Engineering Analysis & Calculations
   Using modelling tools and engineering formulas to ensure that the designs hold up under expected loads (dead load, live load, wind, snow, etc.).

5. Detailed Design & Drawings
   Prepare detailed drawings for each element: beams, columns, foundations, supports, connections. These are what you submit for Building Permits.

6. Review & Permitting
   We work with municipal authorities, engineers, architects (if separate) to ensure design meets all code and regulatory requirements.

7. Construction Support & Inspections
   During construction, we often provide advice, respond to contractor questions, do site inspections to ensure what’s built matches what was designed.

8. Final Sign‑Off
   Once construction is done, we evaluate the completed structure, certify safety, issue necessary reports or letters so you (or the contractor) can close permits.

Structural Engineering Explained Through Scenarios

Sometimes real-life examples make things clearer:

• Renovating a home and removing a load‑bearing wall: We assess if the wall supports weight. If yes, we design a beam or support (steel or engineered wood) to replace the wall, so your open space doesn’t compromise safety.

• Adding a rooftop unit (RTU): Rooftops get extra weight; we check structure and roof framing, reinforce if necessary.

• Retaining wall for soil (or shoring during construction): We design walls that hold back soil safely, considering groundwater, pressure, and stability.

These aren’t small details—they’re where members of the public often misunderstand what structural engineering is. It’s not just drawings; it’s making sure what you build stays built and safe.

Structural Engineering: Key Terms You Should Know

Here’s a quick guide to terms that often come up when we talk structural engineering:

• Load‑bearing wall: A wall that supports weight from above (roof, floors).

• Underpinning: Strengthening or deepening an existing foundation to support more load or address settlement issues.

• LVL / PSL / LSL: Types of engineered wood (Laminated Veneer Lumber, Parallel Strand Lumber, Laminated Strand Lumber). Stronger, more reliable than typical dimensional lumber in some applications.

• Cast‑in‑place / Precast concrete: Cast‑in‑place is poured on‑site; precast is made elsewhere and brought in.

• Shoring wall: Temporary structure to hold soil while construction/excavation happens.

• Mezzanine, Steel deck, Fire escape: Additional structures often involving steel that need design and sometimes permits.

Conclusion

Structural engineering isn’t just a fancy term, it’s the essential backbone (literally) of safe, usable, lasting buildings. At Rigid Frame, we believe “What is structural engineering” isn’t just a question of definition—it’s about doing every step well: from steel design, wood design, concrete foundations, to inspections, drawings, and ensuring your project stands up to the realities of Ontario’s climate and codes. If you’re planning new construction, renovation, or just curious, we’re here to make the meaning of structural engineering clear, practical, and built to last.

FAQ

1. What’s the difference between structural engineering and architectural engineering?
Structural engineering focuses on the skeleton of the building—load paths, stability, strength—whereas architectural engineering blends structural concerns with architectural design: aesthetics, space layout, and integration with systems like HVAC. We often collaborate with architects so form and function work together.

2. Do I always need a structural engineer?
If your project involves structural changes—load‑bearing walls, roof changes, foundation work, adding large equipment, or modifying the framing—yes, you need one. Even for smaller renovations, getting an inspection or evaluation adds peace of mind and avoids costly mistakes.

3. How much does structural engineering cost in Greater Toronto?
It depends on project size, complexity, materials, whether inspections are required, and the amount of design work. Simple residential work (wall removal, small addition) costs less than commercial or industrial, but you always get value by ensuring safety and code compliance.

4. What kinds of structures are most often designed using engineered wood vs. steel vs. concrete?

• Engineered wood is common for residential construction (homes, small additions) because of cost, ease, and aesthetics.

• Steel is preferred for large spans, industrial, commercial structures, or when strength with less weight is needed.

• Concrete is great for foundations, heavy loads, fire resistance, and durability (like large commercial or industrial uses).

5. What should I ask a structural engineer before hiring them?

• Are you licensed and experienced in Ontario, especially GTA?

• Can you show examples of past designs in steel, wood, concrete?

• How do you handle inspections and ensuring compliance with the Ontario Building Code?

• What’s your process, timeline, and deliverables (drawings, permits, site inspections)?

• How will you ensure safety, durability, and value for my specific project?