Structural design processes
Design involves the integration of a range of process - see, for example, the process map
The simple model of:
Input -----> process -----> outcomes
prompts the observation that deep focus on the quality of the inputs and quality of the processes is critical for success. Designers therefore need to work hard to ensure that the inputs and processes that they use are the most appropriate that can be devised in the context.
This principle applies to all context where complex uncertainty is to be addressed.
Risk
A structural collapse can have serious consequences and all structural engineering activities should be treated as being, to some degree, safety critical.
It is important to pay special attention to the requirements of the client but such considerations should not over-ride duty of care to the publc.
Naval architect, Stephen Payne, designer of the Queen Mary 2, said (at a talk given to the Institution of Engineers in Scotland in 2020). "When designing a cruise liner, the regulations represent the starting point for my safety assessment. The Titanic met the then current regulations." Hundreds of people might drown if a passenger liner was lost at sea. There are equivalent risks in structural design e.g. for a long span bridge or the roof of a sports stadium. Use of the principle that the starting point for design should be the regulations should be adopted in all strutural designs. This requires critical thinking by all participants.
The Structural Design Process
See here.
Process mapping
The Institution of Structural Egineers publishes a Structural Plan of Work that sets out an overall process for structural engineers working on the design of a building.
The stages in the IStructE Plan of Work are shown in Figure 1.
A process map for structural design based on the IStructE Plan of Work is shown in Table 1.
Design Programme
A simpler form of the Plan of Work for design is shown in Table 1..
Table 1 Simplified process map for a structural design