The Future of Structural Engineering: How Automation is Changing the Game
Structural engineering is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditionally, engineers used to spend countless hours on repetitive tasks like calculations, rebar estimates, and report generation—tasks that, while crucial, consumed valuable time and slowed down project progress. However, with the rise of automation, the game is changing, and the future of structural engineering looks far more efficient, streamlined, and innovative.
In this blog, we’ll explore how automation is reshaping our industry, how it addresses the challenges we face, and what this means for the future of structural engineering.
The Current Landscape of Structural Engineering
Before diving into automation, let’s briefly look at the current state of structural engineering. Engineers today face growing project complexity, shorter deadlines, and tighter budgets. In the UK alone, the construction industry is expected to grow by 4.5% in 2024, reaching a value of £169 billion. This growth, combined with increasing demands for sustainable and resilient structures, puts immense pressure on engineering teams to deliver faster and more accurately.
Yet, many firms are still using outdated workflows and manual processes. Engineers spend as much as 30% of their time on repetitive tasks like creating calculation packages, generating reports, and running design simulations. Not only does this reduce productivity, but it also increases the risk of errors that can lead to costly delays or rework. The need for innovation has never been more urgent.
“Automation is cost cutting by tightening the corner and not cutting them - harsh sippy”
Enter Automation: A Solution for Modern Challenges
Automation addresses many of the pain points faced by structural engineers. By automating routine tasks, engineers can focus on higher-level problem-solving, design optimization, and collaboration with other stakeholders.
At struct.digital, we’ve seen first-hand how automation can change the way engineers work. We’ve developed tools like struct.calcpack that automate time-consuming tasks such as calculation packages, rebar estimates, and embodied carbon assessments—all at the click of a button. Our AI-powered tool, struct.answer, provides engineers with instant, context-based answers to their design questions, saving countless hours of research and reducing errors.
But the benefits of automation go far beyond just saving time. Let’s dive into some of the ways automation is revolutionizing the field.
1. Improved Accuracy and Reduced Errors
Human error is an inevitable part of manual work. Whether it’s a small miscalculation or an overlooked detail, errors in structural engineering can have costly and dangerous consequences. According to Mckinsey's research, up to 50% of construction rework is due to design errors, costing the global construction industry more than £1 trillion annually .
Automation minimizes the risk of errors by using algorithms and AI to ensure that every calculation, estimate, and report is accurate. For example, with our struct.calcpack tool, engineers can automatically generate detailed calculation packages with zero risk of manual errors. This not only improves the quality of the work but also gives clients more confidence in the final product.
2. Faster Project Delivery
The construction industry is notorious for delays. In fact, 75% of construction projects run over schedule . Much of this delay is due to the slow, manual processes that engineers must follow to complete their work.
Automation dramatically speeds up project delivery by cutting out unnecessary steps. Instead of spending days or weeks creating and revising calculation packages, engineers can use automation tools to complete these tasks in minutes. At struct.digital, we’ve seen our clients reduce project timelines by up to 30% after implementing automation solutions.
This faster delivery not only keeps projects on schedule but also allows firms to take on more projects, increasing revenue and profitability.
3. Enhanced Sustainability Efforts
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a critical requirement for modern construction projects. With increasing regulations around embodied carbon and sustainable building practices, engineers need to find ways to reduce the environmental impact of their designs.
Automation tools are making this easier by simplifying the process of calculating embodied carbon and optimizing designs for sustainability. For example, our struct.calcpack tool includes automated embodied carbon assessments, allowing engineers to quickly evaluate the environmental impact of their designs and make adjustments where necessary.
A 2022 report by the UK Green Building Council revealed that embodied carbon in buildings accounts for around 20% of global carbon emissions . By automating the calculation and reduction of embodied carbon, engineers can significantly contribute to lowering this figure, making the industry more sustainable.
4. Better Collaboration Across Disciplines
In today’s construction environment, structural engineers don’t work in isolation. They must collaborate with architects, mechanical engineers, and other stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions. However, communication and collaboration can often be slowed down by siloed workflows and outdated systems.
Automation facilitates better collaboration by providing a centralized platform for all stakeholders to access, review, and contribute to the design process. Tools like struct.answer offer real-time, AI-powered insights, allowing engineers to quickly find the information they need and make decisions collaboratively.
Additionally, automation tools can integrate with popular engineering software like Autodesk Robot and Tekla, ensuring seamless communication and data sharing between teams.
5. Cost Savings for Engineering Firms
Ultimately, automation isn’t just about saving time—it’s about saving money. By reducing errors, speeding up delivery, and increasing productivity, automation can lead to significant cost savings for engineering firms. Studies show that automation can reduce operational costs by up to 20%, with some firms reporting savings of over £500,000 per year .
At struct.digital, we’ve helped numerous engineering firms realize these savings by implementing our automation solutions. One of our clients, a UK-based structural engineering firm, reported a 35% reduction in operational costs after switching to our struct.calcpack tool. These savings not only improve the firm’s bottom line but also give them a competitive edge in the marketplace.
What the Future Holds: The Rise of AI and Machine Learning
While automation is already transforming the industry, the future holds even more exciting possibilities. AI and machine learning are poised to take automation to the next level, allowing engineers to predict structural behavior, optimize designs, and even create new building materials.
At struct.digital, we’re continuously exploring how AI can be used to further streamline workflows and enhance the capabilities of structural engineers. Our struct.answer tool is just the beginning. Imagine a future where AI can not only answer your design questions but also suggest optimizations and identify potential issues before they arise. That’s the future we’re building toward.
Conclusion: Why Automation is Essential for the Future of Structural Engineering
The structural engineering industry is at a crossroads. As project demands increase and deadlines tighten, firms that don’t embrace automation risk falling behind. Automation isn’t just a tool for making work easier—it’s a necessity for staying competitive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry.
At struct.digital, we’re passionate about helping engineering firms navigate this transformation. Our automation tools are designed to free engineers from repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and enhance collaboration, all while delivering significant cost savings.
If you’re ready to take the next step in modernising your engineering workflows, we’d love to help. Reach out to us and see how our automation solutions can revolutionise the way you work.