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The Structural Engineer, Volume 86, Issue 14, 2008
Along with tall buildings long-span structures appear as landmarks in the development of structural and constructional engineering. Record breaking bridge spans and the column free enclosure of vast spaces enable engineers to showcase the technological concepts that enable their construction and of course there is always an interest in record breaking.
Although the Centenary which we are celebrating starts in 1908, the associated revolution in structural materials and techniques began in Britain around 1900, and earlier in America and on the Continent. Before 1900, bridges, land drainage, docks, harbours, cotton mills, train sheds and other essentially utilitarian works in Britain were civil engineering, while most other buildings were for people and were considered as architecture. Today this distinction is becoming less marked, largely due to the introduction of new materials and changes in attitudes to them.
This paper will attempt to offer insight into future challenges and changes for structural engineers in their ever-broadening field. While the past century and a half has witnessed manifold developments and achievements in all areas related to structural engineering, the presently increasing rate of material discovery and widespread optimisation will inevitably lead to unforeseen design possibilities. Inevitably, structural realisations will be attained which would be considered improbable today. This exploration will consider facets of praxis, building systems, materials science, and construction methods which will affect structural engineering and related fields, as well as their relationships to each other.