The future of structural engineering:
Connected, intelligent and more accessible than ever

Engineering knowledge at a global scale

One of the most exciting developments for the future of engineering is the ability to capture and share engineering expertise through software. As digital tools become more powerful and widely available, engineering knowledge can be embedded into automated processes and workflows that can be applied consistently across projects.

As former Structural Product Director, David de Koning, explains:

"I am excited that computers will allow more and more of the world's people to benefit from the engineering community's knowledge. Software allows us to embed our knowledge in automated processes that can be scaled to many projects at low cost. The vast majority of structures built today do not benefit from engineering knowledge and it would be so exciting for more of the world to live in safer, more secure shelters."

This vision reflects a significant opportunity for the industry. By using structural engineering software, digital design workflows and cloud-based tools, engineers can deliver high-quality design knowledge more efficiently and consistently. In turn, this can help improve the resilience, safety and performance of structures around the world.

Collaboration will drive the next generation of engineering

While technology plays a vital role, the future of structural engineering will remain fundamentally human. Modern projects increasingly require input from specialists across multiple disciplines. Success depends on collaboration as much as technical excellence. This shift is changing expectations of engineering software.

As Structural Applications Specialist, Shirely Feng, notes:

"The future of engineering will require skills and experience from many different experts coming together. This also means engineering tools need to be versatile to be able to fit into big workflows and communicate across teams."

For structural engineers, connected workflows are becoming increasingly important. Rather than relying on isolated tools and disconnected datasets, future workflows will enable information to move seamlessly between modelling, analysis, design and reporting environments. This creates greater efficiency, improves transparency and allows teams to make better-informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.

AI as an engineering assistant, not a replacement

Artificial intelligence is often discussed as a disruptive force, but the greatest value of AI in structural engineering may be far more practical.

Large Language Models (LLMs) have transformed how people interact with information. They can summarise documents, answer questions and generate content using natural language. However, AI alone cannot analyse a structural model, validate engineering calculations or make design decisions.

The real opportunity emerges when AI is connected to engineering software, project data and established workflows.

Rather than replacing engineers, AI becomes an intelligent interface that helps teams:

• Retrieve project information quickly

• Access analysis results and design data

• Automate repetitive engineering tasks

• Run established workflows more efficiently

• Present technical insights in a clear and accessible way

Future AI systems are a combination of three key components:

1. Models that understand language, context and intent.

2. Agentic harnesses that connect AI to engineering systems and workflows.

3. Engineering tools that perform validated analyses, calculations and design tasks.

Together, these layers create AI solutions that are not only informative but actionable, reliable and embedded within engineering practice. This reinforces a needed focus for software developers on delivering trusted engineering software that can be integrated into broader digital ecosystems and future AI-enabled workflows.

Building a smarter future for structural engineering

The future of structural engineering is not defined by a single technology. It is shaped by the convergence of engineering expertise, automation, artificial intelligence and collaboration.

As engineering challenges become increasingly complex, structural engineers will need tools that help them work across disciplines, automate routine processes and unlock deeper insights from project data. Those tools must remain transparent, trusted and grounded in proven engineering principles.

For structural engineers, that future is not something to be feared. It is something to help build.