Civil Engineer how-to

How to Check a Structural Calculation

Checks prevent failures.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Checks prevent failures. In short: review; check; verify, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Review loads.

  2. Check assumptions.

  3. Verify codes used.

  4. Check units.

  5. Compare to rules of thumb.

  6. Document the review.

Safety reminders for civil engineers

  • Wear PPE on sites
  • Design with appropriate safety factors
  • Follow codes
  • Report unsafe conditions

PE · FE exam · Load · Factor of safety · Hydraulics · Stormwater: see the full civil engineer glossary.

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