The Institution of Structural Engineers The Institution of Structural Engineers
Technology and digital
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Technology and digital

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In structural engineering, every decision carries weight. A line on a drawing can shape a skyline. A calculation can determine the safety of thousands. And now, with the rise of digital engineering, the tools of that decision-making have changed.

This page is a record of that change. It gathers the workflows, the methods, the technologies that give engineers new power. The power to see more clearly, to design more efficiently, and to build with greater certainty. It is not just a collection of resources. It is a reflection of how engineering evolves, and how that evolution reshapes the world around us.

General resources

Database
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Digital tools database

This database allows structural engineers to explore the features and capabilities of various software, helping them find the most suitable solution for their needs.

<h4>CROSS digital engineering</h4>

CROSS digital engineering

This CROSS Theme Page collates content around the topic of digital engineering to enable professionals to understand the common errors and how to mitigate them, and to share their experiences and insights for others to learn from.

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Additional technology and digital resources

A page collating an ever-expanding list of additional resources that can help you with developing technological advancements in the world of structural engineering.

<h4>Computational engineering</h4>

Computational engineering

Providing comprehensive guidance on: design (including parametric design), modelling (and its problems), analysis, optimisation, AI and...

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Digital engineering strategy

The Institution’s digital engineering strategy is coming in 2026.

Calculation guidance

Structural engineering practice has evolved radically in the last 50 years. Previously the production of calculations was the most time-consuming aspect of design. The very slowness of the process provided time for the designer to think and rethink the basis of the model being used. Computers now deliver the results of calculations very quickly and the problems of making a realistic representation of the structure have become more apparent as the time for subconscious reflection has reduced. As a result, more formal methods for developing and assessing the reliability of computer models have become necessary. These guidelines address this need.

 

<h4>Calculation models</h4>

Calculation models

Calculation Models is for engineers who understand that calculations are not just paperwork, but a record of professional judgment. This guide promotes consistency, clarity, and sound engineering judgment throughout the design process.

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Calculation models: spreadsheets

Some companies develop dedicated spreadsheets for specific calculations, but many begin as one-off tools and are later reused informally. This informal reuse can lead to inconsistencies and errors if not properly managed.

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Calculation models: artificial intelligence - large language models

With large language models, there are three main types relevant to structural engineering, each with different benefits and limitations

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Calculation models: scripting

Shared pools of analysis and design equations can be imported into different project-specific calculation models becoming trusted building blocks that can be used repeatedly across different projects with minimal duplication of effort.

Finite element analysis guidance notes

Our FEA guidance is designed to help you select the most appropriate methods of modelling. Each guide sets out when to use the analysis, key modelling considerations, ensuring consistency and reliability across projects. Select the relevant analysis type below to access detailed guidance.

 

 

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is not just a tool. It is a lens. It allows engineers to uncover patterns in data that were once invisible, to anticipate outcomes before they unfold, and to automate tasks that previously consumed hours. This section offers guidance on how AI is changing structural engineering, from predictive design and model checking to generative workflows and machine learning applications. It is a guide to a new kind of insight, and to the responsibilities that come with it.

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Artificial intelligence guidance

This guidance is for structural engineers looking to implement AI (Artificial Intelligence) within their organisations. If you are using AI, you should apply the principles we share here alongside those of your organisation, if applicable.

Abstract digital graphic showing a glowing central sphere connected to multiple surrounding nodes by thin blue lines, forming a complex network pattern on a dark background. Circular interface elemen

Calculation models: artificial intelligence - large language models

With large language models, there are three main types relevant to structural engineering, each with different benefits and limitations

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An ethical framework for AI in structural engineering: from promise to practice

Rahul Wala explores the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence in structural engineering, including core ethical risks and mitigation strategies.

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Roundtable: Friend or foe? AI in a safety context

Robin Jones summarises the discussion at a roundtable hosted by the IStructE in June 2025 which explored the potential safety risks of widespread adoption of artificial intelligence in the structural engineering profession, as well as opportunities it may bring...

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Roundtable: Policies, processes and privacy: the business impact of AI

Robin Jones provides a summary of the discussion at a roundtable hosted by the IStructE in June 2025, exploring ethical and business practice impacts of the adoption of artificial intelligence in the structural engineering sector.

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

The BIM panel supports members's understanding of BIM.
For mor information on the BIM panel see here

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