STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Quality of Life (QOL), as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to “an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns.” 

The quality of life (QOL) is deeply influenced by the built environment and the infrastructure that supports daily activities. Structural engineering, as a specialized field within civil engineering, makes a unique and essential contribution to Quality of Life (QOL). From the perspective of a structural engineer, QOL encompasses the role of safe, resilient, and efficient structural systems in enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities. This involves the design and construction of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure that go beyond meeting safety standards to also improve usability, accessibility, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. By creating structures that are functional and adaptable, structural engineers contribute to better living and working conditions, fostering a sense of security and comfort in the built environment. 

Structural engineering also prioritizes minimizing risks associated with structural failures, particularly during natural disasters, by incorporating advanced techniques and materials to enhance resilience. Ensuring the long-term durability of structures reduces maintenance demands and associated disruptions, while the optimization of resources supports economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. Collectively, these contributions elevate the standard of living by promoting safer, more reliable, and sustainable infrastructure, aligning structural engineering with broader societal goals of well-being and progress. 

Structural engineering, as a specialized field within civil engineering, makes a unique and essential contribution to Quality of Life (QOL). To understand and assess the contribution of structural engineering to QOL, a conceptual framework is proposed. A preliminary conceptual framework, termed STE-QOL (Structural Engineering and Quality of Life), identifies 12 key facets associated with civil structures throughout their lifecycle—from planning to implementation. Each facet aligns with QOL domains and demonstrates how structural engineering integrates technical expertise with social and environmental responsibility. These facets are as follows:

1. Understanding of Community Impact – Addressing community needs to promote satisfaction, equity, and cohesion.
2. Safety and Resilience – Ensuring structures withstand disasters, accidents, and aging to protect lives and livelihoods.
3. Sustainability and Environmental Impact – Reducing carbon footprints, conserving resources, and promoting environmental harmony.
4. Accessibility and Inclusivity – Creating infrastructure accessible to diverse populations, promoting independence and equity.
5. Economic and Social Benefits – Supporting economic growth, job creation, and improved community connectivity.
6. Aesthetic and Cultural Considerations – Enhancing community identity, pride, and emotional well-being through thoughtful design.
7. Health and Well-being – Promoting physical and mental health through clean, functional, and recreational infrastructure.
8. Maintenance and Longevity – Ensuring infrastructure reliability and durability for long-term use with minimal disruptions.
9. Innovation and Technology – Incorporating advanced technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability.
10. Compliance and Best Practices – Ensuring adherence to standards, ethical practices, and safety requirements.
11. Collaboration and Communication – Engaging stakeholders for inclusive decision-making and improved project outcomes.
12. Post-Completion Evaluation – Assessing and improving projects to maintain long-term relevance and effectiveness.

The STE-QOL facets can be grouped based on type of activity or output: a) Design of the Structure, b) Design Practices and c) Designing with People.   The facets related to the three categories are shown together with the QOL domains. The STE-QOL facets can be associated to the domains of QOL. A checklist was designed using the 12 STE-QOL facets to assess the awareness and practices of structural engineers in relation to QOL of a community. A online survey will be conducted targeting Filipino structural engineers and design firms. 

NOTE: This blog is based on the concept paper (to be published or presented in a conference) on 

""DEVELOPING A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND CHECKLIST TO ASSESS STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS' CONTRIBUTIONS TO QUALITY OF LIFE" by Andres Winston C. Oreta and Ronaldo S. Ison, 17 Dec 2024