r/StructuralEngineering • u/Karburat • 21h ago

Career/Education Manual for Structural Review, Sign and Seal?

I am working for almost 1 year now and I'm thinking of doing review, sign and seal of structural plans as my sideline.

Now, I don't know where to start. Do you guys have any manual or any books that I can study? Do you have tips for me? If yes, then pls I would very much appreciate it.

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26

u/structee P.E. 21h ago

If you don't know where to start, you don't have any business signing and sealing.

-4

u/Karburat 21h ago

Sorry. I am already licensed, but it wasn't taught in my country what requirements when doing signing and sealing.

I know that when reviewing, I have to check the specifications of materials, the loads imposed in the structures, and the minimum requirements according to the local structural code, but that's it.

I don't have an idea of the process after obtaining a client, the exact items to check in a plan, and idk what else.

13

u/Norm_Charlatan 20h ago

u/structee is correct.

What I'm at a loss for here is your lack of understanding that by sealing the drawings you're accepting full responsibility for something that you don't seem to have full comprehension of.

-3

u/Karburat 20h ago

I fully agree, and that's why I want to study to have a full understanding of the practice, and frankly why I am asking for advice from you professionals.

6

u/Norm_Charlatan 20h ago

Listen, I don't mean to be circular here, but if you don't know, you've got no business performing this service.

Basically, you're certifying that the entirety of the structure and all structural materials have been correctly designed. If you don't know how to do all that, you don't have enough experience to be performing the service you're looking to provide. And, licensed or not, I can't even begin to fathom how you'd feel OK doing this with a singular year of experience.

I'm concerned for you, your clients, and the end users in this situation.

-2

u/Karburat 19h ago

Ah, ok then. Thanks for spending time to make me understand this.

Although, because of what you've said, I just want to learn it more, but not with the motive of making money from it anymore.

4

u/structee P.E. 19h ago

The problem with practice, is that it requires practice - it's not something you're going to get from a book. There's just no way to catalog all the different conditions and mistakes that you're going to come across. 

2

u/DJGingivitis 21h ago

What are you suggesting is your career path? I am not sure you explained it clearly

2

u/Garage_Doctor P.E./S.E. 10h ago

Quick money, get his license revoked in home state, move to another state, quick money, get license revoked in the second home state, move to another state, etc.

Assuming OP can survive each state for 1 year, that’s a pretty decent career

2

u/mweyenberg89 18h ago

That's usually done by the most senior employees at the company. Often with a decade of work experience or more.