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Introduction
The task of defining structural engineering is very complicated. At present it is a major part of civil engineering in most countries, but it could be part of any engineering discipline where structures need to be built. Before discussing the engineering aspects of structures, the most interesting question often asked by the general public is "What is a structure?" In a philosophical way a structure can be defined as what we see around us in the plant world, insect world and the animal (including human) world. The leaf of a plant could be very interesting, even breathtaking, but they are fragile structures. A Saguaro Cactus is an extremely efficient structure and can live more than 200 years under extreme conditions. Structures built by insects are also fascinating, and they build them to meet their needs. Who could ignore a spider's web, a mound built by termites, dams built by beavers, nests built by birds, or hives built by bees? Structures built by animals. including humans, do not need any further discussion. However, with our advanced knowledge at present we can define structural engineering as a discipline that helps us to transfer a load applied in space to the ground in the most efficient way. With this definition, the most efficient structure will be a simple pole to bring a point load applied in the space.
For a broader discussion, structural engineering can be defined as the art and science of building structures. If we agree with this definition, then can we include the plant or insect world in defining structural engineering? This is perhaps a controversial topic; however, we have taken a decision not to include them here. Aesthetic and difficult to built structures built by plants or insects are essentially based on their instinct or hereditary based on genes, not based on design. Structural engineering is essentially the development of concepts and then giving them the realization by designing and building them. However, the most primitive structure could have been formed accidentally, not by design. A tree must have fallen over a channel forming a bridge, or the collapse of a side or part of a mountain must have helped to form a cave, or the process of putting a branch of a...