New graduates are often the most fluent people in the office when it comes to emerging technology, and many firms now encourage thoughtful use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve productivity and solve problems. That fluency is genuinely valuable — but it comes with responsibilities that are specific to engineering practice.
Acceptable use varies widely between firms. Always follow your firm’s internal AI policy if one exists. If it does not, national guidance documents such as NCSEA’s Artificial Intelligence in Structural Engineering outline the key considerations.
ON THIS PAGE:
- Four things to get right
- Where it actually helps
- NCSEA resources
Four Things to Get Right
Protect confidential project data
Never share client information, proprietary designs, or sensitive calculations with AI tools unless your firm has explicitly permitted it.
Be transparent and document
If AI contributes to analysis, writing, or decision-making, document how it was used and ensure a human reviews the result.
Avoid overreliance
AI can assist, but it cannot replace engineering judgment. Calculations, design decisions, and safety-critical work must be independently verified.
Maintain code compliance
AI cannot interpret building codes or apply them safely. Engineers remain fully responsible for accuracy and compliance.
Where It Actually Helps
Used responsibly, AI supports tasks at the edges of engineering work rather than at its center:
- Brainstorming approaches early in a problem
- Summarizing lengthy code text
- Generating first-draft narratives for reports and correspondence
- Organizing calculations and documentation
- Improving clarity in written communication
Like any engineering software, AI should be treated as a tool, not an authority. The same scrutiny you apply to a model that runs without errors applies here.
NCSEA Resources
NCSEA maintains an active body of work on AI in structural engineering practice.
Ask Archie
NCSEA’s AI assistant, built for structural engineering questions.
Innovation Council
The group driving NCSEA’s work on emerging technology and practice innovation.
AI Resources & Initiatives
Guidance documents, position statements, and ongoing initiatives.
AI Webinars
Recorded and upcoming sessions on applying AI in practice.
On-demand course
AI for Structural Engineers
A five-unit on-demand course covering practical, responsible use of AI in structural engineering practice. Earn 11.5 professional development hours (PDHs) at your own pace.
View the course