Difference between "stability engineer" and "structural engineer&

[michaelbeijer]

A very stupid question here, but I am a translator, and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there is a difference between a "stability engineer" (who conducts "stability studies") and a "structural engineer"?

Michael

 

[Ron]

Beijer,
It would help to know the context of "stability". If it is referring to structures, then the term would mean structural engineer; however, it could also be one of those terms that doesn't really have anything to do with engineering...just tagging on to the term...like "domestic engineer".

Perhaps you could provide a bit more context for the term.

Ron

 

[michaelbeijer]

The text I am working on is about a very large engineering firm that makes the preliminary designs (drafts) for very large construction projects, like hospitals and concert halls, etc. In (Flemish) Dutch they refer to the people as "stabiliteitsingenieurs" and the studies as "stabiliteitsstudies".

 

[kelowna]

Buildings do not have that many problems with stability. And I never heard of just stability engineers.

Thinking a bit outside of the box. If they do preliminary designs, would it be possible that they are referring to viability studies?

 

[JAE]

What Ron suggests is correct in terms of "English" usage of the terms stability and structural.

However, translating your Dutch terms, "stabiliteitsingenieurs" may mean something very similar, if not identical, with our English term "structural".

I would suggest checking with someone who is more familiar with the Dutch usage. Perhaps someone on this site might know as well.

 

[michaelbeijer]

Thanks everyone!
I just noticed that on the company's own website, they refer to it as Structural Engineering.

"X is een toonaangevend ingenieursbureau met afdelingen in de speciale technieken, infrastructuur en stabiliteit."

=

"X is a leading engineering firm with departments in Building Services and Civil & Structural Engineering."

Michael

 

[michaelbeijer]

Those interested might want to look at my entry in the Proz.com glossary here:

http://www.proz.com/?sp=gloss/term&id=15042925

 

[msquared48]

I thought a stability engineer was a psychologist.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[Ron]

Mike..they only know about instability....like ours.

JAE...I gave a notice to Gunnar in The Pub to take a look, though apparently the mystery has been solved.

 

[dicksewerrat]

Stability engineers give sobriety tests?

Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.

http://WWW.amlinereast.com