Structural Engineer CDR Example
Structural Engineer · 10+ years experience
About this CDR
Three Career Episodes from a structural engineer with over 10 years of international experience in complex structural systems including long-span steel roofs, glass curtain wall facades, and cable-stayed bridges. This CDR was assessed and approved by Engineers Australia under the Professional Engineer (PE) competency standard.
How to use this CDR
Use this CDR as a guide to the structure, technical detail and writing style that Engineers Australia assessors accept, then write your own Career Episodes about your own projects, in your own words. This CDR was written entirely by a human writer, with no AI tools used at any stage.
Complete CDR: Career Episodes, Summary Statement and CPD
You receive all five documents below as editable Word files.
Steel Roofing for an International Airport Terminal
Structural design and project engineering for the steel roofing system of an international airport terminal. Designed concentrically braced steel frames to resist seismic loading, applying response modification factors of R=5 to 8 per the national seismic code. Specified FRP composite columns to meet axial capacity requirements without increasing self-weight. Used SAP2000 for structural analysis and Tekla Structures for 3D modelling and construction drawings. Applied the national seismic code alongside Eurocode for member design. Demonstrated PE2 advanced structural analysis and innovation in composite material selection for a major transport infrastructure project.
Glass Facade and Skylight for a Large Shopping Mall
Structural design of a glass curtain wall facade and internal skylight structure for a large shopping mall. Designed sliding hinged joint connections to accommodate thermal expansion of the glass system across a temperature range from minus 30 to plus 35 degrees Celsius. Specified R90 fire resistance columns in compliance with local construction norms. Used SAP2000 for structural analysis and Tekla Structures for connection detailing, applying both local building codes and Eurocode provisions simultaneously. Demonstrated PE2 engineering knowledge in glass structure behaviour under thermal loading and PE3 professional engagement in a cross-cultural, multi-code project environment.
Cable-Stayed Tram Bridge over an Urban Estuary
Lead structural engineer for a cable-stayed steel tram bridge over an urban estuary. The bridge has a total length of 380 metres with a 190-metre clear span, Y-shaped steel pylons, and inclined stay cables. Designed Stockbridge vibration dampers that reduced cable vibration amplitude by 55 percent under design wind loading. Used SAP2000 and CSI Bridge for global structural analysis and applied AASHTO-LRFD code for bridge design. Primavera P6 was used for construction programme management. Demonstrated PE2 advanced structural dynamics and vibration control engineering, and PE3 professional leadership on a landmark urban infrastructure project.
Summary Statement
Maps all 16 Professional Engineer competency elements (PE1.1 to PE3.6) to the exact paragraphs in the three Career Episodes where it is demonstrated, so the assessor can check each element quickly.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
A list of the professional development completed since graduation, such as courses, training, conferences, seminars and self-study, set out in the format Engineers Australia asks for.
Tools and Technical Skills
How you receive your CDR
After payment we email the complete CDR to the email address you used at checkout, as editable Word files. Files are sent shortly after payment, within a few hours at most. If you cannot find the email, please check your spam folder or write to cdr@cdrsample.com.

