What service do structural engineers provide regarding openings in buildings?

Structural engineers play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and safety of buildings, particularly when it comes to openings such as windows, doors, and other penetrations in structural elements. These openings can affect the load-bearing capacity and overall structural performance of a building.

The correct answer focuses on limitations on openings, which is essential because structural engineers assess how these openings can influence the structural framing and stability. They provide guidance on how large these openings can be and where they can be located without compromising the strength of load-bearing walls, beams, and other structural components.

If openings are not managed properly, they can lead to potential structural failures, increased deflection, or even shifts in load that could jeopardize the safety of the building. Therefore, part of a structural engineer's responsibility is to set parameters that other disciplines must follow to ensure that their designs do not interfere with the building’s structural integrity.

In contrast, recommendations for ventilation systems focus on HVAC design, which falls under the domain of mechanical engineers. The design of electrical systems is clearly a task for electrical engineers. Analysis of material efficiency, while important, pertains more to material scientists or engineers focused on sustainable practices rather than the specific task of managing openings in structures.