Do you need a Structural Engineer?

What is a Structural Engineer?

A Structural Engineer is a highly trained licensed professional who is responsible for the design, the evaluation of any load carrying structure and the structural integrity of a building, determining whether a building is safe and built for its intended purpose. They assess a building structure’s stability to withstand any exerted pressure brought by its environment which includes storms, snow, and earthquakes.

Structural Engineers create drawings and specifications, perform calculations, review the work of other engineers, write reports and evaluations, and observe construction sites. Structural Engineers work closely with various clients – architects, other engineers, surveyors, designers, contractors, realtors, homeowner associations and property owners on the structural design requirements of a project.

In other words, a Structural Engineer is a key professional you will need for a building’s engineering design, structural analysis and construction process. They play a vital role from conception of a project to its completion.

When do I need to hire a Structural Engineer?

Structural Engineers may be involved in a variety of complex projects and responsibilities.

New Construction and Renovation of Commercial and Residential Buildings

New construction of a commercial building, property owner improvements, tenant improvements or any renovation, alteration, addition and restoration to an existing building would require the professional services of a Structural Engineer.

Some may say that the size, specifics and complexity of a building project will determine if you will need the expertise of a Structural Engineer. Nevertheless, one must keep in mind that any additional loads added to a building or any structure removed from a building will need to be verified by a Structural Engineer.

Based on an existing building design plan and actual inspection at the project site, the Structural Engineer will be able to advise if certain reinforcements are needed before starting a building project. Correspondingly, the Structural Engineer will provide a scope of work to the contractor detailing specific construction materials to use if such reinforcements are required and essential.

In the case of a new building construction, major renovation, building out or expansion projects, seeking a consultation with a Structural Engineer prior to drafting a building design is optimal. The Structural Engineer needs to check the foundation integrity, water management, soil or ground stability and evaluate other structural aspects that an architect may not be able to address.

The Structural Engineer will provide you a foundation plan and details on load carrying structural systems which are required for your building permit approval. That said, it’s best to consult an Architect during the initial planning stages of the project, or after you have consulted with a Structural Engineer verifying that the existing grounds or potential build site are suitable for the intended project.

Development of the Construction Plan

Structural Engineers collaborate with Architects or the Design Group in developing a suitable construction plan that conforms to structural design requirements and safety regulations. Architects provide the aesthetic design of the building and the Structural Engineer works on the design of the building’s support structure such as the foundation design, beams, and other load-bearing elements.

It is imperative that a Structural Engineer must be involved in the review of the building design plan because they are able to identify any issues that need to be addressed by the Architect or the Design Team, who in turn will implement the necessary remediation on the building design plan.

With this efficient professional collaboration, property owners are not only assured of the building’s stability under different loading conditions but also of the public’s overall safety. Once the plan is assessed as complete and final, then the construction process can begin.

On-Site Evaluations

It is important to note that a Structural Engineer is a viable resource during the entire project’s life cycle. An on-site structural evaluation is essential at various stages of the construction – before a building project is started, during the construction process and at the completion of the building project.

Structural Engineers are needed to conduct a project site investigation to assess the condition of the built-site and the building’s structural elements. Once an inspection is completed, they will provide their on-site structural observations, evaluation and recommendation.

Structural Engineers are involved in all stages of a construction project life cycle.

Project Management

Considering the complex role Structural Engineers can carry out at the various stages of a building project, they are able to lead and manage the project team, supervise and direct the construction process, and oversee all activities on-site as structural designs are built in place, ensuring that structures built meet the standard building codes, legal regulations and safety requirements.

That said, working with a Structural Engineer will provide property owners, company management, or clientele an efficient, long term safety and cost-effective solution in the completion of their building project.

Below are some of the duties (but not limited to) that a Structural Engineer can provide clientele:

Design

• Preparation of reports on the stability of buildings
• Creation of a design draft with structural calculations
• Seismic design and upgrading the existing structure
• Structural planning for the renovation of existing buildings
• Calculating the pressure and stress that a building may encounter
• Creating and testing models using computer software
• Constructing and testing models for safety and stability
• Residential and industrial subdivision application and design

Investigation

• Researching and evaluating the possible hazards in the structural integrity of an area
• Recommending repairs, additions and other changes for existing structures
• Evaluating older buildings for structural integrity
• Preparing Specifications and Tender Documents
• Building Code Analysis and Compliance Reviews
• Building Permit application and processing

Communication

• Collaborating with architects and other engineers on building design and construction
• Meeting with contractors to ensure structures are built properly

Management

• Evaluating materials for new construction projects
• Tenant improvements on commercial properties

Consequently, if you are planning for a new construction of a commercial building, or making preparations to build your dream home, or need to make tenant improvements on an existing commercial property or a renovation to a residential property, or you need a licensed Structural Engineer to review your design plan, you can contact Southeast Gateway Engineering and Construction Corp. to book for a FREE CONSULTATION with our professionally licensed Structural Engineer. We would be able to assist you with all of the complex roles of a Structural Engineer that are mentioned in this blog article. You can also find the list of services we offer thru the following link:
https://segec.ca/engineering/

Fill up the contact form below and let us discuss your project. We will gladly help you find efficient, cost-effective and sound engineering solutions for your project.