What Does A Structural Engineer Do?
Structural engineers are in the privileged position of being integral to the process of designing and constructing buildings and structures.
This is typically associated with ensuring buildings and structures are safe and able to support the loading and withstand the elements to which they will be exposed for decades to come. We are also regularly tasked with altering the structural arrangement, or even improving the structural integrity, of existing buildings.
The job is very closely related to that of a civil engineer, indeed there will be some overlap as many companies will be described as Consulting Civil & Structural Engineers. Many others will not be so titled, such as ours, but will still be able to undertake much of the same work that a civil engineer does.
Most structural engineers work either for an engineering consultancy – where their primary focus is on designing structures. Where this is the case, the majority of their time is likely (although not necessarily) based in an office environment. Alternatively, they may be working for contractors, where they will oversee the construction of the structure. For these engineers, the proportion of time working on site will tend to be higher compared to a consulting engineer. The latter will still require time to be spent in offices and, in the case of design and build contractors, may well be more akin to that of a conventional consulting engineer.
What Does a Structural Engineer Do?
Engineers may specialise in a number of ways, either singularly or as a combination:
Type of project
Refurbishment
New Build
Sector or Sectors
Residential
Cultural
Ecclesiastical
Leisure
Multi-occupancy residential
Education
Healthcare
Industrial
Retail
Commercial
Type of structure type
Bridges
Buildings
Modular buildings
Offshore structures
Hi-rise buildings
Towers
Irrespective of the above, key tasks will typically include:
preparing structural engineer’s reports
producing designs verified by structural calculations, drawings and details
selecting appropriate construction materials
undertaking appraisals of existing structure for current and future potential usage
assisting in obtaining planning and / or building regulations approval
collaborating with other construction professionals such as architects, project managers, contractors and services engineers
engaging with other project stakeholders such as clients, funders and end users
monitoring, inspecting and reporting on work undertaken by contractors
administering contracts and managing projects
inspecting properties to check conditions / foundations.
How Does a Structural Engineer Add Value to a Construction Project?
Now we have clarified exactly what structural engineers do, day to day, we can now focus how we add value to the construction process.
Value Added Tasks
Whilst these can be considered the core tasks of a structural engineer, it should be the goal of an engineer to identify the ultimate, idealised vision and needs of the client, in so doing raising the standards of both delivery and quality.
The below gives examples of where added value can be provided to these core tasks and responsibilities:
A Structural Engineer’s Report will typically address the damage and or distortion observed at a property and therefore any underlying structural concerns. It should also be within the ability of the structural engineer to put forward the following within this same reporting service:
Advise the potential for alteration and / or extension of the property (subject to relevant planning, and permitted development restrictions).
Identify pre-existing alterations that have been undertaken, based on similar typologies of building.
Extensions or structural alterations of a property will, of course, require calculations to justify, and drawings to explain, the proposals. As part of this service, it should be possible for the structural engineer to:
Advise on party wall notice implications of the proposals, including the type of notice required.
Comment on the need for Build Over agreements and appropriately design and detail foundations in the vicinity of affected, or relocated, drains.
Commission the necessary CCTV surveys to determine if build-over agreements are likely and therefore if Sewerage Undertaker asset searches are required.
Undertake the necessary revisions to an existing below ground drainage network to facilitate the proposals and the impact of the proposed foundation positions.
Where planning conditions so stipulate, establish the requirement for, and criteria to size, a rainwater storage tank so that the outflow of the water from the site can be attenuated - a lower, controlled rate of discharge.
Produce connection details to the specified steelwork to highlight any potential issues with installation or final finishes.
Where the extension and alterations involve a basement:
Advise on below ground waterproofing options.
Establish the requirement for, and criteria to size, a rainwater storage tank so that the discharge of the water from the site can be attenuated.
Provide reinforced concrete detailing and schedules - taking consideration of the practicalities of fixing placing and reinforcement as well as any constraints on the site.
Specialist Areas
Engineers may also specialise in other areas such as:
Subsidence and Insurance Claims regarding Damage to Properties
Preliminary assessment of damage consistent with subsidence
Commissioning and interpretation of site investigation results and testing to confirm causation
Commissioning and interpretation of crack width and precise level monitoring readings to corroborate previous evidence regarding causation.
Recommendation regarding mitigation solutions.
Schedules of works following mitigation regarding repair of the damage.
Contract administration of the tender process including tender reviews and comparisons.
Concluding reports following successful resolution.
Heritage and Conservation
Knowledge of traditional techniques for sympathetic repairs and authentic reproductions or replacement of elements
Below Ground Drainage Design
Producing below ground drainage network schemes
Specifying and sizing below ground network products including attenuation, treatment and storage devices
SUDs
Conclusion
In conclusion, a structural engineer plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, stability, and durability of a building. Their expertise is essential in preventing collapses, minimizing damage, and optimizing building performance.
So, whether you’re looking to build, renovate, or just want to ensure your current space is safe, we are here to help. Our expertise can make a significant difference, not only in the safety and longevity of your projects, but also their impact on the environment now and in the future.
Ultimately, our goal is to give you peace of mind. Knowing that your building is designed and constructed safely means you can focus on enjoying your space without worrying about structural issues.
By understanding the responsibilities and importance of a structural engineer, you can appreciate the value they bring to your construction project.
If you're planning a project, get in contact with us to ensure that your building is designed and constructed to the highest standards of safety and quality and your lifestyle ambitions can be achieved.
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