To meet the overall design goal and budgetary restrictions, a structural engineer conducts in-depth analyses, designs, and investigates structural systems and components. They check the roof, basement, and plumbing of the property. Therefore, the integrity of the building and the safety of the occupants should be the top priorities.
Why is It Necessary to Hire a Structural Engineer?
The architect is the typical point of entry for a structural engineer. The planned structure for many grand projects is expected to meet various criteria. Without their help, we can’t get very far. It is essential to have a firm grasp of the functionality of the materials you work with. Steel, reinforced concrete, wood, masonry, glass, and carbon fiber are just some of the materials that engineers advise on. Structural engineers take the design intent and realize it best, given the constraints.
For this reason, it’s crucial to collaborate with an expert in the field. They know the advantages and disadvantages of using special equipment and furnishings. In addition, it is more cost-effective to sort out any kinks in the plan at the outset to go back and fix things after weeks or months of work have already been completed.
1- Engineering Foundations
If the base is solid, the structure itself won’t have to be. The local geology must be studied in depth to determine the optimal type. An evaluation of the site’s geotechnical stability is planned and executed by a structural engineer. The importance of this in avoiding costly issues like subsidence and flooding cannot be overstated. A trial pit 1.5 m deep is dug to learn the lay of the land.
In contrast, a borehole survey determines what is required for a more involved undertaking. The depths it descends are considerably greater, reaching as much as 30 meters. This procedure determines the first location where a bearing stratum is available on the earth. The foundation cannot be made of sand, gravel, or any other loose material and must not be built on top of any contaminated soil. Therefore, with the help of a structural engineer’s expertise, a suitable foundation may be established and designed from the get-go.
2- Analyzing Serious Problems
Structural engineers are routinely involved in many corrective works for older buildings. The majority of their cases include problems of survival or structural breakdowns. These frequently occur due to the lack of involvement of an expert throughout the construction phase. A trained expert knows how to avoid these pitfalls, saving time, money, and stress in the long run.
3- Wastewater and Rainwater Run-Off
A structural engineer can be a consultant on collecting and discharging rainfall from a building. If you are a resident in an area prone to floods due to severe downpours, you should design your home accordingly. As an example, you could use soakaways or attenuation tanks. An engineer or builder will need to know where the wastewater will go after it has been used. If there aren’t any public sewers in the area, you could connect to a mains drainage network or install a waste treatment tank on-site.
4- During Renovations
You should hire a structural engineer whenever your renovation plans concern the building’s structural integrity. They’ll draw up plans and do calculations that your architect and builder can use through the remodeling process. Depending on the scope of the refurbishment, this data may also have to be submitted to Building Control for approval under the Building Regulations or to Planning Officials for approval of the site plan.
