“What does a structural engineer do in the building process?” While this question can be answered relatively simply, there are a number of permutations and considerations you do need to keep in mind.
In this blog we will delve deeper into the key role a structure engineer will play during the building process, as well as highlight a number of instances and circumstances where you will need their expertise if you want to ensure your project can be delivered successfully, safely, on budget, and on time.
When Do You Need a Structural Engineer in Building Projects?
You will need a structural engineer in building projects of varying size and type. They will generally be required on new constructions, renovations, conversions, and any other major building project you would likely work on. In essence, you need the expertise of a structural engineer whenever a project falls outside of building regulation approved document A, for structures.
Contrary to commonly held belief, you don’t actually need an engineer for all structural changes. However, it may be worth considering contacting one if there are ever any concerns about alterations or additions to a structure. Also, you may want to ensure that the structure is specified by a suitably qualified and experienced entity with the necessary insurance that you can claim against if something goes wrong.
Ultimately, regardless of whether your project is a new construction or an alteration to an existing building, such as an extension or basement, the expertise of a structural engineer should not only be sought out, but should be seen as necessary. When it comes to occupant safety, you don’t want to cut corners.
What Does a Structural Engineer Do on a Building Project?
Exactly what does a structural engineer do during the building process? It’s a good question. Put simply, a structural engineer plays a vital role on a project, from initial consultation right through to completion. They will have a hand in designing a building’s frame.
What does a structural engineer do on a building project? Some examples include the following:
Design the Building Structure
When you hire a structural engineer on a project, the foremost task they are responsible for is, regardless of if the project is a new structure or an addition to an existing one, designing the framework of the building/addition.
They will be required to assess the loads and forces that the structure can be expected to experience during its lifespan, and design a structure that is capable of easily supporting those loads.
A building structural engineer is required to put supreme care and attention to detail at this stage. Any mistakes to the structural framework of a building could lead to significant risk, risk of both costly delays to a project — and most pressing of all — it could lead to dangers to the persons in and around the property.
Select the Best and Most Appropriate Materials
While a structural engineer will take responsibility of the framework of a structure and ensuring that it is strong enough for the weight, they can also make recommendations on which materials should be utilised in construction
If there are specific construction materials that the engineer thinks would be best served on a certain project, then they will recommend it. Factors they will consider when it comes to the material include:
- Its strength
- The durability
- How cost effective is it
- Sustainability
Provide Designs That Comply With Necessary Codes and Regulations
Building projects have a number of local building codes, regulations, and a number of safety standards — all of which must be met if the project can be completed as planned.
The structural engineer on a building project will work to produce a design which complies with all of these codes and regulations, ensuring that the project should not be held up by any unexpected red tape.
This task requires the engineers to keep up to date with all the latest building codes, as well as the various permutations and misconceptions that can come with them, and keeping designs up to these exacting standards.
Collaborate With Other Stakeholders
Perhaps the two most important people on any building project are the architect and the structural engineer. Collaboration between these two stakeholders is necessary if the structural designs are to be properly integrated with the building’s overall designs.
A project’s success can hinge entirely on effective communication in this department. Failure for these two experts to properly collaborate could cause issues at various junctures in the process.
A structural engineer will often also be required to work with contractors during the actual construction process. This is in order to provide them guidance and support, as well as address both any important questions they may have and any structural issues that may come up during the process.
For more information on the importance of the relationship between an architect and structural engineer, read our dedicated blog.
Make the Project More Sustainable
An aspect of what a structural engineer does that is getting more and more important with each passing year.
Nowadays, most structural engineers will aim to incorporate as much environmentally friendly and sustainable practices as possible. Not only to limit the impact on the environment, but also to reduce the building’s energy efficiency rating.
PorthouseDean, a Team You Can Trust
If you’ve been asking yourself “what does a structural engineer do on a building project”, hopefully you have a more clear idea now after reading our blog. The role of a structural engineer in the process is truly irreplaceable — they are pivotal to the final delivery of the project.
Involving a structural engineer should not be seen as just a good choice, but a necessary one. Equally as important is the need to work with a company who will get the job done with as little fuss as possible and absolutely no compromise on quality.
The team at PorthouseDean will go above and beyond on your project, to ensure that it can be delivered with safety, stability, and sustainability all taken into consideration. We believe strongly that the security of the occupants of any structure should be seen as the most important thing at all times.
Our team is trained to exceed expectations. We are proud of the excellence, accuracy, and efficiency of our offering and our proven track record of excellent service. No matter the scale of your project, or where you are based, contact us today.