When’s a good time for a structural engineer to get involved in a house project?
As early as possible once concepts and basic framing plans have been worked through. We can then advise early on tweaks to the concepts to save costs if required, for example with adjustments to spans or available wall lengths for bracing. This also allows the architect to get a better understanding of the structural form and any critical elements.
How does one choose one structural engineer over another?
There are multiple ways to approach a project and every engineer will do things slightly differently. The point of difference is being able to collaborate and work in an efficient team with the client and architect. This ensures good communication to work through solutions, so they are fit for purpose and cost effective. Lots of relevant experience with similar projects with the same architect/design team is a good indicator of this.
Who is more important, a geo-tech engineer or a structural engineer?
Both are important for different reasons. Foundations are very important and difficult to repair if something goes wrong. So, investment in a good ground investigation and robust report by a geotechnical engineer allows the structural engineer to design a reliable foundation system. This ensures there are no costly errors or hold ups in construction.
Structural engineers enable architects to push the realms of what’s possible. We ensure buildings can resist all imposed loads including gravity, earthquakes, and wind loadings. In a simplistic sense, we design the key components to ensure the structure can stay standing.
Do structural engineers ever get it wrong?
Like any industry with human input, mistakes will happen! The key thing is having good QA procedures in place internally to review and catch/correct these. It also helps having a good team environment with the architect and builder to communicate any issues early so these can be collaboratively resolved if required.
Should we get you guys to look at the site before we commit to purchase it? What would it cost to have you look at the site and give us your opinion on its suitability, stability and so on?
The key issues with the buildability of new sites are the planning rules, civil development issues, and land stability.
A planner/architect would be the best to initially advise on any planning issues that would restrict certain developments.
A civil engineer will be able to advise on suitability of development with respect to infrastructure and flooding.
A geotechnical engineer would be able to carry out a soil investigation to advise on any site stability issues, liquefaction risk, and possible contamination.
The cost would depend on the site size and complexity, so is very much case by case.
We understand the importance of teamwork to the overall success of the project – can you recommend an architect and a builder that you have previously worked with?
We have a great collaborative relationship with the Box Design and Construction team making for efficient designs and construction outcomes.
