Building construction
Structural design in building construction: residential and commercial buildings, sports halls and other buildings, from concept and approval to execution.
Structural design for buildings
In building construction the structure shapes the floor plan, the programme and the cost, and usually ends up invisible. We design the load-bearing structure for residential and commercial buildings, detached houses, sports halls and public buildings, from the structural safety verification for the building application through to detailed design.
Structural safety verification and building application
The structural safety verification sets out how loads are carried from the roof down into the ground: the structural system, the calculation of load-bearing components and the associated construction drawings. In North Rhine-Westphalia such verifications may only be produced by qualified structural engineers under § 54 (4) BauO NRW who are entered on the relevant register held by the Chamber of Engineers or the Chamber of Architects. We meet this requirement.
As a practice authorised to submit building applications we can also file the application itself. For clients that means one point of contact rather than two interfaces, particularly where design and structure are closely linked.
Building within existing fabric
Conversion, extension, adding storeys, change of use: as soon as load-bearing components are removed, opened up or more heavily loaded, a fresh structural assessment is required. In existing buildings the real work is often the survey. Which components actually carry load, what the available records allow us to assume, and what has already been done to the building over its life. We work with what is there rather than strengthening everything as a precaution.
From calculation to construction
The verification is not the end of the work. The calculation produces position drawings, formwork drawings and reinforcement drawings that the site builds from. Problems rarely arise in the calculation and often at the interface with construction, for example at connections, bearings, recesses and openings. That is why we handle calculation and drawings in the same office. Acoustic and thermal verification can be included where required.
- Residential and commercial buildings, detached houses
- Sports halls and public buildings
- Solid construction, timber, steel and hybrid systems
- Conversion, additional storeys and change of use
- Filing of the building application by an authorised practice
Questions we are often asked
When do I need a structural safety verification?
As a rule whenever a structure is erected or altered in a way that affects load-bearing components, including conversions, extensions and additional storeys. Whether the verification must be submitted with the building application, and whether it is subject to independent checking, depends on the building class and procedure under the NRW building code. Where there is doubt we clarify this with the building authority in advance.
Who may produce a structural safety verification?
In North Rhine-Westphalia only qualified structural engineers under § 54 (4) BauO NRW. This requires membership of a chamber of engineers or architects and entry on the register held there. A relevant degree and at least three years of professional experience in structural design must be evidenced. The building authority verifies that this authorisation exists.
What does authorised to submit building applications mean?
It means we may file and sign building applications with the building authority. For you that means we can handle your project from design through application to structural analysis in one place, without you having to appoint a further practice.
What happens with a conversion of an existing building?
First a survey on site and a review of the available records. From these it emerges which components carry load and what assumptions may be used. Only then can we say whether a planned opening or an increased load is possible without strengthening. The intervention is often smaller than first feared.
Your project doesn’t fit in a box? All the better.
Whether a house, bridge or industrial plant: from everyday projects to demanding special solutions, we develop the right, economical structure.
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