How structural engineers could help your construction project
If you are in the planning stages of a construction project in Manchester, or any of the surrounding areas in the North West, it’s likely that you will need the help of professionals, like structural engineers, to design safe, functional, and long-lasting buildings.
Structural engineers specialise in designing strong load-bearing structures. They ensure that everything from foundations to roofs are made with suitable materials and installed via appropriate methods, so they can withstand the stresses of their environment.
As a specific type of civil engineer, the primary role of a structural engineer is to assist with the design and construction of buildings to guarantee their structural integrity. This includes both new structures and load-bearing alterations to existing ones.
Whether it’s a domestic or commercial project, involving private or public infrastructure, the expertise of structural engineers is a crucial part of bringing building plans to fruition in compliance with building regulations and safety laws.
That’s why, at RD Engineering, we are always happy to step in wherever we’re needed to make sure construction work is safe and successful. Here are just some of the ways our team could help yours with structural engineering in Manchester.
Structural alterations in Manchester
If you intend to build a completely new structure, whether it’s a building or a bridge, our structural engineers can assess the location and design to come up with the safest solution for the final plans. This involves various tasks, such as:
- Analysing the ground at the building site
- Completing technical calculations
- Creating computer models for testing
- Preparing detailed reports and drawings
- Recommending materials and budgets
- Liaising with architects and contractors
- Monitoring ongoing construction
Engineers can also help with applying for planning permission and obtaining Building Control approval, or step in to assist with project management, as needed.
Similarly, if you intend to make changes to load-bearing elements within an existing structure – such as a partial renovation or full conversion – then structural engineers have the expertise to evaluate the structure and determine the best way to reinforce it.
Whether it’s adding or removing walls, roofs, chimneys, windows, doors, floors, extensions, or balconies, anything that involves structural loads shouldn’t proceed without the professional assessment of a qualified engineer.
Structural inspections in Manchester
Though they are sometimes hired to see a project through from beginning to end, structural engineers are typically most heavily involved in early planning stages.
This is because the research and calculations involved in structural engineering are key in developing the final building plans that will be legally approved. This can involve impact analysis on the location as well as structural feasibility.
Additionally, structural engineers can carry out inspections of existing buildings to evaluate their stability, diagnosing defects and making recommendations for any corrective work necessary to make the structure safe and usable. This is essential for projects such as the restoration or conversion of older buildings that may have deteriorated over the years.
For example, if you are considering purchasing a building but want more information on its condition, or you already own an older property and need to know the extent of the repairs required, structural inspections by qualified engineers can discover:
- Subsidence or settlement
- Cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings
- Warped floors or bowed ceilings
- Sagging roofs or damaged rafters
- Decaying building materials
Even if there is visually obvious damage to the structure, specialist engineers will still need to inspect it to assess its level of integrity and whether it can be repaired or not.
Speak to our structural engineers in Manchester
Without the guidance of qualified structural engineers, you cannot ensure that your construction project will be completed legally and safely to the proper standards.
Why risk the potential damage, injury, and related losses that can result from structural failure when you could get everything right from the start and achieve high-quality results with chartered structural engineering services?
Whichever type of structural development you are planning, whatever the scale may be, and whenever you need our assistance, the RD Engineering team would be glad to lend our high levels of training and industry experience to your project.
Call our head office in Wigan on 01257 445 010 to set up a consultation for structural engineering in Manchester, or email your details and questions to info@rd-engineering.co.uk and we will get back to you with more information as soon as possible.