What are Structural Calculations and When Are They Necessary?

The act of building, be it a residential conversion or a massive new commercial building, is a complicated process made up of several stages. Few people outside of the sector know these phases intimately, but some of them need to be understood. One such phase that is of vital importance is known as structural calculations. B

ut what are structural calculations!?

No problem, that’s what we plan on divulging here today. We’re going to let you know exactly what structural calculations are, as well as when they are necessary and who can typically help you with them. That way, you’ll be fully prepared for any occasion when you need to source them in the future.

Structural Calculations: What Are They Exactly?

So, first things first, what exactly are structural calculations?

Essentially, you should look at structural calculations like a comprehensive planning process. They are detailed calculations performed before a construction or design project is undertaken.

Since they serve as a sort of plan or overview of a project, a lot of information is typically included.

What Is Usually Included In Structural Calculations?

The exact information included within structural calculations will differ depending on the project. However, there are some typical examples that you will likely find as follows:

• Information on how foundations will be dug, including measurements and requirements.
• The materials required to complete a job.
• The expected costs of the project, including materials as well as labor and a timescale.
• Details of structural works and fittings, including joints, walls, beams, and more. This will include their precise dimensions.
• Details of any reinforcements used such as steel or concrete reinforcements.
• Any potential risks to the build, or the ways in which risks have been counteracted. There also can be information on how a build has been prepared for certain disasters.
• Environmental considerations of the build.
• Any potential improvements that could be made to the building plan.
• A loadings analysis.

As you can see from the list above, structural calculations involve planning for the entire build or project, from foundations to the roof.

This information will then be delivered in what’s known as a structural calculations report. Now that you know what they are and what they contain, we’re going to detail who completes them as well as when and why.

When Are Structural Calculations Required and Why?

Structural calculations are essential whenever you are undertaking a new construction project. This is true of individuals who are building extensions on their own property, for those creating new buildings.

They are a vital part of the construction process for two major reasons. The first of these reasons is because they are a government requirement. You cannot engage in construction without first completing structural calculations.

The second major reason is they provide an extensive plan for a construction project. This is important as it allows you to see potential risks as well as requirements before you build. Without calculations, there’s no guarantee your walls will support the second floor of your building.

Or, there’s no guarantee you’ve allocated enough to the foundation of your new build. This could result in the whole building not being supported. In the worst-case scenarios, this can result in entire buildings collapsing on themselves.

Not only is this a financial risk, but it’s also a huge health and safety risk.

If your house addition involves new foundations, you’ll need structural calculations. If you’re changing foundations that already exist, you’ll also need structural calculations.

Who Completes Structural Calculations and How Much Do They Cost?

When it comes to structural calculations, they can be arranged by the client directly or you can liaise with your architect. But ultimately, the calculations themselves must be undertaken by a structural engineer.

Structural engineers are a specific subset of engineers experienced in structures and infrastructure. They’re experts when it comes to structural designs. Often, they also work as consultants during large construction projects.

There is no accurate way of putting a cost on the service of providing structural calculations. This is for a few reasons.

The first of these is that the extent of calculations is dependent on how big your project is. The bigger the build is, the more extensive calculations must be and therefore the more an engineer will charge you as a result.

The second reason is that engineers, or their companies, set their own prices based on their own estimations. Because of this, different fees for structural calculations can vary wildly dependent on who you are employing for the job.

The cost will usually be based on the estimated time it’ll take to prepare the report, which is impacted by how complex and large the design is. Ultimately, and in most circumstances, the client will need to pay this fee.

Where Do I Find Qualified Engineers to Complete Structural Calculations?

If you’re looking for structural engineers who can complete structural calculations for your build, you’re already in the right place.

Here at P.E. For Hire, we work to connect engineers with clients directly, taken from our licensed pool of reliable engineers who work nationwide. All you need to do is post your proposal on our website, for free, then you’ll begin to receive quotes from our engineer pool.

Then, you’re able to review all bids and choose the best engineer for the job. This way you can find an engineer close to you within your budget.

We can guarantee that it’s quicker, easier, and more reliable than sourcing your own engineer for structural calculations. If you’re interested in finding out more about how P.E. For Hire works, and how we can assist you, make sure to contact us directly.

We work hard to make sourcing structural calculations easier for everyone.