Knowledge to build on.
Practical guidance for the decisions you face before and during a renovation.
Shallow foundations: what do they mean?
A shallow foundation transfers loads directly to the ground through, for example, strips or a slab. The Dutch term fundering op staal does not mean a foundation made of steel sections. For an extension, the ground, loads and existing house must be considered together.
Read the articleFoundationsUnderstanding a cone penetration test report
A cone penetration test records ground measurements at a particular location. It informs a geotechnical adviser but is not itself a foundation design. For an owner, the main concern is that the test location, level information and design question correspond.
Read the articleFoundationsFoundation repair and structural calculations
Foundation repair starts by defining the problem and identifying connected parts of the building. Repair calculations follow the investigation and selected approach. Drawing a new beam or pile alone does not provide a complete repair plan.
Read the articleSteel structuresA steel column on an existing floor
A new column transfers load through a relatively small area. The assessment therefore includes the floor and the structure below, not just the column. A finished floor can look substantial without being suitable for the proposed load.
Read the articleSteel structuresHEA, HEB and IPE: understanding section names
HEA, HEB and IPE identify families of steel sections. They help explain drawings and orders, but do not independently tell you which beam a renovation requires. Section selection follows the complete structural assessment.
Read the articleSteel structuresSteel connections in a renovation
A beam and column form a functioning assembly only when their connection transfers the intended forces. Steelwork therefore needs clear connection details, drawings and responsibilities. Calculating the section is only part of the design.
Read the articleLoad-bearing wallsRemoving a load-bearing wall in an apartment: the VvE
For an apartment, technical assessment, owners’ association arrangements and any permits are separate matters. Structural calculations explain the proposal but do not themselves authorise changes to shared building elements.
Read the articleLoad-bearing wallsTemporary support during a structural opening
When a load-bearing element is removed, the final replacement structure may not yet be effective. Temporary conditions therefore need their own assessment and construction arrangements. A calculated final design does not automatically explain how every construction stage is managed safely.
Read the articleExtensionsA rooflight in an extension: structural preparation
A rooflight brings in daylight while creating an opening in the roof. The roof structure, surrounding framing and selected product information therefore need coordinated consideration. Agree its position before finalising the roof layout and order.
Read the articleExtensionsA green roof on an extension
A green roof comprises several layers that load the roof together. Structural assessment needs the complete build-up, including water and other installed features. Stating only the weight of the plants is insufficient.
Read the articleExtensionsExtensions and differential settlement
A new extension and an existing house may not move in the same way. Their connection is therefore a design issue, not merely a finishing detail. Good preparation coordinates foundations, structural design and building details.
Read the articleFloorsA heavy bathroom on a timber floor
A bathroom may change the loading and intended use of a timber floor. Tiles are only one factor: floor layers, partitions and sanitary fittings also matter. Have the complete layout assessed before finalising materials and service routes.
Read the articleFloorsFloor vibration during renovation
A floor can move noticeably without the cause being immediately clear. Vibration, deflection and load-bearing capacity are distinct assessment questions. Describe the behaviour and intended use before selecting a strengthening solution.
Read the articleRoof structuresA roof opening for a skylight
A skylight requires an opening whose effects depend on the existing roof. Product size is only one input. The structural system, spanning direction and opening position determine the questions that need assessment.
Read the articleRoof structuresA structural plan for a canopy
A canopy design involves more than roof beams. Wind, stability, connections and foundations are part of the assessment. A lightweight appearance does not mean that forces on fixings or supports can be ignored.
Read the articleRenovationChanges after structural calculations are completed
Structural calculations belong to a specific design and identified assumptions. When the proposal changes, its consequences need review. Even a small shift on a drawing may affect supports, loading or connections.
Read the articleBuilding drawingsReading structural drawings as a client
You do not need to be an engineer to check whether the documents belong to your project. Start with status, revision and how the sheets relate. Use drawings to ask focused questions; do not infer missing construction information yourself.
Read the articleBuilding drawingsStructural engineer and architect: who does what?
Architectural design and structural design answer different questions about the same building. Their precise scope follows the appointments. Clear agreements about information, interfaces and changes prevent necessary work falling between advisers.
Read the articlePermitsStructural documents and Dutch building quality assurance
Quality assurance and structural calculations serve different roles. First establish which procedure applies to the proposal. Dutch technical building quality assurance rules do not automatically apply to every alteration or new building.
Read the articlePermitsAltering a listed building: structural preparation
For a listed building, the proposed change, existing structure and heritage significance need coordinated discussion. Technical feasibility does not itself establish permission. Gather building information and consult before committing to a solution.
Read the articleStructural calculationsAlterations and new builds: structural assumptions
A new build involves designing a structural system; alterations often connect to existing elements whose information must be verified. This affects investigation, assessment framework and scope. Using the same calculation model does not make two projects equivalent.
Read the articleStructural calculationsComparing quotations for structural engineering
Two prices are comparable only when the work behind them is clear. A useful quotation identifies calculations, drawings, required inputs and aftercare. Compare the scope before focusing solely on a starting price.
Read the articleStructural calculationsWhat are structural calculations?
Structural calculations explain how the agreed parts of a building carry and transfer loads. They connect a building idea to a structural design that can be checked.
Read the articleStructural calculationsWhen do I need structural calculations?
A structural assessment is relevant whenever you change the load-bearing structure or the loads. This may involve a visible alteration such as removing a wall, or a change of use or floor build-up.
Read the articleStructural calculationsHow much does a structural engineer cost?
The cost of a structural engineer depends mainly on the brief. A straightforward change with complete drawings involves different work from investigating a building with an unknown existing structure.
Read the articleStructural calculationsHow much do structural calculations cost?
A starting price is a guide for a straightforward, clearly defined brief. The actual price depends on the number of elements, available information and connections to the existing building.
Read the articleLoad-bearing wallsStructural calculations for a load-bearing wall
Removing a load-bearing wall involves the entire load path. The new beam is often visible, but its supports and the structure below are just as important.
Read the articleBuilding drawingsWhich drawings does a structural engineer need?
A structural engineer needs drawings that show how the existing and proposed situations relate. A clear set of documents is more useful than a large collection of undated images.
Read the articleBuilding drawingsStructural calculations without original building drawings
Missing original drawings need not prevent an enquiry. They do change the information required: unknown structural elements must be investigated responsibly.
Read the articleBuilding drawingsBuilding drawings versus structural drawings
A building drawing usually describes a building's form and layout. A structural drawing describes its load-bearing elements and their relationships. A complete project may need both.
Read the articlePermitsWhat does a municipality check?
A municipality assesses an application under the applicable procedure. Structural documents may form part of a larger submission. Calculations are therefore not the same as a permit.
Read the articlePermitsStructural calculations for a permit application
If your building proposal needs structural documents, they must match the application drawings and description. A consistent set prevents questions caused by conflicting information.
Read the articleLoad-bearing wallsIdentifying a load-bearing wall
Identifying a load-bearing wall involves more than its thickness or the sound it makes when tapped. Its position in the overall structure determines its function.
Read the articleLoad-bearing wallsPreparing to remove a load-bearing wall
Preparing a wall opening involves more than ordering a steel section. Design, permissions, temporary support and construction need to be coordinated.
Read the articleSteel structuresA steel beam for a load-bearing wall
The required steel beam depends on loads, span and support. A standard table based only on opening width is insufficient for a renovation.
Read the articleSteel structuresWhat is a beam?
A beam transfers loads to supports. It may be a steel beam above a wall opening, or a timber or concrete element in a floor or roof.
Read the articleSteel structuresWhat is a column?
A column is a usually vertical load-bearing element. An opening may require a column where the remaining wall cannot carry the load in the intended way.
Read the articleSteel structuresWhat is a bearing?
A bearing is where a structural element rests and transfers forces. For a beam over a wall opening, this is often a critical detail.
Read the articleFloorsWhat is deflection?
Deflection is the deformation of a structure under load. Some movement is part of normal structural behaviour, but the acceptable amount depends on the situation.
Read the articleStructural calculationsWhat is a point load?
A point load is a load applied at one position in a calculation model. Examples include the load from a column or the support of a heavy object.
Read the articleExtensionsStructural calculations for a house extension
An extension combines new construction with an existing home. The structural design needs to cover both the new space and its connection to the house.
Read the articleFoundationsFoundations for an extension
An extension's foundations transfer its new loads to the ground. The choice requires an understanding of the building proposal, ground conditions and existing house.
Read the articleRoof structuresStructural calculations for an additional storey
An additional storey changes more than the roof. It adds loads and changes how the building resists wind and other effects.
Read the articleRoof structuresCalculations for a dormer
A dormer creates an opening in the existing roof and adds a new structure. The calculations required depend on the roof type and chosen position.
Read the articleRoof structuresCalculations for a roof terrace
A roof terrace turns a roof into usable space. People, finishes, balustrades and furniture may change the loads and structural requirements.
Read the articleFloorsCalculations for a stair opening
A stair opening interrupts a floor. The structural consequences depend on the floor type, direction of load-bearing elements and position of the opening.
Read the articleRoof structuresCalculations for solar panels
For solar panels, a structural engineer assesses the installation together with the existing roof structure. Knowing only the panel weight is insufficient.
Read the articleFloorsCalculations for timber floor joists
Dimensions, material condition and support together determine how a timber floor performs. A new floor build-up or change of use may call for reassessment.
Read the articleRenovationAssessing an existing structure
Assessing an existing building starts with the question you need answered. Suitability for extra loads, a visible defect and the feasibility of a renovation are different investigation questions.
Read the articleBuilding drawingsRequesting archive drawings
Archive drawings can show how a building was designed and later altered. Where to find them and how to request them varies by municipality and construction period.
Read the articleRenovationWhat does my contractor receive?
Your contractor needs a coordinated set of final project documents. Agree in advance which documents the structural engineer supplies and which the contractor or supplier develops.
Read the articleStructural calculationsHow to read a structural report
A structural report becomes easier to read when you know what to look for. Start with the scope and design basis, then move on to the results.
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