1. Structural engineering solutions
1.1 Refurbishments and structural alterations
Refurbishments and structural alterations have been a fundamental part of our structural engineering service since we started, and is an area in which we have extensive technical knowledge and many years of practical experience.
Almost every construction project is likely to involve an element of refurbishment or structural alteration. Any proposal involving significant enhancement, extension or re-purposing of the building - like adding additional floors to a commercial building, changing retail premises to residential accommodation, or a residential loft conversion - is almost certain to impact the structural integrity of the building and add stress and load to it.
It is essential to employ a structural engineer to ensure that the existing and additional structure can withstand any added loads safely whilst ensuring the structural integrity of the original structure is maintained. This is fundamental to any structural alteration that is undertaken.
We have worked on a vast array of refurbishments and structural alterations for residential and commercial clients nationwide, including private homeowners, care homes, places of worship, educational establishments, historical buildings, large developers and local councils.
We use modern technology and design tools to create 3D models of more complex structures such as multi-storey or complex designs and undertake detailed engineering analysis and produce accurate supporting design drawings, details and calculations.
For smaller structural alterations where the client has no architect involvement, we are comfortable with undertaking our own site visits and surveys. We can then undertake calculations and provide the engineering design drawings for the client’s builders and for building control approval.
Clients come to us for our thoughtful and efficient application of engineering judgement to their project which often delivers value from the outset. It is not uncommon for clients to employ us for a second opinion of their design calculations as we bring a practical, considered mindset along with years of experience to propose solutions which are achievable and efficient.
As a practice we actively encourage early involvement in a project to allow all design consultants to share and comment on the clients ideas and proposals. This ensures projects are not designed blindly and allows all specialist design consultants to review and provide valuable input early in the project design.
Our fully qualified team has extensive detailed knowledge and first-hand experience of different types of structure, building materials, construction techniques and projects. This, combined with our technical skills, mean that we can deliver value and confidence to our clients by:
- Competently understanding the specific challenges of a proposed alteration early on
- Focusing on a solution straightaway which often saves time and gives confidence to our clients that we have the engineering knowledge they need to make their refurbishment design efficient and achievable.
- Respecting site constraints and proposing solutions which deliver within time and cost parameters
- Skilfully managing the balance between client expectations and building codes and regulations.
- Knowledgeably pushing boundaries to create innovative solutions which meet our client’s design brief in an optimal way, inviting them to consider options they may not have considered before.
1.2 New build projects
We have multi-sector experience working with both residential and commercial clients to provide the engineering designs and calculations to support their plans for a new structure. This could be anything from a residential property where a client wishes to remove a chimney or a load bearing wall to more complex commercial alterations where manufacturing within a factory must continue while structural alterations must continue.
1.3 Foundation designs
Foundation design features in the vast majority of our projects and is an area where we bring extensive experience and technical knowledge to deliver well-informed engineering solutions for our clients.
A robustly designed foundation is essential to ensure that it can withstand the various elemental and structural loads the building will bear throughout its service lifespan. We have experience working with different types of foundation design including raft slab and piled foundations and can assess the proposed design of the foundation and ensure that it can bear the required load. We perform the necessary structural analysis and technical modelling to produce calculations to support the proposed design.
Our practical engineering knowledge also positions us to add further value by advising on how to build the optimal foundation structure in the most economical way i.e., using the minimum amount of material whilst maintaining the necessary requirements and without compromising the structure’s safety or strength.
We have the expertise to work in accordance with the NHBC guidance to design foundations for projects that are within the zone of influence of trees and made ground, for which different considerations apply as foundations have to be specifically designed for the ground conditions.
1.4 Basement design
Basements are becoming an increasingly popular way of adding space, style and value to both residential and commercial properties. When designing basement foundations it is critical to consider the stability of the existing structure while basement construction is taking place. Working with an experienced structural engineering consultancy like Arcelle can provide the necessary reassurance that your project is feasible and designed to the right specification to be safe and robust. Furthermore, an engineering design is required to achieve building regulations approval, without which the basement may devalue the property.
We have years of experience in structural basement design and are accustomed to working closely with architects and contractors of both residential and commercial projects to review the proposed design and provide supporting design drawings and calculations advising on the vertical and horizontal loads the basement walls need to be able to bear and to make sure the planned structure is compliant with building regulations.
Our fully qualified in-house civil engineering team can advise on any ancillary infrastructure requirements if required eg drainage so you get a comprehensive engineering solution from one design consultant.
Our experience and practical approach will give you the confidence you need to proceed with your project.
1.5 Swimming pools and water retaining structures
We have experience producing the engineering designs for water retaining structures of varying sizes and purposes, from residential swimming pools to commercial aggregate wash facilities.
The key consideration for a water retaining structure of any kind is that it remains watertight whilst at the same time ensuring the structure is sound and able to withstand the loads and forces applied to it.
With our experience and technical knowledge we can assess the proposed designs and perform engineering analysis to develop detailed plans for the structure, taking into account site constraints as well as current and proposed loads that are to be applied.
1.6 Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF)
Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) is becoming increasingly popular in construction due to its benefits: it is highly insulated and quicker to build with, meaning houses can be constructed in a week. We have years of experience working with ICF and have designed solutions for various structures from basements to whole buildings, including encompassing traditional design solutions such as steel frame and timber elements to work with the ICF product.
1.7 Steel Framing System (SFS)
SFS (steel framing system) is becoming a preferred construction material due to its strength, durability and flexibility. It is also efficient to use: it can be a cheaper alternative to timber and constructing buildings with SFS is typically significantly faster than using traditional steel frames, which means achieving the benefits of the latter while saving on time and cost. We have experience designing structural solutions using SFS and can provide input on most proposed structures across a variety of uses.