How a Structural Engineer Makes a Huge Difference on a Project
Posted on: 24 October 2018
Dealing with structural design issues is a critical aspect of any project, and it's essential that you discuss your requirements with a qualified professional. From the moment you begin looking at a location for construction to be done, a structural engineer can provide insights into potential concerns. They can also provide recommendations regarding how your vision can be brought to life, so it's good to have some understanding of how they can contribute to a project.
Surveys and Specifications
If you're planning a new build, a structural engineer working with other experts can give you a sense of what will be needed to create something that'll be sound by surveying the location. If you're planning a remodel or an expansion, they can conduct an inspection of the existing building and explain what'll need to be done. Bear in mind that engineers' notes and planning documents can also be used to satisfy some of the reporting requirements your local government will likely have for your projects, such as providing safety assessments.
During the structural design process, you also can begin to assess the requirements for the build itself. These specifications will be given to contractors as part of the bidding process for your project, and you'll need to be able to refer back to them when assessing how well the job was done. While putting up a steel building, the structural engineer's notes about things like how well specific welds conform to AISC specifications, for example, can be invaluable in dealing with the contractors who are involved.
Material Choices
Every build is a balancing act in which you're trying to juggle concerns about the appearance, strength, and cost-effectiveness of different construction materials. A structural engineer can outline what the trade-offs for each option are likely to be, allowing you a better chance to get the most out of every dollar you have to spend. It's better to have a structural engineer question how much weight the ground can hold at a location early on in a job than to have to spend millions of dollars trying to rectify a major problem down the road.
Costs
Structural engineers usually charge about $100 to $150 per hour for work on residential projects, and commercial costs can go higher. You also may need to hire a surveyor and soil engineer to provide data to the structural engineer about the conditions where the building will go.
Contact a company that provides structural engineering services like BGD Consulting for more information.
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