Structural Calculations for the Homeowner
When considering a newbuild project or even simpler architectural plans, such as plans for a loft conversion or an extension, structural calculations must be part of the process. An architectural designer will create plans suitable for building control approval and in doing so, engage a structural engineer to decipher load bearing walls and/or how many structural beams would be needed to supoort the structure. Accurate structural calculations are crucial to an architectural project because no one wants to build something that later isn’t considered structurally sound, or even collapses.
How are Structural Calculations Determined?
Structural engineers use mathematical calculations to calculate how much weight a building will hold before it collapses. This calculation helps ensure that the building is safe for its intended use. Engineers also measure the strength of materials used in construction. They do this by calculating the load bearing capacity of each material.
What is Load Bearing Capacity?
Load bearing capacity refers to the ability of a material to support a certain amount of force without failing. The load bearing capacity of a house depends on several factors, such as the type of foundation used, the size of the house, and the materials used to build the house.
Structural Calculations for Architectural Plans
When do I Involve a Structural Engineer?
An architectural designer will create plans that comply with local authority building regulations. Once the final design has been decided and full plans have been created for building control approval, a structural engineer will look at the building regulations plans and assess the size and number of beams that would be needed to support the project. If the foundation is not strong enough, then the walls of the house won’t be able to bear the weight of the roof. This means that the walls will collapse under the weight of the roof, causing damage to the home. After determining the load bearing capacity of the roof, engineers calculate how much weight the roof can bear before it fails. This calculation is called the “structural design factor.” It is determined by multiplying the load bearing capacity of a material by its thickness.
Architectural Plans for Building Control Approval
At Arkiplan, we are experienced in creating architectural plans for building control approval and we therefore, liaise with structural engineers to accurately calculate structural calculations for your project. These structural calculations are incorporated into your plans and delivered to you – taking the hassle out of sourcing your own structural engineer separately. All quotes for building regulations plans include the price of structural calculations also, so you can get an accurate price for your architectural project here.