Structural Calculations

Structural calculations are an important aspect of the vast majority of domestic construction projects and budgeting should be made for this important aspect. It is certainly not advisable to 'guess' the size of a beam. Projects which follow the guidance of Approved Document A of the Building Regulations guidance are deemed to 'comply with the relevant requirements' of the Building Regulations.

However, the guidance published in Approved Document A can be quite restrictive. If the guidance is not adhered to, then structural calculations are required to be submitted to Building Control to demonstrate that the proposed construction is robust and safe for its intended purpose. A common domestic development requiring structural calculations is a loft conversion, as it involves a virtually new structure built in the loft space to create a new structural floor and extensive alteration of the existing roof structure.

Other common projects which require structural calculations are internal structural alterations, such as loadbearing wall removal. In these instances, steel beams are required to support existing elements of structure, usually floors and walls. Build Consult has a wealth of experience producing structural calculations for domestic developments, specifically for Building Control. Our fee will include the structural engineering element if it is required for your project.