Structural Engineering

Our Expertise

• Land acquisition

  We advise clients who are seeking to understand any engineering-related constraints before a land bid submission. This will usually include an assessment of foundation strategy for the proposed development. It is unlikely that a full ground investigation will be available at this stage and so our ability to collaborate with the RSK geosciences team is a key benefit to our clients. We are able to tap into their expertise to make informed and commercially reliable decisions on likely foundation solutions. It is essential that planning decisions are made at this stage, at the right cost. Unbudgeted costs after land acquisition can render a scheme commercially unviable.

• Planning support

  We typically carry out scheme designs for our clients at this stage, working in conjunction with architects, mechanical, electrical, public health and cost consultants to ensure that, from a structural perspective, the building layouts developed are as efficient as possible. This includes minimising unnecessary load transfer, establishing the structural frame as early as possible and exploring alternative forms of construction to inform the client’s cost plan.

• Tender support

  We work with clients, architects and the wider design team to develop the feasibility and planning schemes to a level of detail, usually RIBA Stage 3, suitable for a contractor to tender. As well as producing a package of drawings, specifications and details, we also assist clients with the procurement process by attending technical interviews with contractors bidding for construction work and technically vetting their submissions.

• Working drawings and Building Information Modelling (BIM)

  Once planning approval has been achieved and the scheme has been tendered, we can provide full working drawings for construction either for the client for traditional forms of contract or the contractor when procurement follows the design-and-build route. This includes both superstructure and foundations detailed design, which will often include the provision of full reinforced-concrete details and bar bending schedules. We regularly design using BIM collaborative working practices, effectively creating a complete 3D model of buildings in conjunction with the other design consultants. This brings multiple benefits to our clients in terms of improved design coordination and quantity measurement for cost analysis. During this stage of work, we also collaborate with specialist suppliers of structural members to ensure their design and details comply with the overall structure, for which we are responsible.

• Basement and retaining walls

  Often, the schemes we design will include basements and retaining walls. These structures are particularly prevalent on more challenging sites, such as inner-city urban regeneration schemes, where space is at a premium and sites are very constrained, or steeply sloping sites. We have extensive experience designing these structures and work closely with RSK’s specialist geotechnical teams to ensure the most cost-effective and technically viable solution is delivered.

• Structural surveys and site inspections

  We carry out visual inspections of a variety of existing structures and report on likely defects and remedial solutions, including buildings considered for conversion works, boundary structures, retaining walls, and river and canal walls. We often work in conjunction with the RSK materials and structures teams when carrying out intrusive investigation works to understand the condition of the existing structural materials. The results of such investigations will augment our report to the client. We also carry out site inspections of the construction works as they progress. This service provides our clients with the knowledge that works are progressing in accordance with the structural design details.

• Temporary works

  We are experienced in the design of temporary works that allow a project to be constructed safely and efficiently. This can include providing temporary support to site boundaries, adjacent structures and earthworks, façade retention, piling platform design, site hoarding design and crane base design. We draw on the expertise that exists within the wider group to supplement our extensive experience in this field and provide clients with efficient and innovative solutions.