Structural design drawing involves designing a safe and efficient structure in which loads are securely transferred to the foundations while being able to withstand natural forces is structural design.
Types of Drawings prepared by Structural Engineers?
- Structural drawings often feature North Point, Setting out dimensions, Layout, measurements, and levels of all concrete members within the structure.
- Reinforcement Drawings- Describe and locate every reinforcement with the completed surface of the concrete and any holes or fasteners in detail.
- Standard Details – Includes notes, column bases, pile caps, concrete box, construction- joint details etc.
- Record Drawings – After completing the building of a reinforced concrete structure, the revisions to the original designs reflect any modifications in detail made during the construction process.
Irrespective of the structure design, the structural strength of the building refers to the areas that are crucial for its strength, stability, and stiffness.
The load-bearing or structurally fundamental parts take the loads and transfer them to the foundations safely. The sophistication of many of today’s buildings, specifically multi-storey framed buildings, requires statutory structural drawings.
Therefore a competent structural engineer should conceptualise and create the structural drawings to ensure a structure’s safety. The structural engineer may also entail supervising the contractor on the job site for tasks such as reinforcing the structure, laying concrete etc.
A structural design integrates with the work of other engineers on the project, such as architects and services engineers. For the safety of buildings, the structural design should help to endure the strains and pressures caused by environmental factors and human use.
The highlights of structural design.
- The structures should not deflect.
- The building should not rotate and vibrate.
- It shall not collapse excessively.
- Reliable and robust throughout its use.
Our structural design engineers are well-versed in subjects such as applied mathematics and materials science. They also have comprehensive knowledge of design codes and structural analysis processes.
Today much of this precise work is taken over by the state-of-the-art sketching, modelling, and simulation software.
What are a building’s structural elements?
Buildings may differ, but the elements that comprise the basic structure remain constant. Whether the structure is load-bearing or framed, the principle remains the same.
Framed construction
(timber, steel or reinforced concrete)
- Core.
- Foundations (ground beams, pile caps, piles etc.)
- Elements with horizontal and vertical orientation (beams and columns)
- Floors
- Roof structure
- Cladding (if any)
Loadbearing construction
- Foundations.
- Loadbearing partitions.
- Loadbearing walls.
- Floors.
- Roof structure.
Geology and soil features must be taken into account at all times while designing a construction. To avoid shear breaking following factors are considered throughout the structural design process.
- The maximum bearing capacity
- Excessive settling.
- Peak wind intensity and direction.
- Earthquakes and other natural disasters.
Engineers must ensure that their designs and calculations adhere to current standards and best practices while withstanding forces.
What are the forces that act on buildings, and how do they work?
- The Dead Load – is the weight of the structure itself.
- Live Loads -are applied weights, furniture, fixtures, and fittings, as well as people.
- Environmental loads – Wind, snow, settlement forces, other natural forces etc.
These loads can cause forces like bending moments, shear forces, torsion, and so on.
Structural drawings are done by qualified professional engineers using information from architectural plans. They do not indicate architectural details such as surface coatings, partition walls, or mechanical systems.
We focus on basic, modern designs as well as small home ideas. All of our plans are adjustable, so let us know if you want to add a garage, an extra room, or update your kitchen, among other things.
Our structural sections are substantially more detailed than others. Some plans require only a few such details, while others require pages of them.
We apply our best judgement based on our years of experience to give you the most detail for the specific job.