STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Beyond traditional build forms
Along with our architectural design, we provide a full structural design service. Together they open up possibilities beyond traditional build forms. Whether you want to remove a supporting wall or build a brand new steel-framed structure, we can help.
We work on domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial buildings. Our services include modelling, analysis, design and detailing for:
- Steel frames and structures
- Portal frame buildings
- Reinforced concrete structures
- Timber frames
- Structural timber and masonry
- Structural members
- Retaining walls and basements
- Special and reinforced foundations
- The supply and erection of BS EN 1090-1 CE certified structural steelwork
Structural Design Explained
Structural design is the design of the structures and members that give a building its strength, rigidity and stability. Its basic principles are to make sure the members will be able to support the loads and forces produced by the building both as a structure and when it’s in use.
There are four main structural materials: steel, concrete, masonry and timber. All can be used in the structure of a building, separately and together. When combining materials, we consider which we’ll use as early as possible so we can carry out sizing and detailing at the same time as the building design.
All our structural design meets current BSEN standards. We also provide all the engineering details, construction drawings and supporting calculations you need to get building regulations approval.
View more about our support services.
Having worked with Mark of M&H Davies on a previous structural design project for our house extension we had no hesitation in employing him again where he produced a comprehensive structural report for a dwelling we were selling along with detailed designs and calculations for underpinning and drainage works. Included in his service was the consultation with Local Authority Building Control. I found Mark extremely thorough, approachable, quick and efficient and a pleasure to work with.
W. Thomas, PontyberemGet in touch and leave the rest to us...
Structural Steelwork
Structural steel is used as a frame to support a main building or as individual or groups of members to span large openings or to create open plan rooms and roof spaces. It is also used extensively in commercial, industrial and agricultural buildings and structures.
Large span portal frames are often used for open plan buildings such as workshops and farm buildings where internal columns would restrict the building’s use.
Structural steel is also increasingly used in contemporary, open plan homes. It provides flexibility to create the open living spaces and large glazed areas that are popular today.
We have significant expertise working with structural steel and have designed a wide range of steel-framed domestic, agricultural, commercial and small industrial buildings. We work on projects in both the private and public sector.
Supply and erection of structural steelwork
To support our design service, we also provide additional steel services. We can produce steelwork fabrication or workshop drawings and, together with building contractors, fabricate and erect steelwork. This means we can control the critical steelwork element of a project and so ensure the structural integrity of the building.
We work together with recognised steelwork contractors who have extensive experience in all forms of steel fabrication and erection. Our service includes anything from a simple steel beam to a complex steel framed building as well as steel cladding, bespoke stairs and architectural wrought ironwork in steel or stainless steel.
Our steel contractors will work with your building contractor to make sure the works are completed to current BSEN standards.
All our steelwork is CE certified to standard BS EN 1090 to the appropriate execution class for the project. This is now a legal requirement for all fabricated structural steelwork used in buildings.
We carry out all site works under CDM (Construction Design and Management) 2015 regulations.
Structural Timber and Timber Frame
Timber is used extensively in modern building projects, from floor joists to roof structures and timber-framed wall panels. Members can be traditional sawn sections or built-up engineered sections, depending on loadings, span conditions and visual impact.
Timber frame allows for a quick build and for internal and external works to progress at the same time. It can also be used to extend up on an existing ground floor structure as the extra loadings imposed on the foundations will be less than with traditional masonry-built extensions.
Different species of wood are used, typically oak, pine, fir and cedar. Which is best for your project will depend on what you’re using it for, loadings and how you want the finished building to look. For example, many people use oak for feature trusses and where the roof members or building structures are exposed.
Reinforced Concrete and Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF)
Reinforced concrete is mainly used for retaining walls, beams, columns, slabs and special reinforced foundations such as rafts and ground beams, pile caps and column pads.
We design each element specifically for the individual project, and provide detailed drawings and construction information.
Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) is an insulated cast concrete walling system. The structure is created using insulated hollow blocks which are filled with concrete as the building work progresses. ICF provides exceptional levels of thermal and acoustic performance, is quick to go up and easily accommodates intricate wall profiles such as curves and arches.
Retaining Walls
You need a retaining wall when there is an abrupt change in the level of the ground on either side of a wall. This often happens when excavating into a sloping site to create a building pad or when adding a basement. The retaining wall must provide enough strength to resist the lateral load produced by the retained ground as well as any additional loads within the zone of influence of the wall.
We design retaining walls specific to the conditions on your site. They may include mass masonry gravity walls, rock filled baskets, grouted cavity or reinforced concrete walls. Which design is best will depend on several factors such as site restrictions, ground conditions, retained height and loadings.
Special Foundations
You may need special foundations, such as a raft, piles or reinforced strips and pads, if the ground on your site is unsuitable for conventional strip foundations. Which will be best for your building will depend on the building design and site conditions. We work with recognised ground testing contractors to determine the conditions on site and establish which type of foundation will be the most appropriate for your project.
Mark always provides us with an exceptional professional service and his knowledge of design and structural experience is second to none. We have no hesitation in recommending Mark and H&M Davies for design projects.
Copefield Construction, CarmarthenshireKeen to start your project?
The complete design & consultancy service for the construction industry & domestic self-build sector.
- Planning Applications
- Barn Conversions
- Structural Assessments
- Topographical Land Surveys
- 3D visualisation and Presentation
- Steelwork design and Detailing
- CDM
Providing services throughout Wales including Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Swansea, Cardiff, Neath and Port Talbot
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07792703282 - Rhydhywel Fach, Crwbin, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, Wales, SA17 5DE