Structural Investigation is one of the three major categories of Structural Engineering Services provided by Structurally Framed, Inc (SFI). It is an important step in establishing and understanding existing conditions, structural framing, and past performance. Structural investigations often begin with a structural inspection of elements readily accessible and visible. Ongoing investigations may involve more extensive observations, measurements, testing, monitoring, and removal of finish materials, soil or other items that may be concealing portions of the structure including excavation for foundations. Information obtained during the investigation helps the structural engineer identify and access structural issues, determine sources and/or causes of those issues, analyze existing load paths and capacities, and provide direction for structural alterations or repairs.
SFI provides structural investigation services for residential and commercial building structures. These services often evolve and develop during the investigation. Some common Structural Investigation Services provided by SFI generally include the following:
- Structural Inspection – Focused on elements readily accessible and visible to help assess existing conditions it is an important part of any structural investigation. A structural inspection may also be referenced as a:
- Structural Home Inspection (Residential)
- Structural Commercial Inspection
- Foundation Inspection
- Framing Inspection
- Structural Condition Assessment – Used to address specific issues or concerns.
- Structural Due-Diligence – Used to help understand the overall general condition of the building structure.
- Consulting on findings and recommendations.
- Determining structural solutions with initial direction and options for new structural framing.
- Determining structural solutions with initial direction for structural repairs and repair options.
- Monitoring the structure for ongoing movement.
- Structural Analysis and Design.
- Written reports.
- Forensic Structural Engineering.
Structural Investigations are also an important part for understanding a structural failure and for forensic structural engineering. A structural failure involves structural elements or systems losing their structural integrity or their ability to withstand the intended loads imposed on it without excessive deformation or collapse. Many structural failures do not present themselves as a collapse or partial collapse but instead through various ways such as excessive deflections, cracking, lateral movement, member twisting, vertical foundation movement, material deterioration, wood crushing, broken or deformed fasteners, or out-of-plumb vertical elements. Some of these structural failures may eventually lead to a collapse or partial collapse if they are not addressed while others may not affect the load carrying capacity and therefore, they are considered a serviceability issue. A forensic structural engineer utilizes structural investigation along with their vast engineering background and experience with analysis, design, inspections, and condition assessments among other traits often learned and acquired over many years or decades of engineering.
SFI’s extensive background and experience provides a solid foundation for our thoughtful approach with investigations, including forensic structural engineering, to help solve structural problems and failures. We will consult with you on our findings and recommendations during our investigation and help you understand potential repair and/or strengthening options related to the structural issues or proposed alterations so you can make an informed decision to move forward.
Learn more about how SFI can help with your existing building. Contact us today!
Contact us for Structural Investigation
How do you know when you need a structural engineer for inspection and investigation? Some common reasons include:
- You are buying or selling a house or commercial building and looking for a structural condition assessment or structural due diligence.
- You are considering alterations and/or an addition to the existing building such as removing walls or enlarging wall openings.
- Your building structure is showing signs of deterioration, damage, movement and/or excessive deflection.
- You have foundation Issues such as cracking in the foundation walls, vertical movement, or inward leaning or bulging of the foundation walls.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help with a structural home or commercial inspection as part of our investigation of your structural concerns or issues!