Do I Need a Structural Engineer? When You Do and When You Don’t
The simple rule: if you are changing anything that holds the building up, you need a structural engineer. When you definitely do, when you…
Journal
Structural Engineer vs Civil Engineer: What’s the Difference?
Civil and structural engineering are not the same. Structural engineering is a specialism within civil engineering — here is the difference, where they overlap,…
Types of Concrete Cracks: Which Matter and Which Don’t
All concrete cracks — but only some matter. How to tell harmless shrinkage and crazing from the diagonal, wide, active and rust-stained cracks that…
Load-Bearing Walls Explained: How to Tell, and How to Remove One Safely
How to tell if a wall is load-bearing, what happens if you remove one without support, and how a structural engineer takes one out…
How Earthquake-Resistant Buildings Work
No building is earthquake-proof — but good seismic design keeps people safe and prevents collapse. How engineers design earthquake-resistant buildings, and what Japan taught…
What Does a Structural Engineer Do? A Plain-English Guide
A structural engineer makes sure a building stands up safely — designing the foundations, frame and connections that carry every load. Here is what…