Residential Structural Engineering: What the Experts Do?
Structural engineering is a part of civil engineering which involves the application of the laws of mathematics and physics to design the load-bearing components of man-made structures. Modern structural engineering can forecast the performance of different materials and shapes used in structures to counter stresses and loads. The experts had used the principles of structural engineering thousands of years ago while building Acropolis in Greece and Egypt.
Structural engineers do not only build various buildings but also detect problems in the foundation. A residential structural engineer can detect the damage signs in your foundation. You need to call one if you notice any.
Who Are Structural Engineers?
Structural engineers have licensed professionals who complete their education and training to analyze the important factors such as wind, gravity, pressure, and temperature while constructing a building. They decide whether the building can resist external factors and harsh weather conditions. They get the training to understand the structural soundness of buildings but remember, you cannot compare them with an architect or a contractor.
While a contractor can detect warning signs of potential problems, the residential structural engineer can study the severity of the problem. Along with that, they can also determine the underlying reason for the trouble. The architects mainly focus on the functionality and aesthetics whereas the structural engineers ensure the structural support and resist the load of the building.
What Are the Responsibilities of Structural Engineers?
Structural engineers make sure that the buildings that we live in or use, are stable, safe and don’t collapse under applied loads. Actually, they apply their technical knowledge to define the types of construction elements so that these structures can hold against the intense pressure and stresses of storms, gravity loads, and earthquakes.
They also analyze the maps, blueprints, reports, and geological and topographical data. After that, they estimate the cost and calculate the qualities of equipment, materials, and labor. Next, they compute grade and load requirements, material stress factors, and water flow rates to determine the specification of a certain design.
Next, they have to visit the project sites to inspect and monitor the progress and make sure that the project is continued according to the design specification. Last but not least, the residential structural engineer conducts studies of traffic patterns to detect potential problems. They also decide how these factors will affect the project.
Why Should You Hire a Structural Engineer?
While building a new house
Buying or selling home
If your house has structural damage
Get in Touch with Us
If you notice signs of foundation damage such as gaps in your windows or door framing, cracks in brick, leaning chimney, bouncy floors, bowed Walls, and cracked basement walls, then contact a residential structural engineer along with professional insurance. Trust the experts at Ram Jack, by American Leveling in OKC as they have been functional in the industry for decades.