Structural Design and Maintenance

Structural Design and Maintenance

Design

Structural design is the methodical investigation of the stability, strength and rigidity of structures. The basic objective in structural analysis and design is to produce a structure capable of resisting all applied loads without failure during its intended life. The primary purpose of a structure is to transmit or sustain existing and expected loads. A well engineered structure greatly minimises the possibility of costly failures.

Procedure:

The process of structural design may be divided into three phases as follows:

Planning: Consideration of the various requirements and factors affecting the general layout and dimensions of the structure and results in the choice of one or perhaps several alternative types
of structure, which offer the best general solution in an economically and environmentally manner.

Design: Consideration of the alternative solutions defined in the planning phase and results in the determination of the most suitable proportions, dimensions and details of the structural
elements and alternative structural arrangement being considered.

Construction: During this phase, some redesign may be required if unforeseen difficulties occur, such as unavailability of specified materials or foundation problems.

Maintenance and Repair

Beside the design process, a maintenance/repair service is one of the most important service we can provide. Unwanted structural movement in buildings, subsidence, physical disturbance and a failure of building materials are just some of the factors that can have impact on the structure integrity. This must consider many aspects, including the building’s use, the implied loads, the materials used in the building and the form and feasibility of any rectification work.