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Structural engineering projects have a lot going on. From their inception to their completion, there are countless plans, people, and factors that need to work together perfectly to produce the intended result. Typically, structures will require a structural analysis and design completed and stamped by a Professional Engineer that is licensed in the state in which the structure is going to be built. And this doesn’t just apply to commercial structures– Residential homes are required to be built according to the International Residential Code unless they are extremely simple. At PSE Consulting Engineers, we work with you to bring your projects to light. Our experienced engineers provide the analysis, design, and guidance necessary to complete your project safely and efficiently. Learn all about what goes into a residential engineering project with PSE Consulting Engineers below!

Develop Designs and Plans

The first step to any major project is developing and finalizing the plans and drawings. Typically we draft the plans in AutoCAD, a software for blueprints and designs. In some cases, the architect has provided drawings and we edit them and make sure that they are sound. 

Determine Framing and Studs

Once the preliminary drawings are established, it’s time to determine the framing plans. Framing plans are the framing and stud layout of the entire home, and are extremely important to structural engineering projects. Studs that are too far apart will allow the material between them to bow and deteriorate at an accelerated rate, while studs that are too close may not leave enough room for insulation, wiring, and require additional materials. This framing plan is also going to include dictating the anchor points for the walls, roof, rafters, and floors, to ensure that they are structurally sound. 

Vertical and Lateral Analysis

The next step is analyzing the designs for any potential flaws, miscalculations or other issues. As the saying goes, measure twice, build the residential structural engineering project once. This analysis will take into consideration the vertical and lateral calculations to ensure that they are correct and safe. 

Foundation Design

The foundation is the base upon which everything else will be built, so it needs to be fully sound. The foundation design is one of the most important parts of the structural engineering process and is one of the main reasons a structural engineer is so important. 

Revise Drawings 

Once the framing, studs, and foundation designs have been finalized, it’s time to go back to the original drawings and update them. Sometimes data from the vertical and lateral analysis will affect the original design, and the drawings need to reflect that. 

Review with Principal Engineer

It takes a village to complete a residential engineering project, and it’s important that everyone working on it is on the same page. Once the drawings have been updated to reflect the findings of the analysis, they are brought to the principal engineer for review. This review is a critical part of the checks and balances that ensure that the project is safe and structurally sound. 

Revise Drawings Again

The drawings are the master plan of the entire residential structural engineering project, and they need to be up to date. Once the review with the principal engineer is complete, the drawings need to reflect any and all changes. 

Final Review

The final review is exactly that– it is the last check to ensure the project is sound. This review is typically done with the principal engineer and the client to go over the final drawings, and so that everyone is in agreement. 

Stamp and Submit the Plans

The very last step is for the structural engineer to stamp the plans, indicating that they have completed the structural analysis and the design is complete. 

If you’re looking for an absolutely safe and long-lasting structure, the experts at PSE Consulting Engineers can help. Our professional engineers provide analysis, and design to ensure the success of your residential structural engineering project. Our engineers don’t just offer critical guidance and insight throughout the entire project– they offer peace of mind. PSE is licensed in all 50 states, four Canadian provinces, and has completed projects in 33 other countries. We have extensive project experience that we use to provide the best possible engineering services. We are capable of completing projects of any size, from the smallest guest home to multi-building mixed-use commercial developments. Contact us today to learn more!