When a storm rips through a roof or a fallen tree cracks a wall, most homeowners have the same two questions: is this actually structural, and how do we show it was caused by the storm? Answering those questions is a big part of what a structural engineer does on an insurance claim. Matt Cornell, […]
Has your engineer specified a wind beam in your external wall? What is a wind beam and why is it there? Do you even need it?? When wind blows on the walls of a structure, it is primarily the job of the vertical studs to keep the wall upright and transfer wind loads into the […]
Once again we’re sharing this video by James Cook University. This time it is for #Brisbane builders and homeowners to be aware of. Also some additional resources for builders: Repairing storm-damaged roofs https://www.hpw.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/3959/repairing-storm-damaged-roofs.pdf Repair of sheet metal roofs in cyclonic areas https://www.timberqueensland.com.au/Docs/QBCC_TimberQLD_20150223_MetalRoofGuide[1].pdf Stay safe and I hope you don’t need our help – but we’re […]
Cyclone Alfred is Coming – But Are Brisbane Homes Ready? A leading structural engineer in Brisbane has warned homeowners that instead of stripping supermarket shelves of bread and water, they should be flocking to hardware stores to buy framing anchors, roofing screws, and stump tie-down brackets. Brisbane hasn’t seen a wind event like this in […]
If structural engineers designed buildings the way other engineers approach their fields, the world would be an absolute disaster! 🌍🔥 Let’s take a look at what would happen if we applied their “design principles” to structures: 🔹 Civil Engineering → Your house would be perfectly functional—until a storm hits ⛈️💦… then your lounge room would […]
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#Alfred
Hey #BrisbaneWe’re battening hatches in readiness for the storm.Other engineers are moving their paperwork into their yard so they can claim it was storm damaged and they can’t find the document you need. So we’ll continue to keep you updated as #Alfred gets closer to the coast. In the meantime, we’re tidying up around home […]
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Nail Plate Backout
Nail plate back out.This is what it looks like.This is a photo of an older truss. When the truss was installed this steel nail plate was tight in the timber. There was no gap. The teeth of the nailplate were firmly embedded in the timber.Over time, with changes in the amount of moisture in this […]
If you’re building a sleeper retaining wall, you’ve probably been told you need an ag pipe and drainage system behind it. But here’s the truth: sleeper walls are already free-draining—water comes straight through the gaps between the sleepers! So, do you really need all that extra drainage work? Let’s break it down. How Water Moves […]
Builders are still struggling to understand the rules for head flashings over exposed windows. And it will be their downfall. Because these little timber trims, no matter how well they are painted, leak eventually and rot out and then allow water to rot your frame. Sadly, sometimes the damage isn’t found until the QBCC warranty […]
This is the type of prehistoric joist-to-bearer connection that can lead to sudden and unexpected floor collapse if not rectified immediately. The joist can pull out of the bearer slowly over the years and if not repaired NOW the depth the joist is secured into the bearer can diminish with catastrophic consequences. The connection can […]
During construction: take lots of photos. Even if you don’t know what you’re taking photos of. Time and time again, photos taken during the construction of houses, pools, sheds, footings and skyscrapers have helped forensic engineers see through dirt, concrete, plasterboard and masonry. They have helped electricians, plumbers and carpenters make more succinct alterations to […]
Fighting leaf litter at your home when it rains? Do your grated drains block up with leaves and grass clippings? Does water overflow everywhere leaving you running in the rain to unclog drains? Take a hint. It doesn’t have to be a galvanised steel grate cover like this one, but a fabricated basket over your […]
Older slab-on-ground houses can experience seasonal movement due to soil reactivity and the absence of modern footing designs. Before the adoption/introduction of AS2870, foundation designs often relied on minimal soil preparation and basic reinforcement. While these methods served their purpose at the time, they often fall short of withstanding the effects of ground movement that […]
An engineering report is a professional opinion based on the information available to the engineer. That does not mean every engineer will necessarily reach exactly the same conclusion. If you disagree with a structural engineer’s report, the best first step is usually to understand exactly what you disagree with and why. Sometimes the problem is […]
When designing site drainage, do you even need an ag pipe? Big hint: Water flows through gravel without an ag pipe. Here’s the order of the universe: Gravel – Highly porous with large particle sizes that allow water and air to pass through easily. Coarse Sand – Very porous, with relatively large particles and low […]