Cornell Engineers provides practical structural engineering advice when construction uncovers something unexpected.
Existing buildings do not always match the drawings. Demolition can expose damaged framing. Excavation can reveal poor ground, groundwater or services in the wrong location. Footings may be difficult to build as originally detailed. Previous alterations may have changed the way the structure works.
When that happens, our role is to inspect the actual conditions, understand the structural issue and provide a practical way forward.
Request construction engineering advice.
When Construction Does Not Match the Drawings
Construction on existing buildings rarely goes exactly to plan.
Once work starts, builders may discover:
- hidden structural members;
- unexpected framing arrangements;
- deteriorated timber or steelwork;
- footings that differ from the drawings;
- previous alterations that were never documented;
- groundwater or unsuitable founding material;
- services affecting footing locations;
- damaged structural elements; or
- site conditions that make the original detail impractical.
Rather than making assumptions on site, we assess what is actually there and advise on the structural implications.
Engineering Advice During Construction
We are particularly well suited to situations where construction has already commenced and a practical engineering decision is needed before work can continue.
Typical matters include:
- deteriorated or damaged structural timber;
- framing exposed during demolition;
- footing changes where rock, soft ground or groundwater is encountered;
- alternative footing systems;
- beam or lintel substitutions;
- bracing and tie-down issues;
- retaining wall modifications;
- temporary structural support;
- structural alterations;
- drainage details affecting structural elements; and
- repair details following storm, flood, fire or impact damage.
Practical Structural Solutions
Good construction engineering should solve the problem without creating unnecessary work.
Where possible, we work with the existing structure rather than recommending demolition or redesign that is not needed.
Depending on the issue, the solution may involve:
- changing the footing type;
- introducing additional bracing;
- strengthening an existing member;
- modifying a support detail;
- revising a connection;
- adjusting a repair detail;
- altering drainage around a structural element; or
- developing a simpler way to construct the intended outcome.
The aim is to provide a solution that is structurally appropriate and realistic to build.
Site Inspections
Most construction engineering matters start with a site inspection.
We inspect the exposed conditions, review the available drawings and discuss the issue with the builder, project manager or property owner.
Following the inspection, our advice may include:
- verbal engineering advice;
- a concise written report;
- marked-up photographs;
- engineering sketches;
- repair or strengthening recommendations; or
- further investigation where the available evidence is not sufficient.
Working With Builders
Builders need answers they can actually build.
Our recommendations are intended to be straightforward, practical and compatible with the existing structure and construction sequence.
Where appropriate, we can liaise with the builder during construction to clarify the engineering intent or respond to additional site conditions as they are uncovered.
Insurance Repair Work
Many construction engineering matters arise during insurance repairs.
Storm, flood, fire, impact and water-damage repairs can expose concealed structural conditions that were not evident when the original repair scope was prepared.
We assist insurers, loss adjusters and repair builders by assessing those conditions and recommending practical structural repair methods that can be incorporated into the works.
Existing Buildings Need Different Thinking
Working on an existing building is not the same as designing a new one.
Older structures may contain undocumented alterations, ageing materials, previous repairs and construction methods that differ from current practice.
Our job is to understand how the building actually works and develop a solution appropriate to that structure, rather than treating it as though it were new.
When Cornell Engineers Is a Good Fit
We are particularly well suited to construction matters where:
- unexpected structural conditions have been uncovered;
- the original detail is impractical to construct;
- existing framing or structural elements need assessment;
- ground conditions require a footing change;
- damage has been discovered during demolition;
- repair work needs structural input;
- a builder needs a practical engineering detail; or
- an insurer, project manager or owner needs independent structural advice before work continues.
We do not try to act as a general construction help desk for every small site query. Our focus is on matters where experienced structural engineering input can resolve a genuine construction problem.
Need Construction Engineering Advice?
If construction has uncovered an unexpected structural issue, send us the site address, photographs, relevant drawings and a short explanation of what has been found.
We will review the information and let you know whether the matter is a good fit for Cornell Engineers before preparing a fee proposal.