Structural Designs
Floor layouts can be created to be as open as possible. As you open up a floor space more and more, larger beams can be required to carry the load from long spans. See the example below:
A detailed Structural Engineer is a must have for any build. Structural Engineers usually start with the foundation footing design for most buildings.
In their engineering calculations, Structural Engineers take into the soil bearing pressure data when determining the footing width, footing depth, concrete type, and the amount/size of steel reinforcement to be placed within the footing. Soil pressure data is produced by Geotechnical Engineer and can involve, in some circumstances, drilling below the ground surface to determine the different layers of soil strata.
Bearing pressure is the maximum vertical pressure that can be applied to the ground surface. The Bearing pressure can change based on changing soil type and where you are located in Greater Vancouver or the Fraser Valley
Keep in mind it is best that Structural Engineers and Geotechnical Engineers work hand in hand.
Other considerations are in play for Structural Engineers when designing foundation walls. Hydrostatic pressure from ground water, against the foundation walls, can thicken the foundation wall, upsize the reinforcement required, thereby creating a costlier wall.
At Gold Lion Builders, we take into account the effect of water on the structure. One of our best practices is to backfill around foundation walls with a free draining gravel mix. Gravel mixes will not hold water. The gravel will direct water vertically away from the foundation wall to the perimeter drain tile/piping. The drain piping will then direct water away to the city storm system.
This system ensures water is never stagnant next to your foundation wall. If left stagnant, water will find the least path of resistance and work its way through a concrete wall and into interior space. Not an ideal situation as water can damage the concrete reinforcment embedded in the foundation wall.
Overall, it is highly recommended Structural Engineers are included for all residential building projects.
