ENGINEERING YOUR PROJECT TOGETHER
WE Consulting Engineers was launched and became part of the Built Environment Collective in December 2020. BE Collective is a collective of complimentary and collaborative companies that specialise in different areas of the built environment with the intention of offering an enhanced holistic service to our clients.
We undertake structural and civil engineering designs on all project types from residential extensions, single dwellings, residential developments, to commercial, agricultural and industrial buildings.
As part of BE Collective our vision builds on our founding principles of customer service and well-being and is to:
‘Simplify the process of creating buildings and to deliver spaces that improve the lives of people that use them’
What does this mean to you? It means that you will receive a fully integrated service, with a streamlined process, central point of contact and more informed designs. This will ensure that you receive the best information simply and efficiently to successfully deliver your project.
Soil Tests/Investigations
Prior to commencing with foundation design, we attend site to investigate the existing ground conditions. This typically involves 3m deep holes (excavated by a JCB) and we can investigate and assess the existing ground conditions. We take soil samples to test the plasticity and use a shear vane meter to test the bearing capacity. This information is then collated in a report and allows us to make foundation recommendations. If space if tight we have our own hand auger equipment and can undertake a hand auger investigation to assess the existing conditions. In addition, if your project is an extension, we would also investigate the existing property foundations to inform our recommendations.
Foundation Design
Following the results of the soil test the recommendations may require specialist foundations to be designed to accommodate the proposed building loads and existing ground conditions. Whether these are stepped or deep-strip foundations, raft foundations or pile and ground beams we can provide design solutions to ensure your building is on strong foundations and capable of handling the ground conditions.
Structural Design
We combine traditional structural engineering and knowledge with the latest specialist design software to ensure that we can deliver appropriate designs efficiently to meet the project requirements. Whether a simple lintel/beam or more technical frame design in steel, timber or concrete we can provide full structural design to meet your requirements and ensure the stability of your project.We can also tailor the information you receive to meet your needs and budget. If the project is simple this can be a simple overmark of the architects plans to provide the required information in the most cost effective way, or if more complicated we can provide full CAD drawings to convey the needs of the project.
Structural Surveys
We can undertake structural surveys of existing buildings for the purposes of either diagnosing an issue, such as subsidence or failed lintels, or for the purposes of conversion, such as barn conversions. These reports can be used to provide to insurers to allow them to undertake further investigations and progress claims for any movement or for the purposes of supporting a planning application for the conversion of existing buildings. More recently we have been advising during the early stages of projects to deliver schemes that are acceptable under the Class Q Permitted Development regulations securing approval for residential use.
Infiltration Testing & BRE 365 Soakaway Design
As part of the drainage design process it is essential that the infiltration rate of the ground (the time it takes water to soak in to the ground) is established. We can undertake BRE365 infiltration tests or provide information to allow you to undertake your own tests. In addition, we work with several other specialists that can undertake detailed groundwater monitoring if this is required (we can advise).With the infiltration results we can determine whether soakaways are appropriate for drainage of the site and undertake the appropriate soakaway designs to comply with BRE365 and the Building Regulations.
Drainage Strategies & Flood Risk Assessments
As part of the Planning Application process a Flood Risk Assessment and or Drainage Strategy may be required. We can undertake and arrange for flood risk assessments to be completed and work with our sister companies toundertake sequential and exception tests as part of the planning application process. The flood risk assessment will steer development to the lowest flood risk areas possible and ensure that the development and occupants are technically safe from the risks of flooding identified from the Environment Agency flood data.The drainage strategy will use the infiltration test results and information regarding drainage assets in the area todetermine the most sustainable method of disposing of foul and surface water following the Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDs) hierarchy. It is important that the drainage strategy is integral to the earliest design stages as this can have a big impact on the development including layout and amount.
Detailed Drainage Designs
If a drainage strategy exists, or not, we can undertake detailed surface and foul water drainage designs. Using the latest software and technology we can provide detailed drawings, schedules and coordinates to deliver efficient, cost effective and buildable solutions for the drainage of your project. As part of this process we will also undertake the required application process with the water authority and drainage boards and the detailed designs can be submitted to Building Control for approval.
Road & Highways Design
Following the local and county design guides we provide full civil engineer designs for the drive, road and access arrangements on projects. Again, early involvement and working as part of the BE Collective team will ensure that the earliest design concepts are more robust and based on a detailed understanding of the requirements. Whether a private permeable block paved drive or fully adopted estate road network we can provide full detailed designs, build ups, details and specifications for both on-site and off-site highway improvement works. This includes footpath extensions, road widening, passing places, turning heads, new access points etc. As part of our works we undertake the relevant sectional applications with the authorities on your behalf.