Structural Design

Structural design is an iterative process of applying engineering mechanics and past experience to create a functional, economic, and, most importantly, safe structure. Using structural analysis techniques and conforming to design specifications, our structural engineers work to create a solution that fit our customer's needs.

The foundation is the most important part of your structure and SSC has many years of experience of designing and inspecting foundations in a variety of situations. Foundations are normally concrete, laid underground as a structural base to a wall. SSC takes all measures necessary that your foundation design is correct for your situation and will meet all codes.

Foundation problems should be addressed as soon as they are discovered and before the damage is irreversible. The two most common types of foundation failures are foundation settlement (vertical movement of the footers) and foundation wall bowing (lateral movement of below-grade walls).

Typical signs of foundation settlement are stair-step cracks and vertically sheared bricks or blocks. Bowing walls will commonly have a long horizontal crack starting 3 to 6 feet from a corner foundation to the opposite corner of the same wall.

The most common and typically most economical method of repairing failed foundations that have settled is to install a series of steel underpinning piers below the affected foundation area. The concept is founded on the principle of turning or pushing an anchor into stable subsoil strata until the torque or pressure applied indicates that the necessary load capacity has been achieved. The load-bearing steel shafts are installed independent of the structure and their bearing or holding capacity is verified as each pier is installed.

Adjustable brackets are then attached to the base of your foundation walls, connecting the anchors to the foundation. The weight of your home is then shifted to the anchors. In the process, foundations, walls, and floors are repositioned and retained (i.e., "jacked") from further movement.

The three most common remedial methods of stabilizing bowing walls are installing a series of (1) vertical struts or I-beams, (2) wall anchors or dead-man anchors, and (3) carbon strips. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and not all methods can be used in every situation. An SSC structural engineer can typically determine the most appropriate remediation method based on a visual observation of the failing wall.

Foundation remediation systems should only be installed only by contractors who have been certified by the manufacturer of the piering system used.

Framing is the backbone to any construction project and the structural engineers from SSC can create or assist you in the framing aspects of your project. Our many years of experience allow us to foresee future problems prior to the framing being constructed.

SSC structural engineers are also experienced in identifying problems with existing framing systems and can design solutions for any type damaged framing.

Whether your are trying to shore up an eroding hillside or would like to add some aesthetically pleasing retaining walls to your landscape, SSC can develop a plan to accomplish your goals. Not only do we have the training and experience to know what retaining wall system is best for your situation, we can assist you in finding accomplished landscapers to give your project the look you desire.

SSC can work with you and your general contractor to solve structural and geotechnical design issues that may develop when constructing an addition. Our years of experience working with city and county inspectors provides you the comfort of knowing that the designs we present will pass inspection and prevent costly reconstruction. SSC can perform many of the inspections required during construction as we are certified third-party county inspectors for most of the jurisdictions in the Washington DC Metro Area.