Structural Engineering Calculations
Calculations are the part of the job where individual structural elements are analyzed mathematically, and the results are compared with values allowed by the code. Calculations are either performed after the structural design is complete, and then the structural design is adjusted as required by the calculations, or the calculations and structural design proceed simultaneously, where members are designed directly from calculated values rather than being estimated first.
Structures can be divided into two main areas, typically referred to as the "vertical" and "lateral" design. As the names suggest, the vertical design is for vertical loading, such as for the weights of building materials, people and storage. Lateral loads are basically sideways, or lateral, loads on the structure, typically from wind or earthquake forces. There are many other types of vertical and lateral loads, but these are the ones that would typically affect your project the most.
Calculations can be performed by hand- with pencil on paper, or by computer. Most calculations we perform are done by computer. For specialized or unusual types of analyses, hand methods may be employed depending on what is the most efficient on a case-by-case basis, but for general, routine calculations, computer methods are much more cost-effective.
Elements typically analyzed are beams, posts, roof framing members, connections, exterior walls for lateral forces and uplift forces caused by lateral forces, and foundations. Foundation are checked primarily for vertical loads, but sometimes for uplift and lateral forces where applicable.
Please contact us for help in performing any needed engineering calculations for your project.