Static Structural Engineers

Static Structural Engineers Consulting structural engineers, offering a broad range of design and consulting services for both new construction and existing structures.

It is a bird, no it is a plane, no that is, it is a floating house!Static recently got involved with this project to be ...
16/02/2022

It is a bird, no it is a plane, no that is, it is a floating house!

Static recently got involved with this project to be constructed somewhere in Western Cape.

Our involvement includes all Structural Engineering Items like Foundations, Concrete Slabs and Beams, Timber Decks and Stairs, Some Structural Steel Work. Static most spectacular input was to suggest that we could perhaps remove those posts from the Entertainment Area (in the red circle) – the images are the old 3D view at the top VS the NEW 3D view after the Final Engineering Design was reworked into the Architectural Plans – what a difference and a happy client!

Images used with permission from the Profesional Architectural Person Eric Turck.

New project kick off in Stellenbosch: Existing roof that show signs of failure, I have to advise how to fix it. Ye, some...
21/09/2021

New project kick off in Stellenbosch: Existing roof that show signs of failure, I have to advise how to fix it. Ye, sometimes structures need to be broken open for investigation purpose!

Delayed project start to move forward: Somewhere in Paarl. Soil investigation on problematic soil mass. This 3 story res...
21/09/2021

Delayed project start to move forward: Somewhere in Paarl. Soil investigation on problematic soil mass. This 3 story residential addition to building just became a 4 story structure, as I will advise the use of deep foundation pad footings on ground beams and a structural surface bed slab to bridge the poorly compacted soil layer.

Last week project kick off: Near Somerset West. Existing residential building of about 30 years of age, that is founded ...
21/09/2021

Last week project kick off: Near Somerset West. Existing residential building of about 30 years of age, that is founded on problematic soils. Client require oversight on what the future may bring.....

New project kickoff near Somerset West.- Design and inspection support of small additions.- Crack damage investigation.-...
10/09/2021

New project kickoff near Somerset West.
- Design and inspection support of small additions.
- Crack damage investigation.
- Pool design.
- Ground water control support.
- Check and advise to add a second story in the future.

Ongoing project near Greyton start construction phase, let the fun and games begin.- Discovery of fire damage on truss.....
10/09/2021

Ongoing project near Greyton start construction phase, let the fun and games begin.
- Discovery of fire damage on truss...... ish!
- Discovery of a single skin wall that was used as support would always be a unknown risk, very much fun to resolve these issues, meeting came up with a workable option, and all are happy.
- Last minute change of plans to redo a existing floor slab to remedy concerns, my job now is to figure out how to do it as cheap (but correct) as possible, I am working on a super method statement.

New project landed near Cape Town and will include:- Design check on existing steel beam that support a existing timber ...
10/09/2021

New project landed near Cape Town and will include:
- Design check on existing steel beam that support a existing timber deck, to hopefully allow the removal of support brick work.
- The support design to widen a doorway.
- Support on opening new entrance to existing bathroom.
- Extension of existing timber and steel baloney.
- Report writing on water ingress under pool.
- Supportive advice on new roof garden.

A recent Rib and Block Reinforced Concrete Slab Inspection. This slab is to exist in a upmarket - 3 level - split level ...
07/09/2021

A recent Rib and Block Reinforced Concrete Slab Inspection. This slab is to exist in a upmarket - 3 level - split level - with semi basement volume - residential town house in Stellenbosch.

Interesting points:
- The retaining wall rebar extend above the slab concrete, as the 'on plan' architectural levels had to be adjusted on site to fit the building to the site for a more practical outcome (with the owners knowledge/permission).
- The stair rebar/bearing to be completed.
- The wall 'overcast' concrete to be chopped out and be cleaned.
- Cement blocks under small beam in slab to be removed, and solid bearing to be established on wall.
- Slab to be cleaned prior cast (this is normally done after inspections, and just prior cast, due practical reasons).

I am comfortable to say I am a specialist with these type of slab designs/inspections as I have done hundreds of them with several similar products and in hybrid mixes of other slab systems and on critical/difficult work layouts and conditions.

02/09/2021

This week: Problematic Boundary Wall handed over to the City of Cape Town:

Recently a concerned client required a boundary wall to be investigated. The wall was subjected to ponding/damming stormwater from the adjacent property with severe storm weather events. On one of the site visits done for the investigation, it was observed that the ponded/dammed stormwater reach an approximate height of 800mm on one side of the wall. Water also flowed under pressure through gaps in the wall and 'boils' were visible from below the soil level. The wall was checked according to SANS 10400 and compared to the site measurements taken, and it was found that the wall would likely be overloaded and could collapse under similar loading conditions. The condition of the wall could worsen with wind actions. All stakeholders were informed about the dire condition when these loadings are reached. On finalization of the investigation, the client has determined the actual wall is not their property. Consequently, the City was informed about the matter as required by rule, and it was indicated that the City will take further and appropriate action against the Wall Owner.

Moral of the story:
If you do suspect your structure is unsafe, please make contact with a Profesional Engineering Person for advice - it is better to be safe than sorry!

26/08/2021

Professional Engineering Persons have to commit to ongoing Contionious Profesional Development over their career, thus, I recently observed some of the Structural Safety Reports from CROSS UK, with titles:
- Unsafe excavation practices.
- Lightweight concrete roofs.
- Composite deck boards in common property.
- Brick slips falling from height.
- Cross-laminated timber (CLT) in multi-story buildings.
- Fire compartmentation detailing issues.
- Structural corrosion in swimming pool building causes concern.
- Safety of structures in the climate emergency.
- Specification issue with hollow steel sections.
- Professional indemnity insurance issues raise safety concerns.
- Potentially unsafe software design for steel beams.
- Fire safety concern over green walls.
I also observed a recommendation 'IStructE strengthen CPD guidance on structural safety' where one comment indicate that documentaries of structural failures done for entertainment purpose could be a resource for CPD...... pity I did not take time and data logs with following the recent collapse of that building in Miami USA....
Today I ended my CPD work with a virtual meeting done by SAICE Geotechnical Division on 'Cape Town - Engineering Geology and Case Studies'.
All very insightful.

24/08/2021

Need Advice in Building Construction/Maintenance (Structures)

See comments for details!

Today: Glass Balustrade Inspection, somewhere close to Houtbay, and the another for same client in Hermanus. I only look...
17/08/2021

Today: Glass Balustrade Inspection, somewhere close to Houtbay, and the another for same client in Hermanus.

I only look at the Structural Integrity. Neatness (the visible cement marks, plastic and tape in view) and alignment is not part of my scope of work.

I can recommend this Glass Balustrade Company without much thought..... contact me for details. They also do other Frameless Glass work where they do not need my sign off.

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Gordon's Bay
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+27 73 579 9758

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