Simplify was appointed as the structural engineer for a new residential development, comprising of a new basement construction and a superstructure in Leicester. The new basement structural design required the consideration of both horizontal and vertical loads. The horizontal loads included forces imposed by......
10 September, 2021
Structural engineers are constantly having to consider what loads will be in action, and how structures can be made to withstand these loads. A load can be defined as a force that a building or structure must be able to resist. Building loads must......
08 August, 2021
The purpose of foundations is to provide the necessary support for structures, providing resistance to the loads that act on them. Foundations function as structural systems, transferring loads to the soil under them, offering stability and resistance to the loads. Foundations are crucial to the......
03 August, 2021
You may know them as either tensions traps or bat straps. Whatever you know them as, they are necessary for the restraint of floor and roof structures to walls. This is usually to stop bulging or cracking of walls, with the most common cause being......
14 June, 2021
Simplify Engineering are delighted to announce our civil and structural design contract for a spectacular eco-home. It will overlook the picturesque Pitsford Water in Northamptonshire. Pitsford Water is a truly breathtaking site nestled in rural Northamptonshire. As part of a nature reserve, the area is......
12 June, 2021
Noticing your walls bowing or bulging is the first sign that you need to get the underlying problem resolved. The problem is that there are many possible causes for walls bowing or bulging, so it is best to get the advice of a structural engineer.......
06 May, 2021
When making reference to a window lintel, we refer to the structural support that is installed horizontally above doors and windows. This supports the load of the structure above it. In terms of materials, lintels are made of concrete, bricks, timber or metal. They are......
03 May, 2021
Most of us will have found cracks in the brickwork or concrete walls of our house at some point. In older houses, it is expected that there will be some small cracks here and there. But it is still very necessary to understand exactly which......
20 April, 2021
Subsidence is no small matter. In fact, it is arguably the most serious issue a property can suffer from, as it not only impacts the structural integrity of the building but will substantially affect its resale value. Spotting the signs of subsidence early on will......
18 April, 2021
If the past year’s lockdowns have shown us anything, it is the value of space. It is not always possible to relocate to solve your space issues, but many of us have a solution in the form of hip to gable loft conversions. What is......
11 March, 2021
The early part of 2021 is continuing in the same vein as 2020. Many of us are cracking on with those home renovation projects, which are usually put on the back burner for some time. This article will look at the ins and outs of......
11 March, 2021
Steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning less steel is required in a beam than if other materials used, which makes it a sustainable and cost-effective choice. Steel is capable of withstanding high loads with minimum deflection, which prevents movement and cracking of brittle finishes......
13 January, 2021
Choosing the right size of steel beam is essential when it comes to construction projects, as steel beams will form an integral component of your building. So, choosing the correct size of beam to support the structure is imperative. The decision will be based on......
13 January, 2021
To help answer why you need a structural engineer, let’s explore what the role of a structural engineer actually is. What is a structural engineer? In the context of residential property, a structural engineer’s job is to design and plan. They also ensure the correct......
18 November, 2020
If you are wondering, ‘do I need a structural engineer for my extension’, I hope that you take the time to read this short article. We will outline some key reasons why a structural engineer is an integral part of your proposed extension. They are......
29 October, 2020
We recently completed an interesting project involving the conversion of a Victorian Gold Factory in the Jewelry District of Birmingham into a commercial space. This also involved the basement, lower levels and residential premises in the upper levels. Successful warehouse conversions provide a glimpse into......
12 October, 2019
We were recently tasked to work on a new construction with structural steel frames. The scheme required large open spaces, which is becoming common in modern, industrial designs. So, a steel frame was naturally needed for the superstructure. This was both for vertical loading and......
12 October, 2019
Simplify Engineering was instructed to provide structural engineering solutions for the scheme of a new school building. The major challenge in this project were the foundations. There were large sections of backfill and overlaying sandy clay. This presented a less-than-ideal ground type for the build.......
12 October, 2019
Are you removing an external load bearing wall or an internal wall? While most modification work is fairly quick and simple to achieve, things can become more complex if your plans include knocking down an external load bearing wall or removing internal walls. These links......
29 April, 2019
Do I need a Planning Application? This is a common question when people are planning some kind of modification to their property. Consequently, one that if you don’t consider may come back to bite you badly. Consider the plight of Garland Developments who built 34......
24 April, 2019
Do I need loft conversion structural calculations? For many years, lofts were the spaces in our houses that were overlooked. Used primarily for storage of things that we really didn’t need on a day to day basis. They can become tired, dusty and unloved. Then......
24 April, 2019
This week our engineer has been busy in Derbyshire designing a steel beam for a load bearing wall which is to be removed on this historical property built in the 1500’s. ...
04 February, 2019
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