Our structural engineering experts can provide the following services:
- Assess the performance of existing structures in their current state (buildings, tunnels, bridges, rail infrastructure, etc.)
- Propose remedial actions that can be undertaken to improve a structure’s integrity and increase its resistance capacity (concrete, metal, masonry and wood)
- Undertake feasability studies and develop structural modification solutions or rehabilitation programmes (bridge widening, bearing replacement, structure jacking, etc.)
Our expertise in structural engineering:
Undertaking existing structure assessments including on-site inspections and surveys, mechanical testing and instrumentation and monitoring
- Non-destructive testing techniques including cover meter surveys, radar and 3D tomography. Discover our auscultation and testing tools for structures and materials
- Measurement of residual tension of prestressed cables using the “cross-bow” tensile measurement method
- Surveying structural geometry using site-based measurement campaigns, infrared readings, photogrammetry and 3D scanning. Learn more about digital inspection
- Reinforcement integrity checks (passive and prestressed reinforcement) using NDT methods and testing
- Sampling and compression tests on concrete cores or masonry blocks to assess residual strength. Learn more about our materials laboratory
- Visual classification, sampling and mechanical characterisation of wooden structures (solid wood, glued laminated timber)
- Sampling and tensile tests on steel and puddled iron. Learn more about our materials laboratory
- Instrumentation, establishment of alert/alarm thresholds, supervision and treatment of measurements, interpretation, monitoring. Learn more about our Monitoring solutions
Assessing existing structures: studies, modelling and recalculation
Structural recalculation is the daily activity of our structural engineering office. Our experience in this field has enabled us to develop a solid verification methodology.
This effectively combines flexibility with diligence.
- Our diligence allows us to process input data which is often incomplete to meet multiple needs: operational changes, analysis of defects, changes in the structure or its environment, taking a degraded state into account, etc.
- Its thoroughness guarantees the reliability of our conclusions, which is vital in terms of structural safety and property management.
The main stages in our methodology:
- documentary study (structural file, old regulations, etc.)
- determination of the relevant normative and regulatory standards
- pseudo-regulatory approach (adaptation of safety coefficients, regulatory criteria, etc.)
- taking into account the integrity of the structure (residual resistance of materials, cracking, corrosion, degradation of ductile capacities, etc.)
- 3D finite element modelling (Nemetschek SCIA Engineer® software, Graitec Advance Design®, Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis® and CESAR LCPC®)
- use of any instrumentation data and modelling calibration
- verification of structural safety, serviceability, fire resistance time
- identify the origin of the defects and assess their potential for harm
- assess the residual lifespan
Carrying out work on existing structures: making safe, repairing or reinforcing
Our engineering office has developed cutting-edge expertise in repair and reinforcement solutions, from the simplest to the most innovative. Our active technology watch ensures that we can always offer the technologies most suited to our customers’ needs: optimised cost and implementation time, minimal impact on operations, etc.
The techniques we practice daily in our studies include:
- additional prestressing
- bonded composite material
- shotcrete
- ultra-high performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPC)
- underpinning by micro-piles
- jacking
- structural injection
- repair of wooden structures using composite rods
- repair of metal structures by welding, bolting, riveting, etc.
- emergency shoring or reinforcement
- etc.
Modifying existing structures: supporting your projects
Over time, structures need to adapt to the changes happening around them.
We can provide engineering expertise for projects involving structural adaptations at every stage, from initial feasability study to execution on site.
Some examples:
- building raising project
- changes to the operation of a building
- replacement of roof covering
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- repair of a masonry arch bridge with a shotcrete counter-arch
- bridge widening
- reinforcement of engineering structure by installing additional prestressing or bonded composite material
- jacking and replacement of bridge bearings
- bridge verification for exceptionnal loads
Our structural expertise: an essential tool for risk management
- We use 3D finite element modelling of the structure
- We use instrumentation and observational data to calibrate the model
- We verify structural safety, serviceability and durability in accordance with regulatory guidance
- We recommend and design corrective solutions, such as safety measures, repairs and reinforcement
The benefits for our clients:
- Clear and precise data on the actual performance of structures (e.g. load-bearing capacity, remaining service life and fire resistance)
- Cost-optimised repair solutions
- Cutting-edge expertise to ensure the success of projects such as building extension, roof replacement and jacking of engineered structures
The advantages of our structural engineering
Specialised engineering solutions
in repair and reinforcement
Expertise in all types of structures
engineering structures, buildings, civil engineering, etc.
30 years of experience
in civil engineering, building construction and engineering structures
Sustainable development
the durability of engineering structures reduces their environmental impact
Expertise in all types of materials
reinforced/prestressed concrete, steel, wood, masonry, regardless of the age of the building
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