Structural Engineering Services
Peer Review
Terra can provide a peer review report as an expert second professional opinion.
Site Supervision
During the construction period, Terra will supervise the construction to ensure that the works are undertaken according to design and to the required standard of Council. This certifies that the work completed is carried out to the highest standard. Terra's supervisors will actively ensure that the agreed plans match the work being carried out on site.
Structural Assessment & Forensic Report
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Structural integrity report where integrity of structural elements and overall been assessed
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Structural damage assessment when structure been affected by any natural disaster such as earth quack or extreme weather event such as floods, etc.
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Seismic assessment where current condition of structure been rated in terms of so called NBS value. This exercise is provided in two levels:
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First procedure called initial assessment (ISA) which indicates NBS rating based on MBIE/SESOC guideline. Where NBS value appears to be greater than 67% no additional action required. If NBS value appears to be less than 67% second stage of assessment required
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Detailed seismic assessment (DSA) is the procedure where engineers back analysis the structure to identify actual performance of structure during target seismic event based on MBIE/SESOC requirement. This procedure can be so called displacement base or force based and would include structural FEM (finite element modelling). If NBS value remain to be less than 67% seismic strengthening required. Tera’s Engineers also will indicated potential collapse hierarchy which will play immanent roll in indication through potential of structure during and targeted seismic event
Structural Analysis & Design
Terra's Engineers analyse the structure using both traditional and performance-based design approach which one more practical. This applies to:
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New build
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Structural remodelling included alteration and addition,
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Repair and strengthening.
Terra’s Engineers are using most UpToDate techniques and tools in order to provide most practical and economic design which fit to purpose based on client needs for each project. Based on structural analysis outcome, Terra, engineers will provide appropriate design procedure performs based on requirement of NZ standard and most recent industrial practice using various structural materials based on construction type included but not limited to timber structure (included CLT), Steel structure, Reinforced concrete structure (included precast and cast insitu) and composite structure. Out come of this service would be detailed structural drawing using Revit software which provides correct level of structural detailing which clear enough for any experienced contractor to execute as simple/ practical to avoid any confusion and minimise possible mistakes during the construction by contractor. Structural design provided by Terra’s engineers is included but not limited to:
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Multistorey Structures
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In-Ground Structures includes piles, retaining walls, palisade walls, etc. Terra Engineers will perform most practical design which fit to purpose and based on the Geotechnical information of the type of ground, the ground condition, the slope, stability and soil parameters.
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Infrastructure included but not limited to Pipe Bridging & culverts
Terra Engineers will lease with geotechnical engineer to discuss and obtain required Geotechnical information and soil parameters in most practical way.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions people ask terra
What does a Chartered Structural Engineer do and how can they help with my project?
A Chartered Structural Engineer is professional engineer who specializes in designing and analyzing structures to ensure they are safe, stable, and compliant with building codes. They work on various projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. By assessing load-bearing capacities, materials, and structural integrity, they ensure your project meets all safety standards and regulations. Their expertise helps prevent structural failures and optimizes the design for cost-efficiency and durability.
I am a new vendor planning to buy a property. Based on the pre-purchase inspection, what services should a Chartered Structural Engineer provide?
Before purchasing a property, a Chartered Structural Engineer can perform a detailed structural inspection to identify any existing issues or potential problems. They assess the condition of foundations, load-bearing walls, beams, and other structural elements. Their report will highlight any necessary repairs or reinforcements and provide an estimate of the associated costs. This information is crucial for making an informed decision and negotiating the purchase price.
When should I involve a Structural Engineer in my building project?
You should involve a Structural Engineer at the early stages of your building project, ideally during the planning and design phase. Their input is essential for creating safe and efficient structural designs that comply with building codes. Additionally, they can provide guidance on materials, construction methods, and potential challenges. Involving a Structural Engineer early on helps prevent costly changes and delays during the construction phase.
What are the common signs that indicate the need for a Structural Engineer's assessment?
Common signs that indicate the need for a Structural Engineer's assessment include visible cracks in walls or foundations, sagging or uneven floors, doors and windows that stick or do not close properly, and any noticeable shifts or tilts in the structure. Additionally, if you are planning renovations that affect load-bearing elements, or if the building has been subjected to extreme weather or seismic activity, a Structural Engineer's evaluation is essential to ensure safety and stability.
How can a Structural Engineer help with seismic retrofitting of buildings?
A Structural Engineer plays a crucial role in seismic retrofitting, which involves strengthening existing buildings to withstand earthquakes. They assess the current structural integrity of the building and identify vulnerabilities. The engineer then designs and oversees the implementation of retrofitting measures, such as adding shear walls, bracing, or foundation reinforcements. These improvements enhance the building's resilience to seismic activity, protecting occupants and reducing potential damage. In that count Terra will provide most UpToDate Finite element analysis toll to assess through potential of the structure in course of a seismic event. It might play vital role in seismic rating of the building.
Why us?
Our Structural Engineering department offer practical and cost-effective solutions every day.Our teams are proactive in anticipating and solving challenges. We create a friendly environment which creates productivity, creativity, problem solvers and cleverness.
Residential & Commercial
For excellence in engineering, you cannot choose better than Terra.
We are industry leading specialists in civil engineering, structural engineering & environmental engineering – it’s the core of our business and what we do best.
Independent Expert Advice
Terra Consultants can provide structural engineering services for residential, commercial and industrial structures/buildings. Our Christchurch-based team is very experienced in the Canterbury earthquake recovery effort and can provide structural damage assessments, remedial design, and construction management.
The teams are very busy providing professional structural engineering advice, design and construction management on projects for a wide range of Clients. Our structural engineers also provide independent expert witness to the courts for earthquake related structural damage insurance claims.
Expert Structural Engineering
Terra's structural engineering team are experienced to recognise, determine and forecast built structures. Structural engineering uses theory based on physical laws and observed factual knowledge of the structural performance of various materials, etc. It is our structural engineers job to ensure that this is carried out in a cost effective way for our clients.
Our experienced engineering consultants are trained in everything from feasibility analysis right through to construction management and certification.
All of our structural engineers and technicians are trained in the latest software and equipment. At Terra we like to stay on the cutting edge of industry technology.
Our Structural Engineering department draw on the different project experiences each employee has to make sure our proposed solution is the right one. Our team collaborates daily and we encourage peer reviews at all relevant stages of a project.
Structural Engineering Manager
Msc(Struct), PhD, CPEng, CMEngNZ. IntlPE(NZ)/APEC Engineer, MIEAustCPEng
Frank is a senior structural engineer with over 18 years’ experience in structural engineering design for various concrete, steel, and timber (included CLT) structure alongside with structural seismic performance assessment. He has been involved in residential, commercial, and industrial projects located in Malaysia and New Zealand.
Frank has been involved in a range of structural engineering activities ranging from ordinary to complex multi-story project. He has experience in more complex structural analysis methods such as time history/performance design. Frank also has experience in forensic engineering, seismic assessment (IEP and DSA) and seismic restraint design.