The material determines how a part absorbs forces and deforms. The same span does not automatically lead to the same solution with wood, steel or concrete. Connections, sustainability, fire and the chosen construction method are part of the consideration.
Steel structures
Beams, columns, portals and trusses are assessed for their strength and stability. Base plates, welds and bolts must also be able to transfer the calculated forces.
Prepare: Provide profile data, steel quality, support points and connection details.
Wood constructions
Beam layers, purlins, trusses and timber frame construction require data about wood quality, moisture conditions and connections. Laminated wood and CLT also have product-specific principles.
Prepare: Share material or product declarations and the construction of walls and floors.
Concrete structures
For floors, beams, columns, walls and foundations, concrete and reinforcement are assessed together. The detailing must match forces, crack control and implementation.
Prepare: Collect concrete quality, reinforcement plans, dimensions and construction system.
Masonry constructions
Load-bearing walls, piers and stability walls transfer forces via stone and mortar. Openings, slenderness, eccentric loads and supports influence the assessment.
Prepare: Indicate type of stone, wall thickness, height and location of openings.
Collaborative steel-concrete structures
Steel and concrete can function as one load-bearing system when designed to work together. The connection between both materials and the construction phase are essential components.
Prepare: Provide details of the floor system, connection materials and installation sequence.
Aluminum constructions
Load-bearing aluminum profiles and frames require a material-oriented assessment. Alloy, profile shape, connections and any welding zones influence the properties.
Prepare: Share product details, alloy, profile sizes and connection details.
Data for the initial assessment
- Material type and quality
- Dimensions and spans
- loads and supports
- Connections and conditions during use
From request to defined assignment
- Capture situation. Describe the location, existing condition and intended change.
- Review data. Discuss which documents are useful and what additional research is needed.
- Agree on scope. Record which checks, drawings and implementation phases are being developed.
- Fine-tune design. Please include changes in dimensions, material or use in the documents.
What determines the price?
The scope of the calculations, available data, required details and coordination determine the assignment. There is no single prize for this category that covers all situations. View the known starting prices and quote requests.
Frequently asked questions
Can a wooden beam be replaced one-on-one by steel?
Not based on the outside size alone. Stiffness, load-bearing capacity, weight, support and connections change accordingly.
What is CLT?
CLT is cross-glued solid wood, used in walls and floors, among other things. The structure and product specifications are necessary for the constructive assessment.
Is the connection part of the material choice?
Yes. A suitable supporting part must also be able to transfer its forces via feasible connections.
Practical construction guides
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More information: NEN — classification of Eurocodes by material and subject.