Foundations · calculationFrom €719 excl. VAT (business) · €869.99 incl. VAT (private customers)What can be included in your commission?
Your quote specifies the exact elements and documents. The following topics matter for this structural calculation:
Foundation design
The agreed foundation elements based on the building and design assumptions.
Building and ground
Coordination of loads and available ground information, including identification of further investigations needed.
Details and documents
The calculations and agreed drawings for the foundations and connections.
Calculations, drawings and construction work are separate parts of a project. Your quote defines what is included. Mention any questions about a site visit, temporary support or design changes.
Start with a short description and the information you already have. Sending an enquiry is free of obligation and does not place a paid order.
What is assessed?
The foundation distributes the forces from the building over the load-bearing soil or foundation piles. The choice follows from the loads, soil structure and allowable deformations. The dimensions of the building alone are insufficient for this.
In existing construction, settlements, existing pile data and the connection to new components play a role. Available soil research is included; missing information may require additional research.
What data is needed?
The following information can be used to prepare the assessment. The structural engineer determines whether additional research is necessary.
| Information | What should you send? |
|---|---|
| Loads and design of the superstructure | Include the design and any available structural design information; you do not need to calculate loads yourself. |
| Available soundings or soil reports | Provide the complete available investigation, including location information and appendices. |
| Existing foundation drawings | Identify drawings of the existing building and those of any extension. |
| Data about adjacencies | Show neighbouring buildings on a site plan and identify missing information. |
Not everything available yet? Describe what you have and what is missing. You do not need to calculate load capacity yourself. Any survey or additional investigation needed will be discussed for your project.
Materials and drawings
The choice of materials and connections follow from the design. Read more about Concrete and reinforcement and the difference between a architectural drawing and a construction drawing.
How does the process proceed?
You describe your project and share the available data. The assignment, any additional information and planning are then coordinated. Check it out complete step-by-step plan for all phases.
Price and scope: agree these points first
The price above is a starting point. Compare quotations covering the same elements and ask for additional work to be listed separately.
What should be calculated?
State whether the work concerns a new building, an extension or existing foundations. Define the foundation elements and building loads to be included in the calculation.
What needs a separate agreement?
Cone penetration testing, geotechnical advice, inspections, repair advice and construction are separate elements. Identify existing investigations and who will supply missing information.
What affects the schedule?
The investigations needed and coordination with the building design affect the schedule. A general soil map or a neighbour’s investigation does not automatically replace information for your site.
Ask your quotation to identify who prepares the calculations, who provides the drawings and who answers technical questions. State your preferred date; feasibility is agreed for your commission.
Can I already order material?
Order structural parts based on the coordinated and current design data. A preliminary estimate is not a complete basis for this.
Is a site visit necessary?
That depends on the project and the available information. Sometimes drawings and photos are sufficient for the inventory; sometimes an admission or additional examination is necessary.
What happens if my plan changes?
Report changes before they are implemented. The structural engineer assesses whether calculations and drawings need to be adjusted.
Frequently asked questions about foundations
Is a CPT the same as foundation advice?
No. A CPT is a measurement of the properties of the subsurface. An advice connects soil data with the design question and building loads. Ask what studies are available and whether they are sufficiently appropriate for the location and the proposed structure.
Can an existing foundation be reused?
This requires an assessment of the existing foundation, its condition and the new load. Available drawings, pile data, soil surveys and previous reports can help. The mere fact that a building has been there for a long time does not provide an answer to a new structural change.
Is reinforcement indicated in the foundation calculation?
Which reinforcement drawings or details you receive depends on the design and the assignment. Record which foundation components are calculated and how the calculation is delivered. Coordinate supplier information and any implementation questions with the party that designs the relevant parts.
Why are the adjacent buildings relevant?
Construction, excavation or changes in the subsurface can affect adjacent areas. The data and research required depends on the situation. Indicate the distance to other buildings and share known information about existing foundations, basements and damage.
Related structural topics
Your project location
Provide the building address and share available drawings and photographs. Discuss whether a site survey is needed and which travel or investigation costs form part of the commission.