Our Latest Blog Posts
Avoiding Piled Foundations. Why they are needed and how we avoid them.
Piled foundations are commonly given as the worst-case scenario and generally avoided because of [...]
Designing Efficient Mezzanines: How to Avoid Costly Mistakes When Adding Load
We have been working with a fit-out contractor who take an existing building and [...]
The case of the 3-legged stool. Avoiding over-design in Structural Engineering.
Believe it or not, less is sometimes more in Structural Engineering; the skill is [...]
What is an Arboricultural Survey and why do I need one?
What’s an Arboricultural Survey and why do I need one? At SWJ Consulting, we [...]
Loose Bar vs Mesh Reinforcement: Time, Material & Environmental Considerations
When specifying reinforcement for concrete slabs, one of the most common questions we encounter [...]
Updated: SWJ’s Top Structural Warranty Providers
Updated: Our recommendations for Structural Warranty Providers This article was originally published in May [...]
The Benefits of Alternative Tender Bid from SWJ Consulting
Maximising Savings and Efficiency At SWJ Consulting, we understand that having a fresh perspective [...]
The difference between Alternative Tender Bids and Value Engineering
Understanding the Difference Between Value Engineering and Alternative Tender Bids Cost is a major [...]
The Importance of vibration control in life science structures that have MRI Scanners and X-rays
The Importance of vibration control in life science structures that have MRI Scanners and [...]
Composite Floor Slabs and Their Benefits in Structural Engineering
Understanding Composite Floor Slabs and Their Benefits in Structural Engineering Composite floor slabs are [...]
Cost of a structural engineer site visit – 2025
The cost of having SWJ Consulting come for an initial site visit to your [...]
What are rigid inclusions – Ground Improvement and foundation solutions
When designing foundations for any structure ground conditions play a crucial part in determining [...]
Structural Engineering Considerations for Water Treatment Tanks
Water treatment tanks are used for storing, treating, and processing water, and SWJ Consulting [...]
SWJ Consulting in-house reinforcement detailing
This blog was updated on 11th December 2024 - with a new video to [...]
What is a Fish Ladder, why might it be needed with an Archimedes Hydro screw?
The Archimedes hydro screw is an efficient and environmentally friendly method of generating hydroelectric [...]
Understanding Party Wall Awards
If you’re planning an extension, renovation, or new build on or near a shared [...]
Access Platforms for Wastewater Treatment
When designing for wastewater and treatment plants SWJ are often asked to design the [...]
What’s the difference between an Architect and a Structural Engineer?
When planning a new build, extension or renovation to your home, you'll likely need [...]
Why do I need a structural engineer?
It's a common question client's ask, why do I need a structural engineer? Architects [...]
What’s the best way to enter Structural Engineering?
Written by Russell Wrapson, this article was originally published in 2022 as a LinkedIn [...]
What is Lateral Stability in residential buildings?
Lateral stability is often misunderstood and underestimated when it comes to the design of [...]
Choosing the right block density – factors to consider
When specifying block density there is a balance to be had between weight and [...]
Lateral Stability in Commercial Buildings
Unlike residential homes that are inherently stable because they are essentially a cluster of [...]
Why do structural engineers insist on so many wind posts
We are asked about wind posts and their necessity in our designs all the [...]
How much room does a retaining wall need?
How much room does a retaining wall need? How do you know if a [...]
Bed joint reinforcement for developer-led housing
Bed joint reinforcement is a fabricated steel system that comes in a flat ladder [...]
How deep does my floor slab need to be? Why Care Homes, in particular, are continually disappointed
The floor depth, or the structural depth, is a function of the clear span [...]
New Office in Southampton
SWJ Consulting, a leading provider of civil and structural engineering consultancy services, is delighted [...]
Merry Christmas for New Distribution and Logistics Hub
SWJ, has successfully completed a challenging project for a very special but top secret [...]
FAQs – Structural Calculations for Solar Panels
Can I fit solar panels to a roof myself? DIY solar panels are available, [...]
5 Reasons your basement might leak, and what to do about it
In this article we look at the different reasons why your basement [...]
What to do if your basement floods?
Basements are becoming increasingly popular, and we are often asked ‘Can I [...]
Navigating Foundation Challenges in Chalk Soils with Karst Features
Navigating Foundation Challenges in Chalk Soils with Karst Features The dynamic geology of [...]
Solar Panels for Car Dealerships
SWJ Consulting can complete the calculations for businesses looking to install solar panels [...]
Galvanized Steel: The Optimal Choice for Coastal Corrosion Protection
In regions like the South Coast, the challenges posed by coastal winds and [...]
What is Building Control? How does it fit into a project?
Building Control or Building Regulations Approval are standards that apply to all buildings to [...]
What to do if you have a crack in your wall
There are a few reasons cracks might appear on your walls and so we [...]
Can I knock down a wall in my home – how can I tell if it’s load-bearing?
Removing walls to make homes more open-plan is becoming increasingly popular, but how do [...]
Can I build an extension over my garage?
Extending your home over an existing garage seems like an obvious way to increase [...]
What is the difference between a site Investigation and a topographical survey?
A site investigation and a topographical survey are two distinct types of surveys that [...]
Why do I need a site Investigation for my basement?
What is a site investigation? A site investigation, sometimes called a ground investigation will [...]
Comparing different types of swimming pool construction
What is the best type of construction for a swimming pool? In this article, [...]
Can I build a swimming pool in my garden?
Despite the British weather, more and more people are asking us ‘can I build [...]
Visiting the National Self Build and Renovation Centre
Director, Russell Wrapson explains the benefits of the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, [...]
Why We Don’t Call It BIM Anymore
Director, Russell Wrapson explains why we don’t call it BIM anymore. We like digital [...]
The Problems of Ground Beams and the NHBC Standards
Ground beams supported by piles are a tried and tested foundation solution for the [...]
Why use specialist Geotechnical Engineers?
SWJ engineers are structural engineers and like any profession, there are specialisms that individuals [...]
Structural Engineer for a single-storey extension?
Although you no longer need planning permission you still need to meet the Building [...]