Our Latest Blog Posts
What is a reinforced concrete structure?
Reinforced concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in modern engineering. [...]
Changes to Design and Build — Cost, Compliance and the Changing Shape of Project Involvement
On the horizon are changes to design and build, and possibly the end of [...]
Civil Engineering Preplanning Advice: Why early engagement is critical to project success.
Watch our video on pre-planning advice at the end of this article. In the [...]
SWJ Consulting’s flexible and value-driven approach to steel frame designs
Steel frames are one of the most fundamental building techniques in modern construction. They [...]
Infrastructure Adoption with SWJ Consulting’s civil engineers
Adoption, in relation to civil engineering, is the formal process where newly built infrastructure, [...]
Repurposing school buildings from the last 50 – 250 years. SWJ Consulting’s expertise in providing schools and universities with the right advice.
At SWJ Consulting, our structural and civil engineering teams have built a strong reputation [...]
How wastewater design and adoptable drainage integrate with SuDS
Designing efficient foul and surface water drainage systems has become a critical part of [...]
Surface Water Flooding in the Sequential Test: What the 2024–2025 NPPF and PPG updates mean for developers
The recent updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (December 2024) and the [...]
From Concept to Construction: How Structural Technicians Bring Designs to Life
At SWJ Consulting we pride ourselves on delivering practical and efficient solutions, backed by [...]
Retaining Wall Options for Basements
When constructing a basement, one of the most critical design considerations is how to [...]
Composite flooring in a residential project – why not?
SWJ Consulting is working with an architect on a private high-end residential build, with [...]
Structural Engineering for a more Sustainable Future – SWJ Consulting’s Alternative Energy Work
SWJ Consulting Ltd, has offices in Witney (Oxfordshire) and Southampton and has steadily expanded [...]
Avoiding over-design because of trees – Arboricultural Surveys will save you money in the long run.
Trees can have a drastic effect on buildings if their immediate and future impacts [...]
Steel frame and flooring options
Composite Concrete Floors Our favourite type of solution for a steel frame is a [...]
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 [...]
Hydropower: An efficient hydroscrew complete with fish pass and baffles
On the River Goyt in Stockport, Greater Manchester, there is an 18th Century Grade [...]
Hydropower: Increasing the efficiency of an Archimedes screw
Minster Mill is a hotel in Minster Lovell, a small village 11 miles from [...]
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 [...]