Structural Engineering in Southern Utah
The Importance of Structural Engineering for Buildings and Structures in Southern Utah
Design and construction in Cedar City, St. George, and other Southern Utah locations require careful and precise structural engineering design due to the varied soil, regional seismic activity, and local geologic and terrain conditions. If you have been around Southern Utah for a while, chances are you are familiar with the term “Blue Clay” or “collapsible soil” and its effects on buildings and structures in the area. Expansive and collapsible soil can severely damage roads, building foundations, retaining walls, and sidewalks. How can you minimize structural damage to your Southern Utah residential, commercial, or institutional property? Contact a local engineer in Southern Utah that specializes in structural engineering.
What is structural engineering?
Structural engineering is a specialty within the field of civil engineering that focuses on the framework of structures and on designing those structures to withstand the stresses and pressures of their environment to remain safe and stable. Hiring an experienced structural engineer is critical when planning a residential or commercial project in Cedar City, St. George, and other surrounding Southern Utah locations. They will collaborate closely with your project's developers, contractors, architects, and other engineers. They are essential for the design and construction process of buildings and structures that will stand the test of time. The design method for a structural engineer includes the following:
Review building plans, site plans, reports, and topographical and geological data specific to Southern Utah.
Calculate the force and loads for the particular area that the structure will be built. Special details of how the structural members will be built or connected are also prepared. The engineer must understand and be familiar with the unique requirements of the specific Southern Utah project location.
Coordinate with contractors and developers in Southern Utah to plan for schedule and budget. In addition, the engineer and contractor team must forecast labor, material, and equipment needs that can be challenging to predict and obtain in Cedar City and other rural Southern Utah areas.
For existing structures in Utah, structural assessment and observations are sometimes required to purchase and/or rehabilitate commercial or residential properties. Additionally, many Southern Utah cities require special inspections of commercial buildings during construction for special structural members according to the building code to ensure they are safe for the community.
What to look for when hiring a structural engineer?
When hiring a qualified structural engineer in Utah, you should consider the following:
Do they have the proper qualifications and experience with Southern Utah soils and the local environment?
Do they have strong referrals from previous Southern Utah clients?
Is their portfolio of prior work substantial, and were the services provided needed for your project? Is their portfolio specific to your Southern Utah project?
Due to Southern Utah's unique soil and terrain characteristics, Watson Engineering has become a specialist in residential and light commercial design as well as retaining walls, to name just a few items. Watson’s structural engineers use their knowledge for these structures and more.
Watson Engineering has over 50 years of exceptional civil and structural design services in Southern Utah for new construction and renovations of commercial, residential, education, government, and renewable energy projects. Contact us to learn how we can assist you with your next project.
