Last edited 15 Oct 2020

Detailed structural design

Structural engineers design, assess and inspect structures to ensure that they are efficient and stable.

The design process is typically an iterative one, where, at each iteration, there are inputs, there is a design process and then there are outputs. At the end of each iteration, the outputs are reviewed and then the process begins again.

Detailed design is sometimes referred to as 'developed design' or 'definition'. It is the process of taking on and developing the approved concept design, which is a first response to the project brief.

By the end of the detailed design process, the design should dimensionally correct and co-ordinated, describing all the main components of the building and how they fit together. However, technical aspects of the design may require further development, work by specialists may not yet have been fully incorporated into the design and it will not have been packaged for tender.

Detailed design should provide sufficient information for applications for statutory approval to be made.

Detailed structural design involves the investigation of the stability, strength and rigidity of the structure to be built, based upon the physical requirements of the building and an understanding of the structural performance the materials and geometries used. The basic objective is to produce an efficient structural system, capable of resisting specified applied loads without failure during its intended lifecycle. The design should determine the most suitable proportions, dimensions and details of the structural elements and connections.

Structural plans sections, elevations and specifications should be prepared, indicating:

The location of all structural elements in relation to gridlines.
Dimensions and sizes of beams, columns, walls and slabs.
Sketch details of junctions and proposed fixings.
Superimposed loading allowances for each floor slab.
The proposed discipline for all holes through the structure giving the range and sizes permissible.
An outline specification including total weights of reinforcement.
Highlight any changes from the concept design.
Provide the services engineer with sufficient information to undertake the services design.

Detailed structural design will typically be followed by the preparation of production information, that is, information which can be passed to the construction team to enable the project to be built.