WCSL create every project with efficiency and functionality. Our work is backed by a strong knowledge of structural engineering and many years of hard work. WCSL engage in new challenges, so every effort is put into the project to achieve success. WCSL will build effectively using solid but also cost-effective solutions. WCSL have extensive knowledge. experience and capability to use different tools and work in a variety of materials like steel, reinforced concrete or composite of many different ones. WCSL will execute even the most complex design to meet client’s needs.

We Strive to bring the very best structural engineering solutions to your project.

WCSL Structural Engineers are fully qualified and specialise in residential and commercial structural design. WCSL provide can provide calculations pack for every design. Our calculations can be issued to the local authority for approval. If they have any questions, we will deal with the rest.

Building regulations – The process.

To satisfy building regulations in construction you must first obtain planning permission. This can be gained by consulting an architect. They will issue drawings of the proposal and an application to the council.

If approved, one must now satisfy the building regulations. A more detailed set of drawings will need to be made by the architect and the structural engineer will need to undertake their design.

When complete, the full building regulations package will consist of a structural plan, structural calculations and detailed architects drawings. This package needs to be issued to the local authority for approval.

They will ask the structural engineer / architect any questions they may have. Once the queries are satisfied, the local authority will approve the building regulations as long as the proposed works are constructed as per the drawings.

WCSL are a dynamic London based structural design practice focused on quality architectural and structurally challenging projects, big and small. We employ experienced chartered engineers, who add value to projects by designing well detailed and efficient structures.

The structural engineering division was established in 2010 with a focus on providing high quality structural engineering design services to cope with the demand for providing an “all in one service” but also to cater for independent structural engineering needs by our clients.

We have a wide breadth of experience in structural design across the domestic, residential, commercial, education and cultural sectors. Our versatility means we can add value on a broad range of projects from domestic refurbishments, to £10m commercial new builds, or maximising the number of storeys we can add to an old structure. Based in East London, we cover the whole of London, south east and beyond.

We work in 3D (Revit) on all scales of project and can even produce integrated 3D design of connections, temporary works and RC detailing with the main structural framing. We use the latest 3D modelling software to design structures efficiently whilst using BIM integration (level 2+) to coordinate with architects and services engineers on our larger projects. Our collaborative approach and search for efficiency saves our clients time and money when projects are onsite.

Our clients say they like working with us because of our professional, personable and responsive approach combined with our attention to detail and passion for what we do. We don’t simply find an engineering solution to a problem, we are proactive and work hard to find the optimum solution for the project. This has lead to our growing reputation for innovative, cost effective and practical structural solutions.

Loft Conversions.

One of the most popular and common methods to introduce an additional bedroom into your home without exceeding budgets. We have designed and constructed many loft conversions across the UK.

Loft conversions come in all shapes and sizes and we cater for all. All of our designs will include structural calculations and drawings. Talk to us about your loft conversion and how we can help you.

Extensions

Our engineers are experienced in designing all types of extensions. Whether it’s a large two storey side or a single storey rear extension under permitted development, we are here to help. We ensure your extension complies with building regulations and provide calculations to issue to the local authority.

Using us for your extension will guarantee an economical design to the latest standards. Contact us today for a free quotation.

Wall removals.

One of our most regular call outs is the wall removal. We will carry out a site visit, determine whether the wall is load bearing and design any required structural supports to enable the safe removal of the wall.

We provide a drawing from the dimensions taken on site and mark over the structural requirements for the builder to work from. We will also provide a calculations pack that can be issued to the local authority if required. Contact us today for information how we can help.

Beam design.

Do you need a beam sized? We can do this for you at any stage during your project. Our experienced engineers can review your requirements and provide you all the information you require.

Contact us today for assistance, we would be more than happy to help.

Internal alterations.

Whether or not you have architectural drawings, we can assist you with your internal alterations. We will carry out a site visit and work out the load-bearing elements of the building. From this we can design the relevant structural solutions.

If you are considering changing the layout of your property, contact us today.

Temporary works.

How do we install that beam? A question we are often asked. This falls under the category of temporary works.

We provide method statements and temporary works design on request.

Foundation Design

WCSL work closely with geotechnical consultants to design foundations is all types of ground conditions and scales of projects.

Modular construction is becoming increasingly popular. Whilst specialist manufactures often take design responsibility for the superstructure the foundations will need to be designed by a Structural Engineer.

Unknown ground conditions represents one of the highest risks to a project running over time or budget so we recommend commissioning ground investigation and desktop studies for large projects or at the least trial pits for small projects. A good ground investigation will help de-risk the project as it will enable us to design appropriate foundations with greater confidence in project budget costings and provides insight into any ground contamination issues.

Foundations may need to bridge obstructions such as underground drainage. We can provide Thames Water bridge over details.

Piled foundations may be required when loads are high, ground conditions are poor or when building close to large trees. When close to trees we commission soil testing which can often omit the need for piling which can save thousands of pounds.

Steel Design

WCSL are specialists in the design of structural steelwork. We use the latest 3D design software to efficiently design all types of steel frames. Many firms still simply design a few ‘worst case’ beams in 2D. This can lead to grossly over engineered designs which can typically be 20-30% more expensive to construct than a refined design.

Our structural analysis software links with our drawing package so we can quickly produce clear, high quality 3D drawings which are simple to build and give an assurance that if it works in 3D, it should work onsite.

We can also offer steelwork connection design.

Structural Inspections and Reports

SUBSIDENCE MONITORING, STRUCTURAL SURVEY

WCSL can investigate specific structural concerns from corroded steel, to spalling concrete, rotten timbers and cracked or bowing masonry.

We can carry out inspections and undertake a period of monitoring to understand the defect. We can prepare detailed reports for insurers and remedial repair details.

Reinforcement Detailing

When designing reinforced concrete structures, Structural Engineers specify the size and spacing of bars required in concrete to achieve the required performance. However contractors often require detailed drawings showing the length, size, shape and reference number for every bar plus schedules to allow the bars to be bent and cut offsite and ordered in. WCSL can offer this as an additional service.

WCSL are successfully pioneering the use of 3D reinforcement details created in our drawing package. This has many benefits over traditional 2D drawings including:

• • Greater confidence of fit onsite,
  • Automated schedules mean less risk of human error,
  • Bar setting out is shown graphically as well as traditionally meaning less mistakes are made onsite.

Temporary Works Design

The most dangerous time for a building occurs whilst extensive structural works are being undertaken. A carefully considered sequence of works is vital to ensure the building is adequately support at all stages of the construction.

If a builders does not have the relevant experience to undertake the temporary works design in-house we can assist with providing a fully designed service.

WCSL are leading the way in providing phased temporary works sequence drawings, modelled in 3D,  from demolition, through the key stages of construction to the final design.

Basement Construction Method Statements (CMS) for Planning

BASEMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT, BIA, BASEMENT, PLANNING 

Basement extensions are an increasing popular way to add additional space however many London boroughs are making it increasing difficult to achieve planning permission.

Planning applications often require detailed proposals for how the basement will be constructed safely, taking into account the specifics of the local ground conditions and proposed works. These reports are commonly referred to as Basement Construction Method Statements (CMS) or Basement Impact Assessments (BIA) and must be prepared by an experienced Chartered Engineer.

WCSL have helped secure planning for large and small basements across London, including under listed buildings.

Basements and Deep Excavations

BIA, CMS, UNDERPINNING

Basement are an increasing popular way to add additional space to a house or new development. Whilst basement construction is often viewed as risky it is perfectly safe if designed by experienced Chartered Engineers and built by competent contractors.

There are many different ways to construct a basement. Structural safety is at the core of what we do but we go further by ensuring our designs are economical to build and maximise the internal space.

WCSL have designed numerous basements across London from new build double storey commercial buildings, to underpinning and domestic basements under listed buildings.

Underpinning

Whether you require underpinning to remedy subsidence or settlement, to add additional storeys to an existing building, or to enable the forming of abasement beneath your property, WCSL have a wide breadth of experience.

Underpinning can be a disruptive and sometimes costly procedure, and we pride ourselves in ensuring that our clients gain the best value from the works.  Internal area in basements can be vastly increased through the design of ‘special’ foundations, and costs can be minimised with soil testing when combating subsistence.

Our experience in specialist balanced foundation underpinning, and screw piled underpinning for confined sites provides further flexibility to your development.

Steel Design

WCSL are specialists in the design of structural steelwork. We use the latest 3D design software to efficiently design all types of steel frames. Many firms still simply design a few ‘worst case’ beams in 2D. This can lead to grossly over engineered designs which can typically be 20-30% more expensive to construct than a refined design.

Our structural analysis software links with our drawing package so we can quickly produce clear, high quality 3D drawings which are simple to build and give an assurance that if it works in 3D, it should work onsite.

We can also offer steelwork connection design.

Steel Connection Design

Where steel beams and/or columns need to be connected, we can undertake the design and detailing of these connections. Whilst many firms leave this to the steelwork fabricator to design, we firmly believe that on certain projects, such as domestic projects, and where connections are exposed, that the Structural Engineer should design and detail the connections.

By detailing the connections, ourselves we can spot potential issues which may only come to light during construction which can cause delays. Additionally, if connection design is left to the fabricator, they will often pass an inflated design cost back to the builder, and ultimately the client.

We have invested in the latest connection design software and can design complex unique connections in FEM to ensure compliance with the the Eurocodes.

Modular Construction

Modular construction is becoming an increasing popular building solution owing to greater offsite quality and rapid onsite construction times.

We work closely with specialist modular manufacturers from around the world to coordinate with the rest of the onsite structure.

Civil Engineering

WCSL offer a complete Civil Design package, with design capability ranging from house extensions all the way up to master planning major developments and beyond.

Specifically, we are able to design your Below Ground Drainage infrastructure, co-ordinating will all design team members to ensure an simple, effective and efficient clash-free design.

We are able to produce Drainage Statement for planning purposes, to help satisfy and close out all relative conditions.

We offer a road and pavement build-up design service, along with levels design around external areas of developments, including adoptable areas such as vehicle crossovers or adoptable roads.

We offer design and co-ordination combined with our Structural team to present a complete Civil and Structural package, no matter the size or stage of development. 

Loft Conversions

WCSL can tailor our service to meet the needs of the project. We can design cost effective structural solutions with traditional 2D drawings and details for simple loft conversions; or cutting edge 3D drawings and bespoke details for more architecturally challenging projects.

The structural design of a loft conversion will depend on the construction of the existing roof as wells as the proposed configuration. Following our initial inspection we consider these different factors and design the most cost effective solution. Typically this will involve:

– New floor joists as the existing ceiling joists are unlikely to be sufficient to carry the increased loading from a loft conversion.
– New steel beams introduced within the floor to trim around the new stair opening (wherever possible we will use special details to avoid steels in the floor to save cost).
– New roof joists and steels (if required)