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About Us Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for obtaining the structural soundness certificate?

Usually the property owner or developer. They must hire a qualified civil engineer or architect to inspect and issue the certificate after verifying compliance with safety and quality standards.

What Happens if a Structure Does not Obtain the Structural Soundness Certificate?

It may result in penalties, fines, limitations on the use of the property or, in serious cases, the obligation to reinforce or demolish due to risk to public safety.

Why is it Necessary to Obtain a Structural Soundness Certificate for Photovoltaic Structures?

It is necessary to ensure that the support structure of the solar panels complies with current safety standards and regulations. In addition, regulatory bodies and insurance companies often require it to guarantee the reliability and durability of the installation.

What Factors are Considered when Issuing a Solidity Certificate for Photovoltaic Structures?

The geographical location, wind and snow load, quality and resistance of materials, structure design, and its capacity to withstand static and dynamic forces during the system’s lifespan are considered.

Is it Possible to Obtain a Structural Integrity Certificate for Photovoltaic Structures after Installation?

Yes. It can be issued retroactively if the structure was designed and built with adequate standards. This involves a review and evaluation of the existing installation and verification of compliance with safety requirements.

What are the Advantages of Having a Structural Soundness Certificate for Photovoltaic Structures?

It provides confidence in the safety and reliability of the installation, reduces the risk of failures, and facilitates permits and licenses. In many cases, it is a requirement to access incentives or financing for solar projects.

What Aspects Does an Engineer Evaluate when Issuing a Structural Soundness Certificate?

The architectural and structural design, materials, soil and foundation conditions, integrity of elements (columns, beams, slabs), connections, load-bearing capacity, and response to seismic or other actions are reviewed.

When is a structural soundness certificate required?

For new constructions, major renovations, changes in building use, and when there is suspicion of damage or weakening in existing structures.

Can this Expedite Licensing and Purchasing?

Yes. A reproducible report and a clear certificate facilitate processing and shorten approval/purchase cycles, in addition to reducing uncertainty on site.

What Regulations Do You Apply, and What Does the Report Include?

We apply CTE and Eurocodes (and specific client requirements). The report includes assumptions, ULS/SLS combinations, acceptance criteria, results, recommendations and, if applicable, a certificate.

Where is it Tested? Can You Coordinate it?

Yes. We coordinate the necessary mechanical tests to validate hypotheses or prototypes. We define the test plan (procedure, samples, loads) and integrate it into the final report.

What Do You Need to Quote a Simulation/Test?

Plans or 3D/BIM model, description of use and loads, material, and types of connection; if there are regulatory or testing requirements, please indicate them. With that, we provide a technical quote and an approximate deadline.

Do you perform CFD (wind) analysis or only FEM?

For PV projects, we usually start from regulatory load combinations, and when required (parapets, edges, east–west layouts, suction), we integrate wind simulations to refine pressures and anchoring. (CFD is used only when it provides real value to the design.)

When is FEM simulation essential if I already have a structural calculation?

When there are unique geometries, critical joints, aluminum components (sensitive to buckling), or significant wind loads (rooftop/ground-mounted PV systems). FEM simulation confirms safety and can reduce material use without compromising safety margins.

What risks can be mitigated with a wind study?

A wind study helps identify potential risks such as damage to infrastructure caused by extreme wind conditions, and assists in designing stronger structures to prevent catastrophic failures.

How are the results of the wind study used in the design of a solar plant?

The results of the wind study help engineers determine the appropriate height and type of mounting structures to withstand the wind conditions at the project site. They are also used to estimate the expected energy production and optimize the layout of the solar panels for maximum efficiency.

What is measured during a wind study for solar panels?

During the wind study, wind speed is measured at different heights and directions. Historical data and seasonal patterns are also analyzed to understand the typical wind conditions at the project site.

Do you comply with CTE and Eurocodes?

Always. We document every verification (ULS/SLS) and have all calculations signed by licensed engineers.

Do you work with walls, slabs, pillars/floor slabs, and prestressed structures?

Yes. We cover all typologies and coordinate the structural assembly to avoid incompatibilities.

Can you review an existing calculation and optimize it?

Yes. We recalculate using FEM, verify deflections and punching shear, and propose steel and concrete savings with full traceability.

Does it include the delivery of reinforcement drawings and construction details?

Yes. We provide the calculation report, drawings, steel/concrete schedules, and construction-ready details for approval and certification.

What documentation do you need to prepare a quote?

Drawings (architectural and, if available, geotechnical), building use, special loads (pools, machinery), location, and deadlines.

What information do you need to start the structural analysis of an industrial building?

Drawings (plan, elevations, and sections), intended use, spans, service loads (imposed loads, overhead cranes, machinery), wind and snow conditions by location, and any project or installation constraints.

Typical timelines and how do we get started?

Depending on the scope: preliminary design in 3–7 days, basic/executive project in 2–4 weeks. Send us the drawings and requirements; we will provide a technical proposal, schedule, and fees.

What software do you work with?

SAP2000/CSI, Autodesk Revit and Robot, IDEA StatiCa, RAM Connection, and Ansys for FEM/CFD when applicable. This facilitates BIM coordination and manufacturing integration.

What deliverables will we receive?

Calculation report and annexes, structural and connection drawings, profile lists, construction details, and, if requested, a BIM model. Documentation signed by a licensed engineer.

Can you assess an existing industrial building for a change of use or expansion?

Yes. We audit the structure, measure deformations, verify load-bearing capacity, and prescribe reinforcements if necessary. We issue a report and certificate.

Do you carry out wind studies and certification for rooftop photovoltaic systems?

We model wind loads according to the zone and parapet interaction, define anchoring systems, and issue structural certificates for permits and PV installers.

How do you handle overhead cranes and dynamic loads?

We include horizontal/vertical actions, impact, fatigue, and specific load combinations. We design rails, brackets, and bracing for safe service.

Do you include foundation and slab design?

Yes. Based on the geotechnical report, we design footings, pile caps, tie beams, and foundation slabs, verifying settlements and punching shear.

Can you optimize an already calculated industrial building to reduce steel?

We review the model, refine load combinations and connections, and propose equivalent sections with lower material consumption. We deliver a weight and cost comparison with regulatory traceability.

Do you work with steel, concrete, or mixed solutions?

Yes. We design steel frames and purlins, concrete frames, composite solutions, and mixed reinforcements. We select the most efficient and certifiable system according to CTE and Eurocode standards.

Can you work on projects already under construction or existing homes?

Yes. We carry out structural diagnostics and reinforcement studies for ongoing projects or existing buildings, adapting the structure to actual load conditions and current regulations.

Does the structural analysis include drawings and documentation for the builder?

Yes. We deliver the complete documentation: structural drawings, material lists, connection details, and technical reports ready for certification or on-site use.

Can you review or validate a calculation carried out by another engineer?

Of course. We carry out independent technical reviews and FEM simulations to verify results, detect potential cost overruns due to over-dimensioning, or confirm structural safety before execution.

Do you issue structural soundness certificates for building permits or renovations?

Yes. Our licensed engineers issue certified reports valid for permits, legalizations, and structural safety audits.

What types of structures do you design for residential buildings?

We design and verify reinforced concrete, steel, aluminum, and mixed structural systems. We also carry out reinforcement studies for existing buildings and structural adaptations for photovoltaic installations.

Can you certify existing aluminum structures?

Yes, we carry out inspections, verifications, and structural reinforcements for existing structures, issuing structural soundness certificates valid for permits and audits.

What advantages does aluminum have over steel in lightweight structures?

Aluminum offers high strength with lower weight, reducing foundation loads and facilitating assembly while maintaining durability and compliance with structural standards.

What documentation is needed to calculate a canopy?

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What Information Do I Need to Calculate a Metal Beam?

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.

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