Modular building engineering

Three distinct pieces of work

Modular projects mix factory design with site-specific conditions. We separate the engineering into three pieces so it's always clear who is responsible for what.

1. Site-specific foundations and subfloor

Every site has its own soil, slope and wind conditions. We design footings, piers, screw piles or subfloor support to suit the module's support points and the site's geotechnical conditions.

2. Module-to-foundation connections

Hold-down for wind uplift and sliding, bearing details, packing and tolerances, and connections between modules where they're in scope.

3. Independent review of a module frame

A review of the manufacturer's structural design for the conditions at your site. If the calculations are missing, or don't cover the site's conditions, checking or redesigning the frame is separately scoped work.

Why standard designs still need site checks

A module designed for one wind region, terrain category or soil type may not suit another. Site classification, wind conditions, flood levels set by the relevant authority and access for installation all vary. We check the module's design basis against your site and tell you clearly where it does and doesn't fit.

For the installation crane, see crane pads and heavy-lift footings.

What we provide

• Foundation and subfloor design for the module's support points
• Hold-down and tie-down connection design
• Bearing, packing and tolerance details
• Independent review of a module's structural design against the site's conditions
• Certification within the reviewed scope, where the review supports it
• Standard foundation sets for a module range, for defined site conditions

What you receive

• Foundation drawings and calculationsSite-specific footing and subfloor design.
• Connection detailsHold-down, bearing and packing details for installation.
• Review reportFindings on the module frame, with comments for the manufacturer.
• CertificateWithin the reviewed scope, where the review supports it.

Scope, fee and programme are confirmed in a written proposal for your project before any engineering starts.

How it works

1. Module and site informationWe identify which of the three scopes you need.
2. ProposalEach scope is defined separately, so responsibilities are clear.
3. Design and reviewFoundations and connections are designed, and the frame is reviewed if required.
4. Installation supportWe answer installer questions and can inspect the hold-down connections.

Who does what

Where a project needs another specialist, we can recommend one and coordinate with them. We make it clear who is responsible for each part.

Questions