Structural engineering
We offer the full range of structural engineering services. These include concept, preliminary, developed and detailed structural design, Building Consent documentation, structural peer review and construction monitoring for new construction, alteration, extension, conversion, refurbishment and seismic projects ranging from residential homes to large-scale multi-storey residential and commercial buildings.
Concept design
Based on the client's approval, this stage involves the exploration of sufficient design concepts for the client to be able to test the brief, the development potential of the site and have a concept estimate prepared to establish financial feasibility. Some of our work includes:
Drawings: Sketch plans of primary structural systems marked up on architectural drawings.
Report: Structural concept design brief, key risks and assumptions, key issues and options considered.
Preliminary design
Based on the client's approval and concept design outputs, this stage involves the refinement of the approved concept, including testing options for, and the selection of, the structural system and materials. The structural design should consider regulatory requirements and approvals for both Resource and Building Consent matters. Refinements to the client's brief are incorporated. Some of our work includes:
Drawings: Plans of primary structural systems including preliminary sizing of all primary and typical secondary members.
Report: Update including structural design brief, key risks and assumptions, key issues and options recommended. Provide preliminary building movements, member deflections and vibration. Outline preliminary floor loads, special load areas and design loads for proprietary design elements.
Specifications: Outline preliminary materials, durability / coatings and serviceability. Coordinate surface finishes. Consider construction methodology, constructability of primary structure, unusual temporary stability or sequencing.
developed design
Based on the client's approval and the preliminary design outputs, this stage involves the development of the approved preliminary design such that the scope of all major elements of the structural system is clearly defined and coordinated. Design documentation is produced to scale with grids, principle levels and dimensions. Outline specifications are finalised, and all performance criteria confirmed. Some of our work includes:
Drawings: Layout and sizes of all primary and secondary members, reinforcing as kg/m3, generic details including connections for typical primary elements and facade support.
Report: Update, including key risks and assumptions, issues and options and complex elements. Define proprietary design items such as precast flooring and piling. Identify elements requiring applied fire protection. Update building movements, member deflections and vibration. Finalise floor loads, special load areas and design loads for proprietary design elements.
Specifications: Outline final materials, durability / coatings and serviceability. Coordinate surface finishes. Confirm construction methodology, constructability of primary structure, unusual temporary stability or sequencing.
Detailed Design and documentation
Based on the client’s approval and the developed design outputs, we develop the structural design to a level where the quantity and quality of all structural elements and materials are clearly defined through drawings, specifications, schedules and performance requirements. The design should be comprehensively coordinated with other disciplines. The documents produced at this stage have a critical use in a Building Consent application and subsequent procurement of a construction contract. Some of our work includes the following:
Drawings: Document layout and size all primary and secondary members in cross-referenced plans, sections and elevations. Provide connection details for all elements or reference standard industry details such as HERA details or specify forces for proprietary systems.
Report: Explain design features, including structural systems, load paths, design standards, key design parameters and assumptions. Define building movements, member deflections and vibration. Document floor loads, special load areas and design loads for proprietary design elements. Finalise elements of non-specific code and proprietary design.
Specifications: Performance specifications for proprietary design elements, method statements for critical processes, loads for proprietary non-structural elements, durability/coating requirements, tolerances and so on.
structural peer review
Peer reviews range from a review of completed or partially completed engineering work to establish whether specific objectives have been met, to a series of reviews at pre-determined stages in large, complex projects. The depth of review depends upon several factors, such as the complexity of the design and analysis, the size of the project, and the consequences of failure. Some of our work includes:
Review of assumptions and loadings.
Review for appropriate and realistic modelling, effective and complete load paths and arithmetical accuracy.
Review for robustness and adequate redundancy.
Comparison of analysis outputs with anticipated results.
Parallel calculations on critical elements.
Detailed review of selected elements.
Review for effectiveness of detailing to deliver design intent.
Review for constructability and durability.
Review for completeness of design and documentation.
Prepare and issue PS2 with supporting documentation.
construction monitoring
This stage occurs during the construction of the building and is related to the monitoring of the construction of the structure with respect to the design documents that form part of the construction contract. We undertake construction monitoring at various levels depending upon the size and complexity of the project. We can monitor the construction of our own design or the design by others. Some of our work includes:
Update Building Consent drawings if required and issue construction drawings.
Carry out detailed review of Contractor's deliverables, including producer statements, shop drawings, specifications, testing requirements and construction methodology.
Review certain structural works on site at various stages. Issue site instructions and prepare inspection logs.
Upon completion and satisfaction, prepare and issue construction monitoring report and PS4.
Auckland’s 3 Risk Classifications of Buildings
Buildings in Auckland are classified in three ways:
Low-risk – e.g. residential houses
Medium-risk – e.g. low-rise office and industrial buildings
High-risk – e.g. public buildings, office towers, hospitals, multi-storey apartments
What are Producer Statements?
In New Zealand, there are two categories of Producer Statements: design and construction. Within the design category, there are two types of statements: Producer Statement Design (PS1) and Producer Statement Design Review (PS2). In the construction category, there is Construction Review (PS4). Producer Statements are only issued if design and construction meet the Building Code.
Issuing Producer Statements for High-Risk structures
As structural design professionals, Tino Structures is able to issue PS1 or PS2 that confirms building work has been designed in accordance with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) requirements. Tino Structures can also issue PS4 upon completion of building work. As one of a handful of structural engineers on the Auckland Council’s high-risk register, John is able to issue Producer Statements for high-risk buildings and structures.
PS1 - Design
A PS1 is a statement of opinion based on reasonable grounds that certain aspects of proposed building work will comply with the Building Code if the work is constructed according to the referenced documentation (e.g. engineering design drawings and specifications).
PS2 – Design Review
A PS2 is a Peer Design Review and is a statement of opinion based on a review of design documents (which have been prepared by others) and on stated reasonable grounds, that certain aspects of proposed building work will comply with the Building Code if the work is constructed according to the referenced documentation.
PS4 – Construction Review
A PS4 is a statement of opinion based on reasonable and stated grounds, which may include the records of construction monitoring and information supplied by the contractor, that certain aspects of building work have been completed according to the building consent and amendments.
NOTE: A producer statement is not a product warranty or guarantee of compliance. It is a professional opinion.