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The Difference Between Basic Structural Calculations with Drawing Mark-Ups and a Full Set of Structural Plans and Calculations: What Added Value Does It Bring?

11th February 2025

Structural calculations simple or complex? Structural design which calculations do you need? Structural Engineering steel framed complex calculations Structural Engineer Building Survey Structural beam mark up for simple structural projects

The Difference Between Basic Structural Calculations with Drawing Mark-Ups and a Full Set of Structural Plans and Calculations: What Added Value Does It Bring?

 

When you’re embarking on a construction or renovation project, understanding the role of structural calculations and plans is critical. Whether you’re designing a new building, undertaking major renovations, or working on an extension, structural plans and calculations ensure your project is safe, compliant, and structurally sound.

However, not all structural documentation is created equal. Depending on the complexity and scope of your project, you may need either basic structural calculations with drawing mark-ups or a full set of structural plans and calculations. In this post, we’ll explore the key differences between these two types of structural documents and explain the added value a full set of plans and calculations brings.

What Are Basic Structural Calculations with Drawing Mark-Ups?

Basic structural calculations with drawing mark-ups are often used for simpler projects or where only a rough overview of the structural requirements is needed. These calculations are typically focused on ensuring that the basic structural elements, such as beams, foundations, and load-bearing walls, are capable of supporting the loads they will experience during use.

Key Features:

  1. Simplified Approach: Basic structural calculations are typically a quick calculation of the loads on the structure, like the weight of the building, furniture, people, and environmental forces like wind or snow.
  2. Drawing Mark-Ups: Instead of detailed drawings, these are often sketches or hand-drawn mark-ups on existing plans to indicate where reinforcements or structural elements need to be added.
  3. Targeted Scope: These documents are usually provided for specific, smaller parts of a project, such as a single structural modification like adding an opening in a wall or reinforcing a floor.
  4. Minimal Detailing: While they provide a broad overview of what’s needed, they may lack the comprehensive detail required for large-scale or complicated projects.

 

Complex structural beam package on this steel frame to create raised celestial rooflight

Complex structural beam package on this steel frame to create raised celestial rooflight

When Do You Need Basic Structural Calculations?

  • Smaller projects: If your project is relatively simple, like adding a partition wall or installing a steel beam to open up a space, basic calculations may suffice.
  • Preliminary planning: They can be useful for getting a quick idea of the feasibility of a design or to prepare for building regulations approval.
  • Cost-effective: For small-scale work, basic calculations are often more affordable than full structural plans.

 

What Are Full Structural Plans and Calculations?

A full set of structural plans and calculations involves a more in-depth analysis and a detailed set of drawings that outline every aspect of a project’s structural requirements. This is typically needed for larger, more complex projects where precision is critical to ensure safety and compliance.

Key Features:

  1. Comprehensive Design and Analysis: Full structural calculations include detailed assessments of all structural components, from foundations to roof structures, including load-bearing walls, beams, and columns. The calculations ensure every element is capable of withstanding anticipated loads over the lifetime of the building.
  2. Detailed Drawings: Unlike basic mark-ups, full structural plans include professional, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) drawings that are comprehensive and clearly show the location, dimensions, and specification of all structural elements.
  3. Compliance and Accuracy: These plans are designed to meet specific building regulations and standards. They provide a complete blueprint that a contractor can follow for construction and that local authorities can approve for building permits.
  4. Clarity and Detail: The structural plans provide clear, precise specifications for contractors and engineers, ensuring the building is constructed as intended and to the required safety standards.

Simple structural markups can be a good tool to start planning the structural design of more complex jobs and simple jobs

Simple structural mark-ups can be a good tool to start planning the structural design of more complex jobs and simple jobs

When Do You Need Full Structural Plans and Calculations?

  • Larger, complex projects: Full structural plans are essential for major construction work, including new builds, large extensions, or projects involving significant structural modifications.
  • Regulatory compliance: For most large-scale projects, local councils and building control authorities will require a full set of structural plans for approval before construction begins.
  • High investment and risk: When the project involves high-value properties, commercial buildings, or high-risk structures, ensuring every detail is accounted for with a full set of plans is essential for minimizing liability and maintaining safety.

What Added Value Do Full Structural Plans and Calculations Bring?

Safety and Risk Mitigation: Full structural plans and calculations provide a level of accuracy and thoroughness that ensure the building will be safe and stable. They account for all potential loads and stresses the building may face, reducing the risk of costly structural failures in the future.

Clear Communication: With professional, detailed drawings and calculations, contractors, engineers, and all involved parties can be certain of what is required. This clarity helps to prevent misunderstandings, errors, and rework, making the construction process smoother and more efficient.

Building Regulations Approval: A full set of plans is essential for obtaining the necessary permits and approval from local authorities. Without this detailed documentation, a project may be delayed or even stopped until the required information is provided. The full set ensures you meet all necessary building codes and regulations.

Cost Control: While full structural plans come with a higher initial cost, they can save money in the long run. The detailed plans help to avoid costly mistakes or changes during construction by providing a clear blueprint from the start.

Future Adaptability: For larger projects, full plans allow future changes or extensions to be more easily incorporated. If you decide to modify the structure down the line, the detailed records provide valuable reference material for structural engineers or contractors.

Professionalism and Credibility: Having full structural plans and calculations shows that you are committed to getting your project right from the start. It demonstrates professionalism, which can be especially important for commercial projects, developers, or high-end residential builds, and adds credibility to your project with stakeholders and investors.

Minimised Delays: Having a full set of plans in place helps reduce the risk of delays, as there is no need for back-and-forth clarification or changes during the build. With all details covered, the project can proceed according to schedule.

How WBC Group Can Help: Tailored Services to Meet Your Needs

At WBC Group, we understand that every project is unique, and that’s why we offer both basic structural calculations with drawing mark-ups and full structural plans and calculations, depending on the specific needs of our customers. Whether you’re working on a smaller, more straightforward project or a complex construction endeavour, we tailor our services to provide exactly what you need.

When You Need Basic Structural Calculations:

  • If your project is relatively simple, like an internal modification or a minor structural change, we can provide basic structural calculations with drawing mark-ups. This cost-effective option will give you the guidance you need to ensure the project’s feasibility and compliance, without unnecessary complexity.

When You Need Full Structural Plans:

  • For larger, more complicated projects that require detailed analysis and compliance with building regulations, WBC Group can provide a comprehensive set of structural plans and calculations. Our team of structural engineers will work with you to create detailed, precise plans that cover every aspect of your project, from the foundations to the roof. We ensure that your project is not only safe and compliant but also built to the highest standards.

Conclusion

The difference between basic structural calculations with drawing mark-ups and a full set of structural plans and calculations is significant, especially in terms of detail, scope, and the level of professionalism required for larger or more complex projects.

For smaller or less intricate projects, basic calculations may be sufficient, offering a cost-effective solution that provides the necessary structural checks and guidance. However, for larger, more intricate projects, a full set of structural plans is invaluable. Not only do these plans ensure that the building meets safety standards and complies with regulations, but they also provide a high level of clarity, reduce the risk of costly mistakes, and ultimately contribute to the long-term stability and success of the project.

At WBC Group, we offer both services to suit your specific needs. Whether you require a basic overview for a minor project or a detailed, comprehensive set of structural plans for a complex build, our team of expert engineers is here to help you every step of the way. Whatever the size or scope of your project, we provide the right level of service to ensure its success.

WBC Group Structural calculations Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Somerset and Wiltshire

WBC Group Structural calculations Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Somerset and Wiltshire

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