SBM'S CORE SERVICE
Structural Engineering
A good building needs a solid structure...
Whether it is concrete, masonry, steel, or wood - the structure forms the bones and muscles of your building both above and below grade. They help buildings take shape.
Various materials are often combined and interact to create stability, and strength - ensuring the safety of occupants from internal or external loads like earthquakes and wind.
Selecting appropriate, cost-efficient systems to achieve that takes much consideration. So we can design the structure that is right for you and your project.
High-rise Residential
We specialize in multi-level residential buildings. Whether they are steel, pre-cast concrete, cast-in-place concrete, masonry, or a combination.
Working with developers and architects across the province and identifying the owner/architects' design requirements - SBM incorporates a wide variety of building materials to keep costs in control while maintaining the vision and performance of the building.
Mid-rise Residential
In 2015, the Ontario Building Code began to permit the construction of wood buildings up to 6 storeys in height.
We use specialized analysis software developed in-house which optimizes the structure based on material and labor costs. The program selects the least expensive wall types and analyzes walls under all design considerations. This iterative process allows for the most cost-effective structure while achieving optimal structural performance.
Single-Family Dwellings
Hundreds of residential home builders, renovators, and designers across Ontario trust us to help design safe homes and communities. Our services can range anywhere from the design of a single element (ie. beam design) to full residential structural design/drawings.
We understand the very unique needs of home builders, renovators, and designers. That's why we're happy to provide competitive pricing with unmatched turnaround times in the industry.
Institutional
We have been fortunate to take part in the structural engineering design of many institutional buildings across the province.
Libraries, fire halls, places of worship, and funeral venues to name a few.
Working with Architects, City Officials, or Government agencies these types of buildings need a group design approach with special attention to program planning, design coordination, and construction management.
Restoration
Buildings age. They also deteriorate and run into problems throughout their life cycle. Often, structural investigations, condition assessments, or building restorations are needed to identify problems and keep buildings looking and performing like new.
Our technical experience allows us to understand complex building systems, assess their performance, and identify signs of distress. Whatever the issue, we will work with stakeholders to test the condition of the existing structure or specific building element and determine how best to remediate it.
Commercial and Industrial
Commercial and industrial buildings are vital places where businesses operate, and where many individuals work, and they also hold sentimental value as places where people make memories while they shop, play, eat, and drink.
Across the province, commercial and industrial buildings come in various sizes and shapes. With our experience working alongside Design-Build contractors and land Developers, we understand that achieving a balance between cost and practicality is essential for the success of these projects.
Collaborative Approach
No one can do it on their own, projects are complex and take many people coming to the table. Undoubtedly the path to success means working together.
We believe a collaborative approach is the best approach. Early in the design process, making the right selections for materials, structural systems, and considering how the structure dictates the design is important. Ultimately, these decisions made early on will drive how the project evolves. It's important to make the right call from the beginning and keep re-design to a minimum or eliminate it from the equation altogether.
Efficient, Cost-effective Designs
A building shouldn't be "over-engineered". When they are, it leads to waste, stress, added time, and unnecessary re-design.
Why not get it right the first time? We deliver safe and reliable structural designs that meet and exceed all the necessary codes and requirements, without going overboard.
We use the latest software programs to analyze and model buildings. This allows us to understand all the demands and environmental factors it may see over its lifespan. They also allow us to select the optimal and cost-effective materials to meet and exceed local codes and requirements.
