For JPP, developing good structural solutions is about understanding the client’s needs, how the structure will be used and how to deliver the structural solution on time in a cost efficient way. We aim to guide the development from the pre-construction stage, through developed design, to completion on site.We work with all traditional building materials, systems and structural forms, as well as emerging technologies, on a range of projects in both the private and public sectors.
We have been utilising BIM for a number of years now, reaping the benefits it brings internally. Through continual investment in staff training, we are fully conversant with the process and seek to promote wider client team collaboration where ever possible. Working in this manner with project stake holders, we have been able to deliver many successful schemes, private and government funded, that have clearly demonstrated the advantages BIM can bring to developments. By also investing in the latest design and detailing software and staff training, we are able to develop and grow economical designs in many sectors.
Building Design
Our wealth of experience means we are able to design varying structures in many materials. We are able to produce multiple design solutions and work with the design team and contractor if required to allow the selection of the most economic, suitable solution, delivering the project within budget and on time.
Bridge Design
With our extensive experience of bridge engineering, we are able to:
- Provide designs and details for new permanent or temporary highway and pedestrian bridges – from overseeing designs carried out by third parties, to liaising with specialists where they are able to bring benefit to the scheme, to taking on design of all elements from foundation to parapet.
- Inspect and analyse existing structures – allowing expensive new structures to be omitted from schemes, or construction traffic to access sites in advance of major new works.
The Highways Agency ‘Design Manual for Roads and Bridges’ (and associated documents) is always our starting point for any bridge project, ensuring that a high quality and nationally recognised design is produced. Where appropriate, this is adapted to local authority and Client specific requirements, without compromising the integrity of the design.
From conceptual design, through ‘Approval in Principle’, detailed design, and site supervision to the completed structure, we can assist in giving the right solution for any site.
Historic Building Appraisals
JPP are experienced in the sensitive investigation of traditional and historic buildings. Through our many years of investigating buildings we have an excellent knowledge of the symptoms and causes of decay and the causes of structural movement including lack of strength or continuity, material decay, ground movement and instability. We are also experienced in the specification and commissioning of specialist investigations for traditional materials including non-destructive techniques. Our recommendations will always take due account of the significance of historic building fabric and the need to maintain sound-and-stable conditions, while our design solutions are engineered to suit the specific requirements of the building.
Listed Buildings
We have extensive experience in the sensitive design of repair and adaption works to historic buildings and design of new buildings in historic contexts, including listed buildings and Scheduled Ancient Monument sites. We recognise the importance of conservation principles and approach all our historic building projects with a conservation-minded approach that respects the significance of historic building fabric. Our project experience includes mills, museums, churches, glasshouses, visitor centres and town halls.
Temporary Works
Almost every engineering project requires temporary works to be carried out before the permanent parts of the scheme can be constructed – in fact it is not uncommon for the temporary elements to be more involved than the permanent!
Temporary works are perhaps one of the most varied aspects of engineering, as so much depends on the specific scheme requirements – but we regularly design:
- Granular platforms for cranes and piling rigs – especially important where ground conditions are less than ideal.
Façade restraint frames – from small panels where single props suffice, to large trusses where intermediate floors are being removed.
- Substantial propping within existing buildings to allow demolition and relocation of existing structural elements – frequent in commercial refurbishments where open plan layouts are often sought after.
- Major additional support to new permanent works, to increase load carrying capacity – common on tight sites where construction traffic must run over basements or on podium slabs.
Working alongside Contractors to ensure our designs follow their preferred techniques, available equipment and site constraints, we can assist in giving the right solution for any site.
RAAC Investigations
With concerns raised over the adequacy of buildings constructed from Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), JPP are able to provide a tailored and phased approach to surveying existing structures to determine if RAAC is present in existing occupied buildings. If it is proven that RAAC is present JPP are then able to design, detail and specify temporary propping remedial works or permanent replacement structures, offering you with a one stop shop service to help overcome the pressing challenges you may face by losing valuable, safe, habitable internal space.
Structural Engineering Projects