Structural engineering across Alberta
Structural design and coordination for new buildings, renovations, tenant improvements and equipment-support projects across Alberta.
01 / Structural engineering
Structural design starts with the building geometry, materials, anticipated loads and existing conditions. Coordinating those requirements early helps align the framing, foundations and building systems before permit review and construction.
02 / Coordinated scope
The applicable scope depends on building use, geometry, materials, anticipated loads, existing conditions and construction approach. These conditions are reviewed before the required analysis, framing layouts and deliverables are confirmed.
Gravity and lateral loads carried through coordinated framing, supports and foundations appropriate to the building and project scope.
Structural framing coordinated with architecture, mechanical systems and the intended construction approach.
Foundation systems, slabs and localized support conditions developed around site and building requirements.
Openings, alterations and reinforcement concepts coordinated with available drawings and verified site information.
Structural supports, curbs, penetrations and related details coordinated for rooftop and interior equipment.
03 / Existing buildings & alterations
Start with available structural drawings, site information and the proposed openings, equipment or alterations. That review helps define what must be verified and the structural scope needed for the project.
04 / Technical coordination
Framing, foundations, openings and equipment supports should respond to the same architectural layout and coordinated building-system requirements.
Gravity and lateral loads traced through framing elements to their supports and foundations.
Framing layouts and controls developed around space use, architecture and owner requirements.
Foundation and slab requirements developed around structural loads and available project information.
New penetrations and openings reviewed and detailed where they affect structural elements.
Rooftop and interior equipment supports coordinated with mechanical and architectural requirements.
Plans, details, notes and schedules assembled into coordinated structural documentation.
05 / Project path
A deliberate process keeps load paths, existing conditions and multidisciplinary interfaces visible as the design develops.
Review the building, available drawings, site information, proposed use, geometry and anticipated loads.
Identify unknowns, confirm verification needs and define the structural deliverables required.
Establish applicable loading, design criteria and the structural analysis approach.
Develop framing, foundation, support and alteration concepts with applicable calculations and details.
Prepare coordinated structural drawings to support the applicable permit-review process.
Respond to applicable comments and clarify design intent during project delivery.
06 / Project applications
Structural scope can range from a focused opening or equipment support to coordinated building-wide framing and foundations. Requirements are defined around the building, loads, existing information and project team.
07 / Common questions
Share what you know about the building, proposed use, equipment and existing structural service. The required information and scope can then be defined clearly.
Useful starting information includes the address, available architectural and structural drawings, proposed use, equipment, openings, alterations and anticipated loads.
Yes. Available drawings and verified site information can be reviewed against the proposed openings, equipment, alterations or change of use.
Yes. Structural layouts and equipment requirements can be coordinated with architectural, mechanical, plumbing and other applicable disciplines.
The project team can prepare permit-ready structural documentation and support applicable review comments. Permit approval is determined by the authority having jurisdiction.
Yes. Relevant contractor, architect, equipment-supplier and existing-building information can be incorporated where it affects the structural design.
Applicable review comments can be assessed and the project documentation revised where required by the agreed scope.
4MS supports projects in Calgary, Edmonton and communities throughout Alberta. Service coverage does not imply a physical office in every market.
