Structural project

A structural project, statik proje in Turkish, is where a civil engineer designs the load-bearing system that keeps the architecture standing. Self-weight, imposed loads, snow, wind and earthquake actions are calculated, and the sizes and reinforcement of foundations, columns, beams, shear walls and slabs follow from them.

What the structural set includes

• A structural calculation report
• Foundation plan and foundation details
• Formwork (general arrangement) plans for each floor
• Reinforcement drawings for columns, beams, walls and slabs
• For steel buildings, connection details

How it relates to the architecture

The structural project cannot be separated from the architectural one. Column positions, beam depths and shear walls directly shape plan flexibility, floor heights and facade openings, so architect and engineer need to work together from the preliminary stage. In a seismic country such as Turkey, the structural design rests on the earthquake regulations and on data from the geotechnical survey.

For a building permit, the structural project is submitted alongside the architectural, mechanical and electrical sets. On site, formwork and reinforcement are built to it and inspected before concrete is poured. Every detail on these sheets is a real decision about how the building will behave in an earthquake.