Structural engineering practices work the same essentially everywhere buildings are made, but some structures require specific considerations that depend on the climate and landscape that surrounds them. Countries like Japan have a lot of seismic activity which gives engineers a unique challenge to make sure the building has the stability to become a high-rise but remains flexible enough to withstand an earthquake Read More

There are many benefits to having full-time engineering staff in an architecture firm or construction business. You have an on-site resource to consult, and you have the opportunity to build trust with an individual who can learn to understand your business and personnel needs. There’s also the added element of quality control. Someone you hired has been personally vetted to meet all your requirements. But what Read More

Behind every successful project, there is a team of skilled and qualified professionals that went the extra mile. Foremost among them is the project manager who handled all of the details that brought everything together. At DDA Engineers, we’ve worked with some outstanding project managers and are sharing some tips for hiring the best ones. What Does a Project Manager Do? A better question would be, what does a Read More

Structural engineering is the backbone of building new structures and remodeling existing ones. However, understanding the basics of structural engineering can go a long way in helping ensure you are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This way, you can save time and money as you formulate your building plans. What Is Structural Engineering? Structural engineering involves the process of Read More

During the planning stages of a building project, there are multiple considerations for everyone on the team. For the structural engineers, the primary concern is understanding the relationship between the structure’s design, location, and intended purpose.  Residential Buildings Safety and accessibility are the most important considerations when designing residential properties, particularly multi-family buildings. Read More

Concrete is a common construction material and has been used for many years. It is strong, durable, weatherproof, and most important of all, cheap - making it a popular choice for many building projects. However, while concrete is extremely durable and reliable when installed correctly, it is susceptible to certain failure mechanisms. As such, a structural engineer must carefully consider these issues when designing Read More

Hurricanes pose one of the biggest challenges to the integrity of our buildings, and as such, structural engineers are tasked with the design and protection of buildings from the damage they can cause. They must take a number of steps to ensure that the structures they design are able to withstand the force of a hurricane, and then some. We can’t settle for “good enough” - when a bigger-than-expected hurricane hits, Read More

In the past twenty years, new materials have emerged that have significantly changed the structural design and component manufacturing process. While a mechanical engineer can design a component based on material strength and dimensional requirements, structural engineers have to take into consideration many more parameters in how materials interact to determine the life cycle of the structure, its serviceability, Read More

We’ve covered what owners should look for in a structural engineer before - but this time, we’re focused on you, engineers. Learning these habits won’t just make your work easier, but also provide a wealth of value to every project you’re a part of. Although you’ve likely learned everything you need through your education, these habits often can’t be taught, and are instead learned through experience. We’re here to Read More

Determining the right project delivery method should be the first priority in your next big job. Often, the delivery method can make or break a project - so choosing the right one is essential. By carefully evaluating the circumstances of the project, you can be sure that you've set up for success. Costs Costs are always front and center for any project owner, but shouldn’t be the sole determinator of your project Read More