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Frequently Asked Questions
A. Getting Started
1. When should I consult a structural engineer?
You should consult a structural engineer when planning a new structure, renovation, expansion, additional floor, change in building use, installation of heavy equipment, or when there are concerns such as cracks, excessive movement, deterioration, or damage.
2. What information should I prepare before contacting iFortify?
It is helpful to provide the project location, type of structure, required service, brief description of your concern or proposed work, available architectural or structural plans, photographs, and your target schedule.
3. Can iFortify provide a quotation based only on photographs?
Photographs can help us understand the general concern, but they may not be sufficient to establish the required scope. We may request plans, additional project information, or an initial discussion before preparing a proposal.
4. Do you accept projects outside Metro Manila?
Yes. iFortify handles projects in different parts of the Philippines. Travel, accommodation, and logistical requirements may be considered depending on the project location and required site activities.
5. How are structural engineering fees determined?
Professional fees depend on the type and size of the structure, complexity of the work, availability of existing documents, required site activities, project location, deliverables, and schedule.
6. How long does a structural engineering engagement take?
The timeline depends on the project scope, structure size, availability of documents, site access, testing requirements, and complexity of the findings. A proposed schedule is normally provided once the scope has been established.
7. Can you accommodate urgent projects?
Urgent requirements may be accommodated depending on the scope and availability of the assigned engineers. The required schedule should be disclosed during the initial inquiry so it can be properly evaluated.
8. What happens after I submit an inquiry?
Our team will review the information, contact you if clarification is needed, and determine the appropriate service or next step. A proposal may then be prepared once the requirements are sufficiently established.
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B. Structural Assessment and Investigation
9. When does an existing building need a structural assessment?
A structural assessment may be appropriate when there are visible defects, planned renovations or additions, changes in use, heavier loads, earthquake or fire exposure, long-term deterioration, missing records, or uncertainty about the building’s existing condition.
10. Does the presence of cracks mean a building is structurally unsafe?
Not necessarily. Cracks can result from different causes, including shrinkage, temperature changes, settlement, material deterioration, construction issues, or structural movement. Their significance depends on their location, pattern, width, progression, and surrounding conditions.
11. Can you determine the cause of cracks from photographs alone?
Photographs can help us uPhotographs can support an initial discussion, but they are generally insufficient for a definite conclusion. Proper evaluation may require an on-site inspection, measurements, document review, testing, or structural analysis.nderstand the general concern, but they may not be sufficient to establish the required scope. We may request plans, additional project information, or an initial discussion before preparing a proposal.
12. What is the difference between a visual inspection and a detailed structural assessment?
A visual inspection documents readily observable conditions and provides comments based on accessible areas. A detailed assessment may include document review, testing, measurements, structural analysis, calculations, and more comprehensive recommendations.
13. Can a building be considered safe simply because it has stood for many years?
Its history is useful information, but age and past performance alone do not establish its capacity under current or future conditions. The building may not yet have experienced the loads, occupancy, deterioration, or earthquake demands relevant to the proposed use.
14. What happens if the original structural drawings are unavailable?
The assessment may still proceed, but additional field verification, measurement, material testing, scanning, or exploratory work may be required to establish the existing structural configuration.
15. Will structural testing damage the building?
Some tests are non-destructive, while others require small openings, samples, or localized removal of finishes. The appropriate testing method depends on the information needed and the limitations of the site.
16. Can iFortify assess a building after an earthquake, fire, flooding, or accidental impact?
Yes. The appropriate assessment will depend on the type and extent of exposure. Site access, records, testing, and specialist coordination may be required.
17. Can a visual inspection confirm that a building is structurally safe?
A visual inspection can identify observable conditions, but it may not be sufficient to confirm concealed construction, material properties, foundation conditions, or structural capacity. The appropriate level of assessment depends on the purpose of the engagement.
18. Will the structural assessment include repair or retrofit recommendations?
This depends on the agreed scope. Some engagements provide findings and general recommendations, while others include detailed analysis, retrofit design, drawings, and specifications.
19. What should the owner do before a structural inspection?
The owner should gather available plans and records, identify areas of concern, provide safe access, disclose previous repairs or incidents, and make knowledgeable representatives available during the inspection.
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C. Renovation, Expansion and Additional Floors
20. Can an existing building support an additional floor?
This cannot be confirmed without evaluating the existing framing, foundations, materials, loads, drawings, site conditions, and proposed addition. An assessment and structural analysis may be required before proceeding.
21. Should a structural engineer be consulted before architectural renovation plans are finalized?
Yes, particularly if the renovation involves removing walls, creating openings, relocating structural elements, adding floors, changing occupancy, or installing heavier finishes or equipment. Early coordination can reduce redesign.
22. Can a wall be removed during renovation?
That depends on whether the wall is structural and how its removal affects the surrounding framing. It should not be removed based only on appearance or contractor experience.
23. Can an existing building be converted to a different use?
Potentially, but the new use may introduce different occupancy loads, equipment, layout, vibration, fire, or code requirements. The existing structure should be evaluated for the intended conditions.
24. Can solar panels, water tanks, mechanical equipment, or storage systems be installed on an existing roof?
The supporting roof and structural framing should be checked for the additional weight, location, anchorage, vibration, wind effects, and maintenance access before installation.
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D. Structural Repair and Retrofit
25. What is the difference between structural repair and structural retrofit?
Structural repair generally addresses damaged or deteriorated components. Structural retrofit improves the structure’s performance or capacity for specific loading, code, use, or hazard requirements.
26. Does every crack require structural repair?
No. The proper response depends on the cause and significance of the crack. Cosmetic treatment may be ineffective if movement, moisture, deterioration, or another underlying issue has not been addressed.
27. Can only the critical areas of a building be strengthened?
A targeted retrofit may sometimes be appropriate, but its effect on the rest of the structure must be evaluated. Strengthening one area can change how loads are transferred to other components.
28. Can the building remain occupied during structural repair or retrofit?
This depends on the type and extent of the work, temporary support requirements, construction sequence, and safety conditions. The engineer and contractor should assess this before implementation.
29. Does iFortify carry out the construction of structural repairs?
The website should answer this according to your actual company policy. If you provide consultancy only, the answer can state that iFortify prepares the engineering recommendations or design while construction is undertaken by a qualified contractor.
30. Can iFortify review a repair method proposed by a contractor?
Yes, provided the required information and existing conditions are available. The review scope should clearly identify whether it covers the repair concept, structural adequacy, methodology, materials, or all applicable items.
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E. Peer Review and Construction Coordination
31. What is an independent structural peer review?
It is an evaluation of structural documents, calculations, design criteria, assumptions, or methodology prepared by another engineer. It provides an independent technical perspective on the reviewed scope.
32. Does a peer review replace the project’s Engineer of Record?
No. Unless formally appointed otherwise, the Engineer of Record retains responsibility for the original structural design and issued documents.
33. When should a peer review be considered?
It may be useful for complex or unusual structures, major modifications, value-engineering proposals, high-consequence facilities, design disagreements, or projects requiring an independent technical review.
34. Can iFortify review a contractor’s alternative structural proposal?
Yes. The review can evaluate whether the alternative is compatible with the design requirements, available records, structural intent, and applicable criteria.
35. What should an owner do if the construction does not match the structural plans?
The affected work should be documented and referred to the structural engineer before it is concealed or additional work proceeds. Corrective action should not be based solely on verbal instructions from unqualified parties.
36. Does an engineer’s site visit mean that all construction work has been inspected and approved?
No. A site visit is limited to the agreed purpose, areas observed, accessibility, and conditions present at the time. It does not automatically constitute continuous supervision or approval of all construction work.