One structural analysis report is a document descriptive which comprehensively details the procedures applied, in this case, for the calculation of a specific structure and the sizing of each of its components. It must describe, for example: the variable or constant loads that were considered, the safety factors, and seismic factors, as well as each of the criteria used in the calculation along with their respective justifications.
When a designer develops a project, he or she becomes the go-to expert on all—or most—of the aspects involved in that project. However, for better or worse, there are many people involved in the project implementation or a construction project—from the builder to the client, including regulatory agencies. That is where the report plays its role.
What is the purpose of a structural calculation report?
As we mentioned in the introduction, the main function of a calculation memory is to to accurately and thoroughly describe the procedures and results produced by the estimator second- and third-order. But from a strictly practical standpoint, a structural calculation report is used for:
- Verification of the information and calculations used in the structural design
- Obtaining a cost estimate for the construction of a structure that is as close to reality as possible
- It is a requirement when obtaining permits for almost any type of construction
Contents of a Structural Calculation Report
It is clear that a structural analysis report is a complex document that requires technical training and specialized education To be carried out correctly, in addition to the professional licensing fee required by each country, so that it is legally valid and can serve as a requirement for obtaining a building permit.
For the report to fulfill its purpose, it must clearly contain and convey a series of chapters or minimum content requirements, which may vary depending on each country’s regulations or the type of structure, but which generally follow the following criteria:
1. General Information About the Structure
This is the initial phase of the calculation report, where we must find the general information that identifies the project, that is, information such as the name of the project or construction project, its location, and ownership. In addition to some more technical details, such as the classification of the building type according to the technical standards of the country or region, and the land category based on the geological study that has been conducted.
2. Description of the Structure
In the second phase, the issue should be addressed in a more technical manner Geometric and topological description of the structure, but from a comprehensive perspective. It describes aspects such as the type of structure (concrete, steel, wood, etc.), morphology, heights, dimensions of the frames and of the various parts (if any), site elevations, planimetric drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections, axonometric projections, etc.), and finally the type of foundation for the structure.
3. Description of the Materials
Following the order of complexity, this section goes on to describe in greater detail the material composition of the structure and the mechanical properties of each material used for design and calculation. With regard to the composition of concrete, the various types of steel, mortars, etc., always clearly stating the strength values and grades of each, as well as the standards or certifications that support them.
4. Structural Design
It is the core of structural analysis software, and the following topics are covered in depth: load analysis (variables, constants, external factors, seismic factors, etc.), and the analysis of structural elements (beams, columns, floor slabs, footings, etc.). This ultimately results in the design of all the elements that make up the structure in question, including their dimensions and connection details.
5. Presentation of Results and Conclusions
Finally, the structural analysis report must be closed with a summary of all the results obtained in the previous phase. This makes it easy to see the dimensions and composition of each element that makes up the structure, and how it complies with the calculation criteria and values established in the technical building codes in each country or region.
