News
BUREAU VERITAS EXPERTS TO SHOWCASE TAILORED HSE SOLUTIONS AT DURHAM SUMMIT
Civil & Structural Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering Inspections
✓ Expert structural engineering inspection and design review services
independent structural engineering, compliance inspection & design review services ensuring your buildings meet the highest standards
Enquiring about: General enquiry | Civil & Structural Engineering inspections or design audits | Building Condition surveys | Warranty surveys and Compliance audits | Mezzanine and emergency stair inspections | Infrastructure Engineering | Brownfield Engineering Solutions | Specialist Drone surveys | Stadium and Arena safety inspections | RAAC surveys and assessment | Welding inspections
contact us
Technical Director, Structural Engineering
Bureau Veritas
Whether we're auditing the structure for a new, cutting-edge, multi-storey, residential tower, or inspecting the condition of old existing commercial warehouse, our focus is always on clarity, compliance, safety, and practical implementation.
-
WHAT IS STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING?
Structural engineering is the application of scientific and engineering principles to ensure the safety, stability, and integrity of buildings and infrastructure throughout their lifecycle. It encompasses the design of structural systems, the assessment of existing structures, and the development of strategies to maintain, repair, or enhance structural performance.
For construction projects, structural engineering requires expert knowledge across diverse sectors and construction methods. Whether you're developing a new commercial property, assessing an existing structure for safety, or managing a portfolio of buildings requiring structural verification, specialist structural engineering expertise is essential.
Bureau Veritas delivers comprehensive structural engineering services across all stages of the building lifecycle:
Structural & Civil Engineering Design (New Build): Providing expert structural design, inspection, and consultancy from project inception through to completion, ensuring compliance with Building Regulations while enabling cost-effective construction and programme certainty.
Structural Assessment (Existing Buildings): Conducting building condition surveys, structural inspections, and specialist assessments including RAAC surveys to identify risks and support informed decision-making.
We can also back analyse structures in line with engineering practice to provide safe working loads for structures that are undergoing renovation or extension.
Our experienced team utilises modern methods of construction, BIM-compliant software, and industry best practice to deliver innovative, risk-based structural solutions.
OUR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SERVICES
STRUCTURAL & CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN
Our structural engineering service provides comprehensive structural design, inspection, and consultancy across the entire development process. We operate across all sectors and utilise all modern methods of construction.
BUILDING CONDITION SURVEYS
Our building condition surveys provide independent assessment of the structural integrity and performance of existing buildings, identifying defects, deterioration, and maintenance needs.
SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION INTEGRATION
We integrate sustainable construction methods and renewable energy solutions into structural design, supporting clients in achieving environmental and cost objectives.
RAAC SURVEYS (DETECTION & CONDITION ASSESSMENT)
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was commonly used in buildings between the 1950s and 1980s, but it has since been discovered to be susceptible to structural problems such as cracking and bowing. Following the sudden collapse of a school flat roof in 2018, RAAC surveys are now recommended for buildings constructed during this period.
Bureau Veritas provides a full range of structural engineering, compliance inspection and design review services from one, independent, global company ensuring your buildings meet the highest standards.
- Expert structural engineering inspection and design review services
- Partnership approach to help achieve quality solutions
A dedicated team of professional Chartered Engineers for every project, which remains consistent for the duration of the project.
- Construction industry specialists with experience of all market sectors
- A global network of experienced inspectors
- Comprehensive structural assessments using BIM-compliant software and modern methods
- Client peace of mind and comfort from a “best in class” team
SECTORS WE SERVE
Bureau Veritas delivers construction consultancy services across all major UK sectors, including:
Social Infrastructure | Higher-Risk Buildings | Infrastructure | Commercial & Industrial | Clean Energy |
Education Health Custodial Defense Residential Sports Stadia and Arenas | Build-to-Rent and Student Accommodation Super Prime and Non-HRB developments Senior and Assisted Living | Quarry and Aggregates Rail Airports Roads and Highways Ports and Maritime | Logistics and Manufacturing Life Sciences and Pharma Data Centres Office and Commercial | Renewable Energy Retrofit and Decarbonisation |
BENEFITS OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING WITH BUREAU VERITAS
-
Ensure Full Regulatory Compliance
Demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations, the Building Safety Act 2022, and all applicable structural standards, protecting your organisation from enforcement action and reputational risk.
-
Achieve Programme and Cost Certainty
Our partnership approach to structural engineering identifies requirements upfront, avoiding costly late-stage design changes, site stoppages, and programme delays during construction.
-
Benefit from Expert, Independent Advice
Work with a dedicated team of experienced structural engineers operating nationwide, delivering consistent, objective guidance with no commercial interest in design or construction.
-
Integrate with Wider Construction Services
Leverage Bureau Veritas' broader capabilities in building control, CDM consultancy, fire engineering, and specialist assessments for a comprehensive, coordinated project solution with a single point of contact.
-
Support Building Safety Act Compliance
For existing buildings, our structural assessments and RAAC surveys provide the clarity and documentation needed to meet the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022, supporting building safety cases and risk management.
-
Access Modern Methods and Technology
Our team utilises BIM-compliant software, modern methods of construction, and innovative structural solutions to deliver efficient, cost-effective designs that meet the highest safety standards.
WHY CHOOSE BUREAU VERITAS FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING?
Over 190 Years of Engineering Excellence
As part of the Bureau Veritas Group, we bring a global legacy of testing, inspection, and certification expertise to every structural engineering engagement.
Experienced Team with Sector Expertise
Our nationwide team of qualified structural engineers has extensive experience across commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructure projects, delivering bespoke solutions for diverse sectors.
Independent, Third-Party Assurance
As a global testing, inspection, and certification provider with no design or construction interests, we deliver unbiased structural engineering advice focused solely on safety and compliance.
Partnership Approach for Cost-Efficiency
Our proactive approach to structural engineering, with early involvement in the project lifecycle, helps deliver programme and cost savings while minimising late-stage changes.
Integrated Construction Consultancy
Combine structural engineering with our Building Control, CDM consultancy, Fire Engineering, and RAAC survey services for a coordinated, multi-discipline solution—delivering efficiency, administration, and cost-savings.
Market-Leading Technology and Reporting
Access digital inspection reports, structural assessments, and compliance documentation 24/7 through our MAIA online platform, providing full transparency and audit trails.
Discover our related services:
Director (UK Building & Infrastructure CAPEX)
Bureau Veritas
We don't just ensure compliance—we partner with clients to deliver buildings and infrastructure that are fundamentally safe, structurally sound, and commercially viable. Structural integrity isn't a barrier to great design—it's a foundation for it, and our role is to make that clear, practical, and achievable for every client.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
What is the difference between structural engineering and civil engineering?
Structural engineering focuses on the design and assessment of buildings and structures (e.g., offices, residential buildings, bridges), ensuring they can safely withstand loads and environmental conditions. Civil engineering is a broader discipline that includes infrastructure projects such as roads, drainage, utilities, and earthworks. Bureau Veritas provides both structural and civil engineering services.
-
When should I engage a structural engineer?
The earlier, the better. Early involvement of a structural engineer in the design process allows for proactive identification of structural requirements, enabling cost-effective design and avoiding costly late-stage changes. For existing buildings, a structural engineer should be engaged when concerns arise about structural integrity, RAAC, or when planning alterations or refurbishments.
-
When should I carry out a Compliance Audit?
For a new project, early involvement of an approved auditor in the construction process will ensure that your scheme is QA compliant. Correctly setting up competent suppliers, and ensuring all your safety case files are in place, will avoid costly delays in sign-off at practical completion.
-
What is RAAC, and when is a RAAC survey needed?
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight cement-based material used in construction from the 1950s to 1980s. It is now known to be susceptible to structural problems such as cracking and bowing. RAAC surveys are recommended for all buildings constructed during this period, particularly schools, hospitals, and public buildings. Detection surveys identify the presence of RAAC, while condition surveys assess its structural integrity and risk.
-
Can Bureau Veritas support buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022?
Yes. Bureau Veritas provides comprehensive structural engineering services for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) under the Building Safety Act 2022, including RAAC surveys, structural assessments, and ongoing structural risk management support. Our services help building owners and Responsible Persons meet their obligations under the Act and demonstrate their commitment to building safety.
-
How does structural engineering integrate with building control?
Structural engineering and building control are complementary services. Structural engineers design structural systems and assess structural integrity, while building control ensures that construction work complies with Building Regulations, including structural safety requirements. Bureau Veritas provides both services, enabling a coordinated, multi-discipline approach with a single point of contact for efficiency and cost-savings.