Residential Designs:

Single or multi-family residences can be provided with all necessary plans and specifications for foundations that are designed for the loading conditions of the building that will correspond to the support capabilities of the soil for the designated lot.

Our firm can obtain all necessary geotechnical data for structural design or utilize the data that may be provided by the owner/builder. The foundation design work is typically accompanied with a minimum of one pre-pour inspection that is made immediately prior to placement of the concrete.  The reinforcement design for the foundation may be achieved with the use of either conventional steel bar reinforcing or multi-strand post-tension steel cables.

Additional engineering plans and specifications for superstructure framing can also be provided at the client’s request.

Commercial Designs:

Plans and specifications can be developed for the construction of foundations and other below grade structures as required for commercial, institutional and multi-dwelling facilities.  This service may include engineering and designs for concrete foundations (conventional or post-tension), any associated peering, related grade wall structures, and/or vicinity drainage control structures.  Engineering design and specifications for framing can also be provided at the client’s request.

Engineering services are also available for on-site conceptual reviews, pre-pour inspections, and construction monitoring to ensure compliance with established plans and specifications. 

Commercial & Residential Structural Assessments:

The initial phase of a foundation structural assessment will typically include a recorded survey of all visible interior and exterior surfaces including floors, walls, and ceilings for possible structurally related damage, such as cracks and separations.  The review will also include a recorded elevation survey across the floor surfaces to determine the location and extent of any vertical foundation movement.  The elevation survey is typically referenced to a “bench mark” elevation that will be established nearby.  A review will also be made of all surrounding surface drainage conditions that may affect the performance of the foundation.  The acquired filed data is then analyzed with all available original construction documentation for the structure of concern.  An Engineer’s inspection report is provided with comments, conclusions and any necessary recommendations for repair/adjustment.  The report should also include an estimated cost for any recommended structural work.  The owner then has an opportunity to establish priorities for any or all of the identified corrections to be made.
      See our image displaying an example of foundation issues below.

The second phase of engineering services will utilize previously acquired field data and resulting report from phase one to develop plans and specifications for obtaining uniform bids from contractors.  We will then provide on-site monitoring of the selected contractor’s work. The in-progress inspection during foundation re-elevation and repair should ensure compliance with plans and specifications and applicable codes, as set forth by the governing authorities of jurisdiction.  Upon completion of the contractor’s work, an Engineer’s Completion Report will be provided that will be valuable documentation to the building owner or authorized representative.

An additional service for a post-construction structural assessment of concrete and steel reinforcement is offered to the client if there is concern that some or all of the existing foundation may have experienced significant movement or failure, or may be inadequate for anticipated future loading conditions.

Drainage & Retainer Walls:

Since drainage conditions, both surface and sub-surface, can have such a significant impact on structures the staff of Westbrook Engineering has acquired the talent, and experience, to address both existing and/or proposed drainage projects. This may include issues such as severe erosion, moisture proofing basements, or potential flooding conditions to a residence.
Often drainage projects require consideration for retainer walls (see image below). Westbrook Engineering also has the ability to provide designs for retainer and/or privacy walls that may be modular (gravity) walls, cast in place concrete, timber, or concrete block. These particular walls will be designed to accommodate site conditions and all anticipated loading conditions.

Services described above are offered for assessment
of existing structures and for remodeling, reconstruction,
or preparation for demolition.