When a property owner notices cracks in their walls or feels their foundation shifting, the worry is real. The uncertainty can keep them up at night, wondering if their property is safe. As structural engineers, we design the underpinning solutions that bring peace of mind. We don’t just solve the problem, we ensure property owner […]
16
May
May
An Inspiring Evening with the IStructE President Last night I had the privilege of meeting the President of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) at an event hosted by the IStructE Thames Valley region. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from Mohamad Khodr Al-Dah, the 104th President of the IStructE, who shared his […]
12
May
May
What if the biggest threat to your building isn’t what you can see, but what you can’t? You walk through the property. The walls are straight No cracks Floors feel solid All looks well. So you tick the mental box “Structure, fine.” But here’s the uncomfortable truth ….. Many structural failures don’t begin with visible […]
09
May
May
RAAC Doesn’t Mean Demolition! For months, the headlines have said the same thing: “RAAC is Dangerous – Demolish Now” Schools, offices, and public buildings have been shut down. Emergency funds are being thrown at rebuilds. Entire communities are being displaced. But here’s what’s not being said loudly enough: RAAC Doesn’t Automatically Mean Demolition RAAC Fix […]
07
May
May
Training the Next Generation – What’s The Plan? Training the next generation of professionals whether in engineering, architecture, or construction is about more than completing a checklist or ticking off competencies. In high-stakes industries like ours, success isn’t just about what you know it’s about how you apply that knowledge under real-world conditions. That’s especially […]
06
May
May
Too often, structural input is treated like an afterthought, something to “slot in” once the architectural concept is done. Involving Structural Engineers Early But by the time we’re brought in, key decisions are already locked in: floor spans are too ambitious, the column grid doesn’t work, and the budget is under pressure before the first […]
03
May
May
Choosing a Structural Engineer For many clients, choosing a structural engineer feels like stepping into unknown territory. Unlike architects or interior designers whose work is visible, creative, and easier to judge, structural engineers work behind the scenes, solving problems that are often invisible until something goes wrong. That makes it hard for clients to know […]
01
May
May
At Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers, we are proud to introduce a groundbreaking solution for the UK’s RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) crisis. In a UK first, our team has developed and successfully delivered an in-situ repair method for RAAC panels using Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) technology – a material more commonly used in aerospace […]
25
Apr
Apr
Work anniversaries are always special – but reaching 25 years with the same company is a truly remarkable achievement. This week, we’re incredibly proud to celebrate Andy, one of our longest-serving team members, as he marks a quarter-century with Michael Aubrey Barrow (Formally Michael Aubrey Partnership). Andy’s journey is one of continuous growth, adaptability, and […]
24
Apr
Apr
CDM & Building Safety Act CPD at Bracknell Forest Council What do Principal Designers really need to know about CDM and the Building Safety Act – and how do these regulations shape safer construction? That’s exactly what was explored when John Staves, CEng FIStructE, Chartered Structural Engineer, visited Bracknell Forest Council to deliver a dynamic […]
07
Apr
Apr
The Challenge How could the raac panels be strengthened in situ while maintaining the building’s operations? Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) In September 2023, the issue of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) came to the forefront of public attention. RAAC Audits This was highlighted when schools began failing inspections, leading to closures. Subsequently, other large […]
27
Feb
Feb
The Hidden Risks of Relying on Paper-Based Assessments When planning a structural engineering project, cost-saving measures are always a priority. Many professionals turn to desk studies as a way to reduce upfront expenses by gathering existing site data before committing to physical surveys. While desk studies provide valuable insights, they also come with significant limitations. […]