Structural / Building

Foundations & Slabs

Engineering for foundations, floor slabs and questions about settlement, cracking or added loads.

What this covers

Understanding Foundations & Slabs

The scope may involve new construction, an addition or investigation of an existing condition. Soil information, building loads and observed movement help determine whether structural design, testing or geotechnical input is needed.

When engineering may be required

When to involve an engineer

An engineer may be needed when designing new support, changing loads or assessing movement. The appearance of a crack alone does not establish its cause or significance.

Confirm the engineering scope with the professional you engage and any permit requirements with the local building department.

Engineering tasks

What the engineer may review

Topics that may be relevant to the review: CMU, block wall, concrete, masonry and pile.

The engineer can review existing conditions, evaluate the proposed changes and prepare the calculations or design details included in the agreed scope.

Common projects

Project examples

  • Designing support for a new addition
  • Investigating uneven floors or recurring cracks
Requesting a quote

What to have ready

Start with a short description. These details can help define the scope, but you do not need everything ready to request a quote.

  • The project city or county, and the property address if known
  • What you want to build, change or repair
  • How the space or site is used now and what you plan to change
  • Whether you have drawings or photos to share during follow-up
  • The status of any permit application and comments received
  • Your target dates or other scheduling constraints
Related services

Related engineering services

Related work and terminology

Terms you may see on plans and permits

Terms that may appear in plans, permit comments or contractor conversations about this work.

  • CMU
  • block wall
  • concrete
  • masonry
  • pile

Request an engineering quote

Tell us about the project and where it is located. You do not need to know which engineering discipline applies.