ENGINEERING CERTAINTY. DELIVERED.
Transportable buildings are often relocated, repurposed or installed in locations very different from those they were originally designed for. Before that happens, it can be important to understand whether the existing structure is suitable for its proposed use and location.
Engineering On Demand provides engineering-led Building Inspection Perth services, including Transportable Structure Assessment for portable buildings, site offices, accommodation units and other relocatable structures throughout Western Australia.
Our engineers can inspect and assess the existing structural system, identify areas requiring further investigation or modification, and provide engineering advice for the proposed installation or relocation.
A transportable building may appear structurally sound but still require assessment before it is relocated or installed at a new site.
The original building may have been engineered for different wind conditions, foundations, supports or intended use. Previous transportation, modifications and deterioration can also affect the structure over time.
Our Transportable Structure Assessment considers the existing structural system and the requirements associated with the building’s proposed location and use.
The objective is to establish what you have, identify potential structural issues and determine what engineering work may be required before the building is installed or modified.
This section will work well in the same format as your “Structural Engineer for Additions – What May Need to Be Engineered?” section.
The primary floor, wall and roof framing can be reviewed to understand the structural arrangement and identify visible deterioration, damage or alterations.
Connections between structural members are important to the overall integrity of a transportable building and may require assessment, particularly where the building has previously been relocated or modified.
Steel corrosion, timber deterioration and other visible damage may reduce the capacity of structural components and can influence whether repairs or further investigation are required.
New openings, removed walls, extensions and other alterations can change the original structural system and may need to be considered as part of the assessment.
The method used to connect the building to its supports or foundations is particularly important when the structure is being installed at a new location.
Floor framing, bearers and other supporting members can be assessed where accessible and relevant to the proposed installation.
The existing roof and wall framing may need to be considered against the structural actions applicable to the proposed site.
An assessment doesn’t necessarily mean an older transportable building needs to be replaced.
Where structural deficiencies or changed design requirements are identified, it may be possible to develop engineering modifications that allow the building to be retained.
Depending on the structure, this could involve strengthening existing framing, introducing additional bracing, modifying connections or developing new support and tie-down arrangements.
Engineering On Demand can provide the structural design and drawings required for modifications included within the agreed scope.
Moving an existing building onto a new property doesn’t necessarily avoid the normal building approval process.
The applicable requirements depend on the building, proposed use, site and local government requirements. As a general principle, building work that affects structural soundness or compliance with applicable building standards can require a building permit.
Engineering On Demand can also assist with the broader approval process where required, including engineering documentation, certification and building application support.
Yes. Depending on the required scope and access available, we can inspect accessible structural components and provide engineering advice regarding the building’s structural condition and proposed use.
This depends on the building, available documentation, proposed destination and intended use. Where structural suitability cannot be established from existing documentation, an assessment may be required.
Potentially. Age alone doesn’t determine whether a structure can be reused. Its condition, construction, previous modifications, proposed use and new site conditions all need to be considered.
Yes. Where appropriate, we can assess the structure against the requirements relevant to its proposed location and determine whether additional engineering or modifications are required.
Yes. Where included within the scope, new foundations and anchorage can be engineered for the proposed installation using the relevant structural and site information.
An assessment may still be possible, although the absence of original documentation can affect the scope of investigation and the information required to establish structural capacity.
Yes. Where the assessment identifies required structural modifications, Engineering On Demand can provide engineering design and drawings as a separate or extended scope.
Yes. Where required, we can also assist with engineering documentation, certification and the broader building approval process.