Courses
Structural design and the structural skills you use on every job. Most topics run at Levels 1, 2 and 3, and new courses are added regularly.
How the levels work
Each level builds on the one before. Start where you are and work up.
You’ll be able to:
- Read structural drawings, schedules and calculation summaries
- Explain how load travels from roof to ground through each element
- Know what section sizes, timber grades and concrete grades mean
- Recognise when a change needs an engineer, and what to send them
You’ll be able to:
- Build up the loads on a beam, joist, wall or foundation
- Follow how bending, shear, deflection and bearing set the size
- Check an engineer’s calculation against what is on site
- Spot errors, missing information and over-design before you buy
You’ll be able to:
- Compare structural options for cost, programme and buildability
- Plan temporary works and propping for alterations
- Question your engineer with specific, technical alternatives
- Take responsibility for structural competence on your jobs
Structural design
How each element is sized, and the questions that get you a cheaper, simpler design.
Structural designSteel design
How steel beams and posts are sized, and the questions that get you a lighter, cheaper section.
Structural designConcrete and foundations
How foundations and concrete elements are sized, and how to avoid digging deeper and wider than you need to.
Structural designMasonry design
How brick and block walls carry load, when padstones and piers are really needed, and what existing walls can take.
Structural designTimber design
How joists, rafters and timber beams are sized, and when timber can do the job of a steel.
Training a whole team?
We can run any topic for your company, online, on dates that suit you.
Talk to usStructural skills
The everyday skills behind every job: tracing loads, reading drawings and calculations, briefing your engineer and spotting defects early.
Structural skillsUnderstanding load paths
Where load starts, how it travels to the ground, and what happens when something in the chain is removed.
Topic detailsStructural skillsReading structural drawings and calculations
What the symbols, sections, notes and calculations tell you, and which notes carry the risk if they are missed.
Topic details
Structural skillsWorking with your structural engineer
What to ask, when to ask it, and how to brief an engineer so the design comes back quicker and cheaper.
Topic details
Structural skillsSpotting structural defects
Movement, deflection, previous alterations and decay: recognising the warning signs on site and in surveys.
Topic details+ New courses are added regularly. Register your interest to hear when they open.
One avoided mistake pays for the course.
Registering isn’t a commitment. You’ll get outlines, dates and pricing in writing, and you’ll be first to hear when new topics open.
Register your interest