Engineering Insights

Insights

Practical notes from our engineers on structural design, inspections, permits and construction — written for owners, builders and designers.

Forensic & Inspections

Cracked masonry wall below a window under forensic inspection

October 13, 2026

Cracks in Your House: When Should You Call a Structural Engineer?

Cracks are common in buildings, but their significance depends on more than width alone. The location, pattern, direction, progression and relationship with floor movement, drainage and site conditions all matter.

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Forensic & Inspections

Vertical separation crack in an external brick wall

October 13, 2026

Building Movement in Melbourne Homes: Drainage, Trees and Reactive Soils

Many Victorian homes are founded on reactive soils that can expand and shrink as ground moisture changes.

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Forensic & Inspections

October 13, 2026

Structural Engineer vs Building Inspector: What Is the Difference?

A building inspection and a structural engineering assessment serve different purposes.

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Structural Design

Building structural frame rising from engineering drawings

October 13, 2026

Removing a Load-Bearing Wall: What Engineering Is Required?

Removing a load-bearing wall changes the way loads are transferred through a building.

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Civil & Construction

Engineering drawings and building sketch

October 13, 2026

What Is an LPOD and Why Does Council Require It?

A Legal Point of Discharge (LPOD) is the approved location where stormwater from a property is permitted to discharge.

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Civil & Construction

Aerial view of a residential subdivision development

October 13, 2026

OSD vs Retention: Understanding Stormwater Requirements

On-site detention and retention are related but serve different purposes.

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