STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

    Structural Analysis and Design Services

    Arcus Engineering provides structural analysis and design services for steel, reinforced concrete, timber and hybrid structures.

    Our team uses advanced FEM modelling, engineering calculations and project-specific analytical methods to evaluate how structures behave under realistic loading and support conditions.

    We support architects, contractors, investors, fabricators and engineering partners with safe, practical and material-efficient structural solutions developed in accordance with applicable Eurocodes and project requirements.

    Structural Analysis for Realistic Design Conditions

    Every successful structural system begins with a clear understanding of how loads move through the structure. Arcus Engineering analyzes load-bearing systems under relevant project conditions, including permanent loads, imposed loads, wind, snow, seismic actions, temperature effects and other project-specific requirements.

    The structural analysis process may include:

    • load assessment
    • load path verification
    • global stability checks
    • internal force analysis
    • deformation and displacement control
    • serviceability verification
    • member strength and stability checks
    • load combination assessment
    • structural safety verification
    • Eurocode-compliant calculation reports

    The objective is to understand how the complete structural system behaves and identify the design decisions required for safe and practical execution.


    What we deliver

    FEM Structural Modelling

    We model complex structural systems — including non-standard load paths or unusual support conditions — using the Finite Element Method to evaluate internal forces, deformations, stress distribution, member stability and buckling effects.

    CFD Wind Analysis

    For complex geometry, partially enclosed surfaces or exposed locations, we use Computational Fluid Dynamics to simulate airflow and pressure distribution where standard wind calculations fall short.

    Member Design & Optimization

    Steel, concrete and timber members are sized and verified from the forces obtained in the structural model, balancing safety, material use, constructability and cost.

    Independent Verification

    Critical members, stability-sensitive areas and complex load combinations are checked using independent calculations and alternative analytical methods.

    Eurocode Documentation

    Calculation reports and technical design documentation are prepared in accordance with applicable Eurocodes, National Annexes and project-specific requirements.

    Coordination Documentation

    FEM models, load assessments, stability checks and design notes are structured to clearly explain assumptions, analytical approach and conclusions for project-wide coordination.


    FEM-Based Structural Modelling

    Arcus Engineering uses the Finite Element Method to model complex structural systems under defined loading, support and boundary conditions.

    FEM divides the structural system into smaller elements and calculates how forces, stresses and deformations develop throughout the model.

    Depending on the project, FEM analysis may be used to evaluate:

    • internal forces
    • structural deformations
    • stress distribution
    • member stability
    • load distribution
    • support reactions
    • local structural behaviour
    • interaction between structural components
    • global and local buckling effects

    FEM modelling is especially useful for structures with complex geometry, non-standard load paths, unusual support conditions or multiple interacting materials and systems.


    Structures Suitable for FEM Analysis

    FEM-based structural analysis can be applied to:

    • steel frame structures
    • reinforced concrete buildings
    • timber structures
    • industrial halls
    • towers
    • bridges
    • platforms and walkways
    • crane runway structures
    • gas ducts and reservoirs
    • slabs, beams, columns and walls
    • foundations
    • cable-supported structures
    • complex and non-standard structural systems

    The modelling approach is adapted to the geometry, materials, loads and required level of analysis for each project.


    Structural Member Design and Optimization

    Arcus Engineering designs and verifies structural members according to the forces obtained from the structural model. Structural optimization is not limited to reducing the size of individual members.

    The design process may include:

    • selection of suitable structural systems
    • steel cross-section sizing
    • reinforced concrete member design
    • timber member design
    • beam and column verification
    • slab and wall design
    • bracing system design
    • foundation assessment
    • strength and stability checks
    • deflection and vibration control
    • material quantity optimization

    The objective is to achieve an appropriate balance between structural safety, performance, material use, constructability and project cost.

    A well-developed solution also considers:

    • the efficiency of the complete load-bearing system
    • structural regularity
    • connection complexity
    • available materials
    • fabrication requirements
    • transportation limits
    • installation sequence
    • coordination with architectural and mechanical systems
    • future maintenance requirements

    We use analysis results and engineering judgement to identify areas where the structural system or individual members can be improved without compromising required performance.

    Clear Analysis for Better Structural Decisions

    Our team evaluates load paths, stability, internal forces, deformations and structural behaviour to support safe and practical design decisions.

    Discuss Your Project →

    How we work

    1

    Load assessment & analysis

    We evaluate load paths, stability, internal forces and deformations under all relevant design conditions.

    2

    FEM & CFD modelling

    Complex geometry, non-standard load paths and wind-sensitive forms are modelled in detail where needed.

    3

    Member design & optimization

    Structural members are sized and refined for safety, material efficiency and constructability.

    4

    Independent verification

    Critical elements and model assumptions are checked using alternative calculation methods.

    5

    Eurocode documentation

    Findings are compiled into calculation reports and technical documentation ready for review and coordination.


    CFD Wind Analysis for Complex Structures

    Standard analytical wind calculations are suitable for many conventional structures.

    For projects with complex geometry, partially enclosed surfaces, exposed locations or unusual aerodynamic behaviour, additional wind analysis may be required.

    Arcus Engineering uses Computational Fluid Dynamics to simulate how wind flows around and through a structure.

    CFD analysis may be used to evaluate:

    • external wind pressure distribution
    • internal pressure conditions
    • local wind effects
    • airflow around complex geometry
    • façade and roof pressure zones
    • pressure differences across structural surfaces
    • wind loads used in the structural model

    CFD can provide more detailed pressure information where standard methods may not fully represent local or geometry-specific wind behaviour.


    Independent Structural Verification

    Reliable engineering requires more than reading the results produced by structural software.

    Arcus Engineering verifies critical elements using engineering calculations, independent checks and alternative analytical methods where appropriate.

    Independent verification may be applied to:

    • critical load-bearing members
    • stability-sensitive structural areas
    • unusual structural systems
    • highly loaded elements
    • foundations
    • complex load combinations
    • structural connections
    • model assumptions and boundary conditions

    These checks help confirm that the structural model, input assumptions and design results are technically consistent.


    Structural Analysis Deliverables

    Depending on the agreed scope, Arcus Engineering deliverables may include:

    • structural FEM models
    • load assessment documentation
    • structural analysis results
    • member design calculations
    • stability verification
    • deformation and serviceability checks
    • design optimization notes
    • CFD pressure results
    • Eurocode-compliant calculation reports
    • technical documentation for review and coordination

    The final documentation is structured to clearly explain the assumptions, analytical approach and engineering conclusions.


    Structural Engineering Through All Project Stages

    Arcus Engineering can support structural projects through different stages of development.

    Our services may be provided during:

    • feasibility studies
    • concept design
    • preliminary structural analysis
    • detailed design development
    • structural optimization
    • final engineering calculations
    • design revisions
    • assessment of existing structures
    • preparation of technical documentation
    • coordination with detailing and fabrication teams

    The scope can be adapted according to the available design information and the responsibilities of other project stakeholders.


    Why Structural Analysis Matters

    Accurate structural analysis gives the project team a reliable understanding of how the structure is expected to behave.

    A well-developed structural model and design can support:

    • safe load-bearing systems
    • improved structural efficiency
    • controlled deformations
    • better material use
    • more informed cost decisions
    • improved constructability
    • clearer technical coordination
    • compliance with project requirements
    • fewer design changes during later project stages

    Good structural engineering is not only about confirming that a structure can carry a load. It is also about developing a system that can be fabricated, constructed and used as intended.

    Standards

    Applicable Eurocode standards

    Arcus Engineering prepares structural calculations and design documentation in accordance with applicable Eurocodes, national requirements and project specifications.

    Depending on the structure and project location, the design may include relevant provisions from:

    • Eurocode 0 for basis of structural design
    • Eurocode 1 for structural actions
    • Eurocode 2 for reinforced concrete structures
    • Eurocode 3 for steel structures
    • Eurocode 5 for timber structures
    • Eurocode 7 for geotechnical design
    • Eurocode 8 for seismic design
    EN 1990

    Basis of Design

    Basis of structural design

    EN 1991

    Actions

    Structural actions

    EN 1992

    Concrete

    Reinforced concrete structures

    EN 1993

    Steel

    Steel structures

    EN 1995

    Timber

    Timber structures

    EN 1997

    Geotechnical

    Geotechnical design

    EN 1998

    Seismic

    Seismic design

    The exact standards and National Annexes are defined according to the project scope and jurisdiction.

    Ready to get started?

    Tell us about your project and we'll get back to you with a clear scope and timeline.

    Request a Quote →

    Request Structural Analysis and Design Services

    Need FEM-based structural analysis, optimized member design, CFD wind analysis or Eurocode-compliant calculation documentation?

    Send Arcus Engineering your available drawings, structural models, load information and project requirements.

    Our team will review the available documentation and prepare a tailored structural engineering proposal.