Structural Engineering Services – Structural Drawings and Calculations

CC Metall AB assists private individuals, property owners, housing associations, construction companies, architects, workshops and other clients with structural drawings, structural calculations and technical documentation for safe, buildable solutions.

We assist with projects in which load-bearing components must be designed, checked or clearly documented before construction, alteration work, commencement approval, quotation, fabrication or installation.

This may involve openings in load-bearing walls, beams, columns, floor structures, roofs, foundations, stairs, balconies, steel structures and other load-bearing building components.

CC Metall AB is based in Gränna, Sweden, and works digitally with customers and projects throughout Europe.

When formal structural design or structural verification is required, the work is carried out or checked by a structural engineer with the relevant expertise. The quotation for each individual project specifies who is responsible for the calculations, drawings, checks and any required signing or certification.

What Does a Structural Engineer Do?

A structural engineer analyses how loads are transferred through a building or structure and down into the foundations and ground.

A structural engineer assesses and designs elements such as:

• beams

• columns

• walls

• floor structures

• roof trusses and roof beams

• foundation structures

• fixings

• connections

• bracing

• stabilising elements

• steel, timber and concrete structures

The purpose is to ensure that the structure has sufficient load-bearing capacity, stability and durability for its intended use.

The structural engineer’s work may result in calculations, structural drawings, technical specifications, design documentation and documentation for the construction process.

When Is a Structural Engineer Required?

A structural engineer may be required when a project affects a building’s load-bearing components or when a new structure must be designed.

Common examples include:

• creating an opening in a load-bearing wall

• removing a wall or column

• supporting an opening with a steel or timber beam

• an extension

• an additional storey or roof lift

• a new floor

• alterations to the roof structure

• a new floor structure

• strengthening an existing floor structure

• larger window or door openings

• a balcony

• a staircase

• a railing with specified load requirements

• a carport or garage

• a deck or terrace

• a steel frame

• an industrial structure

• changes to the foundation system

• installation of heavy equipment

• solar panels or other new loads on a roof

• damage, settlement or deformation

• a change in the use of a building or premises

The local authority, certified control manager, architect or building contractor may also request structural documentation before the project can proceed.

Structural Calculations

Structural calculations are used to verify that a structure can support the loads and actions it is expected to withstand.

Depending on the project, the calculations may include:

• dead load

• imposed load

• snow load

• wind load

• point loads

• line loads

• dynamic loads

• load combinations

• support reactions

• bending

• shear

• compression and tension

• buckling

• stability

• deformation and deflection

• vibrations

• fixings and connections

• ground pressure and loads on the foundations

• load-bearing capacity in the event of fire, when included in the scope of work

The checks required depend on the structure’s material, use, location, geometry and the applicable regulations.

Structural Drawings

Structural drawings show how load-bearing components must be designed, positioned, connected and constructed.

Structural documentation may include:

• foundation plan

• structural frame plan

• floor framing plan

• roof truss plan

• roof beam plan

• column plan

• beam plan

• reinforcement drawings

• steelwork drawings

• timber structure drawings

• sections

• detail drawings

• fixing details

• connection details

• support details

• strengthening details

• installation principles

• material and dimension specifications

• references to calculations and technical specifications

The documents included are determined according to the project and specified in the quotation.

Opening in a Load-Bearing Wall

When an opening is to be created in a load-bearing wall, the loads above the opening must be safely transferred.

The structural engineer may need to assess:

• which loads the wall supports

• how the floors and roof are supported

• the width of the opening

• the wall material

• whether a steel or timber beam is required

• the required beam size

• whether columns are required

• the length and load-bearing capacity of the supports

• fixings

• how the loads are transferred down to the foundations

• whether temporary propping is required during the work

Typical documentation may include the design of the beam, columns and supports, together with a structural drawing showing the construction principle.

Work should not begin until the load-bearing function has been investigated and the correct documentation is available.

Extensions and Alterations

For an extension, the new structure must work together with the existing building.

The structural engineer may need to check:

• the foundations

• load-bearing walls

• beams and columns

• floor structures

• the roof

• the connection between the new and existing structures

• stabilisation

• snow and wind loads

• differences in level

• movement and settlement

• fixings

• load transfer to the existing structure

For alteration projects, it is important to document the existing conditions as accurately as possible. Concealed structures may need to be opened or investigated before the final design can be completed.

Roof Lifts, Additional Storeys and New Floors

A roof lift or new storey may significantly increase the loads on existing parts of the building.

The project may require checks of:

• existing foundations

• load-bearing external and internal walls

• floor structures

• beams

• columns

• stabilisation

• roof trusses and roof beams

• connections between existing and new components

• snow and wind loads

• load paths from the roof to the foundations

It is therefore normally not sufficient to design only the new roof. The existing building’s ability to support the additional loads may also need to be checked.

Foundations and Foundation Design

Structural documentation for foundations may include:

• foundation plan

• edge beams

• slab-on-ground

• strip footings

• pad foundations

• foundation piers

• reinforcement

• connections between the foundations and structural frame

• loads from walls and columns

• anchoring

• frost-protection principles

• strengthening of existing foundations

Ground conditions may need to be investigated using geotechnical documentation. Geotechnical investigations and geotechnical design are included only when specifically stated in the quotation.

Steel Structures

We assist with structural documentation for steel structures such as:

• steel beams

• steel columns

• steel frames

• supporting structures and load transfers

• stairs

• balconies

• canopies

• platforms

• brackets

• supports

• connection plates

• welded and bolted connections

• smaller industrial structures

• strengthening of existing structures

The documentation may include calculations, general arrangement drawings, detail drawings, material dimensions, connections and fixing principles.

Fabrication drawings and workshop drawings can be prepared as a separate part of the assignment.

Timber Structures

Structural drawings and calculations for timber may include:

• timber beams

• glulam beams

• timber columns

• timber stud walls

• roof trusses

• roof beams

• floor structures

• decks

• carports

• timber staircases

• connections and brackets

• strengthening

• connections between timber and steel

Moisture, fire, stability, span, supports and deformation may affect the choice of material and dimensions.

Concrete and Masonry

Depending on the project and the available expertise, the structural documentation may also include:

• concrete slabs

• concrete walls

• foundations

• edge beams

• reinforcement principles

• concrete beams and columns

• openings in masonry walls

• strengthening

• supports and fixings

More advanced concrete, masonry or geotechnical structures may require specialist expertise.

Fixings and Connections

A structure is only as strong as its connections.

Calculations and drawings may therefore need to include:

• screw connections

• bolted connections

• welded connections

• timber connections

• brackets and fittings

• anchor bolts

• chemical anchors

• cast-in components

• fixings in concrete

• fixings in masonry

• connections between steel and timber

• connections between new and existing structures

The properties of the material into which the fixing is to be installed must be known or checked before the final solution is determined.

Structural Design Documentation

For larger or more complex projects, structural design documentation may need to be prepared.

Depending on the project and local regulations, the documentation may describe:

• the principal load-bearing system

• design assumptions

• safety level

• loads and load combinations

• materials

• foundation conditions

• calculation methods

• applied standards

• stabilising systems

• critical structural components

• inspection and verification requirements

• special execution requirements

The exact scope is determined according to the project and the regulations to be applied.

The Difference Between Building Permit Drawings and Structural Drawings

Building permit drawings mainly show the building’s location, design, use, floor layout and external alterations.

Structural drawings show how the load-bearing components must be designed and constructed.

Building permit documentation may therefore show that an opening is to be created in a wall, while the structural documentation shows which beam, columns and supports are required for the opening to be constructed safely.

Building permit drawings and structural drawings serve different purposes and may be required at different stages of the project.

The Difference Between a Structural Drawing and a Fabrication Drawing

A structural drawing presents the load-bearing principles, dimensions and technical requirements.

A fabrication drawing shows in greater detail how an individual product or component is to be manufactured.

For a steel structure, the structural drawing may specify the section, material and principal connections. The fabrication drawing may then show the exact lengths, hole patterns, plates, welds and components required by the workshop.

CC Metall AB can assist with both structural documentation and separate fabrication drawings when these are included in the quotation.

How the Process Works

1. You Send Us the Project Documentation

Send existing drawings, photographs, measurements, hand sketches and a description of what is to be built or altered.

2. We Review the Conditions

We assess which load-bearing components are affected, what additional documentation is required and whether a site visit or supplementary investigations are necessary.

3. The Scope of the Assignment Is Defined

You receive a quotation describing:

• which calculations will be carried out

• which drawings will be prepared

• who is responsible for the structural design

• who will carry out any required checks

• delivery format

• price

• estimated delivery time

• number of revisions

• limitations and assumptions

4. The Structure Is Designed

The structural engineer analyses the loads, materials, geometry, supports, stability and other relevant conditions.

5. Drawings and Documentation Are Prepared

The calculations are converted into clear documents that can be used by the client, local authority, certified control manager, builder, manufacturer or installer.

6. The Documentation Is Reviewed

The client and the other responsible parties involved in the project review the drawings. Agreed revisions are carried out when required.

7. The Final Documents Are Delivered

The documents are delivered digitally in the format specified in the quotation.

Documentation We Require

To assess a structural engineering assignment, we normally require:

• the address and country of the project

• the property designation for Swedish construction projects

• a description of the planned work

• building permit drawings or architectural drawings

• existing structural drawings

• floor plans, elevations and sections

• photographs

• measurements

• information about the age of the building

• information about the existing materials

• information about how the building is constructed

• dimensions of openings and spans

• information about use and loads

• ground or geotechnical documentation when relevant

• any requirements from the local authority or certified control manager

• the required delivery date

When existing structural documentation is unavailable, parts of the building may need to be measured, opened or investigated.

What Can Be Delivered?

Depending on the assignment, the delivery may include:

• structural calculations

• strength calculations

• load take-down calculations

• structural drawings

• foundation plan

• structural frame plan

• beam and column plan

• floor framing plan

• roof plan

• sections

• detail drawings

• fixing details

• reinforcement drawings

• steelwork drawings

• timber structure drawings

• structural design documentation

• technical specification

• inspection and verification documentation

• PDF files

• DWG files when included in the quotation

What Is Not Automatically Included?

The following are included only when explicitly stated in the quotation:

• building permit drawings

• architectural drawings

• geotechnical investigations

• groundworks or site design

• fire safety design

• energy calculations

• plumbing, electrical or ventilation design

• certified control manager

• authority fees

• submission to the local authority

• site visits

• destructive investigations

• inspection of concealed building components

• design of temporary propping

• fabrication drawings

• CE marking

• physical testing

• material testing

• independent third-party review

• external consultant costs

Existing Buildings and Concealed Structures

For alteration projects, calculations and drawings are based on the available information about the existing building.

Concealed structures may differ from older drawings or from what would normally be expected. It may therefore be necessary to open walls, roofs, floors or other building components to check materials, dimensions and connections.

The final structural design may need to wait until critical conditions have been verified.

Projects Throughout Europe

CC Metall AB works digitally with structural engineering projects throughout Europe.

Structural regulations, national provisions, loads, safety requirements, documentation requirements and professional qualification requirements vary between countries.

For projects outside Sweden, the following must be established:

• which regulations are to be applied

• which national annexes apply

• which local loads are to be used

• the language in which the documents must be prepared

• whether local authorisation or signing is required

• who is responsible for contact with the authorities

• whether a locally practising structural engineer must be involved

This is assessed before the assignment begins and stated in the quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Structural Engineering Services

Do I Need a Structural Engineer to Remove a Wall?

If the wall is load-bearing or stabilising, the structure normally needs to be investigated before the wall is removed or altered.

A structural engineer may need to design the beam, columns, supports and fixings and check how the loads are transferred down to the foundations.

How Do I Know Whether a Wall Is Load-Bearing?

An initial assessment can sometimes be made from drawings, the building’s construction and the direction of the floors or roof trusses.

A reliable assessment may require existing documents to be reviewed or the structure to be inspected on site.

Can You Design a Steel Beam?

Yes, the design of steel beams can be included in a structural engineering assignment.

The calculation requires information about the span, loads, supports, stabilisation, use and existing structure.

Can You Assist with Beams, Columns and Supports?

Yes. An assignment may include calculations and drawings for beams, columns, supports and the necessary connections.

It must also be verified that the loads can be safely transferred through the building and down to the foundations.

Do You Prepare Structural Drawings for Extensions?

Yes. Structural documentation for extensions may include the foundations, load-bearing walls, floor structures, beams, columns, roof and connections to the existing building.

Can You Assist with Roof Lifts and New Upper Floors?

Yes. Such projects normally require both the new structures and the existing building’s ability to support the increased loads to be assessed.

Do You Carry Out Calculations for Stairs, Railings and Balconies?

Yes. Depending on the scope of the project and the available expertise, calculations and structural drawings can be prepared for stairs, railings, balconies and fixings.

Can the Work Be Carried Out Remotely?

Yes. Many structural engineering assignments can be completed digitally when clear drawings, photographs and verified measurements are available.

For existing buildings, a site visit or investigation of concealed structures may be required.

Can You Guarantee That the Local Authority Will Approve the Documents?

No. The local authority or other relevant authority is responsible for its own review and decisions.

CC Metall AB is responsible for the agreed delivery. If the authority requests new or amended documents, this is assessed according to the scope of the assignment.

Who Is Responsible for the Calculations?

The responsible structural engineer and the extent of their responsibility are specified in the quotation and, when relevant, on the documents.

When several consultants are involved, their respective responsibilities and coordination must be clearly defined.

Send Documentation for a Quotation

Do you need a structural engineer for structural drawings, strength calculations or structural design?

Send existing drawings, photographs, measurements and a brief description of what is to be built or altered. We will review the documentation and respond with information about the scope, price, delivery time and next steps.

CC Metall AB
Contact person: Christoffer Eskilsson
Address: Broddstorp 4, 563 93 Gränna, Sweden
Email: christoffer@ccmetall.com
Telephone: +46 70 448 64 47
Service area: throughout Europe

Author: Christoffer Eskilsson, CC Metall AB
Last updated: 20 June 2026