What do you do if you can't find reliable online resources for Structural Engineering consulting services?

For a complex project, many of the needed resources may be classified and not made regularly available online. Studying to understand the scope of the project would help a long way to know the right direction to look at for resource gathering.

Expand your search beyond traditional channels because as far as complex projects is concern, many of the required resources maybe classified and may not be readily available online. Understand the scope of the projects, this will help you to know where to search for resources gathering. Consider reaching out to professional organizations, industry experts, and academic institutions specialized in structural engineering for recommendation or referrals for a reputable engineer or consultants.

This is why forming a network of professionals around one is key for a great structural engineering practice. Many of the challenges faced in the practice have been experienced and surmounted by others. When the needed materials could not be gotten online, it would be a good idea to engage other professionals for possible solutions. It is possible that they have archived materials to help proffer solutions to the current challenge or they help think thru possible solutions by making use of first principles and adapting similar solutions to resolve the issues at hand. One could consult professional organisations or selected engineering firms for the much needed solution.

One thing I've found helpful is having an engagement with selected consultants to explain and make clarifications on brief sent to them, this will help consultants with impeccable understanding of what is expected to be delivered. Afterwards, a deadline is set to receive schedule and cost, time, resources (CTR) - a detailed breakdown of of deliverable, manhours and cost needed for the project. The CTR and schedule are then reviewed not only for cost optimisation but to see how best the consultants demonstrate full grasp of the scope of work. After a rigorous review, a consultant is selected based on who best meet the requirements for the project such as aesthetic, HSE, cost etc - project drivers which would be listed in order of priority.

After a contract has been agreed then the project can be kick-started. Series of engagements such as project progress meeting, joint design review sessions etc are to be put in place to ensure that stakeholders are informed about the progress of project and relevant experts and other stakeholders alike are given the opportunity to make inputs that would lead to customer's satisfaction when project is delivered.

Effective communication with trusted experts in the field may represent one of the solutions proposed, but what is more important is reviewing the required specifications and relevant international specifications and codes. Therefore, consulting a trusted specialist in the field after reviewing the relevant specifications and methods and steps for implementation that are precisely determined provides a clear vision for making needed decisions.