Short answer
Yes. Independent checking and design review is a distinct service in which BES examines another engineer's design against the brief, the loading, the relevant codes and buildability, and reports on its adequacy. Checks range from a proportionate review of assumptions and critical members to a full independent recalculation. Clients commission checks for high-consequence structures, as a condition of insurance or funding, where a design has been inherited mid-project, or simply for confidence before construction begins. The scope and depth of check are agreed in writing beforehand.
Branded guidance note, prepared for project records and circulation to your team.
Levels of check
- Review of design assumptions, loading and load paths
- Spot-check of critical members and connections
- Full independent recalculation of the primary structure
- Buildability and sequencing review
What a check report states
- Documents reviewed and their revision status
- Scope and limitations of the check
- Findings, categorised by significance
- Items requiring resolution before construction
How BES is typically involved
- BES agrees check scope, depth and reporting format before starting.
- Findings are raised constructively and discussed with the originating designer where appropriate.
- Close-out of comments is tracked to conclusion.
Typical process
- 01Agree scope and level of check
- 02Receive and register design information
- 03Undertake the check
- 04Issue findings
- 05Comment close-out
Common misconceptions
Commonly assumed
“A check means the original engineer is not trusted.”
In practice
Independent checking is routine good practice on significant structures and is often a funder or insurer requirement.
Commonly assumed
“A check transfers design responsibility.”
In practice
The original designer remains responsible for the design; the checker reports on it within an agreed scope.
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Discuss your project
General guidance only goes so far. Describe your building and what you are planning, and you will receive project-specific advice from a Chartered Structural Engineer.
Discuss Your Project →Next scheduled review August 2027
Disclaimer
Indicative result only. The calculation depends on the assumptions and information entered and does not constitute structural design or professional advice. Do not use the result for construction, procurement, Building Regulations submissions or safety-critical decisions. All results must be independently verified by a suitably qualified structural engineer before being used for design, construction or regulatory purposes. Bebbington Engineering Studio Ltd accepts no responsibility for reliance placed on unverified results.