Category Engineering and Design

When you look at a new building, you see its beautiful facade, its functional layout, and its modern finishes. But beneath the surface lies its structural integrity. The stability and longevity of any building, from a custom home to a commercial complex, depend entirely on the principles of structural design and analysis.

At Schembri Engineers, we’ve been the trusted partner for countless builders and property owners across Arizona since 1985. We understand that our work is more than just drawing plans; it’s about creating a safe, durable, and reliable foundation for the future.

What is Structural Design?

Structural design is the art and science of shaping a building’s skeleton. It’s the process where engineers determine the most effective materials, sizes, and configurations for a structure’s components—like beams, columns, and foundations. The goal is to ensure the building can safely support all the loads it will face throughout its lifespan.

This includes:

• Static loads: The weight of the building itself and its contents.
• Dynamic loads: Forces from wind, seismic activity (earthquakes), and even heavy rainfall.
• Environmental factors: The specific challenges of Arizona’s climate, such as intense heat and shifting desert soils.

What is Structural Analysis?

If structural design is the plan, structural analysis is the critical quality check. This is the scientific, data-driven process of evaluating a proposed design. Using advanced mathematical models and software, our engineers simulate how a structure will perform under various conditions.

We analyze key factors to ensure the design is sound, including:

• Stress and Strain: Measuring how forces will affect the building’s materials.
• Load Distribution: Confirming that loads are correctly transferred through the structure to the ground.
• Deflection and Vibration: Ensuring the building won’t experience excessive movement that could compromise its integrity or comfort.

Through rigorous analysis, we can identify and correct potential weak points before construction even begins, saving time, money, and most importantly, ensuring safety.

The Schembri Engineers Difference

For over 40 years, Schembri Engineers has been a leader in Arizona’s engineering industry. Our deep understanding of structural design and analysis is just one reason why we’ve earned the trust of over 15,000 satisfied clients.

• Experience that Matters: With decades of hands-on experience, we are intimately familiar with the specific structural challenges faced by buildings in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding regions.
• Comprehensive Expertise: As a family-owned firm, we offer a full suite of services, from civil and structural engineering to mechanical, plumbing, and electrical design, making us a one-stop-shop for your project.
• Certified and Trusted: We are home to a Board Certified Building Inspection Engineer, a designation that underscores our commitment to the highest standards of professional excellence.

Whether you’re embarking on a new construction project, planning a complex renovation, or need a forensic analysis of an existing structure, our team is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to deliver a safe and effective solution.

Don’t leave the integrity of your project to chance. Partner with a team that has a proven track record. Contact Schembri Engineers today to discuss your structural design and analysis needs.

The desert landscape of Arizona is beautiful, but it can also present unique challenges for residential properties. From shifting soils to the intense heat and monsoon moisture, your home’s structure is constantly under stress. Knowing the early warning signs of a potential problem can save you thousands of dollars and give you invaluable peace of mind.

At Schembri Engineers, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas since 1985. Here are the top 10 signs that it may be time to call a professional structural engineer for an expert evaluation.

1. Cracks in Your Foundation, Walls, or Stucco

While hairline cracks can sometimes be cosmetic, larger or jagged cracks are a significant red flag. They can indicate soil settlement, foundation movement, or other serious structural issues that need a professional eye.

2. Doors or Windows that Stick or Won’t Close

If a door or window suddenly becomes difficult to open or close, it may be a sign of a misaligned frame caused by structural movement. Don’t just ignore it; this could be an early symptom of a shifting foundation.

3. Sagging Floors or Ceilings

A floor or ceiling that has a noticeable dip or “sag” often points to weakened or compromised support beams, joists, or trusses. This is a critical issue that requires an immediate inspection to prevent further damage.

4. Bowed or Leaning Walls

Exterior or interior walls that appear to be bowing inward or leaning outward are a clear indication of a structural problem. This can be caused by excessive pressure from the soil, a weakened foundation, or improper load-bearing support.

5. Water Intrusion or Persistent Moisture

While a plumber handles the pipes, a structural engineer can help if water is getting into your basement or crawl space. Persistent moisture can weaken a home’s foundation and lead to long-term structural damage.

6. Signs of Termite or Pest Damage

Termites and other pests can wreak havoc on wood framing, beams, and joists. After a pest control company has treated the problem, a structural engineer can assess the extent of the damage and design the necessary repairs.

7. Post-Fire or Natural Disaster Damage

If your home has experienced a fire, flood, or other disaster, a structural engineer is essential to evaluate the integrity of the remaining structure. Our forensic engineers can determine the safety of the building and design a plan for a safe rebuild.

8. Before a Major Renovation

Planning to remove a load-bearing wall, add a second story, or create an open-concept space? Before you start knocking down walls, you need a structural design from a professional to ensure your home remains safe and sound.

9. As Part of a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Before you buy a new home, a specialized structural inspection can give you complete peace of mind. Our team, which includes a Board Certified Building Inspection Engineer, can identify hidden problems that a standard home inspection might miss.

10. You’re Building a New Custom Home

A structural engineer is a crucial partner in the design phase of a new build. At Schembri Engineers, our design and engineering services ensure your custom home is built to the highest standards of safety and durability from the very beginning.

Trust Schembri Engineers with Your Home

As a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience and more than 15,000 satisfied clients, we are the trusted choice for residential structural engineering in Arizona. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t wait for the problem to get worse.

Contact Schembri Engineers today to schedule a professional inspection and get the expert advice you need to protect your home.