Expertise.
Gurney provides consulting engineering services in civil and structural engineering across a wide range of sectors, including residential, commercial, retail, education, and healthcare. We also specialise in delivering solutions for the railway and defence industries, ensuring the highest standards for critical infrastructure. Whether for businesses, organizations, or private individuals, all our work is conducted or overseen by experienced chartered engineers.
At Gurney, our engineers are committed to understanding the unique needs and requirements of all stakeholders in every project we undertake.
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
Despite its advantages as a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to standard concrete, Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) has encountered significant challenges, particularly concerning its long-term structural integrity in schools, hospitals, and other public buildings. – Maybe include a link to the RAAC investigations that closed multiple schools?
RAAC has a lifespan of approximately 30 years, making it less durable than conventional reinforced concrete. Its structural properties differ markedly from traditional concrete, especially when exposed to moisture and water ingress. The aerated nature of RAAC makes it susceptible to water infiltration, which can lead to severe consequences. When water penetrates RAAC, it can cause the reinforcing steel within to corrode and rust, resulting in a substantial loss of strength in the RAAC panels and an increased risk of structural failure.
Reassuringly for our clients we have in-house RAAC capabilities. As members of The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) RAAC Study Group and 1 of 6 contributors to the IStructE RAAC Investigation and Assessment Guide, we are well-positioned to offer initial advice and conduct additional examinations, as required, to determine whether a property’s roof, floors, and other structural elements contain RAAC. These expertise have been recognised by clients such as the Royal Mail who appointed Gurney to a multi-year year framework to survey and assess all their buildings/assets across both the South East and South Central regions.
Structural & Civil Engineering.
Structural and Civil Engineering forms the core of our business, with our Practice having been appointed to numerous significant projects over the past 40 years. Our extensive experience spans a wide range of projects, from small residential extensions to ventures valued at over £30 million. We have worked with all types of structures and materials, estate roads, and underground drainage systems.
Our current strength and expertise have evolved by embracing the challenges set by our clients, who appreciate our flexible, innovative, yet practical approach to problem-solving.
Detailed liaison with our clients is essential to thoroughly understand their briefs and tailor engineering solutions within cost constraints.
In addition to new build projects, we possess extensive experience and expertise in refurbishment works, extensions to existing properties, and temporary works solutions.
Structural Inspections.
Conducting structural surveys of both commercial and residential buildings is a key service we offer to our clients.
Our inspections are rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the original construction of the buildings and the methods employed at the time of their erection. This deep knowledge allows us to identify likely defects in various building types, assess their condition accurately, and recommend any necessary remedial works.
Over the years, we have developed an extensive knowledge base encompassing a wide range of structures, including castles, listed buildings, Tudor timber-framed structures, multi-story car parks and all types of domestic and commercial buildings, up to and including modern construction techniques. Additionally, we have substantial experience in inspecting buildings after catastrophic events such as vehicular impacts, floods, and fires.
Our Directors and senior engineers bring a wealth of experience across all forms of construction, benefiting clients whether they constructing a new multi-million pound structure, repairing a defect, or designing an alteration to existing buildings. We are also well-versed in handling insurance claims to ensure appropriate repairs are made.
Expert Witness Advice.
Our extensive experience in structural design and deep understanding of building construction uniquely positions us to assess the actions of other engineers against the accepted standards of competence within the profession.
As Expert Witnesses, our Directors have worked with numerous solicitors, providing advice on a wide range of disputes. The courts prefer advice from Expert Witnesses who are practising engineers. All our Directors actively manage design projects as part of their daily responsibilities, staying updated with current design software and industry standards. They are well-versed in the requirements of Building Regulations, NHBC guidelines, Eurocodes and current British Standards and Codes of Practice.
Contract Administration.
Contract Administration is a natural extension of our expertise, encompassing all aspects of the construction process and a thorough understanding of standard construction contracts.
We have served as Contract Administrators for both private clients and local authorities, managing all disciplines within the construction process. Our involvement spans a wide variety of projects, including bridges, contaminated ground issues, and refurbishment works.
Clients find it advantageous for us to act as Contract Administrators on projects where we have also been appointed as the Consulting Engineers. In this role, we obtain competitive tenders, appoint contractors, and manage the project, overseeing all technical, cost, and schedule matters.
