Structural Engineering

At Sixense North America, our structural engineering experts help clients evaluate the condition and performance of existing infrastructure, including buildings, tunnels, bridges, and rail systems—and develop tailored solutions to improve safety, durability, and functionality.

We assess structures in their current state to identify weaknesses and determine their load-bearing capacity. Based on our findings, we propose remedial actions to enhance structural integrity and increase resistance across various materials, including concrete, steel, masonry, and wood.

Our team also conducts feasibility studies and designs structural modification or rehabilitation programs. These may include bridge widening, bearing replacement, structure jacking, and other interventions aimed at extending service life and optimizing performance.

Our Expertise in Structural Engineering

Comprehensive assessments, testing, and monitoring for all structure types

Sixense North America offers a wide range of structural engineering services to evaluate, test, and monitor the performance of buildings, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure.

We conduct detailed assessments of existing structures through on-site inspections, mechanical testing, and instrumentation. Our team uses advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques—including cover meter surveys, radar, and 3D tomography—to detect hidden defects. Learn more about our auscultation and testing tools for structures and materials.

We measure residual tension in prestressed cables using the “cross-bow” tensile method and survey structural geometry through infrared readings, photogrammetry, and 3D scanning. These digital inspection tools help us capture precise data for analysis and planning.

Our engineers perform reinforcement integrity checks on both passive and prestressed systems using NDT methods. We also conduct sampling and compression tests on concrete cores and masonry blocks to evaluate residual strength.

For wood structures, we provide visual classification, sampling, and mechanical characterization of solid wood and glued laminated timber. For steel and puddled iron, we perform sampling and tensile tests to assess material performance.

We also offer instrumentation services, including the setup of alert and alarm thresholds, supervision of measurement systems, and interpretation of monitoring data. Learn more about our monitoring solutions.

Assessing Existing Structures: Studies, Modeling, and Recalculation

Reliable structural engineering to support safety, performance, and rehabilitation

Structural recalculation is a core activity within our structural engineering office. With extensive experience in this field, Sixense North America has developed a robust verification methodology that balances flexibility with precision.

Our approach allows us to work with incomplete or evolving input data to meet a variety of needs—such as operational changes, defect analysis, structural modifications, or environmental shifts. At the same time, our thoroughness ensures the reliability of our conclusions, which is critical for structural safety and asset management.

Our Methodology Includes:

We begin with a comprehensive documentary review, including structural files and historical regulations. We then identify the applicable standards and codes, adapting safety coefficients and criteria as needed through a pseudo-regulatory approach.

Our engineers account for the structure’s current integrity, including residual material strength, cracking, corrosion, and reduced ductility. We use advanced 3D finite element modeling tools such as Nemetschek SCIA Engineer®, Graitec Advance Design®, Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis®, and CESAR LCPC®.

Instrumentation data is incorporated to calibrate models and improve accuracy. We verify structural safety, serviceability, and fire resistance, while also identifying the root causes of defects and assessing their potential impact. Finally, we estimate the residual lifespan of the structure to support long-term planning and decision-making.

Carrying Out Work on Existing Structures: Safety, Repair, and Reinforcement

Innovative structural engineering solutions tailored to your needs

At Sixense North America, our structural engineering team specializes in designing and implementing repair and reinforcement strategies for existing structures. From straightforward fixes to advanced technical solutions, we apply cutting-edge methods that minimize operational impact while optimizing cost and execution time.

Our expertise includes additional prestressing, bonded composite materials, shotcrete, and ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPC). We also perform underpinning with micro-piles, jacking, structural injection, and emergency shoring.

For specialized repairs, we restore wooden structures using composite rods and reinforce metal structures through welding, bolting, or riveting. Our active technology watch ensures we stay ahead of industry innovations, delivering solutions that meet your structural and operational requirements.

Modifying Existing Structures: Supporting Your Projects

Structural engineering solutions for evolving infrastructure needs

As environments and operational requirements change, existing structures often need to adapt. At Sixense North America, we provide structural engineering expertise to support modification projects from initial feasibility studies through to on-site execution.

Our team designs and manages structural adaptations that improve functionality, safety, and compliance. Whether you’re raising a building, replacing a roof, installing solar panels, or reinforcing a bridge, we tailor solutions to meet your technical and operational goals.

Examples of our work include building elevation projects, operational reconfigurations, roof covering replacements, and rooftop equipment installations. We also specialize in masonry arch bridge repairs using shotcrete counter-arches, bridge widening, reinforcement through additional prestressing or bonded composite materials, jacking and bearing replacement, and structural verification for exceptional loads.

Structural Engineering Expertise: A Critical Tool for Risk Management

Reliable assessments to support safety, performance, and transformation

Our structural engineering expertise allows us to evaluate the actual performance of existing structures and design optimal measures to ensure reliability, extend service life, and support structural modifications.

We use 3D finite element modeling to simulate structural behavior
We calibrate models using instrumentation and observational data
We verify structural safety, serviceability, and durability in line with regulatory standards
We design corrective solutions, including safety measures, repairs, and reinforcement strategies

Benefits for Our Clients

Clear, actionable data on structural performance, including load-bearing capacity, remaining service life, and fire resistance
Cost-optimized repair and reinforcement solutions
Advanced structural engineering expertise to support complex projects such as building extensions, roof replacements, and bridge jacking

The Advantages of Our Structural Engineering

Specialized Engineering Solutions

We offer advanced expertise in structural repair and reinforcement, delivering solutions that range from conventional methods to innovative techniques tailored to each project’s needs.

Expertise in All Types of Structures

Our team works across a wide variety of assets, including buildings, civil infrastructure, and complex engineering structures—ensuring reliable performance regardless of the application.

30 Years of Experience

With three decades of experience in civil engineering, building construction, and structural rehabilitation, we bring proven knowledge and insight to every project.

Sustainable Development

Our focus on durability helps reduce environmental impact by extending the service life of structures and minimizing the need for resource-intensive replacements.

Expertise in All Types of Materials

We work with reinforced and prestressed concrete, steel, wood, and masonry, regardless of the age or condition of the structure, ensuring accurate assessments and effective solutions.