Portfolio

Location: Victoria, Australia
Project Type: Structural Strengthening & Secure Infrastructure Design

Project Overview

Fundament was engaged to assess and strengthen the existing structural floor system of a commercial facility to support the installation of a new fire-rated server room. The project required verifying whether the existing framing could safely carry highly concentrated loads from heavy IT rack units before determining the most efficient strengthening strategy.

Following detailed structural checks, it was identified that the existing floor members required reinforcement to safely accommodate the increased loads. Fundament’s goal was to achieve compliance and performance with minimal alteration to the existing structure, ensuring cost-efficiency and limited on-site disruption.

Key Challenges

• Assessment of Existing Structure: The floor’s original design capacity was uncertain, requiring thorough verification before new loads could be introduced.
• Heavy Point Loads: Server racks imposed concentrated loads per castor, demanding local strengthening.
• Long Spans: Existing spans of up to 7 m increased deflection and vibration risk under high equipment weight.
• Minimal Intervention Objective: Strengthening had to be achieved with the least amount of modification, maintaining existing services and finishes wherever possible.
• Compliance & Coordination: The design needed to meet AS1170 and AS4100 while integrating with fire, HVAC, electrical, and IT infrastructure.

Our Solution

Fundament developed a performance-based strengthening plan that preserved most of the original structure while ensuring full compliance and reliability:

• Structural Evaluation: Conducted detailed assessments of member capacity, deflection limits, and connection adequacy.
• Targeted Strengthening: Designed selective reinforcement of key framing zones instead of full floor replacement.
• Retrofit Options: Proposed three engineering pathways to allow flexible construction sequencing:
• Reinforced joist systems with continuous strongbacks for stiffness.
• Load-bearing partition walls to reduce effective span.
• Localised steel beam-and-column framing for concentrated loads.
• Compliance Integration: All solutions aligned with SSR (Standard Server Room) and BCSR (Business-Critical Server Room) standards, maintaining both structural and operational resilience.

Outcome & Benefits

✔ Existing floor system strengthened and certified to safely support high-density IT equipment
✔ Minimal modifications achieved despite long spans and heavy loads
✔ Full compliance with Australian standards
✔ Seamless integration with mechanical, electrical, and fire systems
✔ Reduced construction time and operational disruption

Short Description

Fundament assessed and strengthened an existing floor structure in Victoria to support a new server room, achieving AS1170 compliance with minimal modifications and disruption.

Location: Broadmeadows, VIC
Project Type: Demolition Engineering, Temporary Works & Truss Support

Project Overview

Fundament was engaged to deliver comprehensive structural engineering services for the demolition and redevelopment of an operational fire station in Broadmeadows. The project required detailed assessment of the existing roof truss system, design of temporary structural supports, and development of a certified demolition methodology that ensured stability and safety during the removal of load-bearing elements.

All works were undertaken in accordance with the Safe Work Australia Demolition Code of Practice (2012) and coordinated closely with the builder to maintain operational safety and regulatory compliance throughout the process.

Key Challenges

• Truss Stability: The existing steel trusses needed to remain stable while surrounding roof and wall structures were dismantled.
• Temporary Support Design: Required an engineered and certifiable propping system to carry and redistribute roof loads safely.
• Complex Site Conditions: Limited access, service disconnections, and hazardous material clearances required careful sequencing.
• Safety Management: Ongoing fire station operations demanded strict risk management and coordination with on-site teams.
• Regulatory Compliance: The design needed to satisfy demolition, temporary works, and structural safety requirements simultaneously.

Our Solution

Fundament provided an integrated structural and safety-driven engineering package that addressed both demolition and re-staging needs:

• Strengthened the existing truss system with welded steel reinforcement to maintain stability during demolition.
• Designed a certified temporary propping arrangement using engineered beam and prop systems for safe load transfer.
• Verified the slab and footing capacities to sustain both temporary and residual loads.
• Prepared detailed drawings, risk analyses, and staging methodologies for contractor implementation.
• Reviewed and endorsed the contractor’s Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) to align with regulatory expectations.
• Provided continuous engineering oversight throughout demolition to manage risk and ensure safe progression.

Outcome & Benefits

✔ Controlled demolition with roof trusses safely retained and supported
✔ Certified and buildable temporary support system
✔ Compliance with Safe Work Australia Demolition Code (2012)
✔ Minimized safety risk and structural uncertainty
✔ Clear engineering documentation for seamless transition to reconstruction phase

Short Description:

Fundament provided demolition engineering and temporary works design for the Broadmeadows Fire Station redevelopment, ensuring truss stability and full compliance with the Safe Work Australia Demolition Code.

Location: Winchelsea, VIC
Project Type: Structural Assessment of Steel Play Equipment

Project Overview

Fundament was engaged to undertake a structural design review of a custom-fabricated outdoor steel play structure designed for public use in a community recreation area. The scope involved detailed assessment of the steel framing system, connection details, and foundation design to ensure the structure achieved the highest standards of safety, durability, and long-term compliance for public installations.

The review focused on load capacity verification, corrosion protection, and connection integrity, ensuring that the structure was safe for children and fully aligned with the architectural and fabrication intent.

Key Challenges

• Public Safety Standards: The structure had to meet stringent safety requirements suitable for children’s play environments.
• Corrosion Protection: All steel elements required durable, weather-resistant finishes for long-term outdoor exposure.
• Connection Detailing: Welds, bolts, and base plates required thorough structural verification for fatigue and stability.
• Foundation Adequacy: Lightweight tubular columns needed reliable anchorage and footing performance.
• Design Coordination: The engineering review had to integrate seamlessly with architectural drawings and manufacturer documentation.

Our Solution

Fundament delivered a comprehensive engineering assessment and certification package, ensuring safety, durability, and design compliance:

• Reviewed steel frame geometry and load paths in accordance with AS4100 and AS1170 requirements.
• Verified bolted and welded connections, including chemical anchor suitability and embedment.
• Confirmed base plate and footing configurations to ensure adequate structural capacity.
• Recommended protective coating systems to enhance corrosion resistance and service life.
• Issued engineering certification confirming the structure’s compliance and suitability for public use.

Outcome & Benefits

✔ Verified structural safety and stability for community installation
✔ Full compliance with Australian standards
✔ Long-term durability through effective material and coating selection
✔ Seamless coordination between engineering, architectural, and fabrication teams
✔ Final certification enabling safe, timely installation for public enjoyment

Short Description:

Fundament reviewed and certified an outdoor steel play structure in Winchelsea, ensuring compliance with Australian standards for safe, durable, and child-friendly public use.

Location: Brighton, VIC
Project Type: Interior Metalwork Design & Fixing Coordination

Project Overview

Fundament was engaged to support the design coordination and installation methodology for custom aluminium shelving systems across multiple apartments within the Adamson Street residential development.

The shelving was fabricated offshore, requiring highly accurate documentation and coordination to ensure precise installation upon delivery — without the opportunity for site remeasurement. The project demanded meticulous structural detailing, coordination with architectural layouts, and fixing solutions suitable for internal blockwork conditions.

Key Challenges

• No On-Site Measure: The shelving was fabricated overseas, meaning all drawings and dimensions had to be finalised before installation, with no allowance for site verification.
• Complex Fixing Conditions: Anchoring into blockwork required structurally sound fixing design, respecting minimal edge distances and embedment depths.
• Anchor Clash Risk: Flat bar braces risked interference with chemical anchor plates unless precisely coordinated.
• Visual Alignment: Architectural intent required perfect symmetry and level consistency across all apartment units.

Our Solution

Fundament’s engineering team delivered a comprehensive coordination and verification process, ensuring precision fabrication and seamless installation:

• Confirmed all critical dimensions and tolerances before offshore fabrication.
• Specified chemical anchor type, embedment depth, and spacing suitable for blockwork conditions.
• Adjusted flat bar positioning to prevent interference with anchor plates.
• Provided installation guidance including caulking details, panel jointing, and field adjustment allowances.
• Ensured documentation consistency across all apartment units for repeatable accuracy.

Outcome & Benefits

✔ Offshore fabrication achieved with zero remeasurement required
✔ Accurate, clean installation across all apartment units
✔ Structurally robust and visually aligned shelving system
✔ Eliminated clash risks through proactive detailing
✔ Maintained architectural integrity with no on-site rework
✔ Documentation scalable for future project replication

Meta Description:

Fundament provided design coordination and structural detailing for offshore-fabricated aluminium shelving systems at the Adamson Street Apartments in Brighton, ensuring precise installation and architectural alignment without on-site remeasurement.

Location: Williamstown, VIC
Project Type: Structural Design & Certification for Architecturally Integrated Roof Canopy

Project Overview

Fundament was appointed to deliver the structural design, detailing, and certification for a bespoke glazed hipped roof canopy forming part of a high-end retail frontage enhancement in Williamstown.

The project involved a fully welded galvanized RHS/SHS steel frame designed to support overhead double-glazed panels, requiring precise coordination between structural geometry, glazing system tolerances, and architectural finishes. The canopy’s complex hipped form demanded accurate 3D modelling and integration with proprietary EC glazing extrusions while maintaining watertight performance and aesthetic quality.

Key Challenges

• Geometric Complexity: The canopy’s hipped configuration required exact 3D alignment across ridge, hip, jack, and common rafters while supporting sloped glass panels under self-weight and environmental loads.
• Overhead Glazing Compliance: All framing and fixings were designed in full accordance with AS1288–2021, Section 6, ensuring safety and compliance for sloped overhead glazing.
• Material Integration: The steel frame needed to securely anchor into existing timber upstands and coordinate with the glazing extrusion system without compromising waterproofing.
• Detailed Compliance: Every component — welds, bolts, and finishes — had to comply with AS4100, AS1554, and AS1214, with a focus on corrosion resistance for exposed conditions.

Our Solution

Fundament’s engineers developed a reinforcement and framing strategy that maintained the architectural elegance of the canopy while achieving full structural and safety compliance:

• Designed and certified a fully welded DuraGal RHS/SHS steel frame for strength, precision, and longevity.
• Developed anchorage and perimeter plate details using high-strength mechanical fixings into existing timber framing.
• Optimised framing geometry for perfect compatibility with EC glazing profiles and controlled thermal expansion.
• Ensured compliance with all relevant AS/NZS standards governing steelwork and overhead glazing systems.
• Coordinated closely with the builder, glazing supplier, and architectural team to ensure alignment between structure, glazing, and finish.

Outcome & Benefits

✔ Precision-engineered structural system aligned with architectural design intent
✔ Full compliance with AS4100, AS1554, AS1214, and AS1288–2021
✔ Seamless integration between glazing, structural, and architectural components
✔ Durable, low-maintenance solution ensuring long-term performance
✔ Enhanced daylight and aesthetic value at the building’s entry façade

Location: Ararat, Victoria, Melbourne
Project Type: Structural Design for Alterations & Additions to a Double-Storey Building

Project Scope

Fundament was engaged to provide the structural design for alterations and additions to a double-storey building in Ararat, Melbourne. The project involved removing internal walls in the basement, modifying the first-floor layout, and designing additions supported by a Bondeck slab, along with balcony extensions over the ground floor.

Our Solution

Our structural engineers developed a reinforcement strategy that ensured the integrity of the modified structure while optimizing material use. Key solutions included:
✅Basement Structural Reinforcement: Designed load transfer solutions to compensate for removed walls.
✅Optimized Bondeck Slab Design: Ensured the slab weight was adequately distributed through the existing structure.
✅Existing Footing Assessment & Strengthening: Verified footing capacity and proposed reinforcement where necessary.
✅Capacity Verification for Non-Standard Columns: Conducted structural analysis to confirm suitability for load-bearing applications.
✅Safe Temporary Propping Strategy: Developed a temporary propping plan to support the structure during construction.
✅Compliance with Australian Standards: Ensured adherence to AS 3600 (Concrete Structures) and AS 4100 (Steel Structures) for safety and durability.

Location: Rosebud, Victoria, Melbourne
Project Type: Full Structural Design for a Single-Storey Dwelling

Project Scope

Fundament was engaged to provide the full structural design for a single-storey residential dwelling in Rosebud, Melbourne. The project was relatively straightforward, requiring an efficient and cost-effective structural solution while ensuring compliance with Australian standards.

Our Solution

Our structural engineers optimized the roof design while maintaining stability and efficiency. Key solutions included:
✅Tying Back the End Rafter & Trimmer Beams: Implemented strategic connections to enhance the structural performance of the overhang.
✅Load Path Optimization: Ensured the forces from the overhang were properly transferred to the main structure.
✅Reinforced Framing System: Used LVL beams and rafters where necessary to support the extended section.
✅Efficient & Cost-Effective Approach: Designed a stable and structurally sound solution without excessive reinforcement.
✅Compliance with Australian Standards: Ensured adherence to AS 1684 (Residential Timber Framing Code) and AS 2870 (Residential Slabs and Footings) for safety and longevity.

Location: Inverloch, Melbourne
Project Type: Proposed Construction of a Double-Storey Single Dwelling

Project Scope

Fundament was engaged to design the timber framing structure for a double-storey residential dwelling in Inverloch, Melbourne. The project required an efficient, cost-effective structural system that could support large spans and wide openings while maintaining stability and compliance with Australian standards.

Our Solution

Our structural engineers developed a timber framing strategy that successfully addressed the challenges while optimizing costs. Key solutions included:
✅Optimized Beam and Column Placement: Ensured structural efficiency by strategically distributing loads while maintaining open spaces.
✅Reinforced Timber Framing: Used LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) and engineered timber beams to support high-span areas.
✅Cost-Effective Structural Design: Eliminated the need for excessive steel framing, reducing material costs while maintaining strength.
✅Bracing and Load Distribution: Integrated shear walls and bracing elements to enhance stability and wind resistance.
✅Assessment of Modified Construction: Conducted a detailed structural evaluation of the modified parts of the build.
✅Rectification Work: Developed a practical structural solution that ensured the stability of the project while minimizing unnecessary work and costs.
✅Compliance with AS 1684: Ensured the framing system met all regulatory requirements for residential timber structures.