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Engineering notes from SYD Engineers
Plain-language articles on stormwater, flooding and structural issues, written by our engineers.
Practical articles from our engineers on the questions architects, builders, developers and homeowners ask us most: why walls crack, when a flood assessment is needed, and what councils expect from a stormwater design. Each one is written by Mustapha Farha, CPEng, and kept short enough to read before a site meeting.
The topics follow the work we do every week as structural and stormwater engineering consultants in Sydney. If you have a question about your own site, send us the plans and an engineer will answer.
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Articles
10 July 2024Why bricks crack and what causes them to crackWhy bricks crack: foundation movement, thermal expansion, brick growth, salt attack and workmanship, and the preventative measures that keep brickwork sound.
20 June 2024Flood risk assessment for proposed developmentsHow flood risk is assessed for a proposed development in NSW: floodways, flood storage and flood fringe, floor levels and what the council needs to see.
20 May 2024Effective stormwater managementWhat effective stormwater management looks like on a Sydney development site: drainage design, detention, water quality and the council requirements behind them.
13 May 2024The importance of stormwater managementWhy stormwater management matters for every building project: protecting the structure, the neighbours and the environment, and satisfying the council.
6 May 2024Understanding stormwater: a vital component in urban engineeringAn introduction to stormwater in urban engineering: where it comes from, why cities struggle with it and how engineers design for it.Quick answers from our articles
When do cracks in brickwork need an engineer?
Hairline cracks that do not grow are usually cosmetic. Cracks wider than a few millimetres, stepped cracks through the mortar joints, cracks that keep growing, or doors and windows that start to jam need a structural assessment. Why bricks crack
Does my development need a flood impact assessment?
If the site is mapped as flood-prone, a council flood study identifies flood risk, or a Section 10.7 certificate flags flood controls, the council will usually ask for one. Order it before the design is finalised, because floor levels and the building footprint follow from the flood levels. Flood risk assessment for proposed developments
What does a stormwater design for a DA include?
Roof and surface drainage sized for the design storm, a lawful point of discharge, on-site detention where the council requires it, and water quality treatment where it applies, all to the council's engineering specification and the Australian Rainfall and Runoff guidelines. Effective stormwater management
Why does stormwater management matter on a small site?
Every roof and driveway changes how water moves across the land. A properly designed system protects the building and its footings, keeps water off neighbouring properties and gives the council the confidence to approve the development. The importance of stormwater management
Can I ask an engineer about my own project?
Yes. Send the plans and any council correspondence through the contact form, or call 02 9756 1211. You will speak with the engineer who would do the work. Contact us
Have a question about your site?
Call us or send the plans; an engineer will answer.