News & Advice

Engineering Insights

Plain-English articles on structural engineering for homeowners, builders and designers.

28 July 2026  •  Mohit Chaudhary

Do I Need an Engineer for My Retaining Wall?

In NSW, retaining walls over 600 mm generally need engineering and approval. Here's what's involved and why surcharge is the detail most people miss.

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5 July 2026  •  Mohit Chaudhary

Cracks in Your Walls: When to Worry and When Not To

Not all cracking is structural. A practical guide to reading the cracks in your home, based on AS 2870 damage categories.

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10 June 2026  •  Mohit Chaudhary

Understanding Soil Classifications: What 'M', 'H' and 'E' Mean for Your Slab

Your geotechnical report classifies your site from A to P. Here's what those letters mean, and why they have a big impact on your footing design and construction cost.

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