Michael Aubrey Structural Engineers

13/05/2026

We were recently asked to look at cracking and localised movement beside a large historic building.

At first glance, it looked like a fairly typical movement issue. But further investigation revealed something much more serious.

A sinkhole had formed next to the building! Check out our latest blog post

The crack in the wall wasn’t actually the problem. The ground disappearing beneath the building was. Our investigation identified a likely link between the drainage system and the movement we were seeing. The site sits on sand and gravel over chalk bedrock, conditions that can become problematic w...

07/05/2026

Delighted to have taken home the Innovation Award at HSBC/FSB's Small Business Growth Awards last week for our work in RAAC repair.

This category celebrates businesses that are developing new approaches to solve real-world challenges. With RAAC presenting a growing issue across the UK, the focus has been on creating practical, deliverable solutions that minimise disruption and maximise safety.

Our work has centred on an in-situ repair method using FRP, avoiding the need for demolition, reducing cost, and enabling buildings to remain operational. This kind of innovation is grounded in application, not theory finding ways to make complex problems workable on live projects.

A big thank you to our team who have contributed to this, bringing technical expertise, creativity, and persistence to develop something that is now being used in practice.

Appreciation also to HSBC and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
for a great evening and for recognising the role of innovation within our industry. Alison Wright Chris Barton Jamie Anderson HSBC Commercial Banking

25/11/2025

Raising vital funds for Link’s Christmas Appeal.

For over 25 years The Link Visiting Scheme has been a lifeline for older people across Wokingham, bringing friendship, connection, and joy to those who might otherwise feel isolated.

We were delighted to support their recent Christmas Paint and Sip festive community event, where guests guided by local artist R Young Art - check out our latest blog here

https://lnkd.in/eCBt6BEK

💛 Give the Gift of Friendship This Christmas
Every donation helps Link reach older people who need companionship the most.
👉 https://lnkd.in/eMvJsWNj

17/11/2025

Celebrating innovation at the 2025 Structural Awards!

On Friday night John Staves our Managing Director had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Structural Awards in his role as Chair of IStructE Limited.

The shortlist featured 34 remarkable projects from bamboo installations to major transport hubs and infrastructure remediation all showing how our profession is embracing sustainability, social value and innovation.

Judging focused on Planet, People, Process and Profession, a clear reminder that structural engineering isn’t just about making things stand, but making things better.

Standout projects included the “Dynamic Equilibrium of Life” which utilised laminated bamboo and paper-tube construction and “Fern” the Diplodocus is the world’s first post-tensioned bronze dinosaur.

For John working heavily in existing buildings and remediation, the Awards reinforced that client value increasingly means sustainability, reuse and practical innovation supported by clear communication.

A fantastic evening celebrating the future of our profession.

02/09/2025

🏍️ From fifteen Columns to one: Harley-Davidson’s New Showroom

When Harley-Davidson asked us to review the structural design for their new showroom and warehouse, the brief was simple

➡️ Make the space more open and usable.

The original scheme had fifteen internal columns. Our redesign cut that down to just one , with nine efficient perimeter columns carrying the load.

The result?
✨ A flexible, open-plan showroom.
✨ Lower steel costs and a simpler build.
✨ More space where it matters for the client.

Sometimes great engineering isn’t about adding more.

It’s about designing smarter.

21/07/2025

Why Architecture and Engineering Work Better Together (Especially Behind the Scenes)

We don’t often talk about our residential work.

Our main focus is on commercial projects, working with developers, architects, and contractors to deliver smart, efficient structural solutions.

But behind the scenes, we also support Create Home Design, our sister brand specialising in home extensions and new-builds for families. And when architecture and engineering work together from day one, something powerful happens.

Here’s how that integrated approach makes a real difference for homeowners:

✅ No delays or crossed wires - Because we work side-by-side with our in-house architects, we make decisions quickly and move in sync.
✅ Designs that actually work - We catch structural challenges early, so there are no nasty surprises (or costly redesigns) later.
✅ Better value - We help refine concepts into buildable, budget-aware solutions without sacrificing the design vision.
✅ Less stress for the homeowner - It’s one joined-up team with a shared goal: a home that looks great and performs brilliantly.

The result? A smoother process, fewer compromises, and a home that fits the family perfectly.

https://lnkd.in/eAxZTerA

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16/07/2025

🌲 Are mature trees being felled too quickly in subsidence cases?

Across the UK, local authorities are under increasing pressure to act swiftly when subsidence claims arise often with insurers warning of significant repair costs.

❓ But is removing a protected tree always the best or only solution?

As structural engineers, we’re regularly brought in to investigate these situations. In many cases, the cause of movement is more complex than it first appears.

Sometimes, the tree isn’t responsible at all. Other times, it’s entirely possible to stabilise the building without removing the tree through methods such as root barriers, localised ground improvement, or targeted structural interventions.

Councils shouldn't feel backed into a corner.

With the right technical input, it's possible to challenge assumptions, reduce liability, and protect both buildings and mature trees.

We believe more collaborative working between tree officers, local authorities, insurers, and structural engineers is essential because once a mature tree is lost, it can’t be replaced overnight.

27/06/2025

👍 We’re Obsessed with Details, Because They’re the Only Thing That Matters

As a commercial client, you already know the big picture is crucial.

But here’s the thing: it’s the small stuff, the details, that actually make or break a project.

They might not grab headlines, but they’re what keep your costs down and your schedule on track.

We’ve seen how one wrongly placed beam or a miscalculated wall thickness can spiral into change orders, rework, and costly delays.

That’s why we’re meticulous about every note and connection. Because in your world, those details aren’t just lines on a page, they’re the difference between getting it right the first time and doing it all over again.

Our mission?

To keep your project running smoothly by making sure every detail is covered.

No guesswork. No “hope for the best.”

👍 Just solid, detail-driven results.

27/06/2025

🚫 The problem isn’t your structural engineer. It’s when you’re involving them.

You’re reviewing a structural design and your heart sinks;

😢 massive beams
😢 thick slabs, and
😢 reinforcement figures that make your QS twitch

You think, “Is this really necessary, or is my engineer just covering themselves?”

Over-engineering is rarely the result of laziness, it’s the outcome of poor timing.

When structural engineers are brought in late, after key decisions have already been made, we’re forced to work with limited options.

That’s when safety margins grow and costs creep in.

But involve us early, and we can often reduce material use, simplify construction, and deliver leaner solutions that save you money without risking performance.

We’ve helped developers;

✅ Cut steel tonnage by up to 20% through early coordination
✅ Avoid deep foundations by tweaking column grids
✅ Reuse existing structures others would have condemned

Over-engineering isn’t built into our mindset. It’s built into the process and we can fix that together.

If your structural designs feel oversized, the problem isn’t your engineer, it’s when you’re involving them.

📅 Bring us in earlier, and we’ll help you design smarter, not heavier!

07/01/2025

Our team showcasing the difference between and drawings

Key Differences:

1. Visibility: Wireframe is transparent; drawings show solid
elements.

2. Detail: Wireframe lacks material and surface detail; 3D drawings can
display all details, including textures and lighting.

3. Purpose:Wireframe focuses on internal structure and geometry,
while 3D drawings emphasise design and presentation.

Wireframe
• Appearance: A wireframe view displays the skeleton of a model using lines to represent edges, but surfaces, materials, and details
are not visible.

• Purpose: Ideal for examining internal geometry, alignment, or
overlapping components because it allows you to see through all
elements in the model.

• Usage: Often used for troubleshooting, checking geometry, or working in complex areas of a design.

Rendered Drawings
• Appearance: A 3D drawing in Revit shows the model in a solid, realistic representation with surfaces, materials, colours, and
shadows applied.

• Purpose: Helps visualise the final design, assess aesthetics, or
present to clients and stakeholders.

• Usage: Used for reviewing the overall design, creating renderings, or
making presentations.
In short, wireframe views are for technical analysis, while 3D drawings are
for realistic visualisation.











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