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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
ABOUT ABACUS CDS
Abacus Contractors Design Services is a trading name of JMS Abacus Ltd, a specialist structural engineering company providing integrated design solutions for the UK construction industry. Abacus Contractors Design Services is dedicated to helping contractors, architects, and developers deliver safe, compliant, and cost-effective projects. With over 25 years of experience, our engineers provide integrated design solutions tailored to the complexities of the UK construction industry.
Façade Engineering FAQs
What is façade engineering and why is it important in modern construction?
Façade engineering ensures building exteriors are structurally sound, energy efficient, fire-safe, and visually aligned with architectural intent.
What façade design services does Abacus Contractors Design Services provide?
Abacus offers structural design, support systems, load assessments, cladding connections, and full integration of façade systems into the building structure.
How do façade engineers at Abacus work with architects and developers?
Abacus collaborates closely with project teams to align façade performance, structural safety, and architectural design from concept through construction.
What are the benefits of using a specialist façade engineer in London?
Specialist façade engineers ensure compliance with building regulations, solve complex load challenges, and optimise designs for urban environments like London.
Can Abacus help with structural investigations or repairs to existing façades?
Yes. Abacus investigates façade failures, assesses cladding safety, and designs structural repair solutions that meet current UK regulations.
Temporary Works Design FAQs
What is temporary works design and why is it critical on construction sites?
Temporary works are essential for structural stability during construction. They prevent collapse and enable safe execution of permanent works.
What types of temporary works can Abacus design?
Abacus designs shoring, propping, façade retention frames, formwork, falsework, temporary foundations, scaffolds, and excavation supports.
How does Abacus ensure temporary works comply with safety regulations?
All designs follow BS 5975 and CDM 2015 regulations. Abacus carries out category checks and provides full design risk assessments.
What is façade retention and when is it needed?
Façade retention supports the external wall of a building while internal structures are demolished or rebuilt. It's common in refurbishment projects.
Can temporary works design help reduce project costs?
Yes. Abacus designs efficient, buildable solutions that reduce over-engineering, minimise materials, and avoid unnecessary on-site delays.
Structural Support for Developers & Contractors FAQs
What structural engineering services does Abacus offer to developers?
Abacus provides full structural design services including foundations, steelwork, load assessments, superstructure design, and construction support.
How does Abacus support housing developers with structural design?
They manage everything from feasibility to final drawings, coordinating with other consultants to streamline the build process.
What role does Abacus play during construction stages?
Abacus provides site support, adapts designs as required, and ensures smooth coordination between contractors and the design team.
How does Abacus ensure compliance with building regulations?
Designs are developed to meet all relevant UK building codes. Abacus also liaises with inspectors to ensure swift approvals.
What is value engineering and how does Abacus deliver it?
Value engineering involves refining designs to reduce cost and complexity without compromising safety. Abacus applies this at every stage.
Design & Build Integration FAQs
What is Design & Build Integration and how does Abacus apply it?
Abacus embeds structural engineers into the contractor’s design and build process to ensure seamless coordination and practical delivery.
How does integrated engineering design reduce project risk?
It identifies constructability issues early, reduces changes on site, and ensures temporary and permanent works are coordinated from day one.
What types of projects benefit most from Abacus’s integrated approach?
Complex, time-sensitive projects such as refurbishments, high-rise developments, or mixed-use schemes benefit from early-stage structural input.
How does Abacus support contractors during live builds?
Abacus engineers provide real-time design clarifications, adapt plans to suit site conditions, and ensure safety during construction.
Is integrated structural design cost-effective?
Yes. Integrated design reduces clashes, rework, and delays—ultimately saving time and reducing costs for developers and contractors.
Building Safety Oversight FAQs
What is structural building safety oversight and why is it needed?
It's an ongoing engineering review process to ensure that structural risks are addressed from planning through to construction.
How does Abacus help contractors comply with building safety regulations?
Abacus supports Gateway reviews, manages structural risk registers, and delivers independent CAT 1, 2, and 3 design checks.
Who benefits from Abacus’s structural safety oversight services?
Main contractors, developers, and design teams all benefit from a clearer understanding of structural responsibilities and reduced risk.
Where does Abacus Contractors Design Services operate?
Abacus is based in London and works across the capital and the South East, including projects in Essex, Kent, and East Anglia.
Why should contractors and developers choose Abacus for structural design?
Abacus offers technically robust, buildable, and cost-effective solutions backed by direct collaboration and a track record across London’s most complex sites.
Get in touch for to discuss your project with our engineering team
Compliant, cost-effective engineering and integrated design solutions for your construction projects. Contact Abacus Contractors Design Services today to discuss your project requirements.