This course provides an introduction to the design principles of common structural elements used in modern residential and commercial construction. It covers foundations, steel, and timber elements, including the range of foundation solutions available—from simple trench fill foundations to piling and ground beams. Delegates will develop an understanding of the behaviour and design of simply supported structural elements, including steel beams over openings and timber floor joists.

The course includes a practical exercise based on a domestic extension, examining design loads, structural analysis, bending moments, shear forces, steel beam selection, foundations, and an overview of timber design principles. In addition, the course addresses structural alterations to domestic properties, providing an overview of alterations involving timber frame structures and common considerations for loft conversions. This combined approach highlights key structural principles, practical design considerations, and typical challenges encountered in residential construction and alteration projects.

CPD: Each part of this course counts for 3 hours CPD.

Cost: Each part is charged at £85+VAT. You will need to book each part separately using the links at the bottom of this page. Please note a price increase of £5 from 1st April, the course price will increase to £90+VAT per part.

Platform: This course will be held via Zoom and will run for 4 hours including time for breaks.

Part 1 Course Content:

• Types of design loads and loading assessments
• Structural analysis of simple structures, including bending moments and shear forces
• Design of simply supported steel beams, including worked examples and practical exercises

​Part 2 Course Content:

• Common types of foundations and their applications
• Overview of timber design principles
• Structural alterations to domestic properties

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the two-day course, delegates will have gained an understanding of:

• The types and application of design loads on simple structures
• Simple structural analysis methods for basic structural systems
• Principles of element design, including steel, timber, masonry, and foundations
• Structural alterations to domestic properties, with reference to relevant clauses of the Building Regulations where applicable

Who Should Attend

This course is suitable for professionals seeking to develop or enhance their knowledge of structural design fundamentals, including:

• Architects
• Builders
• Building Control Surveyors
• Building Engineers
• Chartered Architectural Technologists
• Chartered Surveyors
• Contractors
• Technicians
• Qualified Surveyors

Talk to us if you’re CITB registered and would like to discuss funding options.

E: bookings@labc.co.uk

T: 020 8616 8120

This course is designed to provide anyone involved in the design, checking, implementation and inspection of foundations, groundworks and ground floor slabs with the basic knowledge necessary to perform their role with confidence. We will look at relevant sections of the Building Act 1984, Part A of the Building Regulations, British Standards and Codes of Practice, different materials and systems, ground conditions, soil types and characteristics and what to do when building near trees. Delegates will gain knowledge and understanding of the various requirements, materials, procedures and good practice involved in foundations and groundworks. It is aimed at all building control professionals, designers, contractors and site managers who require a basic understanding of the principles and practices of foundations and groundworks.

Please note: This course is split over two half days. Part 1 can be booked as a stand alone course but if you wish to attend Part 2 the trainer does recommend you attended Part 1 first. If you wish to book Parts 1 and 2 you will need to make a separate booking for each day.

CPD: Parts 1 & 2 count for 3 hours of CPD each.

Cost: Parts 1 & 2 will cost £85+VAT per day. You will need to book each part separately using the links at the bottom of this page.

Platform: This course will be held via Zoom. Part 1 & 2 will run for 3.5 hours including time for breaks.

Course Content & Learning Outcomes:

Part 1 - Basic Foundations (extensions and residential buildings) - For more detailed information on the course content please click here.

• Soil and soil classification
• Site investigations
• Foundation types
• Ground floor construction
• Retaining walls (small)
• Testing and tolerances
• Foundation depth calculators

Part 2 - Advanced Foundations (commercial, industrial, high-rise and basements) - For more detailed information please click here.

• Soil and soil classification (advanced)
• Site investigations (additional information)
• Foundation types
• Piling
• Retaining walls (large)
• Basements
• Testing, static, dynamic, integrity
• Foundation/pile calculations
• Piling - good practice guide

Testimonials:
"Well presented and the hand-outs were very useful"
"An excellent and informative course"
"A very interesting course that added further valuable knowledge that I can use when out on site!"
"This was the best LABC course I have been on! I learnt so much and gained a crucial insight into soil mechanics."

Who should attend:
This course is suited to any building professional who wants to get a good basic understanding of foundations and groundworks.

• Architects
• Chartered Architectural Technologists
• Developers
• Builders
• Contractors
• Specialist Contractors
• Building Consultants
• Surveyors
• Public Service Building Control Surveyors

Talk to us if you’re CITB registered and would like to discuss funding options.

E: bookings@labc.co.uk

T: 020 8616 8120

“These small courses are ideal for the single practitioner” – Mark Smith, Vernon-Smith Associates

"It was without a doubt the best format I have come across. Lots of content, swift presentations. Great!" – Peter Brown, Marsden Brown Associates

Join us at one of our free LABC Technical Seminars (also known as Technical Roadshows) where you will hear from industry experts, exchange ideas and have your questions answered by local building control teams and the LABC team.

You will have the opportunity to register with us on the day to continue being the first to learn about important new building regulations guidance, receive FREE regular CPD briefing sessions, FREE technical e-bulletins and further networking opportunities.

CPD: Virtual events count for 2 hours CPD, in person events count for 3.5 hours CPD.

Cost: FREE

CPD Partners & Speakers:

• Actis Insulation - Tomorrow’s insulation solutions for Future Homes Standards
• Instagroup - Modern solutions for old issues
• LABC - What's new in building regs & compliance?
• LABC Warranty - Typical Warranty Defects

Who should attend:

• Builders

• Designers

• Local authority building control teams

• FMB Master Builders

Follow us on Twitter: @labcuk #labcseminar #designwithus #buildwithus

If you have any questions, or if you wish to register your interest please email us at bookings@labc.co.uk or call us on 020 8616 8120.