I’m wondering if someone can answer a question about #building / #construction / #structural stuff, or boost/repost if not.
I’ve noticed from the train that there are two buildings which have recently had additional storeys added to them (one, a block of flats and the other, a hotel).
I assume that when something is built, calculations are made for weight, integral load-bearing structures, overall design etc and that certain tolerances are allowed for deviation or mis-calculation.
However, when a new structure is built, are allowances for structural additions factored into the design and building of the structure at the time? How would developers know if it’s safe to add to the building and if it is, how much more they can add?
Do they assess the foundations? Can they easily add to internal structural supports?
Any thoughts or answers would be much appreciated.