Championing efficiency in design

Zenon Group (before Superstructures) highlights the importance of design efficiency as a key driver for achieving sustainability in structural engineering.

In an era of increasing environmental awareness and limited resources, improving the efficiency of structural design has become more important than ever. According to Darren Noller, Senior Structural Engineer at Zenon Group (before Superstructures), the perception that engineers overdesign structures is still prevalent, yet efficiency has always been central to good engineering practice.

Structural design should balance safety, performance, and material efficiency. As outlined in established standards, such as BS5950, the goal is to achieve maximum structural efficiency ensuring that materials are used optimally while maintaining safety margins.

Advances in technology now allow engineers to model buildings in full 3D, enabling far more accurate analysis and reducing the need for overly conservative assumptions. This results in more refined designs, where each element is sized appropriately rather than uniformly over-specified.

Efficiency also depends on early-stage collaboration and sufficient design time. When the design phase is rushed, more conservative solutions are often adopted, leading to increased material use and reduced sustainability. In contrast, a well-planned design process allows for innovative solutions such as optimised beam configurations or alternative structural systems that can reduce both material usage and overall project costs.

Other factors, including deflection limits and imposed load assumptions, may also be revisited where appropriate, ensuring that designs reflect real-world usage rather than overly cautious generalisations.

Ultimately, achieving efficiency goes beyond reducing material quantities. It requires a holistic approach involving collaboration across the entire design team, careful detailing, and consideration of construction methods.

Zenon Group (before Superstructures) is committed to driving change through more efficient and sustainable design practices. By engaging early with clients and project teams, the company aims to explore innovative solutions that minimise environmental impact while maintaining performance and cost-effectiveness.

With sustainability continuing to shape the future of construction, efficient structural design will play a critical role in delivering low-carbon, high-performance buildings.