Structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) at A400 uses advanced numerical modelling to design building structures that respond to the architectural intent while optimising performance, cost and sustainability. It applies to residential, mixed-use, office, hospitality and complex medium- and large-scale developments, where geometry, spans and governing actions demand more than conventional pre-sizing rules.
Our focus is to find structural solutions with the lowest possible environmental impact, without compromising safety, robustness or buildability. By combining FEA with a careful choice of systems and materials, we design structures that are efficient both in engineering terms and in embodied carbon across the asset’s entire life cycle.
We integrate Structural Finite Element Analysis from the earliest concept stages, where structural choices most strongly influence cost, carbon and flexibility. Our engineers build and refine finite element models in parallel with the architectural development, so that changes to form, spans or actions are immediately tested for structural performance and environmental impact.
We pay particular attention to systems that reduce material quantities or allow higher percentages of recycled or low-carbon content, such as advanced, optimised concrete slab systems, efficient steel frames and, where appropriate, solid timber components. Throughout the process, we assess global and local behaviour, robustness and resistance to progressive collapse, so that the final solution is not only code-compliant but also optimised in terms of buildability, adaptability and long-term sustainability.
From the first line of calculations to the final on-site inspection, we design structures that meet performance, cost, and carbon requirements.
Count on A400 to take your project further.
More precision. Less material. Better performance. More efficient structures.
We start from the architectural constraints, functional requirements, performance objectives and sustainability targets to define structural concepts capable of ensuring performance while controlling embodied carbon and construction cost. This includes a detailed analysis of solutions in reinforced concrete, steel, timber and hybrid systems, as well as the integration of prefabrication and recyclability.
Using finite element models, we analyse global behaviour, stiffness, load paths and local details under gravity, wind, seismic and other relevant actions, verifying compliance with ultimate and serviceability limit states. We optimise sections and connections, exploring options such as prestressed concrete, composite systems or engineered timber, refining the design until it meets strength, deflection and vibration criteria with the minimum amount of material.
We coordinate structural solutions in close collaboration with architecture, MEP, façades and foundations, ensuring that structural grids, cores and openings are aligned with the spatial and technical requirements. FEA models are developed to operate within a BIM environment, ensuring consistent information and clear interfaces with the other disciplines.
We assess the embodied carbon implications of different structural options and support the selection of lower-impact materials and systems. This includes the increased use of recycled steel, low-carbon concrete and engineered timber elements, always weighing structural performance, durability and life-cycle behaviour.
