Alternative Construction Structural Engineering

Alternative Construction
Structural Engineering Services

Permit-ready PE structural engineering for shipping container structures, ICF systems, cold-formed steel (CFS), prefab and modular buildings, mass timber, and SIP panels.

Permit-Ready Engineering • Innovative Structural Systems • Wind & Seismic Design Expertise

Shipping Containers

Shipping container projects require specialized structural engineering to address load transfer, wall cut-outs, stacking conditions, and foundation integration.

  • Container modification & opening reinforcement
  • Multi-container commercial & residential systems
  • Foundation and seismic/wind anchorage design
  • OSSC & FBC code compliance (see our Cargotecture Engineering Guide)
  • Structural steel reinforcement detailing

ICF Systems

Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) structures require coordinated structural engineering solutions that balance hurricane/seismic performance, constructability, and code compliance.

  • ICF wall & lintel structural systems
  • Rebar & concrete reinforcement detailing
  • Energy-efficient & fire-resistant structural integration (Fire Safety Spotlight)
  • High-wind (HVHZ) and seismic engineering
  • Permit-ready calculations & PE-stamped plans

Prefab & Modular Innovation

Prefabricated and modular systems require structural engineering focused on rigging/transportation loading, inter-module connections, and long-term structural performance.

  • Panelized construction engineering
  • Structural insulated panel systems (SIPs)
  • Modular structural systems (Modular & Prefab Guide)
  • Inter-module connection & foundation detailing
  • Transportation & craning load analysis

Light Gauge Steel (CFS)

We provide specialized structural engineering for cold-formed steel (CFS) systems, including load-bearing walls, floor joists, roof trusses, and mid-rise commercial structures.

  • Cold-formed steel structural design (CFS in Modern Construction)
  • Load-bearing wall & shear wall systems
  • Floor and roof joist engineering
  • Exterior curtain-wall & non-structural framing support
  • Mid-rise commercial & self-storage CFS analysis

Mass Timber (CLT & Glulam)

Mass timber excels in commercial, multifamily, and custom architectural applications requiring high strength-to-weight ratios, long spans, and exposed aesthetics.

  • Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) & Glulam design (Mass Timber Guide)
  • Wind & Cascadia seismic lateral engineering
  • Concealed steel connection & char-rate detailing
  • Multifamily residential & commercial office buildings
  • Educational facilities, hospitality & public structures

Alternative Construction
Engineering Services

Swartz Consulting Engineers LLC provides structural engineering services for innovative construction systems requiring permit-ready structural solutions and specialized engineering coordination.

Shipping container structural engineering
ICF structural engineering
Prefab and modular engineering
Cold-formed steel (CFS) design
Wind-load & seismic engineering
Foundation & anchorage engineering
PE-stamped drawings
Permit-ready documentation

Why Clients Choose
Swartz Engineering

  • Innovative structural system expertise
  • Permit-ready engineering packages
  • Constructability-focused design
  • Wind and seismic engineering experience
  • Responsive project coordination
  • Practical engineering solutions (see our SOQ Project Portfolio)

Built for Modern
Construction Methods

Alternative construction systems require structural engineering capable of balancing innovation, efficiency, code compliance, and long-term performance. Our engineering approach is designed to support modern construction workflows while reducing delays and redesign cycles.

  • Connection and attachment detailing
  • Efficient structural systems
  • Construction-ready calculations
  • Code-compliant engineering
  • Reduced coordination conflicts

Need an Alternative Construction
Structural Engineer?

Discuss your shipping container, ICF, cold-formed steel, modular, or mass timber project with our engineering team and receive fast, permit-ready structural engineering support.