DSW Structural Engineering Ltd.
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Projects

Project Types & Field Examples

No project is too large or too small. DSW has supported some of the most notable projects in the province while also providing clear, timely direction for straightforward vehicle impacts, tree strikes, minor damage, and everyday structural concerns.

Fire Damage Assessments

Structural Review After Fire Exposure

DSW assesses fire-damaged buildings to identify structural risks, stabilization needs, repair sequencing, and practical next steps for restoration teams, insurers, owners, and contractors.

  • Review charred framing, heat exposure, and fire suppression impacts.
  • Provide stabilization, safe access, and demolition instructions for damaged structures.
  • Support fire investigations and assess the extent of structural damage.
  • Support practical, cost-effective repair planning and reinstatement work.
Fire-damaged exterior wall with temporary support framing
Exterior fire damage review
Fire-damaged multi-family residential building exterior
Residential fire loss assessment
Large fire-damaged commercial and residential structure under review
Commercial and complex losses

Vehicle Impact Damage

Assessment After Vehicle Strikes

Vehicle impacts can damage storefronts, walls, columns, garages, building entries, and surrounding structural components. DSW assesses the extent of structural damage and provides clear direction for stabilization, safe access, demolition, and repair.

  • Assess impact damage and determine the extent of structural involvement.
  • Identify temporary controls, shoring, or restricted access needs.
  • Coordinate practical direction for repair teams and claims stakeholders.
Exterior wall and siding damage from a vehicle impact at a residential building
Exterior wall and entry damage
Exterior siding and wall damage from a vehicle impact
Vehicle impact wall damage
Close-up of a vehicle impact against building framing and ceiling finishes
Close-up structural damage review

Tree Impact Damage

Assessment After Tree & Wind Events

Fallen trees and severe wind events can damage roof systems, wall framing, decks, and other structural components. DSW assesses the extent of damage and provides clear direction for stabilization, safe access, demolition, and repair.

  • Assess impact and wind-related damage to roofs, walls, framing, and other structural components.
  • Provide stabilization, safe access, and demolition instructions where required.
  • Support repair planning for owners, insurers, and restoration teams.
Residential roof and exterior damage temporarily covered with blue tarping after a tree impact event
Tree impact roof damage
Close-up of roof damage from fallen tree limbs
Roof strike damage review
Residential roof and upper wall damage after a tree impact event
Residential roof and wall impact

Structural Restoration

Repair Direction That Keeps Work Moving

Restoration work often requires quick decisions that address structural safety, construction cost, sequencing, and schedule. DSW provides practical engineering direction throughout the restoration process.

  • Identify and address structural conditions before construction begins.
  • Respond quickly to unforeseen conditions and changes during construction.
  • Develop practical repair options that consider constructability, cost, and schedule.
  • Work with project teams to keep repairs on schedule and on budget.
Brick wall damage requiring structural restoration review
Masonry damage review
Wood framing connection and repair detail under structural review
Framing connection review
Water and debris damage around a residential garage and driveway
Flood damage

New Builds & Renovations

Structural Engineering For Planned Work

DSW provides structural engineering for new construction, additions, alterations, and renovations, with a practical approach backed by real-world construction experience.

  • Provide structural design for new builds, additions, alterations, and renovations.
  • Coordinate closely with architectural, mechanical, electrical, building envelope, and other disciplines throughout design and construction.
  • Draw on broad construction experience across multiple building disciplines to identify conflicts and develop practical, coordinated solutions.
  • Develop structural solutions that address constructability, cost, and project requirements.
Residential framing and roof trusses
New framing and renovation review
Interior wood framing and structural beam connection detail
Structural framing details
Residential exterior renovation with scaffold and exposed upper wall framing
Addition and renovation support

Notable Projects

Complex Structural Problems, Proven Field Judgment

DSW has been called into high-stakes projects where specialized structural engineering experience, practical construction knowledge, and fast decision-making are critical. With 30+ years in the space, the team brings the depth needed for problems few firms are equipped to manage.

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Lougheed Highway Parkade Collapse

Engineering Direction After Rooftop Parkade Failure

Following the partial collapse of a rooftop parkade on Lougheed Highway in Vancouver, DSW was retained to assess the remaining structure and provide engineering direction.

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DSW established safe access requirements, identified and barricaded unsafe areas, and provided detailed demolition procedures and on-site engineering oversight throughout the removal of the unstable sections of the structure.

This notable Vancouver project required full-time engineering oversight and close coordination with the project team to manage a complex structural failure and provide ongoing engineering direction throughout the demolition and structural stabilization of the building. DSW played a key role in developing the methodology and coordinating the work through to safe completion, working closely with on-site crews, other engineering professionals, and WorkSafeBC to remove hazardous structural elements and stabilize the remaining structure.

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West 41st Avenue Fire & Crane Collapse

Crane Removal, Demolition, And Stabilization Support

Following a major fire at a six-storey wood-frame building under construction on West 41st Avenue in Vancouver, DSW was retained to assess the fire-damaged structure and provide engineering direction following the collapse of the site's tower crane.

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DSW provided engineering direction for the demolition and removal of the collapsed crane, followed by on-site oversight and direction throughout the demolition of the severely damaged wood framing and stabilization of the remaining concrete parkade.

This complex project required close coordination with on-site crews, other engineering professionals, the City of Vancouver, WorkSafeBC, and other project stakeholders to safely manage the crane removal, demolition, and stabilization of the site. DSW's scope concluded following demolition and stabilization; subsequent repair and reconstruction engineering was completed by others.

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Langley Construction Fire

Engineering Oversight For Demolition And Stabilization

Following a major fire at a multi-storey building under construction in Langley, DSW was retained to assess the severely fire-damaged structure and provide engineering direction for demolition and stabilization.

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The proximity of adjacent structures, overhead power lines, and the unstable condition of the building and block walls created significant challenges for demolition. DSW established safe access and exclusion zones, including the closure of adjacent sections of roadway, and developed demolition procedures for the remaining standing portions of the structure. The work included demolition curtains for protection of adjacent areas, the use of a high-reach excavator, and temporary parkade shoring required to safely support the demolition equipment.

DSW provided on-site engineering direction and oversight throughout the demolition and stabilization, working closely with demolition crews, local authorities, and other project stakeholders. The demolition and stabilization work was completed safely and efficiently, allowing the site to transition quickly into reconstruction. DSW's scope concluded at that stage, with subsequent reconstruction engineering completed by others.

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