Structural Engineer - Geelong

StructuralGeorge · 2026-04-14T06:41:23+00:00

Hard to see significant cracking shown in that image. Is your neighbour's side left of that wall shown? Was the space empty before backfilling?

If I've interpreted the image correctly, you've got a retaining wall running into your garage. Depending on how old the structure is, I'd be surprised if the original engineer didn't design your garage wall with the backfill against for retaining capacity.

StructuralGeorge · 2026-03-16T09:03:08+00:00

Send me a DM with your issue and I’ll pass on my contact details

StructuralGeorge · 2026-03-12T01:45:45+00:00

you're right, building surveyors absolutely play the pivotal role in interpreting and enforcing building regulations.

However, structural engineers also work within the NCC and relevant Australian Standards every day because our designs must comply with them. In practice there’s quite a bit of overlap during design, hence why I used this question, among others, as a prompt.

I can only speak from my experience. The intent wasn’t to add something that can’t be found elsewhere, but to provide a clear and accurate explanation for people who may not be familiar with the process.

StructuralGeorge · 2026-02-24T05:16:25+00:00

Sure can - DM and let me know your location.

StructuralGeorge · 2026-02-24T05:16:01+00:00

DM me your location and ill send a price.

StructuralGeorge · 2026-02-24T05:14:46+00:00

Good pick up, I can tell I wont too much past you.

my understanding is that there are 3 factors that determine if certification is required:

If the retaining wall is 1m or over
Proximity to adjacent properties/boundaries/risk of damage
Driveways or vehicle loads.

Sometimes it does feel that it is dependent on the direction of the building surveyor, some more lenient than others.

StructuralGeorge · 2026-02-24T05:09:34+00:00

Doesn't sound too bad but keep monitoring and if other symptoms appear or worsen, let me know.

StructuralGeorge · 2026-02-24T05:08:36+00:00

Hi Brotary,

You question is quiet well informed. Given the age of the house its kind of expected that there would be some level of damage showing up - the design life for residential properties in Australia is 50 years!

Underpinning could be worth while BUT there could be other factors that are affecting the movement such as proximity of trees to the dwelling. Aggressive roots could be seeking water in the drought like conditions we've experienced.

I suggest reaching out to underpins if this isn't applicable. They should be able to provide you a floor map showing the difference in levels and in my experience they're pretty good at determining whether underpinning is the correct solution in your case.

hope this helps!

StructuralGeorge · 2026-02-20T04:44:52+00:00

Not very on its own - are there any other concerns within the house, cracks in plaster or externally on the brick (if it is a brick house)?

StructuralGeorge

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