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Tusk Engineering Tusk Engineering is a Structural Engineering Company located in Calgary, AB. Structural Engineering Firm Located in Calgary.

Website: https://tuskeng.com/
Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tusk-engineering/

Ever wondered what a structural engineer actually does when we show up on your job site?We’re not just the ones sitting ...
11/03/2026

Ever wondered what a structural engineer actually does when we show up on your job site?

We’re not just the ones sitting behind a desk drawing lines. Most days you’ll find us climbing scaffolding, shining a flashlight on steel connections, checking rebar placement, and making sure every beam, column, and foundation will do its job for the next 100 years.

It’s about catching the small things early — before they become big, expensive problems. Whether it’s a new commercial build, a seismic upgrade, or a tricky renovation, we’re the ones on the ground making sure your structure is safe, efficient, and built right the first time.

Our team loves this work. There’s something satisfying about watching a project go up knowing it’s going to stand strong long after we’re gone.

💬Have you ever had a structural engineer on one of your projects? What surprised you the most?

Or are you planning a build or renovation this year and wondering when you should bring one in?

Drop a comment or send us a message — we’re always happy to chat and share what we’ve learned over the years.

Tusk Engineering
(587) 719-7785
Tuskeng.com

A look back at the Rocky Ridge retaining wall project.Our team contributed to the structural engineering for this slope ...
07/03/2026

A look back at the Rocky Ridge retaining wall project.

Our team contributed to the structural engineering for this slope stabilization work. Retaining walls like this play an important role in managing grade changes and protecting nearby infrastructure.

Always great seeing these projects come together in the field.

Photo credit: CTV News

Cracked floor joist — what’s going on here?This type of cracking usually isn’t cosmetic. It’s often a sign of overstress...
07/03/2026

Cracked floor joist — what’s going on here?

This type of cracking usually isn’t cosmetic. It’s often a sign of overstress in the joist, typically caused by overloading or improper design.

In wood joists, bending stresses place the bottom fibers of the member in tension. Since wood is weaker in tension perpendicular to the grain, cracks often develop near the bottom of the joist where the tensile stresses are highest.

A common repair approach is to carefully jack the joist back toward its original position and reinforce it by “sistering” another piece of lumber alongside the damaged member. Ideally, the reinforcing member should extend most or the full length of the joist.

The two members must then be properly fastened together with nails or structural screws so they act compositely and share the bending load. If the connection between the pieces is insufficient, they won’t effectively share load and the repair may not perform as intended.

Photo credit: The Mary Burke X (Facebook)

Why Proper Structural Design MattersAs structural engineers, we are often approached by builders or homeowners who belie...
06/03/2026

Why Proper Structural Design Matters

As structural engineers, we are often approached by builders or homeowners who believe a job should be quick and inexpensive because it “looks simple.”
The reality is that structural design is rarely as simple as it appears.
A proper structural design starts with understanding the entire load path of a structure. In other words, we must determine:

• Where the load starts
• How it travels through the structure
• Where it ultimately transfers into the foundation and soil

Every beam, column, wall, and connection plays a role in carrying that load safely.
If one element is undersized or poorly detailed, it doesn’t just affect that single member. Structural systems rely on each component working together. When one fails, the load redistributes to adjacent members that may not be designed to carry it — creating a domino effect that can lead to progressive failure.
This is why proper engineering takes time. It involves analysis, verification, and ensuring that the structure will perform safely not just today, but for decades.

Good engineering isn’t about making things expensive — it’s about making them durable, safe, and buildable.
When done correctly, proper design reduces long-term issues, repairs, and safety risks.

In construction, cheap design often becomes expensive later.

The Importance of Knowing the Type of Wood Used in Your StructureWhen designing or building with wood, one of the first ...
05/03/2026

The Importance of Knowing the Type of Wood Used in Your Structure

When designing or building with wood, one of the first things to understand is what type of wood you’re working with. Different species have different structural properties and strengths, which directly affects how they perform in a structure.

Before specifying lumber, the designer should verify the wood species and grade according to the NLGA Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber. The species and Grade is typically identified by the stamp on the lumber. Some common examples include:

• Douglas Fir–Larch: D Fir-L SS
• Hem-Fir: Hem-Fir No.3/Stud
• Spruce-Pine-Fir: S-P-F No.1/No.2
• Northern Species: North Species SS

Each species group has different specified strengths, which is why identifying the correct type of wood is important during structural design. If the species cannot be confidently identified, it is best practice to consult a qualified lumber grader before making structural assumptions.

Another key factor is whether the wood is treated or untreated.

Untreated wood can absolutely be used in construction, but it must be detailed properly. In general, untreated wood should not be in direct contact with masonry, concrete, or soil. This is to prevent moisture transfer, which can lead to deterioration over time.
If untreated wood is used near these materials, the designer and builder must ensure there are measures in place to prevent moisture from reaching the wood. Sometimes this protection can be as simple as providing an air gap or proper separation detail.

Understanding your materials is a fundamental part of good structural design.

Living in Calgary and various regions across Canada means we design differently than milder climates.Two major structura...
05/03/2026

Living in Calgary and various regions across Canada means we design differently than milder climates.

Two major structural factors here:

1. Frost Depth
Foundations must extend below frost depth to prevent movement during freeze-thaw cycles. Shallow footings can lead to seasonal shifting and cracking.

2. Soil Movement
Many areas around Calgary have clay-based soils that expand and contract with moisture changes. That movement transfers directly into slabs and foundations if not properly designed.

This is why:
• Garage slabs crack
• Basement walls shift
• Additions settle differently than existing homes

Proper foundation design isn’t overkill, it’s climate-responsive engineering.

If you're planning an addition, garage, or structural renovation, understanding local soil and frost conditions early can prevent costly repairs later.

How to Tell if a Wall is Load-Bearing (Before You Demo)Open-concept renovations are popular in Calgary — but not every w...
03/03/2026

How to Tell if a Wall is Load-Bearing (Before You Demo)

Open-concept renovations are popular in Calgary — but not every wall can simply come down.

Before removing a wall, here are a few things to look at:

1. Check the direction of the joists
If floor or roof joists run perpendicular to the wall, there’s a good chance it’s carrying load.

2. Look for walls stacked above
If there’s another wall directly above it (especially on a second floor), loads may be transferring down through it.

3. Is there structure below?
In basements, you’ll often see beams or posts directly under load-bearing walls.

4. Is it near the center of the house?
Exterior walls are almost always structural. Interior walls near the middle often are too.

Not every wall is load-bearing — but guessing can lead to undersized beams, sagging ceilings, or permit issues.

Most homeowners call after demo starts.
It’s usually easier (and cheaper) to confirm before.

Tusk Engineering
Structural Engineering Support for Residential Projects in Calgary
587-719-7785
[email protected]

When do you actually need a structural engineer for a home renovation?A lot of renovations don’t require engineering. Bu...
02/03/2026

When do you actually need a structural engineer for a home renovation?

A lot of renovations don’t require engineering. But when the structure of the house is being changed, it’s usually worth getting advice before work starts — not after something unexpected shows up.

Here are the situations where homeowners in Calgary most often need a structural engineer:

If you’re removing a wall
Not every wall is load-bearing, but many are. If a wall supports the floor or roof above, it can’t just be taken out without replacing that support properly. An engineer determines what’s carrying load and what size beam or support is needed so the house stays safe and the permit process goes smoothly.

If you see foundation movement or major cracking
Some small cracks are normal. But horizontal cracks, bowing walls, settlement, or noticeable floor slope are signs the structure should be looked at before finishing a basement or doing major work. It’s much cheaper to understand the problem early.

If you’re cutting new openings
Adding or widening windows, doors, or garage openings changes how loads move through the structure. Engineering ensures the opening is properly supported and approved by the city.

If you’re building an addition or large deck
Anything that adds new load to the structure typically needs design and drawings. This protects you, your contractor, and helps avoid delays during permitting.

Most people call after a contractor tells them engineering is required — but calling earlier usually saves time and prevents redesigns.

If you’re not sure whether your project needs structural input, getting a quick opinion before starting demo is often the best step.

Tusk Engineering
Structural Engineering Support for Residential Projects in Calgary
587-719-7785
[email protected]

Hello everyone,We are a Calgary-based structural consultant working with contractors on residential and commercial proje...
02/03/2026

Hello everyone,
We are a Calgary-based structural consultant working with contractors on residential and commercial projects.

If anyone requires support with structural inspections, design review, or permit-related structural services, we would be pleased to connect.

Always happy to be a resource to the community.

27/02/2026

Foundation Crack Repair | Crack Injection

Not all foundation cracks mean structural failure — but they should never be ignored.

Crack injection is a practical, non-invasive repair method used to either restore structural strength or stop water leakage in reinforced concrete foundation walls and slabs. When done properly, it can extend the life of the structure without excavation or major disruption.

Step 1: Understanding the Crack

Before choosing any repair method, the crack needs to be assessed.

We look at:

What caused it — shrinkage, settlement, temperature changes, or water pressure

Whether it’s still moving or stable

Whether it affects structural performance or is simply allowing water in

This step is critical. The wrong material for the wrong crack leads to repeat failures.

Step 2: Preparation

Good repairs start with good preparation.

The crack is cleaned thoroughly

Injection ports are installed along the crack (typically 150–300 mm apart)

The surface is sealed to prevent resin from escaping during injection

Step 3: Choosing the Right Material

The material depends entirely on what the crack is doing.

Epoxy (Structural Repair)
Used when the crack is dormant and structural.
It bonds the concrete back together and restores tensile and shear strength.

Polyurethane / PU (Waterproofing)
Used for leaking or non-structural cracks.
It reacts with moisture, expands slightly, and seals the crack against water intrusion — even under hydrostatic pressure.

Step 4: Injection Process

Resin is injected at low pressure, starting from the lowest port and working upward.

We continue until the resin reaches the next port, ensuring the crack is fully filled through its thickness. Proper pressure control is key — too much pressure can cause further damage.

After Injection

The resin cures (typically within hours to a few days)

Ports are removed

The surface is ground smooth

The repaired area can be coated or integrated into a waterproofing system

What It Achieves

✔ Restores structural continuity (with epoxy)
✔ Stops active water leakage (with PU)
✔ Minimal disruption — no excavation when accessible

Important to Note

Crack injection is not a fix for ongoing structural movement.
If settlement, expansive soil, or drainage problems continue, those issues must be addressed first.

In severe cases, additional strengthening (carbon fiber, wall anchors, underpinning) may be required.

Foundation crack injection works extremely well — when it’s properly diagnosed, correctly specified, and carefully executed.

Video source: Sika [Youtube]

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