Structural Engineering in Nigeria: Transforming a Difficult Site into a Smart Design with ProtaStructure Suite

Structural Engineering in Nigeria: ProtaStructure Client Success with Iduh M. Ofikwu, Managing Director of TracForth Engineering, on Transforming a Challenging Site into a Smart Design for a 192-Suite Luxury Hostel

Iduh M. Ofikwu, Managing Director of TracForth Engineering, brings over 10 years of experience in structural engineering in Nigeria, leading his team to deliver innovative solutions across the country. TracForth Engineering is dedicated to utilizing available resources to improve lives while advancing excellence in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. Committed to professional growth and exceptional outcomes, Iduh and his team consistently tackle engineering challenges, ensuring successful project completion.

“What could have been weeks of head-scratching and recalculations turned into a smooth, quick process with ProtaStructure. It was a game-changer.” – Iduh M. Ofikwu, Managing Director of TracForth Engineering

Challenges:

Iduh’s new project, a luxury hostel with 192 suites, seemed straightforward at first. In structural engineering in Nigeria, such tasks are common. The architectural plans suggested a raft foundation, and early surveys confirmed this choice. However, when Iduh visited the site, he found a 3-meter elevation difference between the front and rear. This issue made the original foundation design unusable. With construction already underway, Iduh needed a quick and effective solution to adapt the design to the site.

Experience with ProtaStructure:

Facing this critical challenge, Iduh relied on ProtaStructure, his trusted tool for structural engineering in Nigeria. Instead of viewing the steep slope as a problem, Iduh saw it as an opportunity to improve the project. Using ProtaStructure, he swiftly modeled a new design that added a basement rather than the originally planned raft foundation. This solution addressed the slope, created valuable parking and recreational space, and enhanced the building’s overall functionality. The basement design also provided secure parking and a smooth transition to the ground-level reception, improving flow and security.

Thanks to ProtaStructure’s flexibility, Iduh could implement the changes quickly, ensuring the project stayed on schedule. The software’s user-friendly tools allowed him to redesign the foundation without altering the rest of the building plans, saving valuable time.

“Thanks to ProtaStructure, we didn’t just solve the problem—we turned it into a major advantage for the project. The flexibility and speed of the software saved us weeks and ensured that we delivered both on time and with improved functionality.”
If you’re facing challenging site conditions, let ProtaStructure help you turn obstacles into opportunities. Contact us today!