Structural Engineering Blog
The Vital Role of Structural Engineering in Building Envelopes
The building envelope – the physical separator between the interior and exterior environments of a building – plays a crucial role in ensuring occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and structural integrity. While often associated with architectural design and aesthetics, the structural engineering of the building envelope is a critical aspect that ensures its stability, durability, long-term…
Protecting Assets and Personnel: Blast Design for Defense
In today’s world, the threat of explosive attacks is a serious concern for a wide range of structures, from government buildings and military installations to critical infrastructure and commercial properties. As a structural engineering company, we understand the importance of designing and constructing buildings that can withstand the devastating effects of blasts. Understanding the Challenge…
Parking Garage Snow Removal: Best Practices
Do you maintain a parking structure or parking garage at your facility? When winter hits, are you truly prepared to take care of the snow and ice buildup? Best practices for snow removal operations on parking garages are: Prep Your Structure for the Winter Season Before the snow hits, there are some items to add…
EV Fire Hazards in Parking Structures: A Growing Concern
As the world transitions towards greener transportation, electric vehicles have become increasingly popular. Their zero-emission nature and potential for energy savings make them an attractive option for many. However, with this surge in Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption, concerns have also arisen regarding their safety, particularly in parking structures. Unique Fire Risks of EVs While EVs…
Water Intrusion: Concrete’s Silent Enemy
Concrete is often considered impervious to the elements. However, water intrusion can pose a significant threat to the long-term integrity of concrete structures. Many water intrusion problems are attributable to human error including detailing, specifications, or installation, so it’s important as a building designer to carefully consider the right system for the conditions, compatible materials, the right prep work and surface preparation, and quality materials.
Building Envelope Inspection: Protecting Your Investment and Limiting Liability
A building’s envelope is its first line of defense against the elements. It encompasses the roof, walls, windows, and foundation, working tirelessly to protect the building’s interior. Regular inspections are essential to maintain property value, energy efficiency, and occupant safety. But beyond these benefits, building envelope inspections also play a crucial role in mitigating liability….
Designing for Defense: The World of Blast Design Engineering
Imagine a security system that blends seamlessly with a building’s design, deterring threats without sacrificing aesthetics. This is the realm of physical security design engineering, a field that merges engineering principles with risk assessment to create secure spaces. Security threats come in many forms, from theft to vandalism to terrorism. Physical security design engineers conduct…
Keeping Your Building Dry: The Importance of Water Intrusion Engineering
Have you scheduled an inspection of your facility yet this year? Don’t put off inspections, especially if your facility has experienced a high amount of rainfall this year, or if you’ve had water intrusion issues in the past! Water intrusion is simple: it’s any unwanted movement of water or water vapors into areas of a…
Façade Inspection: How Often Should You Inspect Your Building’s Exterior?
The facade of your building does more than just provide the aesthetic “face” of your building. It’s also a barrier against the elements, and a crucial part of the building’s structural integrity. But like any exterior element, facades are exposed to wear and tear over time. Regular inspections are key to catching problems early and…
Facade Inspection 101: A Guide for Building Owners and Managers
Are cracks showing in your building’s concrete? Have you noticed leaking walls or roofs or peeling paint? Are your sealants working? As buildings age, their exteriors, require maintenance and restoration to preserve their structural integrity, aesthetics, and functionality. If you notice cracks, stains, corrosion, and other forms of damage, it’s time to begin restoration. Façade…