Structural Engineering Blog
Surfside Condo Collapse, One Year Later: What We Know
Since the Champlain Towers Collapse in Surfside Florida, we have had numerous requests to perform structural condition assessments. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Construction Safety Team (NCST) is pursuing a dozen failure scenarios and are anticipating a Final Report next year (2023). In 2018 a Condition Assessment Report was issued on…
Why Should You Care About Facade Inspection and Liability?
How important is routine façade inspection? During hurricane, tornado, and severe thunderstorm season across the United States, we’re reminded how important it is to anticipate façade failures before they happen. During Hurricane Irma in 2018, façade failures caused street closures in Atlanta despite the storm being downgraded to a tropical depression. Even though wind speeds…
Avoid Major Parking Structure Restoration Costs
There are many factors that influence the prediction of how long a parking structure will last and at what point you will need to tear it down and rebuild. Parking structures are unique in that the structure is directly exposed to the elements, unlike a building structure that is protected by a Building Envelope. Exposure…
The Importance of Structural Building Inspection
Are you up to date on your building inspections? When is the last time you had a thorough roof and facade inspection done by a professional company? There are currently 12 cities in the United States with ordinances that mandate periodic inspections of building facades, most of which are located in the Midwest. However, across…
Protective Surface Coatings for Parking Structures
A parking structure provides an essential service. Whether your parking structure is a multi-level garage or a few below-grade levels under a high-rise building, proactive condition assessment and diligent maintenance are imperative. If problems are ignored, the harsh environment in garages, including corrosive deicing chemicals, freeze-thaw cycling, and the stress of thousands of vehicles…
How to Find the Right Engineering Internship and Full Time Job after Graduation
Are you close to the finish line for college graduation? You’ve been working hard for years, and it’s time for that work to pay off as you search for your dream job. Getting your foot in the door at a great engineering company can be intimidating and challenging. What should you look for in…
Fall Protection Best Practices to Protect Your Workers
Are you following fall protection best practices at your workplace? In order to provide a safe workplace, Building Owners, Property Managers, Architects, Planners, and Engineers shall incorporate safe design measures to eliminate, prevent, or otherwise control fall hazards in the design phase. There are many options for reduction of fall hazards, but the ultimate goal…
Roof Inspection: The Importance and Why You Should Never Neglect Upkeep
Many facilities often go year after year without a proper, comprehensive roof inspection. Managers may assume that the roof is sound and even ignore obvious issues, which will only proceed to become more and more severe. Symptoms such as cracking, ponding water, and accumulated debris can indicate a significant problem. Regular, proper inspections of your…
Building Structure Condition Assessment: How to Avoid Catastrophe
Over the last few years, more catastrophic structural damage cases and progressive collapse cases have been in the news. Because of this, building owners are taking a closer look at their building and parking structures. While it could take years for the investigation to be completed, there are many clues included in previous inspection reports…
Do’s and Don’ts of Restoring Commercial Brick Buildings
Do you own or manage a historic building? Are you concerned about the aging facade or overall structure of your building? Many communities realize the value of historic and cultural character older buildings have to offer, and historic preservation plays a significant role in maintaining a city’s culture. Brickwork looks great when it’s well-maintained, but…