We offer clever and achievable structural engineering solutions to the most complex architectural and construction challenges.
Multi-faceted geometry, complicated construction sequencing and uncommon structural materials to name a few.
We are present from start-up to close-out to safeguard all integral components and deliver the utmost confidence to the team.
We bring to fruition exciting changes from existing spaces to new and revitalized spaces.
Some spaces have great potential while other spaces require extensive modification. We have worked on many major interior alterations and it is apparent that high structural construction costs are inevitable if engineers are not prudent early on and if they do not leverage existing structural capacities.
We offer deep and detailed document reviews and site investigations to ensure any new structure is lean, cost effective and code compliant while working in tandem with existing components.
We tailor our projects to suit our clients’ needs. The structural materials and systems we select are carefully specified to ensure zero disruption to our clients’ operations all while diminishing construction risks.
Side addition projects incorporate new foundation systems that synchronize with existing systems with major efforts to avoid interaction. Superstructures follow suit with designs that attempt to separate systems where possible.
Modification to existing perimeter bracing and facade systems allow for seamless integration of spaces.
With organized and clever structural planning, side addition projects can move just as quick as new construction.
When a client’s operations require changing the use of a space, adding heavy equipment or removing part of an existing structure to accommodate their updated needs, structural strengthening is typically required.
We understand that our clients do not want to squander the construction budget on structural strengthening. Engineers must be practical, sensible and clever to discover the least intrusive means to provide code compliance, safety and cost effectiveness.
Free standing structures and architectural features are exciting projects that may welcome visitors with an awe inspiring canopy or move pedestrian traffic by way of a fanciful long-span bridge. They make great buildings memorable.
The challenge is justifying the budget for appendages that may not contribute to business operations. We design and detail our special and distinctive projects to safeguard against having these valuable elements value engineered away due to budget constraints.
We creatively develop repair programs that are suitable for each unique project. Our repair details and specifications deliver the results our clients expect, especially when structural integrity has been compromised. We work closely with manufacturers of specialized repair materials and equipment to ensure the repairs we specify are high performance, durable and warrantied.
We are uncompromising investigators. Each project typically commences with a thorough and detailed existing document review, which can include original building drawings and reports. We focus in on areas of concern to ensure our field investigations are concentrated on probable areas of concern.
Only when the cause of deterioration has been resolved do we proceed to develop restoration solutions.
Developing the drawings and specifications for a repair project is quite different than a new building project. The repair message must be carefully considered to ensure unconventional repairs are communicated clearly. We include field photographs, material data sheets, clearly tagged drawings and well-defined specifications to guarantee project success.
Our structural services for buildings focus on achieving clear objectives of performance and functionality, all while controlling construction costs. We are active and vocal collaborators always looking out for the team’s goals.
Educational facilities, institutional establishments, corporate centres, commercial developments, industrial sites, transportation hubs, retail plazas, hospitality venues and residential buildings are just some of the structures we design.
We will investigate numerous structural framing schemes to ensure what we are specifying is the best option for the building, project and team.
No other construction project offers so many structural options like vertical additions (new levels above existing levels). The quantity of new framing and foundations, along with how they are integrated into existing systems, can vary greatly for two similar projects with different structural engineers.
We take pride in developing structural additions that are code compliant, cost effective and confidently constructed. Our work is based on comprehensive field work and the confidence to leverage existing framing.
We work with geotechnical engineers and specialty foundation contractors to propose and realize foundation systems that are appropriate for each unique project.
It is apparent that certain building classifications are home to particular framing schemes, for example, “big box” retail stores are economically framed with open web steel joists supported on pick-up trusses or gerber-girder cantilever systems. Most of these retail warehouse roof structures throughout North America will look similar, however their foundations will likely vary greatly.
Foundation systems are unique to each site. Soil conditions can alter quite quickly. Each building requires a one-off approach to ensure projects are kept on budget with site specific foundations that balance labour and materials.
Nothing really makes a difference to a building like its cladding. Both aesthetically and for its performance. Manufacturers from all over the world are developing cladding systems that can really update existing building faces.
We are here to help develop the crafty structural solutions that allow structural integrity of the building to be maintained while new architectural walls are adequately supported.
Developing the temporary procedures to allow for portions of buildings to be removed while new framing is installed allows construction to progress seamlessly.
When our clients have expanding business opportunities, we are excited to help grow their operations with new mezzanines while maintaining their overall building footprint.
Mezzanines have the potential to be economically constructed when existing structural framing is positioned and sized within range and new framing leverages these opportunities. We establish competent floor systems that are stiff enough to support code prescribed loading and appropriate to ease any nuisance vibrations.
When existing structural framing is not optimally situated for an added mezzanine, we develop adept foundation systems that are cost effective and with minimal intrusiveness. New foundations typically allow new shallow and light framing to be specified.
Structural assessments are a crucial first step in cataloging causes for deterioration or contributing to a better understanding of potential structural interventions. Our team is consistently engaged in assessing antiquated and modern structures.
The intent for assessment services can vary greatly. Some assessments need to address the cause for deterioration and make recommendations for potential repairs. Other assessments provide project stakeholders with possible structural interventions to accommodate load or stiffness changes. Assessments provide the team with comprehensive information that may be utilized for pricing, scheduling, funding and facility user logistics.
Our assessments typically include detailed document and drawing reviews, field investigations, review of destructive exploratory openings and a well organized and expert structural engineering report.
Sustainable, durable, attractive and comfortable buildings require high performing cladding systems.
We work closely with suppliers to design claddings systems that are efficiently constructed and meticulously detailed for Canadian environments.
We take lessons learned from the many cladding rehabilitation projects we lead and implement these corrective measures for our new build projects promising long term durability.
Cladding projects may involve numerous materials and trades. Concrete, structural steel, aluminum, miscellaneous light metals, glass, stainless steel, proprietary connections and cables.
With thoughtful design, clear details may be developed that simplify construction and accelerate schedules.
The Ontario Building Code mandates the minimum requirements for barrier-free access to buildings for both new and renovated occupancies.
We modify front entrances to allow for ramps and lifts to facilitate unhindered accessibility. We have added elevators, both with pits and without, to existing spaces, to allow for seamless vertical transportation.
We provide structural assessments and feasibility reports to guide decisions for areas best suited to home ramps and elevators. Construction costs may be minimized if careful structural planning is completed during the programming phase.
The design of custom residences offers rewarding experiences as a family’s future home is developed. Efficient structural framing, appropriate details and understanding the intricacies of residential design are paramount to keep residential projects on-track.
We have designed and administered relatively large post-and-beam structural steel and concrete residences topping out at a whopping 50,000 square-feet!
On the other end of the spectrum we have designed exciting, contemporary, narrow residences utilizing clear and repetitive framing. The results are low structural construction costs and more remaining budget for higher-end finishes!
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