OWNERS
protect your investment

• Assessment of the structural practicality of a proposed project with consideration for constraints such as building code requirements, capacity of existing building components, project budget, and constructability.

• A peer review is an independent technical review of a structural design performed by another engineering firm, and can be conducted in any phase of project development and construction (see Architects and Builders tab for additional peer review definitions).  An investigative peer review is typically conducted when an issue arises where an impartial review is required to determine causes. 
• The scope of a peer review varies greatly based on the project and goals, but may be conducted for many reasons.  A few typical reasons for investigative peer reviews are as follows:

• • Construction claims review to assess claims made against the design professional(s)
  • Errors and omission claim review to evaluate claims made against the design professional(s) concerning incomplete or incorrect content on the contract documents
  • Failure review to determine causes or theories regarding collapse or performance issues with a constructed building

Source: https://www.structuremag.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/C-StructForum-Stuart-Aug101.pdf

• Confidently move forward with your project plans with comprehensive, expert analysis.

• Evaluating structural failures or performance issues to determine causes and responsibilities.  
• A structural forensic investigation may include some or all of the following: advanced analysis, visual observations, investigative peer review of design documents, material testing, load testing or structural health monitoring recommendations.

• Assisting property owners, insurance companies, insurance adjusters, or attorneys in evaluating and understanding damaged structures, including cause and origin determination. 

• Aiding in the resolution of claims and disputes related to building structures.  Investigative peer review, code and standard-of-care review, advanced analysis and modeling.

Our team will convey professional opinions and complex technical concepts in a relatable way using visualization tools.  Areas of expertise include: structural steel, concrete (post-tensioned and conventional reinforced), precast, masonry, wood/timber, general structural engineering and building construction, coastal design, high wind/hurricanes, flood loading and storm surge.

• Structural design capabilities have changed significantly over the life of much of the current building stock, particularly since the introduction of the “i-codes” in the early 2000s.  Improved materials, advancements in computing power, and continued research has resulted in some former practices no longer being considered acceptable despite being prevalent in the existing building stock.  
• An Existing Building Design Review is a proactive effort, requested by a building owner, to study original construction drawings use them to build advanced 3D models and finite element analysis to evaluate the original building design. 
• While most existing buildings continue the function adequately for their intended use and occupancy with only standard maintenance and periodic evaluation, an Existing Building Design Review can offer a current building owner (or potential future building owner if this review is performed concurrent with a real estate transaction/due diligence period) some reassurance regarding the robustness of the structure through the lens of an engineer operating with the tools available to design professionals today.  
• Common items targeted for identification include redundancy (or lackthereof) in load path, integrity detailing items, impacts of code revisions, modifications to building use/occupancy, effects of previous repair/renovation projects, and errors/omissions in the original design of highly stressed or even overstressed elements.

• For buildings exposed to the elements (such as parking garages, coastal properties, and those exposed to corrosive environments) a regular maintenance program is a necessity to keep the systems functioning as intended.  Failure to maintain a building structure can lead to premature degradation, unnecessary costly repairs, and shortening of the useful service life.  A regular program of preventative maintenance and light repairs can be planned with to extend the service life and mitigate or prevent more costly repairs.

• Even well-maintained buildings, not directly exposed to elements, will experience some distress with age, and many buildings exceed their intended service design life but remain in operation.  A proactive approach to repair projects while repair scope remains minor is an effective way to ward off further degradation and serious repairs or, worse, failure/collapse.  

• Concrete repair in particular is an industry where ineffective repair is all too common and “band-aids” cover signs of distress without actually addressing the root issue.  

• An effective repair project needs to consider the required structural performance, of course, but also needs to provide appropriate protection of embedded items (rebar),  be appropriate for the application within given constraints, be designed for durability and longevity to remain effective, and consider aesthetics/appearance of the repair if in an exposed condition.