FORM Engineers’ Post

The “how” behind landmark projects is often as fascinating as the final result. This article dives deep into the innovative approach taken to refresh the 102nd floor observation deck of the Empire State Building—a project that demanded equal focus on means and methods as on the final design itself. From modular “cocoon” enclosures at 1,250+ feet to coordinating construction within razor-thin timeframes, this project is a testament to the power of early planning, collaboration, and engineering ingenuity. Key takeaway: The seamless integration of design, safety, and functionality can redefine what's possible in complex building environments, setting a standard for future high-altitude construction. What lessons or challenges have stood out to you on projects involving unique constraints like these? #EngineeringInnovation #MeansAndMethods #EmpireStateBuilding #ConstructionTechnology #StructuralEngineering

ACM PANEL INSTALLATION ELITE ACM PANEL INSTALLATION NATIONWIDE Glaziers Consulting is a leading provider of Aluminum Composite Materials (or ACM) installation nationwide. ACMs are functional materials developed by ACM panel manufacturers for use in construction and architecture. Compared to other construction materials, Aluminum Composite Panels (ACP) offer several advantages, including durability, rigidness, flexibility, and lightweight. They are also easy to recycle for other projects. These characteristics make ACM panels the perfect choice for architects and builders. GET A QUOTE HOW DO ACM PANELS WORK? ACM panels comprise two layers of aluminum sheets with a core substance in between. In the past, the core materials used in composite panels were not fire-retardant, which posed a safety issue. However, ACM panel manufacturers have found and utilized fire-retardant substances to solve this problem. WHAT IS THE ACM INSTALLATION PROCESS LIKE? The installation process of ACM panels varies depending on the client’s requirements. Contacting the ACM panel manufacturers for specific details is recommended when purchasing aluminum composite panels. The installation steps for ACM panels are as follows: Measurement: Accurately measure the dimensions and size of the desired product. Fabricate: After determining the size, the panels are fabricated accordingly. This involves cutting, folding, bending, and drilling the materials. Installing supporters and fasteners may also be done at this stage. Waterproofing: To protect the structure, a weather barrier should be installed before the aluminum composite claddings are applied. This involves applying a primer to the framings and sealing the cladding materials. Applying the Mounting System: A mounting system ensures the straight alignment of the ACM cladding panels. The panels are then installed in a fixed order, considering shaped areas and corners. Installing ACM Panels: The ACM panels are installed on the mounting. The primary profiles (clips) are connected to the panels, and then the boards are screwed to the wall. A strip is often used to match and hide any gaps between the boards. Additional supporters like shims and clips may be used for leveling and attaching the cladding materials. PROPER INSTALLATION METHODS FOR ACMS For outdoor applications, ACM panels require specific installation methods. Weather resistance barriers should be installed due to wind loads. The direction of the panels should be fixed, and precautions should be taken to prevent damage and scratches. Planning the installation and installing certain sections before others, such as windows and doors, is essential. The protective films should be removed as each section’s installation is completed. Proper sealing of the ACM panels in the correct order is crucial to avoid water leakage during rainy weather. SCHEDULE A FREE ESTIMATE TODAY CALL NOW 609-992-4102 Mitch https://lnkd.in/g5BFciq8

Full Service. In the context of Architecture what does that actually mean? We can help you with this one! For Alston + Donnelly Architecture a full service means concept to completion. This means meeting you and realising the potential from your home or land and putting the ideas to paper. Giving you clarity on direction. Obtaining all of the relevant permissions to enable you to build your dream home / awesome new office / best in class ISO Cleanroom. But we dont just leave you there, we are with you on the journey until you get the keys. Putting together a team of experts. Be it high end Kitchen designers, structural engineers, Chartered Surveyors or Mechanical and Electrical specialists. Nor should it end there with the new building regulations. Make sure you are aware of your duties for Building regs and CDM. Call me You, the client, are part of this team, involved at every step of the way. It is after all your project and the end result will always reflect your visions, needs, budget and other requirements. With a decades of experience in the construction industry working for award winning Architects, Global insulation manufactuers and Contractors we have seen this industry from all sides of the table and we can add value to a project from a multitude of angles be it design, construction, H&S, Construction Phasing, costings and an indepth, proven, knowledge of sustainable design and Modern methods of construction. At the end of the day this is what we are all about. Adding Value to a project. You want a pretty design that cant be built? We are not for you. You want an awesome design where every inch is detailed and deliverable so that the finished product matches the concept? We can help you get started. Pick up the phone and lets get going. Credit to the awesome developer and aerial photo from estate agent extraodinare Armitstead Barnett - link below to the paticulars: https://lnkd.in/g_mZN4Vz richard@adarch.co.uk 01524 66992 #thedevilisinthedetail

An innovative building skin system that can reduce exterior construction times by as much as 33% is available from Building Composites LLC, a recently incorporated Dayton-based company that was created to offer architects, building owners, engineers and contractors an alternative to traditional cladding products. https://lnkd.in/drP_AGeA #buildingenvelope #facadeengineering #architecture #engineering #construction #realestatedevelopment #propertydevelopment #projectmanagement #developmentmanagement #ecotecture

Structural System. The portion of a building that extends above the ground level outside it is called the superstructure. The portion below the outside ground level is called the substructure. The parts of the substructure that distribute building loads to the ground are known as foundations. Foundations may take the form of walls. When the ground under the building is excavated for a cellar, or basement, the foundation walls have the additional task of retaining the earth along the outside of the building (Fig. 1.1). The superstructure in such cases is erected atop the foundation walls. FIGURE 1.1 Vertical section through a one-story building with basement shows location of some major components. (Reprinted with permission from F. S. Merritt and J. Ambrose, ‘‘Building Engineering and Systems Design,’’ 2d ed., Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York.)

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We have a major convention in the building profession that... "Every building is a different entity even if they appear very similar externally" I believe all other professionals in the built environment including architects, structural engineers, and quantity surveyors agree on this note. The question that is often left unanswered is, "Why are buildings (including highly similar ones) considered uniquely different from each other in the built environment industry?" Publication, ContractingBusiness.com says we can even assume that each building has its own DNA Here are four reasons why: 1. Underlying Subsoil and Foundation Requirements: The underlying subsoil on which seemingly similar buildings will be built may differ. Hence requiring different foundational types. For example, two buildings built only a few meters away from each other may have a large difference in the load bearing capacity of their subsoil. One land section may thus require more reinforcements and foundational depth than another. 2. Construction Site Modifications: Usually, architects and engineers can replicate building drawings for each site provided they apply to a block of buildings with exactly the same specifications. The case is often different when builders begin working on site because of construction site modifications that are sometimes required when construction work commences. Jointly decided with other site professionals we end up making changes ranging from making slight to major changes on site. An example of a change in land topography readily comes to mind which might mean an introduction of a step down in one building which doesn't apply to another building on the same block. 3. Client Specifications: There are cases where a client requests that the architectural detail of an associate building be replicated exactly like in the example of banks and corporate organisations. The said client could unsurprisingly have lesser or higher priority for the new building. Such positions may change the materials and finishing designs that will go into such a building. For example, a client with a block of 5 buildings chose to make use of tiles, POP ceilings, and long span roofing in his personal suite in all the 5 buildings while other buildings in the same block were built using different less expensive materials. So, you see? Buildings are always different in construction from others even when they are seemingly very similar at first look. I am Hezekiah Olaniran, a builder and academic of over 35 years, I'll love to the see other builders', engineers', and architects' perspective to this post in the comments below. Image showing a block of 5 poultry buildings we worked on between 2011 and 2013. #construction #architecture #buildingconstruction #building #engineering

Pre-engineered buildings (PEBs) and conventional buildings are two distinct methods of construction that serve different purposes and have unique characteristics. Here's a detailed comparison between the two: Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs) Definition: PEBs are buildings where the components are pre-designed and fabricated in a factory before being transported to the site for assembly. This method relies on standardization and modular components. Characteristics: Design and Construction: Construction Time: Cost: Quality Control: Applications: Conventional Buildings Definition: Conventional buildings are constructed on-site using traditional construction methods with materials such as brick, concrete, steel, and wood. Each building is uniquely designed according to specific architectural and engineering requirements. Characteristics: Design and Construction: Construction Time: Cost: Quality Control: Applications: Summary PEBs are ideal for projects requiring quick construction, cost efficiency, and standardized design, commonly used in industrial and commercial applications. Conventional buildings offer more design flexibility, customization, and are suitable for a wide range of residential, commercial, and institutional applications where architectural uniqueness is a priority. Choosing between the two methods depends on factors such as project requirements, budget, time constraints, and the desired level of customization.

🚀  𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗖𝗖𝗟 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗔𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺 🏗️   We’re excited to share the success of CCL’s latest large-scale retrofitting project in #Doha, #Qatar! Tasked with converting an existing showroom—originally designed by CCL—into a state-of-the-art luxury hospital, our team faced unique challenges in reimagining this space.   Adapting the structure to support new MEP requirements and closing expansive openings were just some of the hurdles our Repair & Strengthening (R&S) team tackled. Together with our Client, Main Contractor, and a leading local Consultant, we crafted a solution that reinforced the structure while preserving its architectural essence.   𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗱: 🔹 Comprehensive strengthening design and detailing  🔹 Design of a new upper roof steel structure and slab extensions  🔹 Application of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP)  🔹 External Post-Tensioning System for enhanced strength  🔹 Integration of concrete elements with the CCL PT System  🔹 Additional drop caps and RC/PT beams for stability    This project exemplifies how collaboration and innovative engineering solutions can successfully adapt structures to new uses while respecting their original architectural integrity.   #EngineeringExcellence #StructuralStrengthening #CCL #DohaProjects #Retrofitting #CFRP #ExternalPostTensioning #Innovation

Sweating the Details: Our Architectural Philosophy Like many architectural companies, our journey began with a commitment to tackle any task necessary to establish our firm. Drawing from experiences with former mentors and classmates, it’s common for firms to start as architects of record, remodels, and draft as-built drawings. What perhaps distinguishes us from other startups is our strategic choice to embrace as-built surveys. Why, you might wonder, would high-end designers like us opt for this route when professional surveyors are available? The answer lies in our commitment to streamline the entire process for our clients, design architects, and builders. Our design expertise allows us to recognize the importance of precision in measurements and address issues arising from inaccuracies, such as unexpected floor slopes, incorrect ceiling heights, or missing critical elements like doors. Streamlining this process not only benefits our clients but also minimizes surprises during the drawing phase and construction. As humorously noted by one of my mentors, to ASSUME during construction is to make an "A$$ out of you and me." Our comprehensive approach includes an in-depth review of permit processes, building codes, and project guardrails, empowering our clients to effectively budget and plan from the outset. Navigating ADA requirements is crucial, especially for older buildings. While not rocket science, these standards significantly impact design decisions. We collaborate with structural and mechanical engineers and, when necessary, bring in trusted contractors for additional insights. As dedicated designers, we understand the drawbacks of unnecessary compromises. Investing time in researching codes or verifying dimensions upfront saves energy, reduces time loss, and prevents cost overruns later. We sweat the small details because we believe that the journey of design is, in itself, our product. Our focus areas include: 1. History, Context, Location 2. Geometry & Dimension 3. Building/Planning Code & Permit Research 4. Client’s North Star 5. Budget & Schedule 6. MEP and Structural Integration 7. ADA Compliance 8. Recommendations on Seismic, Constructibility, Sustainability, and Hazard Mitigation Pro Tip for Emerging Designers: From day one, immerse yourself in the minutiae. This practice not only enhances the design development process but also ensures a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone involved, especially builders. Drawing is a process for seeing and deeply understanding a space generates critical questions, leading to better solutions. We hope this post inspires you to find joy and value in the details of your professional journey. Concrete formwork model (1993 by Howard Chu)