mcCallumSather’s Post

🚧 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲 & 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲: 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬! 🚧 As civil and structural engineers, we often grapple with the intricacies of building design and its implications on safety. Today, I want to shed light on two critical concepts that can significantly impact a structure's resilience: 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲. 🔍 What Are They? - 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲: This occurs when the lower levels of a building are significantly less stiff than the upper levels, often due to parking spaces or large openings. This disparity can lead to poor performance during seismic events. - 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲: Similar to soft storey, but focuses on strength. A weak storey is one that cannot adequately resist lateral forces compared to the storey above it, often due to architectural choices or improper material use. 📊 Why It Matters: Both conditions can lead to catastrophic failures during earthquakes and other lateral load scenarios. As we design buildings, it's imperative to ensure regularity in structural configuration to enhance seismic resistance. 🛠️ Mitigation Strategies: - Implement the latest guidelines from IS 1893:2016. - Ensure that lateral stiffness is maintained across all storeys and avoid large openings that disrupt shear walls. - Prioritize rigorous planning and detailing to mitigate irregularities. In our journey as engineers, let’s commit to prioritizing safety and resilience in our designs. Want to learn more? Consider our mentoring programs Together, let's build structures that stand the test of time! 💪🏗️ #CivilEngineering #StructuralDesign #SeismicSafety #EngineeringExcellence #LinkedInLearning

Dynamic effects should be considered especially vibrations due to wind. Cladding design and installation should be given the same degree of attention as the primary structure to improve safety, reliability, and longevity

Found a code that explains the +10% permitted overstress on existing structural elements. “Any existing gravity load-carrying structural element for which an addition and it’s related alterations cause an increase in design dead, live or snow load, including snow drift effects, of more than 5% shall be replaced or altered as needed to carry the gravity loads required”. “Any existing lateral load-carrying structural element whose demand-capacity ratio with the addition considered is not more than 10% greater than its demand-capacity ratio with the addition ignored shall be permitted to remain unaltered”. First time I think I’ve seen that in a code rather than a guidance note/document from someone. Appreciate this area of calculation has evolved dramatically in recent years, but this is always taken as the first point of justification from Structural Engineers, ‘does it fall within 10%, then it’s ok then’. I like the differentiation between vertical and lateral loading. The lower vertical load allowance implies that it’s making room for the additional vertical load imposed by the increase in lateral loading - without implicitly saying it. This was my first introduction to refurb work and working with existing buildings pretty much. Still think it’s a useful tool for those in training to understand. . . . . #refurbishment #design #london #structures #structuralengineering #construction #building #structuraldesign #structure

Structural engineering forms the backbone of every building project. Structural engineering is responsible in ensuring the safety, functionality, and durability of buildings, from skyscrapers to residential homes. https://bit.ly/3VPwLn4 #ddaengineers #structuralengineering

With our recent success in placing top structural engineers, designers, and technicians, Technical Hires is proud to introduce a weekly focus on some of Texas’ most impressive bridge projects. This week, we spotlight the innovative 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡. 🛠️ 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: The project, led by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and constructed by Sundt Construction Inc & engineered by Infinity Engineering Consultants, LLC  features the pioneering use of precast concrete arches—perhaps the world’s first for a tied-arch bridge. These enormous arches, each 163.5 feet long and weighing 280 tons, were pre-assembled offsite. Transporting these massive structures posed significant logistical challenges, solved by using self-propelled modular transporters that minimized traffic disruption and bridge closure times. 🚶♂️🚴♀️ 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬: The newly widened bridge, now with an overall width of 88 feet, supports four traffic lanes and 10-foot-wide sidewalks on each side. It serves as a crucial artery for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, enhancing connectivity while ensuring safety with a sophisticated multi-color LED lighting system. 🏛️ 𝐀 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐲: Beyond functionality, the bridge enhances the scenic route past Fort Worth’s architectural treasures, bolstering the city's cultural and economic connectivity. It required careful integration of design elements to meet both aesthetic and structural standards. 📆 𝐃𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Dedicated in 2013, the West 7th Street Bridge stands as a testament to sustainable urban planning and engineering excellence. #Innovation #FortWorth #CivilEngineering #Texas

🚧 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲 & 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲: 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬! 🚧 As civil and structural engineers, we often grapple with the intricacies of building design and its implications on safety. Today, I want to shed light on two critical concepts that can significantly impact a structure's resilience: 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲. 🔍 What Are They? - 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲: This occurs when the lower levels of a building are significantly less stiff than the upper levels, often due to parking spaces or large openings. This disparity can lead to poor performance during seismic events. - 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲: Similar to soft storey, but focuses on strength. A weak storey is one that cannot adequately resist lateral forces compared to the storey above it, often due to architectural choices or improper material use. 📊 Why It Matters: Both conditions can lead to catastrophic failures during earthquakes and other lateral load scenarios. As we design buildings, it's imperative to ensure regularity in structural configuration to enhance seismic resistance. 🛠️ Mitigation Strategies: - Implement the latest guidelines from IS 1893:2016. - Ensure that lateral stiffness is maintained across all storeys and avoid large openings that disrupt shear walls. - Prioritize rigorous planning and detailing to mitigate irregularities. In our journey as engineers, let’s commit to prioritizing safety and resilience in our designs. Want to learn more? Consider our mentoring programs Together, let's build structures that stand the test of time! 💪🏗️ #CivilEngineering #StructuralDesign #SeismicSafety #EngineeringExcellence #LinkedInLearning

Do you need a structural engineer for your rear extension? The short answer? In many cases, yes. ✅ But let’s explore why. Planning a rear extension is exciting—it’s all about creating more space and increasing your property’s value. However, one critical aspect often overlooked is ensuring the structural integrity of your project. That’s where a structural engineer comes in. From safety to compliance with regulations, their expertise is essential to turn your vision into reality without costly mistakes down the line. Curious to learn more? #RearExtension #StructuralEngineer #PropertyRenovation #ConstructionTips #ArchitecturalDesign #BuildingSolutions #HomeImprovement #LondonBuilders #StructuralEngineering #ResidentialProjects #RealEstateDevelopment #LondonHomes

🏢 Enhancing Structural Safety: The Role of Seismic Dampers in Building Design 🚧 Seismic dampers stand as crucial elements in modern building construction, offering a proactive approach to mitigating the destructive impact of earthquakes and seismic activity. By absorbing and dissipating the energy generated by ground motion, these innovative devices play a pivotal role in safeguarding structures and occupants alike. 🔍 Functionality and Design: Seismic dampers function by decoupling the building from ground motion, introducing flexible elements like rubber bearings between the foundation and superstructure. This ingenious design, often incorporating layers of rubber and steel, allows for both flexibility and strength, effectively absorbing seismic energy and preventing its transmission to the building. 🛡️ Advantages in Building Design: Beyond bolstering structural safety, seismic dampers offer a myriad of benefits. By reducing seismic forces, they mitigate the risk of structural damage and collapse, particularly in earthquake-prone regions. Moreover, they enhance occupant comfort by minimizing vibrations and movement, safeguarding non-structural elements from potential harm. 🔄 Integration and Implementation: Whether incorporated into new constructions or retrofitted into existing buildings, the selection and design of seismic dampers are guided by various factors. From anticipated seismic loads to building height and performance objectives, meticulous planning ensures optimal effectiveness and resilience. Witness the transformative impact of seismic dampers in building design, where innovation meets safety to forge a more resilient future. Follow me and check Eng. Enrique Hevia del Toro 👷🏻 PMP®, MBA, BA for more. Source: Civil Engineering Discoveries Disclaimer: I don't intended any copyright (DM me for credit & removal) #SeismicDampers #BuildingDesign #StructuralSafety #EarthquakeMitigation #InnovationInConstruction #OccupantSafety #ResilientStructures #EngineeringMarvels #ConstructionTechnology #BuildingResilience

Structural engineering forms the backbone of every building project. Structural engineering is responsible in ensuring the safety, functionality, and durability of buildings, from skyscrapers to residential homes. https://bit.ly/3VPwLn4 #ddaengineers #structuralengineering

Sustainability has consistently been a key priority in the development of St Edburg's Early Years. The new building has been designed to be net-zero in operation (regulated) and BREEAM Very Good. The design includes elements such as air source heat pumps, electrical car charge points and PV panels to help meet sustainability measures, future proof the building and reduce running costs. The earthworks strategy focuses on optimising material use by considering factors such as elevation changes, local fill material, and existing access levels. This approach ensures a sustainable and efficient construction process. During the early design phase, SOLID’s civil engineers recognised the need to adjust the building’s orientation and positioning to facilitate suitable connections with the existing site access levels while maintaining a practical earthworks design. Learn more about SOLID's Civil Engineering on the project here - https://lnkd.in/e863DhbH A fantastic project to work on alongside Clews Architects Ltd, Willmott Dixon and CBG Consultants Ltd. Photography by Andy Marshall 📸 #Engineering #EngineeringSolutions #StructuralEngineering #CivilEngineering #Earthworks #EarthworksStretegy