Failed connection, Pittsburgh

Whether a structure exhibits chronic performance failure, undergoes a catastrophic collapse, or requires a vulnerability assessment for extreme events, we offer a full range of investigative and analytical services and solutions. We evaluate losses in strength, functionality and value through safety and damage assessment surveys, reliability and risk analyses, and materials testing. With strategic partner Hardesty & Hanover, we also evaluate how structural loads and design affect the mechanical and electrical systems of kinetic structures. We then present findings and develop practical and cost-effective repair solutions using state-of-the-art computer analysis, modeling, and visualization tools to illustrate and reconstruct failures and solutions. Lastly, we offer expert opinion and litigation support on the most probable causes of building and component failures.

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Failed piping system

Our HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineers provide services ranging from directing maintenance of a controlled environment such as an art gallery, or assessing responsibility following a boiler explosion, to determining the adequacy of a specified mechanical system or component for a given building. Major real estate investors value our insight into probable operation, maintenance, and upgrade requirements at prospective properties. Commercial property owners have us review renovations proposed by their tenants to evaluate the potential impact on the base mechanical systems of their buildings. With our strategic partner, Hardesty & Hanover, we evaluate mechanical and electrical systems used in kinetic structures.

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Hurricane Ike, Reliant Park, Houston

When a building envelope is performing poorly, a forensic architectural investigation is the best way to address the problem. We apply observations, probes, tests and document reviews, filtered by experience, to uncover building envelope failures and design and construction defects. Our services begin by clearly identifying the problems, continue by developing cost-effective and pragmatic solutions, and conclude with observing their proper execution in the field. Our expertise is based on decades of designing new buildings, repairing and retrofitting existing facilities, and performing emergency engineering activities on site at many major natural and man-made catastrophes.

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130 Liberty Street, New York

Controlled demolition of structures requires advanced planning based on thoughtful engineering. Our professionals accurately analyze structural behavior of buildings undergoing implosion, deconstruction or dismantlement, and determine whether it is more appropriate to deal with localized damage from a catastrophic event or to simply clear the site. We analyze the behavior of all components including reinforced, pre-cast and post-tensioned concrete, masonry, steel beam and truss systems, and external glazing. We offer engineering reviews and calculate demolition and debris footprints, analyze stresses and vibrations, and help develop safe and efficient demolition scenarios and logistics plans. Our experience as designers uniquely qualifies us to forecast outcomes when demolishing structures that incorporate unusual geometries.

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