A Dorma hinge for façade support

As architects push for efficiency and sustainability, material evaluation and selection becomes more critical. We assist design teams in material research, selection and successful integration. Our experts understand the impacts of materials on total building performance, and understand their proper detailing and integration within the skin system. The selection and use of “green” materials does not automatically create a sustainable project; it is the intelligent integration and combination of materials into skin systems that can help advance efficient and sustainable architecture. To avoid costly design changes material evaluation is best performed early, and in parallel with conceptual design, when choosing the right materials can affect the brush strokes of creativity.

Contact us for more information.

3-D façade skin model

For a skin with complex or irregular geometry, it is important but challenging to establish panel shapes and sizes that are practical to fabricate, ship, erect, and maintain while meeting architectural requirements. We optimize panelization using our advanced geometry analysis tools to study multiple subdivision strategies. To define the skin geometry itself, we write software scripts and use parametric modeling in any available geometry software to fit our client’s needs. Our activities range from concept studies, through detailed steelwork and modeling of façade joints in 3-D space, to fabrication sequencing in the shop.

Contact us for more information.

Software showing glass pane deflection

Advanced building skins can involve both concentrated forces and large deflections. Understanding and taking full advantage of these structural behaviors is essential for well-performing skin systems. Our 3-D finite element software tools for glazing, fabrics, and skin-supporting elements perform large-deformation geometrically non-linear analysis as well as plastic design for materials with non-linear stress-strain behavior. We also model local stress fields and behaviors around boreholes, cut-outs, and other irregular geometries, which can be crucial for the satisfactory behavior and economic efficiency of complex skin designs.

Contact us for more information.

BMU geometry track, Federation Tower

For building projects with requirements that cannot be satisfied by a standard skin system, we study alternatives in close cooperation with the architect. Sometimes the intended functionality may be achieved by incorporating non-customized but newer components and systems in the skin. In other cases, custom components such as machined or cast stainless steel, aluminum or plastic parts may be required. All our designs include unified skin structure details that work together, follow established principles of building physics, and consider environmental impacts. We also pay special attention to specifications, contractor selection, manufacturing processes, and installation procedures to maintain the as-designed quality of the customized skin.

Contact us for more information.

Federation Tower roof cap

As a recognized industry leader in Building Information Modeling (BIM), we have extensive experience utilizing BIM software to create digital representations of building skin design options. BIM offers multiple benefits including enhanced visualization, linked data sets, improved design team coordination, expedited quantity takeoffs, better scope definition, and improved project scheduling. This helps everyone in the building process, including the owner, the design team, the contractor, the fabricator and the erector. With our integrated modeling services, BIM services can be provided on any project to improve the delivery process and take full advantage of their many inherent benefits.

Contact us for more information.

Steel beam blast explosion stress model

Security and force protection have historically been of concern to a limited group of clients. With recent events that have changed how we live, many clients have grown concerned about ensuring the safety and security of their employees and users of their facilities. Internationally recognized for its emergency/disaster response efforts, Thornton Tomasetti has consulted on some of the world’s most severe structural failures and construction accidents. Our professionals who investigate these catastrophic events are also engaged in our protective design group. We offer clients unprecedented access to experts in design and analysis of structures with abnormal loads, such as blast loads. We also provide security engineering, fire engineering, crisis management, disaster planning, and emergency response services. Clients requiring risk assessments of their facilities will be served by in-house capabilities that predict and assess how structures, structural elements, masonry and glazing may respond to loads associated with blast and other threats. We often couple this with specialized assessment studies to determine risk of progressive collapse. Thornton Tomasetti is at the forefront of applying new materials for risk mitigation, as well as innovative uses of familiar materials.

Contact us for more information.