We use an array of sophisticated analytical techniques to solve tough design problems. Our varied experience has made us experts in finding solutions for structures of every type and in locations around the globe.
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Roosevelt Island Tramway
New York, New York
Bess Adler / Thornton Tomasetti
Thornton Tomasetti used SAP computer models to perform an analysis for the $23 million rehabilitation and equipment upgrade of the Roosevelt Island Tramway, for which we were the original engineer. We worked within a tight design and construction schedule to accommodate heavier loads created by new tramway cables, cars and machinery, designing tower and station reinforcements as well as completely new steel head frames for each of the three towers.
Wilshire Grand Center
Los Angeles, California
Located on the site of the recently demolished Wilshire Grand Hotel, the tower is the tallest building in the Western United States.
Advanced Structural Analysis
Specialized Structural Engineering Expertise
Specialized Structural Engineering Expertise
Computational Analysis
While the range of shapes and forms that can be designed with modern modeling tools is almost limitless, geometric discipline is still essential for budget control. When forms are still in flux, the design team can use our proprietary tools to interactively study multiple geometric options and establish optimized shapes for structural frames and building surfaces, along with related systems.
Parametric modeling applies parameters such as materials, dimensions or performance criteria to define elements or element categories within a model. Once entered, they can be altered, individually or in combination, to explore and easily incorporate design changes. These 3D models contain intelligent information and can serve as deliverables, or they can be used to generate 2D drawings. Parametric models improve documentation speed and quality, enhance visualization, quickly perform geometry-based analytical tasks and easily calculate material quantities.
Generative modeling uses scripts – instead of direct input – to generate elements, providing even greater flexibility in iterating and testing many options. It allows architects, engineers and other project stakeholders to work together to quickly evaluate any number of concepts and variations.
Specialized Structural Engineering Expertise
Creep/Shrinkage Effects
Modern high-performance concrete is widely used in high-rise construction for its economy, constructability and structural efficiency, among other benefits. However, concrete columns and walls – unlike steel members – gradually diminish in size over time due to creep from sustained loads and shrinkage from drying. Predicting creep and shrinkage is critical to developing designs and to helping contractors determine construction sequence and compensation strategies. Our proprietary prediction software incorporates industry-leading formulas, calibration with lab test data, and the influences of member size, shape and reinforcing steel on shortening magnitude and timing.
Specialized Structural Engineering Expertise
Fatigue Analysis
Cyclical stresses can damage or weaken metal members or welds by causing undetectable or normally acceptable flaws to gradually grow, requiring periodic repairs to avoid structural failures. Fatigue analysis applies measured or predicted loading cycles from equipment, wind or other dynamic load sources to detailed structural models. By relating the resulting stress ranges to established fatigue resistance criteria, we can determine appropriate testing or repair cycles, or propose design modifications to reduce or avoid repairs over the structure’s life cycle.
Specialized Structural Engineering Expertise
Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis
Understanding extreme events requires advanced analysis. Sudden loading from a blast, collision, collapse, demolition drop or earthquake involves moving masses, large deformations, highly strained materials and cyclical degradation. We use advanced physical models to capture the nonlinear dynamic behaviors that explain the resulting performance. This type of analysis has a broad range of application such as performance-based design, vulnerability analysis, collapse cause and failure investigation, and safety and risk evaluation for a particular demolition strategy.
Specialized Structural Engineering Expertise
Vertical Shortening Analysis
All materials deform under load. Even small gravity shortening deformations on each story add up at the top of a tall building, and seemingly small differences in adjacent columns can cause unacceptable slopes at higher floors. In vertical shortening analysis, we predict differences in deflections and provide guidance to contractors for appropriate and practical compensation measures. Where outriggers and belt trusses can cause load transfers between adjacent columns, we use staged or stepwise analyses to test the effects of various proposed construction sequences.
Specialized Structural Engineering Expertise
Vibration Analysis
Successfully engineered buildings both resist anticipated loads and maintain comfortable and functional conditions for occupants. Vibrations from walking, dancing, exercising, synchronous cheering, operating mechanical equipment, construction activities and wind gusts can generate motion that disturbs building occupants or disrupts sensitive operations. We use analysis and monitoring to identify vibration sources and determine methods to reduce or eliminate undesirable effects. We have performed vibration analyses in commercial and residential high-rise buildings, laboratories and industrial buildings, stadium grandstands, operable roofs and more.