Architectural Engineering consists of the structural analysis and design of building structures. Building structures vary greatly in use, size, materials of construction, and complexity of design. Buildings serve as retail and commercial facilities, educational and religious institutions, transportation centers, and industrial structures. They are designed and constructed using a number of building materials, including steel, concrete, masonry, and timber. Additionally, they rely on a variety of structural systems to obtain their stability; these include conventional framing systems, lateral load resisting systems, and foundation systems. Conventional framing systems provide support for gravity loads, lateral load resisting systems provide resistance against wind and seismic forces, and foundation systems support the entire structure and transfer forces to the supporting soils. All structural systems must be designed within architectural constraints and must achieve desired architectural features. The proper selection of building materials and structural systems which effectively and efficiently meet the architectural criteria is dependent on the Structural Engineer’s level of knowledge, familiarity with the compatibility of various building materials and structural systems, as well as the necessary detailing requirements to insure construct-ability.
Connection Engineering is comprised of the intricate design and detailing of structural steel connections. To optimize fabrication schedules and structure economies, the structural engineering profession has permitted the steel fabricator the freedom to select connection types which most efficiently utilize the fabricator’s facilities and resources. This places the responsibility of Connection Engineering upon the fabricator. Consequently, connection engineering is not ordinarily included in the Architectural Engineering scope of work. One of the purest forms of Structural Engineering, Connection Engineering involves the rigorous examination of fundamental structural engineering principles and material sciences. It requires the Structural Engineer be familiar with the fabricator’s tooling and material preferences in order to design connections in concert with their optimum detailing procedures. Additionally, it demands that the Structural Engineer be familiar with architecturally sensitive features, such as architecturally exposed steel. Illustrating such ability, SSI has prepared connection engineering designs which have been reviewed and approved by nationally recognized structural engineering firms for many well-known landmarks, including such notable structures as: The Adaptive Reuse of Soldier Field Stadium, Chicago, Illinois; Opryland Hotel, Grapevine, Texas; and The National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The knowledge base required to perform Architectural Engineering and Connection Engineering covers two complimentary spectrums of structural engineering, and Structural Solutions, Inc. is well-versed in both. The comprehensive understanding of these two disciplines affords the Structural Engineer the ability to prepare insightful and practical structural engineering designs. Structural Solutions, Inc.’s ability to perform both Architectural Engineering and Connection Engineering design services provides them a significant advantage over their competition.
Structural engineering is a dynamic profession. Its design basis is constantly evolving. With the advent of technological advances, new design procedures, and the routine revision of building codes, it is imperative that Structural Engineers keep pace with the latest engineering trends. Structural Solutions, Inc. is committed to the professional development of its personnel, believing that their professional development is an integral part of SSI’s own corporate growth. This commitment is embodied by Structural Solutions, Inc.’s active sponsorship of graduate level engineering design courses as well as continuing education seminars for its design professionals.
When you contract with SSI, you engage engineers who are dedicated to upholding and enhancing the honor, integrity, and dignity of the engineering profession, and results in their commitment to perform quality design and provide professional service. The vast majority of Structural Solutions, Inc.’s business is generated from repeat clients, a testament to the quality of the design services rendered. If securing a quality structural engineering firm is your goal, building a relationship with Structural Solutions, Inc. will be one of the strongest connections you’ll make.
