November 2010
Structural Moments...
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In This Issue:
Focus On: Design Ownership
Who We Are: 

THOMAD Engineering is a client-focused structural engineering design and consulting firm. Since establishment in 2003, we have been passionately committed to providing our clients with excellent services always above and beyond expectations.

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'Structural Moments' is an e-newsletter published by THOMAD Engineering and distributed free of charge to our valued clients, associates, and colleagues in the A/E/C industry.

Greetings!

 

Every year around Thanksgiving Day, I drive with my family from our home in Las Vegas to the Phoenix area to visit relatives. We make the 5-6 hour long trip weaving through the narrow roads around Lake Mead and over Hoover Dam to cross the Nevada-Arizona border. Along the drive, we enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Southwest: the painted desert, the bronze-colored mountains, the glistening water of Lake Mead, and the timeless

Hoover Dam bypass bridge was dedicated on October 14, 2010
Bridge view overlooking Hoover Dam & Lake Mead

marvel of Hoover Dam.

 

In recent years, a huge bonus has been added to our scenic route: the

construction of the Hoover Dam bypass bridge. During the past few trips, I stopped to admire construction progress and eagerly anticipated its completion. Finally, the 'moment' has arrived. The concrete arch bridge was completed and opened last month.

 

This time, we will have the pleasure of driving over the graceful structure, avoiding the usual congestion of pedestrian and car traffic, while still enjoying the wonderful scenery. The new bridge spans nearly 2000 feet over the Colorado River. It is the second-highest in the United States, towering 890 feet and includes the world's tallest concrete columns. The four-lane bridge is lodged between the cliffs of Black Canyon, overlooking Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. The project took about 5 years to complete at a cost of $114 million. It became an instant tourist attraction and will provide a quicker, safer drive between Phoenix and Las Vegas. Make the time to visit the area and see this magnificent new landmark.

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As we count our blessings this Thanksgiving, we have much to be thankful for. Among others, I am very grateful for our employees, clients, colleagues and friends like you. Happy Thanksgiving and all the best!

 
Sincerely,


Mohammed Thomad, PE, SE
Focus on: Design Ownership

Who owns the design of a project? Is it the owner who paid for it or the project designers such as the architect and engineers? When design documents are issued to government entities for approvals or permitting, do they also become owners of the documents or are they merely a custodian?

Bim Model Photo

 

Some of us may be surprised to know that owners do not automatically own the design documents. The architect retains ownership and control over the design and construction documents. This is based upon copyright laws and the terms of a commonly used owner-architect agreement.

 

One well-known standard owner-architect agreement is the American Institute of Architects, AIA Document B141. This routinely used agreement includes language such as design documents are "instruments of service" for use solely with respect to the project and the Architect is the "author and owner" such that the architect retains all rights, including copyrights, to the documents.
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