STRUCTURAL MOMENTS...


Greetings!

Have you wondred about the fate of stalled projects that dot the Las Vegas Strip like Fontainebleau and Echelon? As you know construction of these multimillion dollar projects was halted before completion due to the economic downturn. They have been left unfinished, unprotected and exposed to decay under the harsh desert climate since 2008-2009. As a structural engineer, I have more specifically wondered about their structural integrity under these conditions and what should owners do to protect them.
Unfinished $4.5 Billion Echelon
Unfinished $4.5 billion echelon sits empty and waiting.

The area's dry weather, rare snowfall and lack of salty moisture, as in coastal areas, are less damaging to these structures. However, the severe day and night temperature variations and exposure to the direct sun pose a significant impact on these mostly concrete and steel structures. Although regular inspection serve as a minimum preventive measure, owners are well advised to implement additional protections to retain the integrity of the structural system.

 

While these buildings sit dormant and before construction starts again to complete the project, building codes change as they always do every few years. The need to investigate and update the design to meet new codes may become necessary which in turn may require costly retrofits. Owners should start that process now to know what to expect before resuming construction and protect their investment.

 

Have you been involved in any of these or similar projects? If yes, what was your experience? Please share your thoughts and let me know ifMohammed Thomad you would like to discuss further.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mohammed Thomad, PE, SE

Principal

10 Tips To Optimum Economy In Concrete Formwork    

 

The economy of cast-in-place concrete structures depends largely on decisions made early in the design stage of a project. Paying close attention to simplicity of formwork and ease of reinforcing steel placement will drastically reduce construction cost and ultimately improve constructiblity. The following tips represent significant years of design experience to achieve economical formwork in the construction of concrete structures. Next month, we will present design tips for economical placement of reinforcing steel.

Hilton Timeshare Las Vegas Strip
Hilton Timeshare Las Vegas Strip: Design for efficient formwork saved time in topping off this 28-story site-cast concrete tower in 2002; Team: Thomad (SEoR), MBH Architects & Penta BG

 

 

1.       Take a global approach.  Study the structure as a whole taking into consideration non-structural building systems and costs that may be affected by the framing system choice.

 

2.       Consider multiple schemes.  Prepare and compare all likely alternatives of structural framing systems and arrangements.

 

3.       Think dimensional consistency.  Establish column locations as uniformly as possible, keeping orientation and size constant wherever possible.

 

CLICK TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE 

FEBRUARY 2011

In This Issue:
10 Tips To Optimum Formwork

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'Structural Moments' is a monthly e-newsletter published by the staff of THOMAD Engineering. It is intended to inform our valued clients, associates, and colleagues in the A/E/C industry and stimulate thoughtful dialogue with them.
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