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Greetings!
During the last five years of a decade in business, our firm has gained extensive experience in remodel projects, and the renovation of occupied, high-security facilities in particular. These sensitive facilities must usually remain occupied and open for business while design and construction work is being carried out, presenting their own unique challenges.
Some interesting examples of renovation projects that are currently underway or have been recently completed by our firm include:
- Conversion of an existing warehouse building into a university research lab with the addition of a complete new second floor
- Airport gates and terminal building remodel
- Flight simulator building within an Air Force base
- Conversion of several floors within an existing office building into evidence storage space for an adjacent courthouse
- Casino gaming floor and casino security surveillance rooms
Working on these types of projects helps us gain rare insight in the operations of such facilities. That type of experience will be valuable in the design of future renovations as well as new construction projects. This month, Structural Moments highlights the impressive face lift
 and transformation of the porte-cochere at Panorama Towers, yet another example with its own unique challenges.
Best regards,
Mohammed Thomad, PE, SE
Principal
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Focus On: Seismic Design For Non-Structural Components
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Damage to non-structural elements and building contents after an earthquake
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Nonstructural components include all types of building contents. Examples are mechanical and electrical equipment, architectural components, piping and ceiling systems.
During an earthquake event, these components are subject to lateral forces tending to cause sliding, rocking and overturning and other interactions.
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Featured Project: Porte-cochere Remodel at Panorama Towers
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Image credit: Sean Coulter
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A porte-cochere is an architecturally important structure. It defines entry and provides shelter from the elements. In the case of the porte-cochere at Panorama Towers, it also serves to connect the entrances to the two residential high-rise towers.
This remodel project was completed to improve the aesthetics of the structure, as well as to provide patrons with shelter from the high winds that tended to be exaggerated when flowing between the two towers.
THOMAD's scope of work included the framing of new skin, ceiling soffits, alcoves for wind shelter and concrete barriers against vehicle impact that also serve as planters. The addition of a vertical back-lit sign structure extending above the roof (seen center in the image above), required a special framing configuration to hide the structural members within the sign. A seismic expansion joint that splits the porte-cochere in two was another design obstacle that had to be overcome.
- Architect: Pugsley Simpson Coulter Architects
- Contractor: Kalb Construction
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Who We Are:
THOMAD Engineering is a client focused structural engineering design and consulting firm established in 2003 and based in Las Vegas, Nevada. We are committed to providing creative solutions and excellent services to loyal clients on a wide range of projects.
To learn more, spend a 'moment' at our website, connect with us on LinkedIn, or like our page on Facebook.
 
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'Structural Moments' Archive:
January 2013
November 2012
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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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THOMAD Engineering has been a proud member and supporter of the AIA Las Vegas chapter since 2003.
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Upcoming Projects
The following projects are currently under design or construction and will be featured in future Structural Moments
- Custom Residence designed by architect Richard Meier, Las Vegas, NV
- Red Garter Hotel Casino Expansion & Exterior Facade Renovation, W. Wendover, NV
- Roseman University Research Lab, Henderson, NV
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