The Client:  

With over sixteen years in construction and ten specializing in structural engineering, the Client has a proven track record in various projects. Their portfolio includes award-winning projects in Colorado, where they are based, and services extend across all mountain states. 

The Problem/Opportunity: 

The scope of this project involved both horizontal and vertical expansion of an existing residential building, necessitating the selective demolition of existing CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) walls and the construction of new load-bearing wood-framed walls. The primary engineering challenge was to design structural modifications that ensured uninterrupted load transfer while integrating dissimilar materials with differing mechanical properties.  Particular attention was required in the connection detailing between the existing CMU walls and the newly introduced wood-framed shear walls. Ensuring proper anchorage, lateral bracing, and diaphragm connectivity was critical to maintaining the overall structural integrity of the modified system. The vertical addition featured a flat roof with a central loft, requiring enhanced roof framing to withstand snow loads exceeding 68 psf. The design also had to accommodate potential snow drifting around the loft structure and ensure adequate drainage strategies were integrated into the roof assembly.  Additionally, the removal of structural CMU components required a thorough assessment of load paths, redistribution of axial and lateral loads, and validation of the existing foundation’s bearing capacity to support the added loads from the vertical expansion. All structural interventions had to comply with relevant building codes and be delivered under a compressed timeline, as the end client was awaiting final demolition and construction documentation to proceed with permitting and execution.  Keeping the above in consideration, our structural team assisted the Client in providing the following deliverables: 
  • Existing Plan  
  • Demolition Plan 
  • Proposed Floor Plan 
  • Foundation Plan 
  • Floor Framing Plan 
  • Roof Framing Plan 
  • Building/Wall Sections 
  • Connection Details 
  • Structural Design Calculations 

 The Intrivis, Inc. Solution: 

Our structural team successfully navigated the project complexities. Advanced structural analysis enabled us to optimize load routes and assure adequate redistribution following the CMU wall removal. Custom connection details were developed to address the interface between CMU and wood framing, accounting for differential movement and ensuring robust lateral and vertical load transfer. For the flat roof system, we implemented reinforced joist framing and effective snow drift management solutions, along with an integrated drainage plan. Despite the compressed timeline, our proactive planning, strict compliance with building codes, and clear communication with stakeholders enabled us to provide comprehensive design support to the Client and successfully deliver a structurally sound, code-compliant expansion within the scheduled timeframe.  Given the project's structural complexities and tight timeline, we successfully provided design support to the Client throughout the design phase and delivered a complete and coordinated construction submittal set on schedule. 

How Our Solution Created Value for the Client? 

Our solution delivered significant value to the Client by ensuring a seamless and structurally sound expansion that met both performance expectations and regulatory requirements. By integrating dissimilar materials through carefully engineered connection details and optimizing the structural layout, we preserved the integrity of the existing building while accommodating the new loads and architectural features. Our proactive approach minimized construction risks, reduced potential delays, and provided the Client with a fully coordinated construction submittal set, ready for permitting.  Impressed by the quality, reliability, and responsiveness of our engineering support, the Client expressed satisfaction with our work and subsequently awarded us additional structural projects. We are currently engaged in ongoing collaboration with the Client, continuing to deliver support on high-value structural solutions tailored to their needs.

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