Supporting Specialized Structural Design for Stair Systems

The Client 

The client is a structural engineering consulting firm based in the northeastern United States, delivering engineering services across a wide range of building and infrastructure projects. With over 25 years of combined industry experience, the firm specializes in structural analysis, design, and construction support for residential, commercial, and institutional developments.  Their project portfolio includes structural evaluations, renovations, and complex commercial and public infrastructure projects, utilizing a variety of structural systems such as steel, concrete, masonry, and wood. Operating with a focused and specialized team, the firm emphasizes practical engineering solutions, efficient coordination with project stakeholders, and timely delivery of structural designs that support successful project execution.   

The Challenge/Opportunity

The client was required to submit a detailed structural analysis and design package for the handrails and associated components of a metal staircase system scheduled for imminent construction. The submission needed to comply with applicable structural codes and include engineering calculations, member design, and connection detailing.  However, the project presented several challenges: 

• The scope involved highly specialized structural components, including stair railings and ladder systems. 

• The client had limited prior experience in designing such systems. 

• The construction timeline was extremely tight, with fabrication and installation already scheduled. 

• The client operated with a lean internal team while simultaneously coordinating with architects and contractors. 

Due to the niche nature of the scope, the client had approached multiple engineering firms for support but was unable to secure timely assistance.  The required deliverables included: 

• Structural engineering support for design load calculations in accordance with ASCE 7-22 

• Analysis and design support for posts, top rails, bottom rails, and infill members of metal railings 

• Analysis and design support for treads, stringers, and landing components of metal staircases 

• Analysis and design support for rungs and vertical members of inclined and vertical ladders 

• Design support for connections and anchorage to the supporting substrate 

• Drafting support for permit-ready shop drawings 

With construction timelines approaching, the client required immediate engineering support to complete the structural design documentation and shop drawings without delaying the project schedule. 

The Intrivis, Inc. Solution: 

  Our team rapidly mobilized its engineering team and assumed end-to-end responsibility for delivering the required structural design support and drafting services.  Following a detailed review of architectural inputs and project specifications, our team initiated the structural design support process while maintaining close coordination with the client.  Key activities included: 

• Establishing design loads in accordance with ASCE 7-22 

• Providing analysis and design support for the railing system, including posts, top rails, bottom rails, and infill members 

• Delivering structural design support for staircase components, including metal treads, stringers, and landing elements 

• Providing design support for inclined and vertical ladder systems, including rungs and vertical members 

• Developing connection and anchorage design support to ensure safe load transfer to the supporting substrate 

• Delivering drafting support for detailed, permit-ready shop drawings that clearly outlined member sizes, connection details, and anchorage requirements 

Through efficient coordination and a streamlined workflow, our team successfully delivered the complete structural design support and documentation package within the required timeframe, enabling fabrication and construction to proceed as scheduled. 

How Our Solution Created Value for the Client 

Our proactive approach and specialized expertise enabled the client to meet critical submission and construction deadlines without disrupting the project timeline.  Key outcomes included: 

• Reduced technical burden on the client’s internal team by managing the complete design support scope 

• Accurate and detailed shop drawings, minimizing the risk of on-site errors, redesigns, or fabrication delays 

• Full compliance with ASCE 7-22 structural design standards 

• Seamless coordination with project stakeholders, ensuring smooth project execution 

The client was highly satisfied with the quality, speed, and reliability of the support provided.  As a result, the engagement evolved into a six-month partnership, with Intrivis Inc continuing to support the client across multiple projects as an extended engineering team.  This collaboration not only ensured the successful completion of the staircase project but also established a long-term working relationship built on trust, technical expertise, and dependable delivery.