Project Snapshot
The Customer
A U.S.-based structural engineering firm led by a licensed Professional Engineer was managing an increasing number of residential and commercial projects. Rising project complexity put pressure on internal resources while the firm maintained high engineering standards and demanding schedules.
For the Clubhouse project in Arizona, USA, the firm required support for a structure with reinforced-concrete foundations, CMU walls, wood roof framing, and trusses. The assignment involved structural analysis, calculations, drafting, and construction documentation in accordance with applicable U.S. building codes.
The Challenge
The project required detailed engineering across multiple structural elements while the firm was simultaneously supporting other active assignments.
High project workload
Multiple projects were progressing simultaneously, increasing pressure on available engineering resources.
Complex structural design
Gravity, wind, and seismic loads had to be evaluated for reinforced CMU walls, lintels, bond beams, foundations, and related elements.
Architectural dependencies
Wall openings, load paths, constructability requirements, and design revisions required close alignment with architectural inputs.
Code compliance
Design calculations and documentation had to meet the requirements of the 2018 IBC, ASCE 7, ACI 318, TMS 402/602, and NDS.
Detailed documentation needs
Accurate calculation packages and drawings were required for Professional Engineer review, permitting, and construction.
Offshore engagement
As the firm's first offshore engineering collaboration, clear communication, transparency, and dependable coordination were important from the outset.
The Solution
Flatworld Solutions assigned a dedicated team to work under the firm's Project Engineer and Professional Engineer oversight, supporting the project from input review through final documentation.
Architectural input review
Engineers worked from architectural drawings, PDF markups, hand sketches, Revit models, and design intent discussions without requiring additional data preparation.
Structural analysis and design
RISA 3D and RISA Foundation were used for gravity and lateral load analysis, reinforced CMU wall design, lintel and bond beam design, and foundation design.
Calculation preparation
Mathcad, ClearCalcs, and engineering spreadsheets were used to verify the design. Calculation packages were reviewed and quality checked before being prepared for Professional Engineer approval.
Structural drawing production
AutoCAD was used to prepare PDF and DWG packages covering foundation plans, footing details, CMU wall layouts, reinforcement details, lintel schedules, bond beam details, sections, connections, schedules, and general structural notes.
Revision coordination
Bluebeam-supported markups and design reviews helped the team incorporate feedback and stay aligned with updated architectural information.
Ongoing collaboration
Regular communication supported design revisions, architectural updates, value engineering discussions, and construction documentation.
Flexible engagement
The hourly model allowed resources to be adjusted in line with project milestones, revisions, and workload needs.
The Result
The engagement supported the successful delivery of the Clubhouse project and contributed to the firm's ability to meet project timelines and quality expectations.
- Delivered a complete structural engineering package with design calculations, construction drawings, and specifications.
- Improved turnaround times for structural documentation.
- Supported more effective responses to project changes.
- Expanded available engineering support without adding full-time internal resources.
- Adapted to the firm's design standards, communication processes, and project requirements without disruption.
- Developed into a longer-term relationship supporting multiple structural engineering projects.
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