Structural Analysis & Building Design
“CES, Inc. did a great job on our new warehouse and executive suite. They listened to our goals and concerns, and worked with the other members of the team to design just the right facility for our needs. I would recommend CES, Inc. to anyone who is planning to build.”
- David Sluka, Facility Manager, ZF Lemforder Corporation

A good Structural Design tailors the structure to the scope and scale of the intended use. It also takes possible future uses and expansion into account. A good design is efficient, in that the right materials have been chosen in the sizes and strengths that are appropriate for the structure’s use. The structure is safe; probable loads on roofs, floors, and other areas have been analyzed, and the design adjusted accordingly. In the most useful designs, the structural design and Site Design are completed together to produce a consistent style and range of uses.

For many years, structures have been required to comply with various building codes depending on the location and building materials. In the past, enforcement of this requirement was less than stringent. Partially due to events such as the ice storm of 1998, many Code Enforcement officials have seen the need for structural designs to undergo Certification by a Professional Engineer prior to code review. This requirement reduces the chance of structural failure due to poor design, as long as the structure is used in the manner for which it was designed. Also, enforcement of building code requirements has become more prevalent.

When structures do fail, we often represent either insurance companies or the owner of the damaged structure. We perform Damage Assessments after fires, floods, landslides, blasting operations, excessive loading, earthquakes, and other failure-causing events. To avoid structural failure, it is important to involve a Structural Engineer in your project from the start of the planning stage through completion. We offer design services, Construction Administration and Observation, BOCA Certification, and other related services. Please contact us for more information.