OVERVIEW
Structural Engineering for New Construction and Major Building Modifications
Anax Engineering provides structural engineering design for commercial, multifamily, mixed-use, retail, industrial, warehouse, medical and institutional buildings.
We work with architects, developers and contractors to develop structural systems that respond to the architecture, building use, site conditions and construction requirements of each project.
Our approach considers structural performance, constructability, coordination and economy from the early stages of design through completion of the structural documents.
A Coordinated Structural Design Approach
Structural design begins with establishing clear load paths and selecting systems appropriate to the building, site and architectural requirements.
Gravity Systems — Develop efficient floor and roof framing systems appropriate to spans, loading, architecture and construction type.
Lateral Systems — Design the building's wind and seismic force-resisting systems and coordinate their requirements with the architectural layout.
Foundations — Develop foundation systems based on building loads, geotechnical conditions and the relationship between the structure and the site.
Coordination & Constructability — Resolve structural requirements with architectural and building-system needs while considering how the structure will actually be constructed.
Typical Structural Design Projects
Multifamily & Mixed-Use Buildings
Structural systems for apartment, condominium and mixed-use developments.
Commercial & Retail
New retail, restaurant, office and other commercial buildings.
Industrial & Warehouse
Structural design for warehouse, distribution, manufacturing and industrial facilities.
Medical & Institutional
Structural systems for medical, educational and institutional facilities.
Additions & Expansions
New building additions and expansions coordinated with existing construction.
Major Building Modifications
Structural design for significant changes to framing, loading or building configuration.
OUR APPROACH
Developing the Structural System Around the Building
Successful structural design begins with understanding how the architecture, building use, site conditions and construction requirements interact. The structural system should support the design intent while providing clear load paths, efficient framing and practical construction.
Anax Engineering works with the project team to establish appropriate gravity, lateral and foundation systems early in the design process. Structural decisions are coordinated with architectural layouts, building systems, vertical circulation, equipment requirements and other project constraints.
As the design develops, structural analysis and engineering judgment are used to refine member sizes, connections, foundation requirements and detailing while maintaining coordination with the overall building design.
01
Review Project Requirements
Review architectural plans, project criteria, geotechnical information, building use, loading requirements and site conditions to establish the structural design parameters.
02
Establish the Structural System
Develop appropriate gravity, lateral and foundation systems based on spans, building geometry, materials, architectural requirements and construction considerations.
03
Analyze & Design
Determine structural loads and load paths, analyze the building systems and design framing, foundations, lateral elements and other structural components.
04
Coordinate & Refine
Coordinate the structural design with architectural and building-system requirements, resolve conflicts and refine the system for efficiency and constructability.
05
Document & Support Construction
Prepare structural calculations and construction drawings and provide design-phase and construction-phase coordination as required by the project scope.
STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
Selecting the Right Structural System for the Project
The structural system affects building layout, floor-to-floor height, construction schedule, cost and long-term performance. Selecting an appropriate system requires balancing structural efficiency with architectural requirements and the realities of construction.
Anax Engineering evaluates framing options based on building geometry, spans, loading, material availability, construction type and project requirements. Depending on the project, the structure may incorporate steel, reinforced concrete, masonry, wood or combinations of structural materials.
The objective is not simply to make the structure work analytically, but to develop a system that is practical to detail, coordinate and construct.
Common Structural Systems & Components
Structural Steel
Steel beams, columns, joists, trusses, braced frames, moment frames and structural connections.
Reinforced Concrete
Concrete slabs, beams, columns, walls, foundations and other reinforced concrete systems.
Wood Framing
Wood joists, engineered lumber, trusses, beams, bearing walls and wood lateral systems.
Masonry
Load-bearing and non-load-bearing masonry integrated with building framing and lateral systems.
Foundations
Spread footings, continuous footings, mats, deep foundations and other foundation systems appropriate to site conditions.
LOAD PATHS & BUILDING PERFORMANCE
Designing the Building as an Integrated Structural System
A building does not perform as a collection of isolated beams and columns. Gravity framing, lateral systems, diaphragms, foundations and connections must work together to provide continuous and understandable load paths from the roof and floors through the structure and into the ground.
Anax Engineering evaluates the building as an integrated structural system, considering strength, stability, serviceability and the interaction between structural components.
Design decisions also account for deflection, drift, vibration, movement, differential settlement and other performance considerations where they are relevant to the building and its use.
Clear structural organization early in design can simplify detailing, reduce unnecessary complexity and improve coordination with architectural and building-system requirements.
Key Design Considerations
Gravity Loads
Dead, live, snow, equipment and other vertical loads transferred through the framing and foundations.
Wind & Seismic Loads
Lateral forces resisted through diaphragms, frames, walls, connections and foundations.
Serviceability
Deflection, drift, vibration and movement evaluated where they affect building performance or finishes.
Foundation & Site Conditions
Building loads coordinated with geotechnical recommendations and site constraints.
Architectural & MEP Coordination
Structural framing coordinated with openings, shafts, equipment, façades and other building systems.
CONSTRUCTION COORDINATION
Carrying the Structural Design Through Construction
Structural design continues to require coordination after the construction documents are issued. Shop drawings, product submittals, contractor questions and field conditions can affect how the structural design is implemented.
Where included in the project scope, Anax Engineering reviews structural submittals and shop drawings, responds to requests for information and coordinates structural clarifications with architects, contractors and other members of the project team.
Field observations may also be performed as appropriate to review specific structural conditions, verify critical aspects of the work or address conditions that differ from the design documents.
Our objective is to maintain continuity between the structural design intent and the construction process while resolving issues in a practical and timely manner.
Discuss Your Excavation or ERS Project
Planning an excavation, foundation project or building addition that requires earth retention, shoring or underpinning? Anax Engineering can help evaluate site conditions, adjacent structures and construction requirements and develop a practical earth retention solution.