STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
STEEL
DESIGNER: Erik Majcher, S.E., P.E.
Studio Park Building A is a seven story office building located in downtown Grand Rapids. We were approached by the developer to perform a peer review of the conceptual design completed for the building by an engineering firm from Chicago and tasked with finding a more efficient design for the structure.
We determined the variables for the layout which included the column spacing, beam spacing, and concrete type. We then used these variables to produce an analysis matrix which determined which layout would require the least amount of steel, use the most efficient concrete type, and the most economical deep foundation system. From there we worked with the Architect and Developer to refine and coordinate our analysis to optimize the structural layout with the architectural layout for the exterior facade and office layout, the deep foundation requirements, and the adjacent parking structure.
The end result produced a design that reduced the amount of steel needed by 95.5 tons, or 80% of the original design. This savings reduced the construction cost by approximately $172,000
*Design partially completed during tenure at RDA
Steel Erection during construction at Studio Park Building A
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
FACADE RESTORATION
DESIGNER: Erik Majcher, S.E., P.E.
The St. Joseph Shrine is undergoing a multi-phase restoration that includes repair and restoration of the steeple, interior floors, exterior brick and stone walls, and roofs. The first phase, restoration of the steeple, is completed.
We are working with the church on the second phase, which includes restoration and repair of the exterior stone walls.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
STEEL
DESIGNER: Erik Majcher, S.E., P.E.
The structural highlight of the Roger Williams Park Visitor Center is the long-span steel “Arch” that defines the entrance to the park. The Arch is defined by a series of fins that change in geometry along the span. The structure for the arch and fins were optimized to eliminate the need for complex shapes for the structure. Instead a simple, cost-effective sub-structure was designed hide behind the vibrant fins.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
TIMBER FRAME
DESIGNER: Erik Majcher, S.E., P.E.
The Staebler Farm Park building is a 5,300 square foot multi-purpose learning center for the Washtenaw County Parks Department. The learning center is supported with an exposed timber framed structure.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
FACADE DESIGN
DESIGNER: Erik Majcher, S.E., P.E.
The M1 Event Center is part of the M1 Concourse and features a canted exterior wall system with a custom metal panel facade.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
HISTORIC RESTORATION
DESIGNER: Erik Majcher, S.E., P.E.
The building for the Outdoor Adventure Center began in 1892 as a warehouse and manufacturing facility for building steam ship engines. Over time more buildings were added to the original structure with a total of six different buildings comprising the facility. Each building had a different structural system which included timber, steel and masonry framing.
After sitting vacant for years several portions of the structure began the inevitable path towards deterioration. Several engineers looked at the building and determined that it could not be saved and should be demolished, however when we were approached by the developer with their plans for the for the site we saw a different fate.
After producing a thorough assessment of the buildings we determined which portions of the structure were salvageable and which portions were not. Working closely with the design team we renovated, restored and added on to the existing structure to transform it into the Outdoor Adventure Center.
*Design completed during tenure at RDA
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
STEEL
DESIGNER: Erik Majcher, S.E., P.E.
The Michigan Memorial Phoenix Laboratory located on North Campus at the University of Michigan incorporates repetitive vierendeel trusses that cantilever over the base of the building. The architecturally exposed structural steel is visible on the interior of the building and the exterior of the building, which created a concern for several thermal breaks in the structure. We developed a solution for that challenge by creating an insulated moment resisting connection in the trusses as they passed from inside the building to the outside.
*Design completed during tenure at RDA
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
STEEL
ARCHITECTURALLY EXPOSED CONCRETE
DESIGNER: Erik Majcher, S.E., P.E.
The Lorch column was acquired by the University of Michigan by the efforts of Emil Lorch, the first Dean of the School of Architecture. The base and capital of the Corinthian column was originally installed at the School of Architecture on Central Campus. In 2007 the base and capital was relocated to the current location of the School of Architecture on north campus and restored to its original height by constructing a contemporary steel mid-section. The project was completed as part of the schools centennial celebration.
*Design completed during tenure at RDA
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
ARCHITECTURALLY EXPOSED STEEL
DESIGNER: Erik Majcher, S.E., P.E.
The Mark Jefferson Science Complex incorporates a variety of structural achievements including a cable-stayed pedestrian bridge, king-post floor trusses designed to restrict vibration to limits acceptable for sensitive electron microscopes, external tensioned sun shades, architecturally exposed steel connections and the iconic spherical planetarium suspended in a three story atrium.
*Design completed during tenure at RDA
