INNOVATION IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
This feasibility study explored solutions to convert an armory that was built
in 1916 into a convocation center for Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa.
The building was constructed using a series of tied arch trusses, with the tie
occurring in the existing slab on grade. Because the armory is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, only minor alterations were allowed in
order to preserve its historic integrity.
RAM Advanse (now RAM Elements) was used to analyze the existing structure
and potential solutions for the $71 million conversion. A truss system lowered
the existing floor level approximately 14 feet, because the impact on the
existing trusses was minimal. The RAM software allowed the team to quickly
evaluate options and quickly select the most efficient choices, giving the owner
a cost-effective solution for adaptive reuse of the armory.
Larsen & Toubro Limited
Rajasthan Northern Area Development Project, Mangla Process Terminal, Cairn Energy India Pty Limited
Rajasthan, India
The northern area development project in Rajasthan, India, includes the
Mangla process terminal, oil well pad development, Thumbali water field, and
operation base enlargement. The structural team designed and analyzed pipe
racks consisting of process pipe carrying structures with pipe bridges and
accessibility platforms on various levels. Due to the tight, fast-track schedule,
the team used the same 3D model for analysis as well as for drafting purposes.
Analysis and design of the pipe rack structure was done using S TAAD.Pro, and
the 3D model was transferred to ProSteel for structural general arrangement,
fabrication drawing preparation, and materials take-off. Simultaneously,
structural weight was verified for procurement purposes. Using one 3D model
saved nearly 70 percent of time typically spent in structural modeling for
drafting purposes.
