Structural Design

Our teams of project managers and project engineers work collaboratively on designs for new buildings, building additions and renovations. We conduct feasibility studies, and we design rehabilitative work after performing structure, masonry and facade investigations. We provide all phases of structural design services, from schematic design through construction phase services.

Structural Engineer of Record

As the Structural Engineer of Record for a project, we are in responsible charge of the design of the project's primary structural system, that is, building components which resist all known applied loads including snow, wind, seismic, and live loads. For conventional construction, we design all of the foundation and superstructure elements, including preparation of drawings to indicate the required construction, specifications to indicate the material requirements, and a statement of special inspections to identify the testing and inspection required during construction. For pre-engineered building systems or components (such as wood roof trusses), we develop the design parameters – loading and performance criteria – required for design delegation to licensed design professionals engaged by the contractor. We review the design delegated elements for conformance with the criteria. During the construction phase, we take an active role by reviewing construction submittals and special inspection and testing reports, and performing site observation visits as appropriate to monitor the progress of the work.

Sustainable Design

As a member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt is committed to the principles and the practice of sustainable design of constructed facilities. Our firm has specific areas of expertise in several of the LEED® design categories.

Our early involvement in a project - such as at an initial LEED Charrette - allows possibilities for sustainable synergies that could not be considered after the schematics of a project are completed. For project to be LEED Registered, we can assist with and provide documentation for Credits 4.1/5.1 Recycled Content and 5.1/5.2 Regional Materials. During design, we pay special attention to developing our foundation, slab, and superstructure details to accommodate a well-insulated building envelope with minimal thermal bridging, to maximize the building’s energy efficiency.

Condition Reviews

A structural condition review involves a site reconnaissance of the building to review the observable portions of the building structure, including any exposed foundation wall elements, exterior walls, bearing walls or columns, any floor structure, roof structure, and lateral support-resisting elements, for overall condition assessment. We note any direct, or observable indirect, evidence of damage, distress or deterioration which would compromise the integrity of the structural system. Upon completion of our site reconnaissance, we prepare and submit a written letter report which conveys a summary of our observations and conclusions, and any structural conditions which, in our opinion, should be addressed by further investigation, repair or reinforcement.

Investigations

In our experience, building distress which evidences itself to the owner or occupants of a building warrants prompt review. If the distress is not simply a cosmetic issue, prompt identification and action is critical to ensure a safe facility. When such investigations indicate the need for services beyond our in-house structural and building envelope expertise, we team with specialty consultants and/or testing agencies and laboratories to assist us with our diagnosis and recommendations.

Forensics

We can provide expert services, including assisting legal counsel, preparing affidavits, depositions, participating in arbitration, mediation, and pre-court consultations, and providing expert witness testimony in court. Acceptance of such assignments is dependent on the nature of the case, the specific engineering expertise required, and lack of any conflict of interest KHH may have with the parties involved.

Historic Restoration

Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt has a wealth of experience in the remediation and restoration of older and historic buildings, including structure, roofs and facades. We have completed many successful projects on buildings constructed from the late 1700s through the 1900s. Our firm has decades of hands-on knowledge of all materials used in their construction: concrete, wood, steel, all types of masonry, mortars, and structural clay tile. KHH approaches each historic project with an awareness of its architectural and temporal significance. We are painstaking in our studies of the structure and analysis of materials and their application. We have established relationships with petrographers who enhance our understanding of the materials used and their history.