Civil & Structural Engineering.
Here are a few examples that highlight our Civil & Structural Engineering experience.
Multi-Level Process Tower
Varo designed a new 37' by 33', single bay, 76' tall steel tower with foundations centered within an existing heavy timber member factory in a high seismic area of western Tennessee. The tower housed various process equipment and an elevated 70T granule bin that required access on all sides. Design accounted for extremely tight clearances within the existing structure, between new and existing equipment, and the building itself. Retrofit of existing heavy timber structure was required for placement of the new tower including the removal of (4) interior heavy timber columns beyond the tower's footprint. This called for design and relocation of a maintenance shop CMU block. Two new foundations and concrete containment walls were designed for new bulk material silos outside the factory.
Food Packaging Concrete Block Clean Room
Varo designed a new 66' by 30' CMU concrete block clean room within an existing warehouse space per industrial standards and food grade process specifications. Architectural finishes and details for clean compliance were specified by Varo. Designed a new structural steel equipment platform and multiple new stainless steel equipment access platforms hung from existing roof joists. Varo completed an analysis and reinforcement details of the existing roof joist and framing for the new suspended loads.
Concrete Stacking Tube Reclaim Pit and Tunnels
Varo designed a new 64' by 28', 32' deep reinforced concrete reclaim pit below a 55' tall limestone pile. Extending from the pit were two reinforced concrete tunnels; a 110' long access tunnel and a 90' long transfer tunnel. The pit roof slab was designed and detailed for a material surcharge of 6,000psf due to limestone stacked directly above. The tunnel roof slabs were designed and detailed for D11 dozer traffic. The pit and tunnel walls were designed and detailed for the associated lateral pressure from the various surcharges. Actual soil site conditions varied from the geotechnical report, therefore Varo worked with the client to develop soil improvements and specialized backfill requirements to control differential settlement.
Ohio River Barge Loading and Unloading Station
Varo designed a new four level, 68' by 68', single bay, 70' tall loading station that was elevated 70' above river level and beared on top of (4) sheet pile cells. A 195' bridge was designed to span between the loading stations on the river to the unloading dock. The superstructure within the loading station was designed for a 150T bin and cement handling equipment. A floating dock was also designed for access between river cell foundations. All components and connections were detailed per AISC 341 for the high seismic area of southern Illinois.
Structural Analysis for Overhead Vehicle Conveyor
Varo completed a structural analysis for new and existing substructures connecting overhead conveyors to the roof truss system within an existing manufacturing facility. Varo worked closely with the client and contractor to incorporate real time changes to the alignment of the substructure and conveyor systems. Modification and reinforcement details of the substructures and applied loads for the existing 102,000 sq ft roof truss system were supplied to the client.
Structural Survey and Analysis of Existing Silos
Varo performed structural inspections at two existing power plants to assess 40 year old structures for steel corrosion and wash down purposes. The structures were reviewed for potential modifications required for new materials and the addition of new dust mitigation systems. The inspections included a visual structural survey of the tripper conveyor floor, 42ft diameter concrete and steel with gunite lined silos, and walkways. After the inspections, the steel and concrete structures were analyzed for the new loading requirements and reinforcement details were developed. Varo issued a final report with the inspection observations, analysis, and recommendations for the potential modifications.
Engineering Evaluation of Coal Skip Hoist
Varo inspected an existing coal skip hoist system within the coal delivery system at a major Pennsylvania university's power plant. The inspection included a structural review of the existing support structure built in 1929 and a safety review for compliance to current OHSA standards. Varo issued a final report of the inspection with recommendations to correct deficient items observed during the inspection.