Structural engineering services account for 70% of our entire workload of which 50% is new construction. Our extensive experience and diversified abilities allow us to approach structural solutions with a responsible and imaginative approach. We are able to choose the most appropriate technologies for the particular project at hand. Our respect of our client’s aesthetic design, budget needs and schedule are the parameters which guide our efforts.

We are well versed in all manner of conventional construction materials (steel, concrete, masonry, aluminum, light gage metals and wood) and their use in the following applications:

• Composite steel and concrete design
• Post tension design
• Flat plate design
• Precast concrete design
• Block and plank
• Cold formed steel design

Our design strength is our ability to provide structural solutions which respect the architectural constraints given us. We are able to combine multiple structural systems to achieve the desired design objective. Our architectural abilities allow us to aid in building shell assembly issues, water proofing methods, mechanical concerns and myriad of relevant issues pertinent to the building process. It is in our best interest to be proactive in our efforts in order to anticipate issues before they become problems. We remain in close contact with our clients during the design process and in construction. This promotes a cohesive relationship amongst the design team and owner and contributes to a successful project.

We also concentrate our efforts in the following areas:

Structural glass design: we provide structural design support for glass store fronts, stairs, railings and mezzanines as well as roof skylight systems. We have been called upon to provide building modifications for enlarged storefront design requiring aggressive design alterations to incorporate these systems. We have become proficient design engineers able to push the capabilities of glass in theses applications.

Foundation design: Many of our projects have been designed for challenging sites and soil conditions requiring special foundations and retaining systems. Some of the many types of systems incorporated have been lot line spread footings, matt foundations, lot line underpinning, braced excavations, soil anchors, pressure injected foundations, deep pile and caisson foundations.

Light weight long span structures: We provide specialized engineering services for the design and construction of lightweight stressed membrane structures. Our capabilities include fabric form-finding, load analysis, patterning and erection analysis utilizing in-house, industry proven, developed software.

Façade and building evaluations: DRPILLA is often called upon to assess the structural condition, stability and adequacy of existing buildings in part or in whole. We have performed these services for many different building types and sizes. Our reports are tailored in complexity to meet the needs of the client. We incorporate non-destructive techniques and minimal probes where appropriate. We utilize various imaging techniques with the aid of testing companies to gain information of concealed structural components. High powered optical instruments are used to conduct visual investigative surveys. We investigate and assess the building’s components, analyze the structural issues and how they relate to the architectural performance of the building and prepare repair details, drawings and specifications as required to coordinate the repairs and or modifications.

Renovation: The other 50% of our structural engineering workload are renovations, alterations or modifications to buildings. Our renovation work has encompassed “gut” rehabilitation of multi building complexes, comprehensive brownstone renovations, multi-floor additions, façade restorations, renovations within occupied structures, stabilizations, excavations below occupied structures and structures within structures. In each case we have collaborated with the architect, owner and client to achieve the appropriate methods and design solutions to help create a successful project.