STRUCTURAL DESIGN

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We are committed to revitalizing communities across our fine nation in collaboration with architects, owners, developers, and contractors to increase functionality, efficiency, and, of course, safety. Our approach to engineering is practical, thus sensitive to our clients’ budgets. We welcome challenges to explore creative solutions that make good, plain sense.

STRUCTURAL PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICES

From concept to completion, our professional engineers provide the following services:

  • Design Documents
    • Predesign/Planning, Code Research & Feasibility Studies
    • Schematic Design
    • Design Development
    • Contract Documents
  • Specifications Structural
  • Cost Estimates
  • Peer Reviews

STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

Design of structural elements of buildings and building-like structures is our specialty. We also design pedestrian and light bridges. 

Our experience includes projects designed for:

  • High wind
  • High seismic
  • Snow regions
  • Blast and progressive collapse design

We work with a variety of building materials, including:

  • Wood
  • Engineered lumber
  • Masonry
  • Steel
  • Cast-in-place concrete
  • Post-tensioned concrete
  • Precast concrete
  • Insulated concrete forms (ICF)

      Foundation systems we design:

  • Shallow footings
  • Deep (pile) foundations
  • Helical (screw) piles
  • Pre-engineered metal building foundations
  • Mat foundations
  • Light pole bases
  • Specialty equipment pads

SOFTWARE

Using the latest software keeps us at the top of our game. Our professionals are trained in the use of the following:

  • REVIT Structure – Building Information Modeling (BIM),
  • AutoCAD & AutoCAD Architecture – Drafting Software
  • RAM Structural System – Structural Analysis Program
  • RAM Steel – Steel Member and Frame Design
  • ADAPT PT – Post Tension Concrete Design
  • RetainPro – Retaining Wall Design
  • RISA – Structural (individual) Member Analysis
  • DESCON – Steel Connection Design
  • Bluebeam – PDF editing software (for marking shop drwgs)

BIM

Speight Marshall Francis employs Building Information Modeling (BIM) design methods using the most current version of AutoDesk® Revit® Structure.  Considered a forerunner in the area for BIM design, we devote ourselves to developing common sense, cost-effective, and innovative structural engineering design solutions that meet each client's unique long and short-term goals.

The firm initiated the cutting-edge, 3D software’s use in 2007 ever since, our staff has been continually training to improve coordination and collaboration amongst the disciplines to thoroughly benefit from this dynamic software’s capabilities. Following are just a few noteworthy projects on which we've used Revit®:

Learn more about how your next project could benefit from BIM: https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/bim

LEED concept

LEED®

Speight Marshall Francis works closely with clients and design/construction teams to ensure that sustainable and environmentally responsible design solutions are considered on all buildings and implemented where feasible.  Our solution-oriented design process minimizes the consequences on environmental resources, enhancing the end users' quality of life while staying on-time and within budget. A few examples of our Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) accredited project experience includes:

  • Crossroads Elementary School PK-8 (Consolidated Elementary School), MCB Quantico, VA (Gold)
  • Kellam High School, Virginia Beach, VA (Silver)
  • Virginia Beach Middle School, Virginia Beach, VA (Silver)
  • P-235 Administrative Facility, Norfolk Naval Station, VA (Certified)
  • U.S. Coast Guard Station Building and Boathouse, Marquette, MI (Certified)
  • Mid-South Annex, U.S. Coast Guard TISCOM, Alexandria, VA (Silver)
  • Cheatham Annex Cottages and Recreational Vehicle Park, NWS, Yorktown, VA (Silver)
  • Riverine Squadron Two Boat & Vehicle Maintenance Facility, Little Creek, VA (Silver)
  • Reconfigure Building 3503 for School of Music Rehearsal Hall, JEB Little Creek, Norfolk, VA (Certified)
  • Chesapeake Beach Fire and EMS Station, Design/Build, Virginia Beach, VA (Certified)
  • Bow Creek Recreation Center, Virginia Beach (Certified)
  • Virginia Beach Adoption Friendly Animal Shelter, Virginia Beach, VA (Silver)
  • Williams Farm Community Recreation Center, Design/Build Bridging Documents, Virginia Beach, VA (Gold)
  • VCU Belvidere & Grace Street Parking Decks, Design/Build Bridging Documents, Richmond, VA (Silver)
  • VCU West Grace Housing & Laurel Parking Deck, Design/Build Bridging Documents, Richmond, VA (Silver)
  • Virginia Natural Gas Corporate Office Building, Lakeview Corporate Park, Virginia Beach, VA (Certified)

Learn more about how going "green" can help build better communities today and for future generations - The U.S. Green Building Council www.usgbc.org.