Beeler Flats Structural Framing and Stairs

Project Details

This project encompasses the structural analysis and engineering design for a multi-story residential development known as Beeler Flats. The scope of work specifically focused on the design of framing system, typical stair layouts, and comprehensive structurtal connections. The structural framework integrates a variety of high-strength natrials, including A992 steel for secondary framing and stair components. The floor systems utilize a combination of steel members and pre-engineered trusses designed to support standard residential loads. A detailed finite element modeling approach was employed for the stair systems to ensure the safety and stability of typical layouts (Stair 1 and Stair 2), which utilize C10x20 landing channels, MC12x14.3 stringers, and HSS railing frames. The design process adhered to modern building codes, including the International Building Code (IBC 2021), ASCE 7-16, and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC 360-16). The engineering analysis rigorously accounted for environmental factors, including wind speeds of 107 MPH (Risk Category II) and requirements for Seismic Design Category B. Connection design included critical beam-to-column shear plates, beam-to-beam clip angles, and specialized anchoring systems, such as Strong-Bolt® 2 expansion anchors, to provide robust load transfer into the concrete foundation, which features a compressive strength of 2,500 to 4,000 psi. Special attention was paid to loading envelopes, with stairs engineered for a 100 psf live load and floor systems for 40 psf live load plus dead loads.

Role

Structural Engineer/Designer

Services Provided

The scope of services included the preparation of structural calculations for the proposed stair and railing system, considering gravity, live, wind, and seismic loading actions in accordance with applicable design standards. The work involved performing design checks for structural components including stringers, landings, posts, rails, and their respective connections to verify adequate strength and stability. Anchor designs to concrete or steel supports were also completed, including evaluations for edge distance, spacing, pry-out, and seismic requirements to ensure proper load transfer and code compliance. Serviceability assessments were performed for vibration, deflection, and handrail post stiffness to confirm acceptable structural performance under anticipated loading conditions. The services further included the preparation of structural markup drawings on shop drawings, identifying member capacities, connection design values, and required connection details and schedules, including end plates, clip angles, landing-to-stringer connections, post bases, rail posts, guard and handrail brackets, and ledger or collector interfaces to support coordination and fabrication.