Proposed Faraway Station Hall

Project Details

This project involves the comprehensive structural analysis and design of a new commercial facility known as the Faraway Station Hall. The structure features a 60′ x 30′ footprint with a mean roof height of nearly 20 feet and includes a mezzanine level. The engineering scope covered the entire structural assembly, including foundations, shear walls, load-bearing walls, columns, beams, floor joists, and roof rafters. The primary structure utilizes high-strength wood framing, primarily Douglas Fir-Larch sawn lumber, integrated with engineered wood products such as TJI® floor joists and glulam beams. The primary structure utilizes high-strength wood framing, primarily Douglas Fir-Larch sawn lumber, integrated with engineered wood products such as TJI® floor joists and glulam beams. The structural elements were engineered in accordance with the International Building Code (IBC 2021), ASCE 7-16, and ACI 318-19 provisions. The design process included rigorous modeling to ensure the building could withstand extreme environmental loads typical of its Alaska location. This included stability against wind speeds of 118 MPH, requirements for Seismic Design Category D, and a substantial ground snow load of 90 psf. Lateral load resistance is managed through a combination of traditional wood shear walls and prefabricated high-strength shear wall panels. The foundation system features independent reinforced concrete footings and piers designed to perform reliably under a soil bearing capacity of 1,500 psf.

Role

Structural Engineer/Designer

Services Provided

The scope of services included the preparation of structural analysis, design calculations, and structural drawings for the proposed building in McCarthy, Alaska. Structural analysis considered wind, seismic, snow, dead, and live loads in accordance with the governing building code and site-specific environmental conditions. The work involved the design of shallow foundations, slab thickenings or grade beams, anchorage systems, and the analysis and design of wood gravity framing components, including beams, headers, posts, and engineered roof joists. Lateral force-resisting elements, including shear walls, chords, collectors, and hold-downs, were also analyzed and designed to ensure a complete and code-compliant load path. A consolidated structural calculation report was prepared for local Professional Engineer review and stamping. The services further included the preparation of structural drawings consisting of foundation and roof framing plans, first-floor shear wall layout plans, structural building sections, and typical structural details, notes, and specifications. Where applicable, a first-floor framing plan was included for crawlspace construction; for slab-on-grade construction, this sheet was omitted. All documents were prepared to support permitting, coordination, and construction of the project.