Royal Oasis Development

Project Details

This project involves the comprehensive structural optimization and value engineering (VE) of the Royal Oasis development, a multi-building steel structure. The primary objective of the assessment was to enhance structural efficiency and achieve significant reductions in material usage and construction costs while maintaining full compliance with the Bahamas Building Code, ACI 318-19, AISC 360-16, and ASCE 7-22. The structural design utilizes eccentrically braced frames and moment-resisting connection columns to ensure stability against extreme environmental loads, specifically a design wind speed of 180 mph under Exposure Category D. The optimization process employed advanced finite element modeling and re-analysis using ETABS, RFEM, and TEDDS software to verify member adequacy and refine the structural assembly. A key component of the value engineering initiative was the optimization of the foundation system. The original continuous reinforced concrete grade beam design was replaced with isolated pad footings interconnected by reinforced concrete tie beams. This strategic change resulted in a 66.87% reduction in concrete volume and a 71.23% reduction in reinforcement steel weight across the development. For the superstructure, optimization focused on refining steel thicknesses rather than changing member depths to ensure that existing connection designs remained practical and unchanged. This approach achieved total steel weight savings of 14.71% for Building 1, 17.07% for Building 2, and 50.83% for the Amenity Building. Significant modifications included the optimization of purlins, trusses, hip rafters, and columns, as well as the redesign of cold-formed steel (CFS) wall studs and ceiling joists to meet required material grades. Further enhancements involved separating stair stringers and light-frame steel elements from the main analytical model to prevent unintended force distribution and optimize them as independent components.

Role

Structural Engineer/Designer

Services Provided

The scope of services included an independent structural peer review of the proposed structural calculations and drawings. The work involved providing markup comments on both the structural calculations and construction drawings to identify inconsistencies, coordination issues, and areas requiring clarification or revision. Independent structural calculations were performed to verify the adequacy and accuracy of the structural design and confirm that the structural elements met applicable code and performance requirements. The services also included recommendations for revisions to the structural drawings to optimize the design and reduce material usage, where feasible and applicable, while maintaining structural integrity, safety, and code compliance.