THE STOREFRONT – SDYS

Project Details

This project involves the comprehensive structural analysis and interior refurbishment of “The Storefront,” a facility serving San Diego Youth Services. The extensive scope includes remodeling interior walls, updating restrooms to meet current ADA accessibility standards, and installing new interior finishes, cabinetry, and flooring throughout both stories. The design requires modern engineering solutions for diverse structural components, including exterior vertical fins, ledger systems, and new wall footings. Primary structural members utilize Douglas Fir-Larch (No. 1 and No. 2 grade) lumber for headers, studs, and joists, integrated with specialized connectors such as concealed beam hangers and heavy-duty connector screws. The design process followed rigorous structural analysis, including finite element modeling for guardrail systems, to ensure the facility can safely withstand local environmental loads. Structural elements were engineered in accordance with the 2022 California Building Code (CBC), ASCE 7-16, and ACI 318-19 provisions. Special attention was given to lateral load resistance, providing stability against wind speeds of 96 MPH (Exposure Category C) and meeting stringent requirements for Seismic Design Category D. The foundation system features reinforced concrete wall footings designed to perform reliably under a gross soil bearing capacity of 1,500 psf.

Role

Structural Engineer/Designer

Services Provided

The scope of structural engineering services included the preparation of comprehensive structural calculations and structural drawings for the proposed project. Structural calculations were performed to analyze dead, live, wind, seismic, snow, and uplift loads in accordance with applicable governing building codes and standards. The work encompassed the structural analysis and design of all new structural elements required for the project, including but not limited to foundations, shear walls, load-bearing walls, columns, beams, floor joists, rafters or trusses, and all associated connectors and fastening systems. The calculations verified the structural adequacy of each component to safely support gravity and lateral loads while maintaining a continuous and code-compliant load path throughout the structure.
Structural drawings were prepared to clearly communicate the structural design for permitting, coordination, and construction. The drawing set included a Foundation Plan identifying the layout and sizing of foundations; a Second Floor Framing Plan and Roof Framing Plan showing the configuration, spacing, and sizing of structural framing members; and Shear Wall Layout Plans for both the First Floor and Second Floor indicating the location and designation of the lateral force-resisting elements. The drawings also included structural sections to clarify vertical structural relationships and load transfer, along with typical structural details, general structural notes, and technical specifications necessary to guide construction and ensure compliance with applicable codes and project requirements.