Structural Engineering
Structural Engineering Design & Assessments
Structural engineering is the design and problem-solving of structural elements in buildings, towers, dams, houses, bridges, and roadways. A full-service structural engineering firm, SGS has experienced engineers to handle any project, be it a tower, building, or foundation. We strive to communicate better engineering solutions that will meet the needs of today and initiate the innovative designs of tomorrow.
SGS is dedicated to partnering with you to create high-quality structures designed around your needs and budget. We believe in building true partnerships, increasing the value of your assets, and developing innovative solutions. When you work with SGS, you’ll immediately notice the difference of working with a company committed to quality, communication, and customer service.
Rigging Plans
The cost of construction that compromises a tower’s structural integrity is dire. When a tower’s structural integrity is compromised, you risk failure to that tower, which can result in death. Rigging plans help keep everyone safe. Things as small as removing bolts or members greatly compromise a tower’s structural integrity. Before starting any construction on a tower or its foundation, it is vital to conduct an inspection and acquire a Class IV Rigging Plan.
At SGS, our engineers take time to look at everything from a contractor’s perspective. We work with you, completing as much analysis as necessary to evaluate the procedure you plan to use, ensuring our requirements don’t hinder your ability to do your work. Our guidelines will help you complete construction while ensuring proper safety for both the tower and workers.
Building Analysis and Design
Building Analysis and Design always begins with the Owners Representative. We work together to design solutions that are both efficient and economical. SGS has analyzed and designed hundreds of structures, both commercial and residential. We provide material testing, geotechnical studies, and Construction Administration Services. We have also analyzed and designed retrofits for many existing structures to either bring them up to code or create new uses for them. SGS also has experience in Forensic Investigations, determining the root causes of all structural concerns. You can count on our experience and expertise to help you find the most efficient and economical solutions for your project.
Mount Analysis
Loading changes typically occur on the mount of a tower or structure. TIA requirements mandate that mounts must be inspected and analyzed after each loading change to ensure they meet TIA and building codes. To provide the most accurate and efficient analysis, our engineering team communicates directly with the team that mapped the mount.
Mount Design Drawings
In the event that a mount is not up to code, modifications are necessary to ensure the mount’s compliance and the safety of the loading changes. After the loading change and ensuing Mount Analysis, Mount Design Drawings detail all modifications required to bring the mount up to TIA and building code standards. Our in-house engineering and construction teams communicate with one another to provide you with the most efficient and cost-effective designs.
Tower Structural Analysis
A Structural Analysis is used to determine structural capacity and lateral movement in relation to TIA, building, and other applicable codes. For efficiency and accuracy, we perform all services in-house, so a field service team is able to communicate with a structure mapping team as well as the team performing a geotechnical study. In the event that your structure doesn’t meet applicable codes, SGS has the expertise to help you find the most efficient and economical solutions. Our in-house construction team can install those solutions into place.
Structural Design Drawings
Often, modifications must be incorporated into a structure’s design for it to safely accommodate any loading changes. Structural Design Drawings provide a thorough representation of exactly how the structure was modified to meet TIA, building, and other applicable codes. SGS is experienced in all types of Structural Design Drawings, and we perform all of our services in-house. Our engineering and construction teams communicate with one another to ensure you always receive the most efficient and cost-effective designs.
Construction Drawings
Sometimes referred to as AE or Site Drawings, Construction Drawings provide details of changes made in the compound below the structure or on the tower. Typically required for building permits, they show all changes to ground-based equipment when a loading or equipment change takes place or when a generator is installed. SGS has a wealth of experience performing all types of Construction Drawings, uses only in-house teams, and ensures your structure meets TIA, building, and all other applicable codes.
Temporary Engineering
Very similar to Rigging Plans, Temporary Engineering is used in commercial construction and covers a broader scope of work. Temporary Engineering includes evaluating structures as they are being built as well as designing, formwork, falsework, support of excavation, tower crane foundation, and more. It is critical to include Temporary Engineering in heavy civil work, as it lays the foundation for contractor plans.
SGS has experience with Temporary Engineering from an engineer’s as well as a contractor’s perspective. We’re committed to developing solutions that won’t impede your work, but will aide in your project’s construction and keep the structure and all workers safe.
FAA Certification Survey Letters (1A or 2C)
Due to the height of cellular towers (and other broadcasting towers, for that matter), it is critical that the elevation and location of these towers be reported as accurately as possible for the safety of aircraft flying overhead. The FAA has developed a set of standards to regulate the margin of error in these surveys so that the location and height of these towers is reported accurately. To satisfy requirements, a licensed land surveyor inspects the tower and conducts measurements to verify its location and elevation. The surveyor then provides an FAA 1A or 2C Certification Letter to be submitted to the FAA.
When Is FAA Certification Needed?
If a cellular tower extends to a total height of 200 feet or higher, the FAA requires one of the following certifications, depending on the tower’s location and other factors:
1A Certification – tolerance within 20 feet vertically and 3 feet horizontally
2C Certification – tolerance within 50 feet vertically and 20 feet horizontally
In addition, SGS performs the following surveys: Legal Lot, Boundary Survey, Topographic Survey, and American Land Title Association (ALTA).
Additional Information About SGS Engineering Services
SGS holds Professional Engineering licenses in 49 States.
SGS holds Structural Engineering licenses in 8 States.
Every engineer on the SGS team has climbing experience.
The turnaround time for Rigging Plans is a maximum of 5 days and can be completed the same day if necessary.
The cost of Rigging Plans is typically around $750.
Turnaround time for Temporary Engineering is based on the scale of the project. Some projects may require months to ensure proper planning and sequencing, but certain projects have a same-day turnaround.
Temporary Engineering meets all applicable building codes, IBC, ASCE, AISC, & ACI.
For Temporary Engineering projects, we offer either time & materials or lump-sum pricing, which can be more cost effective for large-scale projects.
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