Engineering Global Structures
Contents
Introduction 03 Innovation at WSP 07 Sectors Aviation 11 Commercial & Mixed Use 15 Cultural 19 Education 23 Government 27 Healthcare 31 Heritage Buildings 35 High Rise 39 Hospitality 43 Railway Stations 47 Residential 51 Retail 55 Science & Technology 59 Sports & Stadia 63
Services Blast Engineering 67 Building Enclosures & Façade Engineering 69 Building Information Modelling 71 Computational Design 73 Geotechnical & Ground Engineering 75 Peer Reviews 77 Performance Based Design 79 Site Specific Seismic Hazard & Risk Assessment 81 Steel Detailing 83 Structural Fire Design 85 Structural Vibration Analysis 87 Timber Engineering Design 89 Value Engineering 91 About Us 93 Get in touch 94
02 Engineering Global Structures / Introduction
Introduction
WSP’s structures practice is an award-winning, creative, and energetic team of 2,300 structural engineers, located in over 550 offices and 40 countries around the world.
We work on projects of all sizes, types and levels of complexity, from some of the world’s most iconic buildings, to highly regarded regional projects.
Our services span the structural engineering spectrum and are backed by global multidisciplinary capability. Our offices worldwide provide regional expertise.
03 International scale, regional reach
We collaborate with architects, We marshal resources and We are locally dedicated with owners and builders on all types of communications for ownership and international scale. This means we projects, international and regional. design teams - or for multiple projects - provide our clients with regional insight Our practice is very diverse. Our that may be scattered across the globe. and timely, attentive service, combined projects range from renowned high- Our regional presence is key to this. with the resources, capabilities and rise buildings to state-of-the-art data Our global offices routinely collaborate strength of a global firm. As a result, centers, stadia, rail projects, hospitals with each other, to pool their specialist we have ongoing and repeat work with and heavy industrial plants, to name expertise and knowledge in pursuit of many of the world’s leading architectural but a few. excellence. firms and developers.
Projects
Fairscape Precinct One World Trade Center, Southern Cross Station, One Za’abeel, Dubai Gaborone, Botswana New York Melbourne
The Montreal Tower, Cuarzo Reforma, Tele2 Arena, Stockholm The Shard, London Montreal Mexico City
04 Engineering Global Structures / Introduction
Hearst Tower, New York, USA
05 We are at the forefront in using and developing new technologies and in advancing engineering research
Collaborative edge Design efficiency We focus on adding value to projects through reviews, verifications, and Demanding projects - master plans, We pride ourselves on identifying coordination among all disciplines, and mixed-use complexes, and sometimes efficient ways to save material, improve we work to international standards – individual buildings - require creative the constructability of a project, we are an ISO accredited practice. multidisciplinary solutions. and reduce costs. As a result, we are Buildings Information Modelling (BIM) regularly asked by developers and We often practice, and prefer to has long been a staple of our work clients to review and improve designs practice, as part of a multidisciplinary and our expertise in digital design team with our talented building prepared by other engineers. technologies is deeply ingrained. services and transportation colleagues. We look at designs holistically to work We have collaborated with US We enjoy and participate actively out how structural creativity and software firm Autodesk to advance in the ‘give and take’ of the design efficiency can free up greater floor area the leading design package ‘Revit’ process to find the best solution to for sale or tenancy, to generate better since its inception and we use Revit, complex challenges. We believe that financial returns for our clients. Our together with other innovative digital holistic, comprehensive engineering service aim is to add value. technologies, to enhance our design solutions developed across the lines of We also create value by keeping work. conventional disciplines offer the best construction and material costs under in efficiency, cost and performance. In short, we understand that our control. We make difficult projects as designs are our product and strive Creative excellence easy as possible to build. This reduces to make them clear, comprehensive, time on site, and because using less coordinated and buildable. We bring fresh eyes to every project means designing more ingeniously, our we work on, to create options that approach improves project outcomes. make the most of each unique setting. We never lose sight of the bottom line. We develop alternatives early in the design process that inform, even help Technical excellence establish, the architect’s thinking. Hearst Tower in New York, The Index Our design philosophy is rooted in the in Dubai and Torre Cepsa in Madrid ‘hands-on’ approach of our technically- demonstrate how our structural oriented principals, senior managers engineering ideas can help create and project engineers. We are at the unique and iconic architecture. forefront in using and developing We bring the same energy and new technologies and in advancing passion to every project we work on, engineering research. underpinned by vast technical know- how and years of experience.
06 Engineering Global Structures / Innovation at WSP
Innovation at WSP
We are passionate about innovation and create a myriad of opportunities to do things differently, and to do things better - on every facet, of every project. Our goal is improved outcomes for our clients and all who benefit from our work.
07 Resilient design Future Ready Computational design Storm winds, heavy rains, destructive Future Ready is our programme to see Within our computational design earthquakes, and periods of intensely the future more clearly, and to work programme of applied research we focus hot weather are amongst the natural with clients to design for this future, as on developing geometrically complex events reported with increasing well as for today’s needs. structures. regularity in the world’s news We ask ourselves what we should do, We explore structural shapes once bulletins. To be future ready our built and could do, to make our designs as inconceivable, but now possible environment must stand up to the useful and attractive in the longer-term because they can be developed digitally, toughest tests. We design in resilience. as they will be when first built. and build models to test and verify Our pioneering projects set standards structural design that might once have Sometimes our response is counter- for future projects. For example, our defied definition in any reasonable intuitive. Do we need to design a patented seismic system implemented length of time. structure that will last for 200 years if in Torre Mayor, which at the time was the building is only going to be needed Our digital design workflow permits the tallest building in Mexico at 57 for 15 years, for example? Future ready extensive, continuous collaboration stories, is internationally recognized is not necessarily about longevity. between architects and engineers as the precursor to the current using a variety of design tools to solve performance-based design method now We believe flexibility and adaptability geometrical constraints. By working on used worldwide for this type of project. are important. Designing structures a shared canvas that can be altered and The system is used on many of the that can be used in different ways, or amended with much greater ease than newest buildings in earthquake even restructured in the future to meet ever previously possible, they can create zones, and also on some of the new or changed requirements, makes some truly astonishing structures. them future ready. oldest including our renovation of Structural design has always been the 140-year-old masonry and steel Increased automation – in healthcare, parametric because structural Canadian Parliament building in transport and manufacturing, to name parameters are variables, some with Ottawa. but a few sectors – means structures known limits, some not. But digital will need to change to accommodate parametric design tools take this new ways of living and working. New process into what can be - quite literally horizons beckon, and being prepared - other dimensions. What’s more, any means being future ready. parameter can be analysed, so it is possible within a model to examine options to reduce costs or make a structure more carbon efficient. This exciting arena is undoubtedly the future of construction design.
Bench Office, Vancouver © Perkins + Will 08 Engineering Global Structures / Innovation at WSP
Constrained Sites Rail Overbuild Offsite Manufacturing Complex foundations, difficult soil We are creating attractive With urban populations growing conditions, roads, railways, waterways accommodation over rail tracks and quickly around the world, there is a and adjacent buildings, are amongst the stations at an unprecedented rate, using pressing need to build many types reasons that potentially valuable sites new techniques and materials to reduce of structure economically, safely can be difficult to develop. noise, limit vibration, and enhance and quickly. More and more, we Many urban areas around the world ventilation. are designing offsite construction offer untapped opportunities on There are many available sites, often solutions to meet this need. constrained sites. We look creatively with minimal land costs associated, It is well known that prefabricating at these pockets of land, to suggest and offsite modular construction can offsite is a good way to reduce time structures they might host. help keep build costs down. In fact, this on site. Building in the factory can Our approach is multidisciplinary, type of overbuild is regarded in many also be safer and cheaper. Yet until and within that framework our global cities as highly desirable for the way it now, modular construction has been a structures team unlocks land value. brings communities into the heart of neglected option, the traditional view Our structural designers and engineers urban areas. being that modules from a factory yield a functional but unprepossessing are proficient in using conventional as As with any commercial development, building. well as innovative structural systems the success of rail overbuild is and materials, and they take a holistic determined by the business case. The advent of building information view. Creating the box to envelop the rail modelling (BIM), linked to highly Advances in geological survey and corridor is the essential structural automated production facilities, has ground mapping techniques, and the challenge and if this is done well – the changed all that. New techniques can advent of building materials, means box as compact as possible with walls be used to create ever finer tolerances, that sites that might once have been constructed inside the rail impact zone while options combining offsite unfeasible to develop, technically or – it maximizes the area available for fabrication with a traditional core or economically, have now become viable. building above. frame enable structures that are taller A constrained site could be home to an than previously thought possible. imaginative new structure. We are now enjoying flexibility to develop imaginative structural designs for factory construction and onsite assembly for our clients.
09 3D Printing Design Studio The combination of materials science, To encourage our new generation of architecture, design, computation structural engineers to look beyond and robotics that is 3D printing is an the conventional, we offer Design exciting new facet of structural design Studio, a collaborative creative space and engineering. We are working with in the virtual and physical worlds. commercial and academic partners to Design Studio is intrinsically social and harness the latest developments in the global. It is a space where like-minded field. professionals can meet, interact, learn Also known as additive manufacturing, from each other, and innovate. 3D printing in its simplest form We are proud to have some of the best We are proud to have automates and improves on processes and brightest design and engineering already proven manually, such as professionals working together with some of the best layering building materials on top us. They amaze us with their energy, and brightest design of each other to create a façade. The passion and creativity. We want and engineering digital sophistication this technology them to create strong and productive professionals working brings to our industry promises huge relationships with the current and next benefits that are way beyond the generation of architects and creative together with us. They scope of traditional techniques. Smart professionals, continuously exploring amaze us with their geometry that can take load without new ideas and new ways of working. energy, passion and reinforcement, for example. In Design Studio they can become creativity. The efficiency of 3D printing reduces involved in a broad and exciting range material waste dramatically by of networks and activities. They can taking offsite construction on site participate in competitions, learn about to reduce build time, costs, and the opportunities within the commercial, emissions associated with transporting academic and research worlds, and construction components. through pro-bono initiatives, they can Additive manufacturing is still in its apply their thinking, experimenting infancy, and there is much to be done with practical ways to turn creative to refine printable feedstocks, such as visions into workable reality. the types of concrete that can be used, We believe Design Studio will help and the ‘printers’ that are essentially them, and us, to flourish by providing very powerful and precise pumps. a space for collaboration where Yet it is already clear that our work innovative concepts and future in the future will involve 3D printing technologies can be nurtured. techniques.
10 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
Aviation
Creating a positive passenger experience starts with a great design. Airports have unique operational environments and WSP’s structural design team has the in-depth knowledge needed to design effective solutions for modern, sustainable, state-of-the-art facilities, for airports of all sizes, all around the world.
From general aviation airports to large international hubs, we support airport owners in achieving their objectives, drawing upon the skills and expertise of our structural specialists across the globe.
Worldwide expertise on Facilities (MRO), fire and rescue facilities, terminals and stations, administrative buildings, parking garages, consolidated rental-car buildings facilities, storage facilities, and hotels. We have experience with all types of WSP’s international presence means airport buildings and their interfaces that we can assemble tailored project with the civil works; creating synergies delivery teams for projects anywhere between technology, infrastructure around the world. We offer expert and logistics to maximize energy consultancy or create multidisciplinary savings and sustainability. Our teams teams to deliver fully integrated can provide structural expertise for solutions, custom-made to your passenger terminal buildings, control specific needs. towers, cargo buildings, hangars, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
11 ©Pascall+Watson
Gatwick Pier 6 – For London Gatwick Airport, we Self-Propelled Modular Transportation are designing a 200m extension that units (SPMTs) will be used to lift and Western expansion, UK will accommodate eight new aircraft move the structure in four modules to stands at Pier 6. We have specified the permanent site. The braced steel offsite Large Scale Modular (LSM) frame structure has a lightweight roof construction to reduce the security system supported by a long span truss risks associated with constructing in the center of the building to support a large building in the center of an the arrivals corridor and ensure airfield, and guarantee a delivery column-free space in the departures date for this time-critical project. level concourse below.
12 Marseille Provence With Foster + Partners, we are Using BIM with Revit, we are working on an extension to Marseille designing the terminal building, Airport, France Airport that will link the two existing pier, taxiways, and aircraft stands, terminal buildings via a 22m-high for construction while the airport is glazed hall, its inverted beam roof operational. The modular structure of spanning 33m deep and featuring a the pier will be manufactured offsite continuous grid of glass skylights. The and erected on a fast-track schedule. extension will ‘float’ over the existing departure lounges in a 22m overhang shaded by a 10m deep metal sunscreen.
13 Toronto Pearson Our design for the expansion We also designed a below-grade of Terminal 3 East Processor is tunnel for passengers to access the International Airport – characterized by a unique truss system terminal from the car parking garage, UP Express, Canada that combines neat curves with a with construction phased carefully broad span of high-level glazing on the to ensure safe, continuous operation north portion that floods the column- of the terminal given the restricted free space below with natural light. access to the site. A feature of the design is the flexibility it provides for the layout and installation of mechanical and electrical services.
14 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
Commercial & Mixed-Use
Today’s commercial and workplace trends are fast-moving, so we design structures that are adaptable and flexible to help maintain their long-term value. The innovation we bring to commercial and mixed-use projects is essential to their inimitable style and longevity.
We work on projects as varied as high-rise developments and business parks, new build and refurbishments, and we understand the requirements, challenges and business aspirations of our clients.
As a result, we work with some of the world’s most prominent investors, developers and architects, and our projects include some of the best-known structures in major cities including One World Trade Center, New York; The Shard, London; and 1 Shelley Street, Melbourne.
High-rise, maximum space Return on investment Many of the globally-recognized We examine the form, geometry, and landmarks that we design are high-rise, use of buildings to develop solutions and we are known for our expertise in that complement both architecture building high. Successful tall buildings and function. This makes it possible are not just about design. Efficiency of for architects to realise their aesthetic material, speed of construction, and vision, while our clients meet their seamless coordination of engineering commercial and operational goals. and architecture are what leads to Land value is achieved by making the optimal cost and performance, as well as most of our clients’ sites. We regularly iconic and elegant buildings. design structures in constrained inner- We focus on designing maximum city locations where we overcome achievable space into our commercial complex challenges. and mixed-use projects, and making that Our overarching aim is to deliver the space amenable to many different types highest possible return on investment of occupiers so that it is attractive to the for our clients throughout the lifetime widest possible audience of businesses of a building, by blending imaginative or tenants. thinking with common sense solutions.
15 ©Investment Corporation of Dubai
One Za’abeel, Dubai In Dubai’s latest landmark One The sub-structure of this awe- Za’abeel, the world’s longest occupied inspiring development is worthy of offset cantilever will link two mixed- note, with the diaphragm walls of the use towers via a panoramic 210m sky basement designed to carry the load of concourse. The link has been designed the elevated highway that bisects the to resist twist and bending by its plot, including soil and 26m of water expressed box girder form. Rising up pressure. from three levels of retail podium, and seven levels of basement, the towers will offer premium hotel, residential accommodation and office space.
16 ©Destination Brisbane Consortium. All rights reserved. Artist’s impression. Subject to planning approvals.
Queen’s Wharf, Our design for this integrated resort We also worked with Grimshaw development incorporates a deep, six- Architects on the Neville Bonner Brisbane, Australia basement excavation in a challenging Pedestrian Bridge at Queen’s Wharf, location adjacent to heritage sandstone using parametric modelling techniques buildings and the Brisbane River; an to consider many variables of its eight-floor podium topped by four free-formed ribbon configuration to towers of hotel and residential space; determine the optimal heights, angles, and skybridges 120m above ground sizes and arrangements of the cables that we optimized through time and masts, and the pier location in the history analysis. middle of the Brisbane River.
17 © Boogertman+Partners
Fairscape Precinct At 17 stories, this iconic office tower the building by acting as an enormous stands tall on the Botswana skyline. vertical truss and taking up about 40% Gaborone, Botswana Designed in association with Pula of the horizontal wind load. Consultants, it was one of the first Another unique feature, which helped buildings in Africa to be designed this building win the 2015 Fulton using a concrete – as opposed to steel - Award for a Building Structure diagrid structure, which helped to cool Greater than R100 Million, is the use the building and reduce construction of precast concrete elements to create costs. The diagrid effectively stabilizes the diagrid.
18 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
Cultural
For more than 40 years, WSP has been helping to create some of the world’s most inspiring and well-loved cultural landmarks.
We are trusted advisors to prestigious global institutions, working together with architects and local communities to translate their visions into beautiful, adaptable and cost-effective buildings that support and highlight world-class performances, arts and cultural displays, libraries, and more.
Iconic spaces Structural storytelling WSP brings a deep knowledge of this Our cultural projects encompass richly varied sector, developed over galleries, museums, performance venues a successful track record spanning and community spaces, each with its decades. We have delivered pioneering own unique story. projects in every sphere of the arts, for We seek to create structures that help clients ranging from major national tell those stories. At the Regenstein institutions to local charities. Center for Apes at the Chicago Zoo, No two cultural projects are ever the our team focused on achieving a same, so whether we’re refreshing a structure that provided a safe habitat much-loved institution, designing a for the apes while allowing clean major regeneration scheme or creating sightlines for visitors. An open steel a new landmark, our expert structural trellis for the exterior ape habitat engineers approach every challenge complements the building architecture. with fresh eyes and an open mind. A waffle slab roof system was created for the interior habitat, allowing tremendous flexibility in column and wall placement to accommodate the unique programming needs.
19 National September 11 The National September 11 Memorial - is located beneath the plaza and and Museum honors the victims of provides lateral resistance to seismic Memorial and Museum, the terrorist attacks at the World impact and resists lateral pressures New York, USA Trade Center on September 11, 2001 from the surrounding earth. Structural and February 26, 1993. The Memorial support was required for many unique features two 200 ft x 200 ft reflecting exhibits, including the “Survivor’s pools, located in the footprint of the Stair” and the “Last Column.” original Twin Towers, with 30-foot- The exposed 60-foot-high original high concrete walls capable of Slurry Wall, which held back the withstanding blast loads. waters of the Hudson River and The structural system - comprising withstood enormous lateral pressures four-foot-thick concrete shear walls, after the collapse, stands as the blast walls and steel-supported western boundary of the Museum. concrete slabs and cast-in-place slabs
Bench Office, Vancouver © Perkins + Will 20 The Isabel Bader Center Structural design challenges The performance hall is central within associated with delivering this the building, structurally independent for the Performing magnificent performing arts centre, of the remainder of the building, and Arts, Kingston, Ontario, at Queen’s University, on the shores has thick concrete walls and a thick Canada of Lake Ontario, related to the need concrete roof. We designed a structure to incorporate and restore two with long span steel trusses with historically-important 19th century a suspended, acoustically-treated, buildings; and the need to achieve precast concrete ceiling. The attic acoustical separation of the main space was used for theater operations, performance hall from the remainder such as control booths and rigging of the building. equipment. As such, each of the long span steel trusses required unique geometry.
21 Victoria Memorial We maintained the integrity of the By specifying relatively small enlarged Museum Building, heritage building that is the Victoria footings to support the frame, we Memorial Museum of Nature, and mitigated the significant settlement Ottawa, Canada developed a sustainable approach to that was affecting the four-story, renovating, expanding and seismically double-basement building due to its upgrading it, by designing a relatively foundation in the early 20th century lightweight distributed structural on clay and sand layers. skeleton adjacent to the inside faces of We phased the project to allow the the existing exterior walls. museum to remain open during construction.
22 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
Education
Our teams strive to create stimulating, collaborative and safe learning environments that foster the critical thinkers of the future. Our projects span the entire education sector, from nurseries, primary and secondary schools to colleges and some of the country’s most prestigious universities.
We deliver well-designed buildings shaped by a profound understanding of the educational requirements of each establishment. Our teams draw on local and global expertise to support schools, universities, local authorities and government bodies in meeting the high standards demanded by today’s students while responding to the challenges of increasing budgetary constraints, the ever-growing reliance on technology, new expectations from students, security needs and the impacts of climate change.
Structures to enable every Meeting unique challenges kind of learning We work closely with education sector Whether our involvement is in a new clients to meet the unique challenges building or a modernization of existing of individual institutions. When facilities, we work closely with clients to Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois, develop flexible learning environments was looking to build an Information adapted to the increasing thirst for Commons on the compact campus’ only knowledge and the rapidly evolving remaining space along Lake Michigan, needs of the 21st century. Above all, we their chief concerns were maximizing are committed to delivering solutions views while not increasing energy costs. which support academic aspirations WSP’s structural engineers developed and help educational institutions attract the thinnest profiled structure possible, and retain students and staff, while to be visually exposed and integrated contributing to the wider community. into the building’s energy concept. Post-tensioned girders and custom precast floor planks create the barrel vault framing system, and a radiant heating and cooling system is embedded in the structure.
23 Singapore University of As the university’s east coast campus We opted for a largely precast and will be built in phases and linked prestressed concrete construction, Technology and Design to an underground train station, we with steel for the column-free developed a flexible structure for its auditorium roof, and steel truss for interconnected buildings, optimized the link-bridge structure between for buildability. Proximity to Changi the buildings. A post-tensioned Airport means the buildings are low- beam supports the sports hall roof. rise, so space on site is at a premium. Top-down construction of the station The tennis court sits on the roof of the link will prevent excessive ground sports hall, for instance. movement affecting adjacent buildings.
Bench Office, Vancouver © Perkins + Will 24 ©Gollings Photography
Geoff Handbury Science To achieve the sinuous long span The façade and concrete link bridges curves and clean exposed slab soffit of are supported by complex steel and Technology Hub, constant thickness that characterizes framing hung from the roof supports, Melbourne Grammar the school’s Geoff Handbury Science and we carried out detailed 3D School, Australia and Technology Hub, we selected geometrical analysis to determine BubbleDeck slab system. the most efficient profile of the stair Manufactured offsite, this is elements for the curved internal essentially a ‘sandwich’ of air-filled steel staircases. balls and a thin concrete layer, considerably lighter in weight than conventional flat plate slab design, and environmentally-efficient due to its reduced carbon content.
25 Science Gallery, Housed within a Grade II* listed existing building, and complied with building, in a prime Central London stringent planning restrictions. Kings College, location, this innovative gallery and London, UK Contiguous piling within the existing teaching space is the outcome of our basement maximized all available imaginative collaboration with LTS space to create a sunken theater. Architects to unlock the full potential At ground level, columns and floor of a tightly-constrained site. slabs were removed using a large By using co-ordinated 3D models and steel transfer structure. The resulting point cloud surveys, we developed a continuous volumes of space can be design that elegantly accommodated opened up for events, or closed off the limited structural capacity of the for teaching.
26 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
Government
Our structural engineers understand the unique challenges involved in public sector development and use our in-depth knowledge of local social, political and economic conditions to deliver incredible future-ready projects that meet local needs.
Expertise for every public Architect of the Capitol, Department building of Defense, Bureau of Oversees Buildings Operations, Federal Bureau We have designed, evaluated, and of Investigation, National Institutes of restored public buildings of every age Health, and Centers for Disease Control and function including civic buildings and Prevention, amongst others. In the like libraries, museums, and art galleries; UK this includes the NHS, Department social infrastructure like schools, of Education, Ministry of Defence, hospitals, courthouses, and prisons; as Ministry of Justice, Network Rail, HS2, well as other government buildings such Crossrail and RNLI. as parliaments, embassies, military bases and town halls. Comprehensive, innovative, We enjoy long-term relationships cost-effective solutions with many national and federal In our government work we focus on government agencies, as well as county meeting the needs of all stakeholders councils, state and local governments throughout the entire life-cycle of a around the world. In the USA, we project. We deliver comprehensive, have significant experience with the innovative and cost-effective solutions, complex requirements of agencies working closely with clients to deliver such as the NAVFAC, General better public buildings which make the Services Administration, Army most of public funds while providing the Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic best long-term outcomes for end-users. and Atmospheric Administration,
27 Ministry of Defence Like many government buildings, and replaced the cellular offices with the Grade I listed headquarters of open-plan offices, environmentally Building, London, UK the Ministry of Defence was fitted controlled by active chilled beams. out with a multitude of small offices On completion, the building could accessed from long internal corridors. accommodate 3,200 staff, about 600 Briefed to increase the capacity of this more than previously. 10-story, mid-20th century building, Roofing over the internal courtyards we worked with HOK architects on a to provide additional useable space multi-disciplinary transformation that was a key challenge as the substantial eliminated around 5km of corridors security glazing was supported on the existing structure.
Bench Office, Vancouver © Perkins + Will 28 The Crystal, Its past was built on iron ore mining, To meet the challenge of its height and but its future will be sustainably- shape, the outer ring of this energy- Kiruna Town Hall, focused – this is because the project efficient circular building was built Sweden to move the entire town of Kiruna first, followed by a 46m-wide, 9m-high away from underground mine works truss, resting on cast stairwells and is providing the community with an steel columns. Our services included opportunity to do things differently. geotechnics and ground engineering in We worked with Danish architecture this challenging Arctic setting. firm, Henning Larsen, on the design of the ‘Crystal’ - a new city hall for the town’s new location.
29 ©Lohan Anderson
FBI Headquarters, Focusing on structural efficiency and The connections for the composite site security led to the extensive use steel floor framing were designed to Chicago, USA of composite construction in this resist both tension and shear, thereby building for the US General Services preventing progressive collapse in the Administration. case of localized damage. Progressive The 10-story office tower’s concrete- collapse provisions were met at a filled steel tube columns provide nominal cost increase over standard significant resistance to blast hazards. office construction. The typical office floors consist of lightweight concrete on metal deck, supported by structural steel beams with spans up to 42 feet.
30 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
Healthcare
Our aim is always to deliver the optimum structure to provide effective workspaces for clinicians and the best environment for patients, using the most cost-efficient approach.
Whether the facility is an exclusive private clinic or a large general hospital, a state-of-the-art cancer center or a high-tech medical research facility, new-build, extension or refurbishment, we adapt our approach depending on client priorities and operational requirements. These might range from meeting the strict vibration criteria for the floors of operating theaters to specifying materials for easy maintenance, or from ensuring adequate floor loadings for heavy diagnostic equipment to integrating the dense walls required for radiotherapy bunkers.
Designing with flexibility Supporting redevelopment We design with flexibility to adapt and refurbishment to future technological advances, to By far the greatest challenge is to deliver reconfigure clinical areas for other a new structure while working in a live uses or to enable the practicalities and congested hospital environment. We of moving around huge pieces of have done just this at the Great Ormond technical equipment such as CT Street Hospital in London, where we scanners and X-Ray machines. This are part of the extensive redevelopment includes ensuring that the structure program to refurbish and replace ageing can support both the hospital’s facilities, construct new structures immediate and future requirements. for clinical care above and adjacent to operational wards and treatment rooms, all without interrupting patient care.
31 ©David Barbour
Alder Hey Children’s The vision for Alder Hey Children’s To achieve affordability and efficiency, Hospital in Liverpool, UK, was we designed an innovative building- Hospital, Liverpool, UK uniquely inspired by the children envelope using more than 1,250 themselves resulting in a calming precast concrete sandwich panels on and happy environment that doesn’t the building’s perimeter to distribute feel like a hospital and enhances the loads to the foundations, removing children’s healing. the need for conventional columns. The design of the panels themselves also cut cladding requirements, while the vast majority of components were manufactured offsite, reducing build time and boosting energy efficiency.
32 ©Matthew Carbone, Photographer LLC
Cleveland Clinic, Frank Gehry’s extraordinary The irregular elevation of the clinic’s Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center north façade meant accurate detailing Las Vegas, USA for Brain Health in Las Vegas, USA, of the steelwork was crucial, while is an architectural masterpiece. design of the curved trellis had to Supplemented only by two internal factor in large lateral seismic and steel ‘tree’ columns, the unique wind forces. Virtually every steel structure is largely self-supporting, connection had to be individually making possible the column-free designed and fabricated. BIM was vital atrium inside. to the design process, allowing our team to accommodate the project’s complex geometry.
33 Albury Wodonga We reduced on-site construction and its thin, flat, structure provided activity at busy Albury Base Hospital, more space to integrate services into Regional Cancer Centre, and the overall build time of its new the building. New South Wales, cancer care and treatment center, The radiotherapy bunkers, with wall Australia by specifying a voided biaxial slab and ceiling thickness of up to 2.4m that removed the need for formwork deep, were designed as a semi precast and reduced the quantity of concrete system to reduce on-site formwork required. and propping. Use of this lightweight voided concrete slab made it possible to shape the angular floor plate offsite in the factory,
34 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
Heritage Buildings
Working on historically-significant buildings and monuments, or new structures in heritage landscapes, presents unique design challenges. Every project of this type is different.
Our geotechnical and structural We conduct detailed structural expertise is backed by the knowledge evaluations that help our clients make and reach of a global network informed decisions on restoration of colleagues who can advise on or renovation, and when a strategy virtually every aspect of restoration has been determined, we design or conservation. From international, sensitively. We can incorporate safety, national and regional planning policy, health and sustainable solutions to regulatory compliance and unobtrusively into historic structures, stakeholder liaison. for example, retrofitted seismic systems In our structural design work we or infrastructure for water recycling, deploy emerging technologies, such passive heating and cooling. as augmented reality, with more If expansion of heritage buildings is established techniques such as required, we design with regard for Geographical Information System (GIS) aesthetic and cultural fit. We work survey, laser scanning and 3D modelling. with clients to determine how a new development will sit within its built and natural environment surroundings.
35 Centre Block, Ottawa, Renovating the historic building that Amongst the options we are houses Canada’s Senate, House of considering is seismic isolation, a Canada Commons and Library of Parliament, technique that physically decouples and transforming it into a setting a structure from the ground to suitable for 21st century government, minimize the needs for changes to the means introducing up-to-date superstructure. We are using advanced materials and technologies without non-linear finite-element analysis to adversely affecting its heritage fabric. assess the seismic performance of the Our work on the project includes building to enable us to assess this, determining the most appropriate and other options, for the upgrade. method of upgrading the building’s resilience to earthquakes, in a way that fully respects its quintessential architectural features.
Bench Office, Vancouver © Perkins + Will 36 ©Make Architects
Harrods Entrance Hall, At this famous London department To create cantilevered platforms for store, we worked with Make the new escalators, which were now London, UK Architects to open up the entire lower swapped round to open the ground ground retail space and transform a floor area, we embedded a new steel drab escalator hall into the impressive stanchion in the wall from basement Grand Entrance Hall. to second floor supported by new We had to remove the plated composite piled foundations, and designed in spreader beam that supported substantial composite structural deck six stories of shop floor above by to resist torsion and deflections. strengthening the foundation with 18 pali radice mini bearing piles into the base structure.
37 Quebec National A unique façade, featuring statues of extensive temporary and permanent key figures in Quebec’s history, defines support structures. As a result, when Assembly, Canada the frontage of the province’s National we monitored blasting vibrations Assembly building. This meant that transmitted to the building, we designing the excavation for two detected neither damage nor separate underground expansions, deformations. inside and outside the façade wall and Visitors now enter via the connected by tunnels, was particularly underground reception pavilion and challenging. walk under the historic walls to access The historic masonry walls were built the main building. The 300m spiral on poor quality surface rock with ramp into the central assembly area is swelling potential, so we designed day-lit by a central oculus.
38 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
High Rise
For more than a century, WSP has helped shape the skylines of cities throughout the world. We are leaders in the design of tall buildings, pioneering the trend to build taller and slimmer in order to optimize valuable real estate in our dense urban environments.
Our expertise makes it possible for architects to push the boundaries of their aesthetic visions and for our clients to realize their goals. Buildings engineered by our teams are elegant, perform throughout their lifetime, and make a positive contribution to our cities’ economies, society and the environment.
Building higher, building Delivering technical slimmer excellence A new generation of landmark mega- Our structural engineers deliver world- towers and super-slender buildings class design skills which we integrate are appearing throughout the world. with local detailed design delivery and Each project is bespoke and the relationship management. Our teams are challenges associated with great height, equipped with the most sophisticated such as preparing for seismic events design tools and constantly explore and mitigating the effects of wind new ways to design and build using turbulence, are considerable. innovative materials and advanced Our technical expertise and decades methods of construction. of experience enable towers that are We offer industry-leading experience pushing the boundaries of height and in counteracting the impact of wind on slenderness. Through our innovative tall buildings, ensuring the stability of design approach and use of materials very tall buildings even in high-seismic we ensure that the form and function of zones. We deliver robust buildings that our mega-towers are perfectly adapted protect against disproportionate collapse to the different needs of the people who in the event of localized damage and are use them. able to withstand the effects of extreme Our designs for tall, slender towers help events. Our global experts continue to developers make the most of limited develop new construction techniques real estate in urban areas and capitalize to streamline building construction and on small and constricted sites to create minimize costs. highly desirable residences with magnificent views and high market values.
39 One Avenue (Gangxia This super high-rise commercial and load, while the lateral resistant system residential tower is a defining feature of the tower consists of two levels Redevelopment Project), of the Gangxia Redevelopment Project. of outriggers and belt trusses placed Shenzhen, China The building tapers as it rises to its together with set-back small shear full height of 378m, curving gracefully wall core at upper stories. In the upper inward, which means the structural third of the building, only diagonal system is particularly complex. floors were placed, and empty floor Vertical steel tubes filled with sides were covered with a long span concrete perimeter columns are tied façade structure. with steel perimeter beams to resist circumference forces from the vertical
Bench Office, Vancouver © Perkins + Will 40 Liquid tuned mass damper tanks
Central core
Outrigger walls
Mega columns
Boundary precast walls
Bored piles socketed into ECBF sandstone
The Pacifica, Auckland, This 178m tall, 57-story tower in around plant levels for optimal downtown Auckland, features a structural stiffness as well as New Zealand structurally smart and efficient system accessibility during construction. for vertical and lateral load resistance. The post-tensioned flat plate floors are The lateral stability system consists of economical and fast to build with the a central core which engages perimeter flat soffit favorably accommodating columns by using outrigger walls to various fit-outs. The tower columns effectively maximize efficiency in were carefully planned and withstanding wind and earthquake. coordinated to achieve an efficient The outrigger walls are strategically layout without any costly column located within apartment partitions transfers throughout the building and planned with staggered openings height.
41 One World Trade Center, One World Trade Center, the third The core narrows as it rises to the top tallest building in the world when and acts as the building’s primary New York, USA it was completed, is the new icon of support resisting gravity and lateral the New York skyline and a landmark loads. The core, which is made of the like no other. The building is a hybrid strongest concrete ever poured in concrete and steel structure with a New York at 14,000 psi, houses life- redundant moment frame around safety systems and egress including the tower perimeter and column-free two interlinked access stairs and a interior spaces surrounding a massive, dedicated first responders’ stair, a robust concrete core. feature that is now standard in the New York City building code.
42 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
Hospitality
We have long championed success in the hospitality industry, helping clients stand out from the crowd with unparalleled comfort, convenience and quality.
Expertise for every project Engineering greater value WSP knows hospitality. Over the past With a sensitive design approach 30 years, our experts have delivered and unrivalled engineering ability, countless projects worldwide, gaining our structural engineering teams are in-depth experience in every part of the perfectly placed to facilitate excellence global industry, from heritage hotels to in this competitive field. We work vast entertainment complexes, and from with leading hotel brands, signature budget-conscious facilities to luxury architects, property developers and beach resorts. management companies to create exceptional, sustainable and cost- effective buildings that generate value for their owners far into the future. But, above all, we know it is the guests who matter most. Whether we’re designing a top-floor swimming pool for an iconic urban high-rise like One57 in New York, or devising structural solutions to stiffen slender towers and minimize building sway, our sights remain firmly on the end user. Because that’s how to create places they’ll never want to leave.
43 Courtesy of Emaar Properties
The Royal Atlantis, Working in a shared Revit model, Bored cast-in-place concrete piles, up Palm Jumeirah, Dubai with colleagues around the world to 40m long, are placed under the main and collaborative partners, we are the cores; the six main towers of cores and structural designers of this luxury tower columns with post tensioned hotel, its distinctive appearance floor slabs. The cantilever blocks are derived from sky bridges and steel framed composite slabs hanging cantilevered blocks of hotel rooms. from the main tower structures. The Built on reclaimed land, the rock layer towers are connected by sky bridges lies 10 - 15m below grade. supported off composite plate girders. The main lobby and central bridge are 50m long-span steel structures.
Bench Office, Vancouver © Perkins + Will 44 ©RSH+P Architects
The Berkeley Hotel, Creating a quiet environment with Visually expressed steelwork includes unimpeded views of Hyde Park for K-braced stability frames on either side London, UK a new extension of The Berkeley of the building. Hotel in London’s Mayfair demanded To reduce noise and vibration engineering solutions to minimize the throughout the building, we specified effect of nearby underground train vibration isolation bearings for the lines and maximize column-free space. 10-story super-structure, and box- Our innovative solution is visually in-box construction for the four- spectacular. Floors are suspended level basement which also involved from the roof on perimeter hangers, underpinning a 50 year old diaphragm removing the need for columns within wall and adopting a top-down the ground floor hospitality spaces. sequence to limit ground movements.
45 ©dbox_courtesy_SPI
30 Park Place, The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences The structural solution encompassed is an 82-story, 706,000-square-foot a concrete core and shear walls New York, USA building located at 30 Park Place. At supplemented by outriggers and 925-feet tall and a slenderness ratio of peripheral belt trusses. Multiple 1:11, the building is characterized by occupancies dictated column sequential corner set-backs. The project repositioning, achieved by story-tall houses a four-star hotel (lower 22 transfer beams, and one-to-three- floors), and 157 luxury condominiums. story walking columns without impact to usable space. The size of structural elements was minimized by using 14,000-psi concrete. Typical residential floors are 8,500-square-foot column-free spaces.
46 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
Railway Stations
In a world that never stops, we design stations to serve passengers and transport providers efficiently and stylishly.
We meet challenges that are typical of station design – long spans, underground construction and high loads - while developing structures that are visually exciting, suitable for rapid construction, and cost-effective to maintain.
Our station structures are open, Digital design airy places where way-finding is As the interface of stations with straightforward. We locate supports underground utilities and train lines, away from high flows and sight lines and surrounding structures such as so that people move smoothly through roads, bridges, car parks and commercial what are often complex transport buildings, can be very complex, we use interchanges. advanced digital techniques to design Making safe and efficient movement seamless solutions. our design priority, we think through Using BIM modelling we detect how passengers enter or leave buildings, and eliminate clashes and improve move between connecting services, or buildability. To reduce disruption to change from one mode of transport to travellers and transport providers, we another. often design structures that can be Where over-site development is planned, built in offsite modules as part of an we integrate supports and construction optimized construction sequence. worksites into the design. Where Advances in digital design techniques commercial and retail outlets are part of mean we can develop and test the strategy, we design spaces to attract increasingly ambitious structures by customers and encourage them to linger. trying out alternatives and making modifications within a model. This not only leads to more interesting structures, it allows us to identify ways to reduce costs and improve buildability. Visualization techniques are hugely helpful to our clients because they can effectively ‘see’ our proposals before they are built. This helps them to work with us to achieve their goals. It also aids collaboration with other partners on projects.
47 ©Grimshaw
Stations for HS2, UK For HS2, the new high-speed railway Old Oak Common Station, west of between London and Birmingham, we London, will have six high-speed are designing stations that are visually sub-surface platforms and eight exciting and highly practical. conventional surface platforms. Curzon Street Station, Birmingham, A carefully planned top-down will be a column-free space beneath construction sequence will enable a long-span diagrid roof, with glazed an efficient and rapid build with rooflights and timber internal minimal temporary works. cladding. Its wide, straight walkways will simplify way-finding, its huge windows will frame a view of the city, and it will be fully integrated with conventional rail services and the tram network.
48 Citybanan, Stockholm, Incorporating complex structural The BIM model was essential to design into a comprehensive BIM establishing our approach, and Sweden model proved an essential key to our defining collaboration between success in developing multi-level, disciplines. It helped optimize a Citybanan on the new Stockholm construction sequence carried out to Cityline. a tight timescale, beneath busy city Situated 40m below street level, the streets, and reduce impact on the day- four-track, double platform station to-day operation of the station while interconnects with existing metro work was in progress. stations via a number of intermediary floors. Access to the streets above is via several new entrances.
49 ©John Gollings Photography
Southern Cross Station, Our design for this busy transport We worked collaboratively with interchange features rail overbuild. Grimshaw Architects to design the Melbourne, Australia The two towers at 664 Collins Street elegant large-span wave-form roof and 699 Bourke street, completed in over the adjacent station concourse 2018, sit in valuable airspace directly - completed in 2007, and now a city above the western platforms. To landmark. The roof shape assists maximize the number of office levels passive extraction of diesel fumes and of above the existing service deck, we other air contaminants via a louvred designed buildings with lightweight natural ventilation system. steel-composite floors, and we planned construction to enable continuous operation of the station with minimal disruption.
50 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
Residential
The residential sector is rapidly changing. Demographic and social trends are causing household sizes to shrink. In many large cities, there is shortage of available land for building residential space while the pressures of urbanization and population surge are causing a rise in demand.
Creating thriving Solutions to modern neighborhoods and challenges successful developments While urban living is on the rise, many WSP’s experience in the residential still prefer customizable homes that sector ranges from single-family homes feel unique. We work with our clients to the planning of entire neighborhoods. to structure buildings with flexible We help developers, home builders, layouts, allowing residents to lay out government and municipal authorities, their living spaces as they wish. For and property managers deliver the 56 Leonard project in New York, successful and profitable residential our engineers supported the vision for developments. Our experience a building comprised of stacked homes encompasses private housing and in the sky where no two floorplates apartments, social housing, student are alike. Cantilevers as large as 25 accommodations, high-rise luxury feet support staggered balconies, residences and urban communities. and walking columns transfer loads throughout the structure. There We focus our efforts on providing are no dividing shear walls at the structural designs that improve quality residential levels. of life for communities and individuals while delivering value to our clients through a good return on investment and brand recognition, and increasing the appeal of towns and cities through creation of thriving neighborhoods.
51 111 West 57th Street, 111 West 57th Street is pushing WSP engineers achieved the building slenderness to previously necessary strength with two shear New York, USA impossible levels. Standing 1,400 feet walls running the height of the east tall, the tower has a slenderness ratio and west elevations. The others are of just 1:24. The building’s height and completely clear, allowing unimpeded extreme slenderness require a stiff and vistas of Central Park to the north and strong structure to endure wind and midtown and downtown Manhattan seismic forces. to the south. A tuned mass damper at the top of the building limits building sway.
Bench Office, Vancouver © Perkins + Will 52 Newfoundland, In response to the challenge of The geometry of the building required designing a landmark residential us to restrain ‘kicking forces’ created London, UK tower on a tightly-constrained site at the building’s corners, by using a directly above a busy underground composite floor system of steel beams rail line, we designed an innovative and precast concrete slabs with an in building with a slender concrete-core situ concrete topping. and steel diagrid frame. The diagrid structure, together with a thick basement raft, transfers load over the railway tunnels and provides stability. Large diameter bored piles form the foundations of the building extending 50m deep.
53 ©Probuild
Aurora Melbourne Strategically positioned above A tower column layout coordinated Melbourne Central Station, Aurora is with the podium car-parking avoids Central, Melbourne, Melbourne CBD’s tallest residential costly column transfers, while Australia apartment tower, and is being built by contributing to a speedy build. Tier-1 Australian contractor Probuild. Our close collaboration with the The lateral stability system consists of geotechnical engineer and rail a central core and perimeter columns authority resulted in the use of coupled together by outrigger walls cost-effective shallow pad footing at plant levels to permit maximum foundations, instead of bored-piers. flexibility on apartment floors. This is a unique outcome for a 92-story high-rise tower in Melbourne above an underground train station.
54 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
Retail
Designing flexibility into the structure of retail space is one of the ways we work with our retail sector clients to accommodate what can be rapid and continuous change. We make space adaptable for owners and tenants. This helps them counter the online challenge to traditional shopping centers and town center stores.
With flexible space, retailers can offer the novel experiences that will attract, maintain and increase footfall, while at the same time use their bricks and mortar presence to bolster their own online commerce. Flexible design makes rapid change possible.
We have broad-ranging international experience in the retail sector.
Destination retail Creative design, We design new builds and speedy build refurbishments, single stores and We design creatively. We know our shopping centers, chains of stores and clients are looking for structural designs entire retail-led urban regeneration that will excite and entice shoppers – schemes. and keep them coming back. Our structural design capability Speed is often of the essence, so we is backed by the strengths of our most often design structures that multidisciplinary colleagues in lend themselves to fast construction disciplines such transport strategy, programmes. Modular construction and building services engineering. options, quick to build on site, frequently We offer an end-to-end service. have a role to play. Yet we are also adept For many of our clients, we design at redeveloping existing retail sites, developments that combine shopping including heritage sites, where more with dining and entertainment. On traditional techniques may be more these projects, we focus on the entire appropriate. destination experience, aware that In all instances, we use digital design spaces such as attractive seating areas, techniques, to derive maximum benefit food plazas, exhibition and show areas, from the available space. are important elements of the setting.
55 Haitang Bay Parametric design techniques were the entrance was wind-tunnel tested used to generate the butterfly-shaped to ensure its resilience to the seasonal International Shopping structural design that characterizes typhoons that are prevalent in the area. Center, Sanya, China the Haitang Bay retail mall in Sanya, We designed the overall steel structure a resort town in China’s southern of the building, including schematic Hainan province. design, design development, and A curvaceous structural mesh is review of the construction drawings anchored to a concrete structural frame for the China International Travel beneath, and the 60m arch spanning Services Group.
Bench Office, Vancouver © Perkins + Will 56 Melbourne Central, Famous for its historic tower The two larger screens are in timber- preserved in a glass dome, the clad boxes, now a well-known Melbourne, Australia Melbourne Central shopping and landmark on the corner of Melbourne entertainment complex has presented Central. We strengthened the us with unusual design challenges substructure beneath the boxes, which during our ongoing work with comprised largely the metal deck roof GPT Group to develop its facilities. of a busy food court, by using the Amongst the most notable is our existing walls as trusses while trading design for its nine-screen cinema. continued below. Seven of the screens sit under Melbourne Central was ranked 1.8m-deep post tensioned transfer number one in the 2019 Shopping beams built above the roof of the Centre News Big Guns list for existing building to create sufficient turnover per square meter. volumes beneath.
57 Courtesy of Majid Al Futtaim Properties
Mall of Egypt, As it features Egypt’s first indoor ski careful attention to structural slope and snow-park, developing a detailing and loadings. The long Cairo, Egypt structural design for this retail mall, span roof of the snow-park had to family entertainment and leisure accommodate loadings from the ski complex, presented some unusual lifts and thermal movement. challenges. We specified the use of readily available We had to take into account variable materials and construction techniques performing ground conditions and that were familiar to the local seismic activity, and since the Cairo workforce, to enhance buildability. area is renowned for high seasonal winds and temperatures, we paid
58 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
Science & Technology
Bridging the worlds of science and research with the facilities needed to perform this important work is the mandate of our science and technology practice. As the world leader in the design and engineering of specialty laboratories, we have developed unsurpassed expertise in creating specialized and unique facilities needed by government, academia and the private sector for research, testing and evaluation at the highest levels.
Expertise for every lab Integrated design for Over the past several decades, our team specialized spaces has had a hand in developing some Our structural engineers have become of the world’s most complex research experts through extensive training and environments. Many of these facilities considerable interaction with end- remain benchmarks within their class. users in order to fully understand how We have pioneered and integrated many a building needs to function before advanced engineering concepts and developing initial concepts. Further, technologies that are currently utilized our close coordination with our in- successfully in facilities around the house laboratory planners and experts globe. in MEP engineering give us increased Whether a facility is focused on capability to meet the specialized needs sophisticated research and development of science and technology facilities or manufacturing; biocontainment or from a structural standpoint. From lab bio-research; clean rooms or robotics, planning and detailing to containment we pride ourselves on the delivery of barrier design, our teams are able to sophisticated, cost-effective structural provide industry-leading solutions. solutions aligned to client requirements.
59 ©Michel Rémon and Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv University For this elegant building by Michel location, we modelled the structure Remon, we have designed a fin-shaped in 3D to check its viability in extreme Nanoscience and structure. The steel exoskeleton will climatic conditions. Nanotechnology Center, shade the interior while making For the sensitive microscopes inside Israel an iconic architectural statement. the building, which will need to We designed invisible connections be isolated from vibrations, we to maintain its sleek and stylish have designed foundations that are appearance. essentially massive concrete pedestals As high wind loads and hot sun are in the shape of ‘mastaba’ - rectangular characteristic of Tel Aviv’s coastal flat-topped structures with inward- sloping sides.
Bench Office, Vancouver © Perkins + Will 60 ©James Brittain
Lazaridis Quantum We used the steel honeycomb Glass fibre reinforcing elements were structure that gives this building used in the floor structures to prevent Nano Centre (LQNC), its unique visual identity to meet electromagnetic interference, with University of Waterloo, the essential requirement of expansion joints to isolate areas of Ontario, Canada preventing vibration transmission high vibration. Concrete waffle slabs to the laboratory areas. We did this adjacent to the laboratories provide by hanging floors from the roof to strength and stability to the structure transfer the load to interior bays. and are also effective in mitigating Generous cantilevers and transfer low-frequency vibrations. structures throughout the building provide open spaces within, including a column-free lecture hall.
61 Courtesy of HOK
LG Science Park, Seoul, Successfully designing the largest Our specialists in floor vibration corporate research campus in the limitations, blast containment, South Korea world, for construction at speed, chemical resistivity, radioactivity and to the highest quality, meant and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) working closely with HOK to containment worked on designing develop standardized layouts, flexible the laboratory space, much of which structural grids, and simplified details. is modular and flexible. The scheme We delivered floorspace for 25,000 was delivered as a BIM integrated employees, in 26 buildings that were model that facilitated rapid real-time less than 58m high to meet a planning international collaboration. constraint, by designing basements three-stories deep and interconnected by a sunken garden.
62 Engineering Global Structures / Sectors
Sports & Stadia
Sports events are special and the buildings where they happen should be inspiring, comfortable and reliable structures designed to give spectators and players alike outstanding experiences.
WSP has been a proud player in global sports development for over four decades, helping clients enrich communities and electrify audiences with striking and sustainable venues. Our record covers everything from national stadia to school swimming pools, multipurpose arenas to specialist facilities, in a portfolio spanning the world.
World-class experiences Flexibility and innovation Our structural experts create sports We are experts in creating integrated, facilities that deliver every time, mixed-use spaces that combine whether we’re enhancing views of commercial viability with stunning the pitch, using specialist lighting to structures. Using cutting-edge impress the crowds or engineering technology and imagination we retractable roofs that let play continue find ways around even the toughest whatever the weather. We know how engineering challenges. We also have to respect the heritage of much-loved a track record in innovative and cost- buildings, while keeping them relevant; effective adaption of existing facilities, how to create world-class facilities for because sports venues must keep up schoolchildren and professional athletes with a changing world. alike; and how to minimize disruption during construction – making sure these crucial spaces stay in play for those who need them most.
63 ©Shai Gil
Pan AM/ Parapan Designing removable columns to After the games, the temporary support snow loads on the roof of stand was removed and the columns Am Aquatics Center, a temporary spectator stand at the re-installed as part of a permanent Toronto, Canada Pan American Games in Toronto outer wall. established a long-term future for the Devising this ingenious solution aquatics center building. meant calculating the exact deflection During the games in summer when of the roof under different conditions there was no snow, the columns were and designing connections between removed to provide uninterrupted column and truss to allow for the sightlines for spectators, a permanent correct deflection gap. row of tubular steel V-columns taking over the load.
Bench Office, Vancouver © Perkins + Will 64 ©Rafael Gamo
Arthur Ashe Stadium Following years of bad weather the largest long roof on a tennis Roof, New York, USA wreaking havoc on the US Open’s stadium with minimal impact on the schedule, the United States Tennis existing structure. The solution was a Association, USTA, announced plans 520 ft (~160m) long span roof with 250 to put a roof on the stadium as part of ft (75m) retractable panels hovering a $500 million renovation. 150 ft (45m) above the court that Over the years many schemes were doesn’t actually touch the stadium. The proposed by firms around the globe to roof is covered with PTFE membrane. no avail until our structural engineers Opening and closing the roof structure working closely with the architect takes less than nine minutes. proposed an elegant way to construct
65 Riverside Stand for Many of the structural challenges and ground floor slab, resist impact in designing the new 9,000 seat from ships, and support the main roof Fulham Football Club, grandstand at Craven Cottage, home structure. London, UK of London’s Fulham FC, related to the We worked closely with the architect constraints of a site hemmed in by the and other engineering disciplines to River Thames, the field of play, and two integrate structure and services, which existing stands. maximized both the useable floor area, We designed an efficient structure that and head height in the spaces. utilized various elements for multiple We also worked with tendering purposes: For example the river wall constructors to help develop their piles form the basement, create the new construction methodologies to allow river wall, support the river walk construction whilst maintaining operation of the stadium.
66 Engineering Global Structures / Services
Blast Engineering
Protecting communities and structures against the unthinkable is important to us all. While attacks don’t happen every day, it’s important to ensure that people can live and work in safety and our buildings and infrastructures are able to withstand a bomb blast scenario.
At WSP, we provide specialist structural analysis services for all aspects of structural design. We are members of the Register of Security Engineers and Specialists (RSES) and our diverse team can advise on many areas of advanced engineering.
From high-rise and super slender buildings to bridges, shopping centers, arenas, stadia or airports, our blast engineering experts can help you ensure your structures are designed to withstand a potential threat whilst remaining financially viable and attractive to end users.
Blast assessment and Disproportionate collapse consequence analysis and column removal analysis We can assess the impact of an explosion Our experts can assess the ability of a on an existing or new structure and structure to withstand extreme events the surrounding environment, and such as fire, explosions, impact or the recommend protective measures to be consequences of human error without integrated into the design. being damaged to an extent considered By simulating the detonation of a device disproportionate to the original cause. in a cityscape, we can analyse the effect By undertaking extensive nonlinear of the resulting blast wave on the modelling, we can determine the structural elements of buildings such additional forces and deflections that as columns, beams, slabs and glazing. would ensue if the structure was We can also estimate injuries to people subjected to a variety of column removal located in areas affected by the event scenarios. This enables us to identify and collaborate with architects and local key enhanced areas and incorporate consultants to integrate any mitigation appropriate measures within the overall measures. structural design to deliver robust buildings.
67 Building response Building response was assessed using methods such as evaluation of global detailed finite element dynamic non- building stability, structural member linear analysis. This methodology adequacy and realistic structural offers a series of tangible advantages connection forces. compared to less sophisticated analysis
Detailed connection Detailed Connection Modelling when be resisted when a key structural assessing risk of disproportionate member, such as a column, is removed modelling collapse is of critical importance. from the structural framing following WSP analysed a realistic connection an incident. build-up to evaluate extra forces to
68 Engineering Global Structures / Services
Building Enclosures & Façade Engineering
As our depth of knowledge of building science has evolved, so has the industry’s view of building enclosures and facades. Cladding and roofs are now seen as climate moderators, with the ability to improve comfort conditions for occupants. As such, they need to form part of a building’s larger overall strategic functions while enabling architectural and structural vision.
WSP’s experts draw on extensive expertise and integrated design principles to deliver facades that ensure the desired image, constructability, durability, comfort, safety and energy- efficiency. Our facades, building enclosures, building scientists and structural engineers work in harmony to deliver successful solutions.
Aesthetics and They need to resist wind, perform performance acoustically, carry their own load, be compatible with the supporting As architects push the limits of structure and provide blast resistance creativity and implement a diverse array where required. Additionally, facades of geometrical features in their designs, play an important role in controlling facades’ intricate forms are becoming fire and smoke spread between floors or increasingly complex. Our teams have compartments. rich experience with complex facade systems for low-rise, high-rise and Expertise for every façade super-tall buildings, allowing us to provide the best possible advice to Our expertise ranges from curtain wall developers and architects. design and consulting, including in high seismic areas or for high loads, such as Combined with roofing and other typhoons; to facade energy modeling building enclosure systems and during the design phase; to facade amounting for around 25% of overall engineering and optimization; and much construction cost, the facade is a more. This experience is across a very critical interface to overall building wide array of system types. performance and success. As such, facade systems comprise a series of On every facade project, experts at WSP interdependent requirements: they must balance factors such as cost, physical be weather-tight, control light entering durability and aesthetics to deliver the building while maximizing natural economically viable solutions. daylighting, and minimize heat losses in winter and gains in the summer.
69 Courtesy of International Spy Museum
Courtesy of International Spy Museum
International Spy The International Spy Museum’s examination of the HVAC system’s structure plays off the idea of interaction with the glass veil, as Museum, Washington, items hidden in plain sight with a well as review of the air and water DC, USA monumental veil glazing system tightness and cladding systems for tied to a louvered facade system. aesthetic quality and durability. Our building enclosure design and consulting service included
Bench Office, Vancouver © Perkins + Will 70 Engineering Global Structures / Services
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
As pressure rises for building design teams to deliver increasingly advanced structures in highly compressed timeframes, building information modelling (BIM) provides vital tools needed to deliver consistent and coordinated information throughout the building life cycle.
Adding value at every technologically advanced engineering project phase documentation in the industry. Our experience is unparalleled, as WSP was Using Building Information Modelling instrumental in the beta testing of Revit enables us to make more informed prior to its introduction to the market. decisions at an earlier point in the design process. Project construction planning Our BIM team is a highly dedicated and posts become more predictable, group of professionals who understand and management, maintenance and the responsibility of our design and operations more streamlined, resulting the impact both the model and its in significant economic advantages for documentation have in the success of our clients. WSP has invested heavily in our projects. our ability to produce some of the most
71 Polish History Museum, On the Polish History Museum project and a “Common Data Environment” in Warsaw, BIM played a significant platform enabled seamless and Warsaw, Poland role in facilitating interdisciplinary quick communication between our coordination, due to the complexity geometric and analytic models. of the project. Parametric scripts
Slussen Bus Terminal, On Stockholm’s Slussen Bus Terminal, models replacing measured drawings. WSP’s extensive BIM experience plays Reinforcement is delivered only as 3D Stockholm, Sweden a crucial role. The detailed design is models, and the workers use tablets to being delivered almost completely place the reinforcement. in the form of BIM models with 3D
©LINK arkitektur
72 Engineering Global Structures / Services
Computational Design
Harnessing the power of computers to produce multiple design options swiftly, and without the need for laborious manual reworking, is what computational design - is all about.
We have been using computational design techniques extensively on many of our projects, and we are constantly improving our cutting-edge knowledge in this specialist field.
Design takes time to develop. Ideas form and take shape, then over time designs are honed and adjusted in response to design team feedback. Computational design speeds and assists in this process by allowing us to adapt designs as quickly as decisions are made.
Fast becoming well-established in the architectural and structural design industry, computational design makes it possible to develop exciting, imaginative structures because in capable design hands, the software enables a degree of experimentation.
Creativity Form finding is typically used when designing large and long span By optimising structural efficiency using structures, such as bridges and combinations of computational design roofs, though it can be used in many programmes such as Grasshopper, applications, and at any scale, in fact Rhino and Revit, our teams can respond wherever there is space to explore. quickly to produce multiple variants of a design for the project team to By using computers to generate review. Automation of laborious design geometries and by manipulating tasks also allows teams to focus on parameters to adjust designs at speed, true engineering. This results in better we can open up amazing possibilities. budget control. It makes the design process rapidly responsive to the requirements of When physical space constraints are the project. relaxed or removed we can use form finding tools to generate structural Skills base forms that minimize the use of materials by using their form to resist forces to We offer wide-ranging computational which they are subjected, and are in design services. Our specialists are fully many cases naturally beautiful by virtue conversant in programming languages of their structural purity. such as VB, VB. Net, C##. Python and rhino Python, Rhino script, Grasshopper, Dynamo and SAP2000 API.
73 Gangxia Tower, Shenzhen, China
Using parametric design, our team explored various building forms and grid layouts to understand how columns could be placed in the structure to inform the façade design, whilst ensuring maximum efficiency and stability, and minimal impact on the architectural concept.
Neville Bonner Bridge, We used parametric modelling to configuration for optimal heights perform various sensitivity studies and angles, cable and mast sizes and Queen’s Wharf, to optimize the structural efficiency arrangements, and the mid-river pier Brisbane, Australia of the bridge, considering variables location. such as the free-formed ribbon
Bench Office, Vancouver © Perkins + Will 74 Engineering Global Structures / Services
Geotechnical & Ground Engineering
Good geotechnical and ground engineering is intrinsic to successful structures. Our highly-knowledgeable and globally-experienced team delivers outstanding outcomes, sometimes in very difficult terrain.
We work in every sector. Our projects include tunnel and underground structures, conventional and long-span bridges, transit, rail, energy, marine, and offshore facilities, mines, airports and water projects, and all types of buildings.
Our geological investigations and foundation designs are recognized by clients and peers alike for analytical rigour and innovation, and we have won many awards.
Resilient buildings and Commercial insight infrastructure The development, management and With more than 600 geotechnical sale of land is governed by a variety of and ground engineering specialists legislative and regulatory frameworks in our global team, we can marshal around the world. It is a business that appropriately-skilled designers to involves risks, and potentially significant identify and implement resilient, liability, for stakeholders. innovative, cost-effective solutions. We offer specialist advice across the We offer the full range of services full range of geotechnical and ground traditionally associated with related issues that might affect property geotechnical and ground engineering: developers, and the owners of property subsurface and geological investigations; or infrastructure. This includes the all aspects of shallow and deep assessment of particular hazards such as foundation design; rock engineering; contaminated land, and the management groundwater studies and analysis; of associated risks. earthquake engineering; vibration, We provide the necessary geotechnical security and blasting analysis, for and ground engineering input to take example. a project from feasibility, through But our key differentiator is the range of to investigation, design, tender, services we offer that support decision- construction and completion. making strategies for resilient buildings and infrastructure, particularly in multi-hazard environments: seismic hazard assessment and risk mitigation, performance based design, and reconnaissance and response to extreme events, for example.
75 One Za’abeel, The substructure of One Za’abeel the intersecting elevated highway. comprises a seven-level basement Piled foundations were subject to Dubai constructed to create a safe work large compression, lateral and tension environment for the basement loading supporting the tall tower and construction and limit movement of 70m cantilevered link.
Eurasia Tunnel, This 13.2m diameter double-deck road seismic loads from a significant tunnel descends below the Bosphorus earthquake considered in the project Istanbul, Turkey to about 100m below sea level. criteria as a major hazard in one of the most seismically actively regions WSP’s design included two innovative in the world. flexible seismic joints to withstand
Courtesy of Ahmet Bayri, from Yapi Merkezi
76 Engineering Global Structures / Services
Peer Reviews
Assuring the integrity and safety of a project through peer review is a critical step in most major projects. We provide peer review for schemes all over the world, and for all types of buildings.
We know that our service is highly valued by clients. Our keen attention to methodology and processes, and establishing focused deliverables, means we develop a review that is tailored to meet the needs and schedule of their projects.
We examine what needs to be examined, thoroughly, and with an experienced eye, which often results in cost savings for the client.
Our process Success stories The technical, statutory and regulatory We have a track record that speaks for requirements relating to structures itself, having completed many hundreds around the world change continuously. of peer review projects worldwide. Large We not only keep pace, we aim to city hospitals, office and residential stay one step ahead, scanning for new towers, and entertainment complexes national or international rules that may feature in our list of success stories. affect our clients’ projects. Some of the projects we’ve peer reviewed But peer review is essentially pragmatic. are very well-known. They include: There is clear process to follow, and we The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur; adhere to the patterns of peer review McCormick Place West in Chicago; and familiar in our industry. All our findings the three towers of the Doosan Haeundae are fully recorded and documented, Zenith project in Busan, Korea. as would be expected, and we work Because we are well-known for designing as closely as possible with the Project tall towers, we also regularly peer review Owner and Engineer of Record to tall tower projects. explain our findings in pursuit of the best possible project outcomes.
77 Lakhta Tower, For our client, Samsung, we carried tapering design of this 480m out a structural design review and tall office tower that will become St. Petersburg, Russia made recommendations that have been a new landmark in Russia’s second incorporated into the twisting and largest city.
Wanda Vista Tower, Chicago, USA
With its crystalline form, inspired by nature, this structure is unlike any other on the Chicago skyline – the shape tessellates across all 101 stories. As peer reviewers, we suggested a number of ideas to reduce costs and improve constructability.
78 Engineering Global Structures / Services
Performance Based Design
To create resilient cities, we need to ensure the stability of new and older structures in challenging seismic conditions.
Understanding Pioneering Performance performance during Based Design seismic events When Torre Mayor, at the time the tallest Using the latest technologies in building in Mexico City at 57 stories, was structural design, WSP’s seismic experts proposed, the 8.1-magnitude earthquake have pioneered the use of Performance of 1985 was still fresh in the community’s Based Design for new buildings, such as mind. Local soil conditions already make super tall and slender structures, in high high-rise design in the area a challenge, seismic areas where design codes do not but local fear of another earthquake made exist or extend to the client’s vision of the review process and permitting of this the structure. structure even more challenging. This approach not only helps us to Our team used extensive data from the better understand a structure’s actual 1985 earthquake, and latest technologies performance during moderate and in structural analysis to design the extreme seismic events and their structure, departing from a code aftershocks results, but also results in prescriptive approach and focusing on improved space layout, construction the structural performance based on the cost savings, and ensures the viability of credible seismic risk - in effect pioneering a long-term investment in the building what is today called Performance Based with immediate or quick return to Design. By having a better understanding functionality after an event. of the structural behaviour during a seismic event, our team devised an efficient structural system including supplemental energy dissipation devices to ensure it could withstand future earthquakes. Many years later, this is a building that people attempt to run into - rather than out of - during earthquakes because they know it’s the safest around.
79 Hanking Center, Shenzhen, China
Using the latest Performance Based Design approaches, we designed this 350m tall office building to resist enormous typhoon wind loads and seismic loads. The design required extensive analyses to convince the building authorities that the challenging vision of the architect could be successfully achieved.
©Morphosis
Cuarzo Reforma, Our Performance Based Design for is based on friction dampers to control the 42-story mixed-use tower Cuarzo seismic forces, and an efficient lateral Mexico City, Mexico Reforma proved highly resilient to a resisting structural system. major earthquake in 2017. The design
80 Engineering Global Structures / Services
Site Specific Seismic Hazard & Risk Assessment
Site Specific seismic hazard studies are used to assess and mitigate risks on buildings, infrastructure and their foundations. These studies estimate the probability of possible earthquake and soil amplifications impacting on a structure, and enable us to optimize resources and mitigate risk by reducing any potential structural damage.
Our multidisciplinary team uses a that respond to potential damage, rigorous analytical and quality assurance downtime and serious injuries from approach to identify regional historic multiple individual hazards as well seismic events, the tectonic setting as their interconnected and cascading with potential active faults and how effects. By combining our expertise earthquake waves propagate from them, and use of SPEED with emergency and the subsurface geometry and soil and preparedness communications and rock conditions to more accurately and action plans, we help communities evaluate the dynamic demands. They function and bounce forward after can then identify design flaws that an extreme event in a safe, fast and may not be detected under traditional inclusive framework. codes procedures, and take corrective WSP’s world-renowned experts measures to create a more resilient, include specialized geotechnical, higher performing structure, which foundation, structural, and seismic risk in some instances - can result in cost engineers who understand the effects savings. of extreme events and have taken part To aid decision makers in multi-hazard in reconnaissance efforts for important engineering decisions we developed a earthquakes and other extreme events support platform called SPEED (Support with the Geotechnical Extreme Decision Platform for EnginEering Events Reconnaissance Association, Decisions). Using advanced 4D the Earthquake Engineering Research visualization, GIS mapping technologies Institute, and the Applied Technology and real-time data or simulations, Council. SPEED produces alternative approaches
81 Performance Evaluation Using WSP’s SPEED tool, we assessed tool provided feedback enabling the state and seismic vulnerabilities efficient design and planning criteria and Asset Management of these facilities, while developing to enable the owners to resume for Critical Facilities, resiliency guidelines to mitigate business operations quickly should an New York City, USA or incrementally reduce risks. The earthquake occur.
Rebuild and After the 2016 Mw7.8 Muisne Our SPEED experts also developed earthquake, WSP created urban a resiliency roadmap with multi- preparedness, Ecuador resilience strategies for planning, hazard and economic considerations, testing, and constructing critical supporting efforts for seismic/tsunami facilities and infrastructure. early warning systems and overall mitigation plans.
82 Engineering Global Structures / Services
Steel Detailing
WSP has a highly experienced in-house team of detailing experts with decades of real-world experience producing 3D structural models from the design to fabrication level. Our team is one of the most experienced Tekla Structures users, dating back to our role as one of the first US-based users of the program. Our experience with producing 3D Tekla models for steel fabricators and erectors enhance the estimation, procurement, manufacturing and erection process while facilitating inter-trade coordination.
Benefits of early modeling other trades, create complex connections in the model and review erectibility Traditionally, steel detailers work for of the steel at an early stage. The fully steel fabricators to create 3D Tekla connected production level model models, input connections and produce can later be handed over to the steel fabrication-level shop and erection fabricator to immediately begin drawings. For over a decade, our production of steel shop drawings. modeling team used their experience in the steel industry to show the benefits Staying ahead of schedule of modeling during the design stage, working to produce 3D structural The Nationals Ball Park, already a fast models as a deliverable for engineers, track project, was completed a year ahead architects and general contractors. of schedule thanks in part to WSP’s steel detailing expertise. Our model helped the Pushing traditional modeling and team complete the design and maintain detailing roles upstream prior to a tight budget. Precast seats, lighting choosing a steel fabricator can provide platforms and architectural features were real savings to owners and general coordinated in the model. contractors. WSP can identify potential framing problems, coordinate with
83 Hearst Tower, New York, USA
The Hearst Building required precise coordination to integrate the diagrid framework with the exterior framing.
WSP used Tekla Structures to check the clearance, layout of the slab anchors and the connection of 600 brackets. The 3D model was shared on-site to help solve the building’s complex challenges.
425 Park Avenue Fins, New York City, USA
Our team produced the fully connected structural model for this project that sits atop the new 425 Park Avenue building.
WSP coordinated the placement of the cladding supports as well as the Building Maintenance Unit in this roof top structure. Rebar, studs and anchor bolt placement were coordinated at the base of the fins where this structure is embedded in the concrete at the roof.
This project requires all steel to be galvanized so our detailing team also provided proper galvanizing vent holes in the framing prior to the fabricator receiving the model.
84 Engineering Global Structures / Services
Structural Fire Design
Structural fire design integrates defined fire protection objectives into the design from the outset. This allows creative life safety and property loss solutions to be employed appropriate to the circumstances of the project without the need to follow sometimes costly, outdated and inapplicable prescriptive requirements in building codes. Our structural fire experts focus on defining objectives suited to a building’s purpose.
Structural fire design – also known as fire safety engineering - is a useful and practical approach to achieving necessary levels of fire safety and complying with fire safety engineering standards, frameworks, guidance, and regulations.
For the innovative, complex, multi-use developments that we are increasingly designing in our towns and cities today, this approach is often the most viable way to specify fire protection. It also meets the requirements of all stakeholders, including the building’s owners and users, while ensuring the structural fire performance is acceptable under the expected range of fire scenarios.
Economy and efficiency Architectural integrity There are two generic approaches to By adopting the performance based design for fire safety: the prescriptive approach, we can deliver more robust rules and performance based fire design. buildings because the advanced The prescriptive rules are considered techniques involved provide us with adequate for minimum life-safety a deeper understanding of how the requirements. Although easy to use, building functions. they can be uneconomic in practice, It enables us to develop fire safety within restrictive, and do not provide an the structural design while meeting understanding of how buildings actually architectural requirements, so the behave in a fire. It is not possible building’s appearance is unaffected by to assess the actual levels of safety the safety measures it incorporates. embedded within the prescriptive rules. The performance based fire design approach takes into account the actual behavior of the structure during a fire, so it allows us to increase safety levels within the structural design. We can specify more targeted and economical fire safety measures, in lieu of more expensive and less effective measures contained in prescriptive building codes.
85 22 Bishopsgate, We adopted a performance based fire as London’s tallest tower, it will engineering approach to our design accommodate around 12,000 people, London, UK for this ‘vertical village’ in the City working for up to 100 companies. of London. Second only to The Shard
Temperature distribution in the steelwork under one of the fire scenarios
©©Riverfilm Riverfilm Martin Richardson
86 Engineering Global Structures / Services
Structural Vibration Analysis
Vibration from both within and outside a structure can be highly problematic, with the potential to damage structural integrity and break fixtures and fittings, as well as affect the work and sleep of building occupants.
We offer a service to pinpoint the potential for vibration within any structural design. We deliver incisive insights by bringing together state-of-the-art analytical techniques, with the data resources and consultancy experience we have acquired over many years.
The outcome is a structural vibration analysis that is essential to the design process, and indispensable in assuring compliance with the various building codes that are applicable in different countries around the world.
Early consideration Tools and techniques The more complex the structure, the We use a variety of techniques ranging more difficult it becomes to predict the from modal superposition analyses in impact of vibrations accurately and both time and frequency domains to develop effective mitigation. sophisticated nonlinear dynamic time This makes early analysis advisable history analysis. Depending on the because by considering acceptable levels complexity, these can be delivered with of vibration at the outset, it is easier to simple spreadsheet tools or sophisticated avoid problems that can be difficult and state-of-the-art finite element and costly to rectify later. Vibrations are finite difference programs. Most of the usually managed most effectively techniques used have been validated at source. against on-site measurements, often within the research projects we have With complexities such as unusual sponsored in this area. geometries, longer spans, and light- weight materials increasingly prevalent in structural design, vibration analysis is critical to the early stages of many projects. Location can also be a governing factor. In cities, for example, structures are particularly susceptible to vibration from external sources such as road, railways and underground tunnels.
87 University Hospital of On the University Hospital of North element analyses approaches to help in Staffordshire - a premier purpose built the siting of sensitive equipment such North Staffordshire, UK medical facility – we created a response as MRI machines. map by using state-of-the-art finite
Research with We have commissioned ground ground borne noise propagation from breaking research at Cambridge underground railways. This will result Cambridge University, University to better understand in better tools to assess whether a UK the impact of the form and mass of building needs to be base isolated the building on the propensity for or not.
88 Engineering Global Structures / Services
Timber Engineering Design
Timber is an increasingly popular design material, particularly engineered products such as nail-laminated timber (NLT), glue-laminated timber (GLT), or cross- laminated timber (CLT) with its two-way spanning capability.
With building codes in many countries changing to accommodate timber construction, our timber engineering design service helps clients consider timber for their projects and make informed decisions.
The ‘offsite’ buildability Design advantages of benefit using timber The suitability of CLT for offsite New types of engineered timber that manufacturing is one of its chief are stronger and more stable than advantages. Offsite prefabrication of conventional timber enable us to design CLT floors and wall panels results in and build bigger, higher, and in more faster construction on site because varied configurations. Computerized the use of materials such as concrete, prefabrication techniques permit mortar, and plaster is eliminated. more complicated designs, and factory Since prefabrication happens in a production means enhanced quality factory, activities on site are also quieter. control and assurance. This is particularly beneficial in urban Using the latest structural design areas where development sites are technologies, we advise clients on new often in densely populated locations approaches to shrinkage, deflection, and construction noise is unpopular, or and acoustical properties, as well as fire possibly even restricted within certain rating issues, that overcome traditional hours. limitations on use of timber. Where site access is constrained, for With its low embodied carbon profile, example by busy roads in cities or lack and research suggesting it contributes of roads in remote areas, prefabricated to the health and wellbeing of building panels offer a viable and economic users, the trend towards using alternative to construction methods that timber products in highly-innovative involve more intensive on site activity. architecture looks set to continue. Panels are relatively lightweight and cost-effective to transport, and can be easier to lift, reducing the need for cranage.
89 Moholt 50/50, Trondheim, Norway
By using CLT for load-bearing structures in the nine-story high towers of this student village, we halved embodied carbon in the building materials, and reduced CO2 emissions associated with energy use by approximately 50-60%, compared with non-timber framed buildings of a similar size.
Credit Valley Hospital, Warm and welcoming, the timber wellbeing. Natural light illuminates structure of this addition to the the lobby area to create an interplay Mississauga, Ontario, hospital in Mississauga, Ontario, of light and shadow reminiscent of Canada is designed to promote health and a tree-lined courtyard.
90 Engineering Global Structures / Services
Value Engineering
Contrary to popular belief, value engineering is not about looking for compromise - quite the reverse. Our value engineering service is wholly uncompromising. We evaluate projects rigorously to seek out opportunities to increase efficiency. In doing so, we most often improve structural integrity and reduce project risks.
Simply stated, we save money for our clients, while at the same time honing the constructability of the projects under review.
Our process Regular outcomes Typically our value engineering When alternative structural concepts structural service will comprise a are financially attractive and meet the detailed review of the structural project’s goals without compromise, we drawings, project structural design suggest them for the consideration of criteria, and soils report; a brief review the project engineer. Very often, value of the structural design calculations engineering proposals prove popular prepared by the structural engineer, because they are based on ideas that where appropriate; and a brief review improve constructability. of the architectural and mechanical, We assist the design team to evaluate the electrical and plumbing drawings as advantages and disadvantages of various they relate to the structural system. structural alternatives, including the cost The review process enables us to identify efficiencies that may be possible. opportunities to create more value Value engineering is about optimizing within the existing design framework. solutions with a project’s defined goals Next, we develop supplemental in mind, reducing client risk, improving analysis and floor framing models for building efficiencies, and keeping within comparison with the current structural established budgets and programs. designs. This allows us to consider creating greater value by doing some things differently, while remaining true to the project’s defined goals.
91 Jumeirah Gate, By conducting rigorous pile load achieve savings of approximately 50% testing, we value engineered the of the piling costs estimated at tender Dubai foundation design of this 300m high stage by reducing the pile lengths. mixed-use development in Dubai, to
©Emaar Properties
92 About Us
WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering professional services consulting firms. We are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower. We are technical experts and strategic advisors including engineers, technicians, scientists, architects, planners, surveyors and environmental specialists, as well as other design, program and construction management professionals. We design lasting solutions in the Property & Buildings, Transportation & Infrastructure, Environment, Industry, Resources (including Mining and Oil & Gas) and Energy sectors, as well as offering project and program delivery and advisory services. With approximately 48,000 talented people, we engineer projects that will help societies grow for lifetimes to come.
93 Get in touch
Global Structures Leader Kevin Winward [email protected]
Africa Middle East John Truter Brian Hillesdon [email protected] [email protected]
Australia New Zealand Adam Read Peter O’Leary [email protected] [email protected]
Canada Nordics Gareth Newlands Jakob Levander [email protected] [email protected]
Central Europe Singapore Steven Robin Kok Liang Tey [email protected] [email protected]
China UK Henry Huang Jane Richards [email protected] [email protected]
Hong Kong USA - Chicago George Chan Robert Halvorson [email protected] [email protected]
Latin America USA – New York Rodolfo Valles Ahmad Rahimian [email protected] [email protected]
wsp.com
94