Tharpe Engineering Group provides innovative, yet practical, structural engineering solutions for a broad range of commercial, educational, hospitality, large-scale residential, adaptive reuse, and historic preservation building projects.
We deliver safe, cost-effective, and constructible designs that have been consistently tested and proven to withstand all environmental and serviceability constraints.
Structural Engineering
Design
Our firm has extensive experience in the design of new buildings and other structures utilizing structural steel, conventionally reinforced and post-tensioned concrete, masonry, cold-formed steel, light wood framing, and mass timber.
We utilize the most advanced finite element analysis and BIM software to design and detail complex structural systems. Our involvement in the design process begins with the conceptual phase, during which we evaluate options for the structural system in order to accommodate both the budget and architectural features, and continues through final construction documents.
Construction
Administration
The creative engineering process does not stop when design and construction documentation are complete. We hold a firm belief that the goal of good engineering is the application of knowledge, not simply possession of it. The construction phase is, in essence, the application of our work.
In order to facilitate a safe and effective construction phase, we remain heavily involved through the completion of the structural system. This typically involves construction observation and review of product and data submittals to ensure compliance with the construction documents and design intent.
Structural Condition
Assessment
We are particularly experienced with adaptive reuse and preservation projects, which focus on alterations and additions to existing facilities to accommodate new occupancies. Our engineers and technicians are routinely tasked with analyzing and repairing historic and antiquated structural systems. These projects require a skilled and methodical approach to evaluating existing structural systems and identifying deficiencies.
We also apply this experience during the Due Diligence phase of development. Identifying structural concerns early is a major contributor to the financial analysis of a project.
Construction
Engineering
In many cases, we are relied upon by contractors to assist with engineering of temporary and specialty structures, such as specialized shoring structures and temporary support of historic elements. It is in this realm of our practice that theory and reality collide, and our engineers must be critical thinkers in the field as well as in the office.
We have been involved with many sophisticated projects of this nature and consider this practical experience to be invaluable to our overall technical and professional development and design capabilities.
TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
Having dealt with the challenges of seismic and wind engineering for over 12 years in the area, our firm has the knowledge and experience necessary to provide our clients with safe, cost-effective, and constructible designs that will withstand all environmental constraints.
We are a learning-based firm, and each of our engineers spends 20 hours per year, on average, on continuing education and professional development. We utilize Building Information Modeling (Autodesk Revit) for 100% of our design documentation and the most current and advanced software for analysis and design. However, our steadfast goal is to provide excellent technical services by balancing the cutting-edge with pragmatic design.
