A quality structural investigation, performed by a licensed structural engineer, combined with a thorough home inspection, will ensure that your investment is sound and well made.
CES is experienced in the evaluation and design of structures built of steel, concrete, wood, and aluminum. In addition to being experienced in multiple construction materials, CES has experience with a wide range of project sizes and types. Flood defense projects, water quality, low-rise commercial, industrial, and residential are some of the sectors we service. As well as the specific discipline of structural engineering, CES also provides project management skills. CES has the ability to coordinate multiple disciplines in a united effort to provide timely services to any project.
A home is the most significant investment most people will make.
Professional licensing requires a four year, ABET accredited degree, passing two 8-hour exams, and being mentored for four-years by a licensed Professional Engineer. In addition to 4 Project Engineers, Cole Engineering employs two (2) Professionally Licensed Engineers that review and collaborate on all residential projects. One P.E. performs the reconnaissance site visit and reports, then a second P.E. reviews the observations and conclusions for coherency. Even though the fee covers the rate of one engineer, our service includes the expertise of two. Having a consultation and review by two (2), esteemed Professional Engineers on your home or other structure will give you the peace of mind that your investment is structurally sound.
If there are structural deficiencies found, a licensed structural engineer has the expertise to design and detail repairs which are compliant with the current building code. The design that the engineer produces should then be given to a licensed, bonded contractor, familiar with residential construction. Such a contractor can provide a written estimate for the construction cost. While some engineers will attempt to give ballpark numbers for this, such a practice normally results in wildly inaccurate prices which do more to create confusion rather than clarity.
Cracks in drywall or plaster finishes DO NOT necessarily indicate structural deficiencies. When cracks are found there are several pathways a homeowner can take to identify the source of the problem. If a structural assessment does not clearly identify a specific cause, CES can provide periodic monitoring. Monitoring cracks for movement can prevent homeowners from implementing cosmetic repairs that may have to be repeated.
Having an accurate estimate on the cost to repair structural deficiencies benefits both the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction. This helps ensure that a fair and equitable price to each party is negotiated. CES also specializes in the area of foundation inspection / HUD certification for manufactured homes.
CES also specializes in the area of foundation inspection / HUD certification for manufactured homes.
CES is familiar with design in Masonry, Wood, Steel, Concrete and Aluminum.
Cole Engineering Solutions has participated in the structural design of a host of projects in the one to fifteen story range. Schools, banks, condominium buildings, office buildings, fountains and greenhouses are a few examples of completed projects.
Industrial structural engineering has its own unique set of challenges and issues. We design to ASME BPV and SMACNA standards.
Industrial projects can range from small scale lifters, with unique parts, to large steel structures to support particulate cyclones or cranes. Bridges, stacks, process skids, heavy ductwork, pipe supports, bag-houses, air handling equipment, mezzanines, barge modifications, explosion panel design, rigging design, crane design, equipment foundation designs. CES is familiar with them all.
Lifters can be an integral part of many manufacturing plants. Manufactured products can be any shape or size, requiring unique solutions for transportation and manipulation of those products. CES provides solutions for load rating assessments, reinforcement for increased loads, and new designs to make sure your lifters meet your manufacturing needs.
Mezzanines serve multiple purposes, such as expansion of storage space and access to elevated equipment. CES has experience in upgrading existing, and designing new mezzanine structures. We are familiar with creating structural solutions that overcome unique equipment placement and piping locations.
Industrial and manufacturing processes often require large buildings and the operation of heavy machinery. Despite training and safety methods, accidents sometimes happen. Damaged columns are a frequent problem often solved by simple solutions that can undermine confidence in the structural integrity of a building. Allow CES to restore confidence in your structures.
Water retention can be an integral part of many industrial processes.
Many engineers are not aware that there are specific design codes required for the design of the structures in a waste water or drinking water plant. Designing the reinforced concrete tanks and structures of a drinking water or waste water plant to comply with ACI 350 is something we have been doing for years. We are well positioned to efficiently design and detail these projects. CES provides solutions.
Levee certification and re-certification involves the evaluation of an existing barrier that is used to protect property from flooding. This certification determines whether an area is inside a flood plain and may increase the levels of flood insurance coverage that a property owner must carry. CES was partially founded to fill the need for municipalities to have their levees re-certified, so that they may continue to keep lower insurance requirements for their residents and businesses.
Cole Engineering has addressed a myriad of projects which do not fall into the conventional project categories.
From bleachers, to entertainment type structures, to ornamental handrails and stairs, signs, awnings, etc., we have the ability to analyze and design a broad spectrum of projects.
The City of Cincinnati is currently requiring building owners to inspect fire escapes attached to their buildings. We are familiar with the current mandates that the City has recently published, and are effective in providing the documentation the City is looking for. As structural engineers, we are licensed professionals qualified, willing, and able to perform these investigations.
Bridges are a critical aspect of transportation infrastructure. Whether a bridge is used to access private property, span obstacles on a small country road, or on a major highway, failure of the structure is not optional. CES can provide a complete structural analysis of your existing bridges or provide designs for a new structure.
Wood decks, and decks in general, are a highly desired design element of both single family residences and apartment complexes. The materials used in deck construction can often deteriorate faster than other aspects of a structure due to constant exposure to the weather. If you have concerns about the structural integrity, CES provides complete assessments and repair designs for commercial and residential decks.
The IBC (International Building Code) requires that handrails and guardrails, and their supports must be designed for 50 pounds per lineal foot, applied in any direction at the top of the top rail, and a concentrated load of 200 pounds applied in any direction at any location along the top of the top rail. What does this mean? If a guardrail or handrail run is 50 lineal feet in length, that system must be able to withstand 2,500 pounds of force (50lbs/ft x 50 ft run = 2,500 lbs). The connections for these systems can be simple for basic building materials but become more complicated with decorative guardrails.
Handrail, guardrail and materials testing are methods used for ensuring the ability of materials to meet the standards required by various building codes. We apply forces to various points of materials and connections , and provide documentation to prove that your architectural feature will comply with the necessary building codes. Safety is a very important aspect of public facilities.
Entertainment structures, or temporary structures, for festivals and celebrations often require permitting from city or county authorities. Just because a structure is unconventional, doesn't mean we can't handle it.
Cole Engineering Solutions PE Licensure by State
Cole Engineering Solutions believes in giving to others as one of the core principles of the business. As part of that principle CES supports the following charitable organizations:
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Cole Engineering Solutions is a recognized leader in structural engineering continuing education for area realtors, realtor associations, and home inspectors. This includes topics such as foundation problems, framing issues, and also the unique challenges that occur because of the Cincinnati area's geologic conditions. We provide this service free of charge as part of your organization's continuing education requirements.
We have provided continuing education classes for:
Please contact us for more information or to schedule a class.
Located just south of Cincinnati, Ohio, CES provides Structural Engineering Services to the Greater Cincinnati area and surrounding states. We have also completed projects constructed throughout the United States, as well as China.