SK&A has long been at the forefront in the adoption and application of leading computer technology and applications for structural engineering design, analysis, and documentation activities. SK&A’s Information Technology operations are managed and directed by Won Roh, IT Director along with John Manzagol, IT Manager.
Advancements in structural software for Building Information Modeling (BIM) has allowed us to fully integrate this technology into our workflow. Using Autodesk’s Revit Structure since 2006, we have aggressively worked to incorporate BIM into our production efforts and to advance our use of this technology, including the use of clash detection and third party analysis and design software, enabling integration between analysis and production.
Guided by Scott Kabat, PE, Associate and Director of Building Information Modeling, SK&A has developed an extensive library of standardized and semi-standardized details for steel, concrete, precast, and timber construction and is available for use on all projects. As a proactive leader in BIM, SK&A has also incorporated the technology into pre-construction phase services to coordinate and facilitate the cost estimating and construction process leading to savings in money and time for the design-build team.
Guided by Horace Willis, Senior Associate and Justin Long, PE, RWC, REWC, BECxP, Senior Project Manager, SK&A has incorporated hygrothermal analysis capabilities for new and retrofit design, as well as building envelope commissioning projects. SK&A also provides hygrothermal modeling outputs for architects and mechanical consultants to coordinate and facilitate improving the thermal efficiency of building envelope assemblies and the design of mechanical equipment.
What is "Hygrothermal"?
The term simply means the flow of heat and moisture. As the conditioned interior spaces of buildings seek equilibrium with the exterior environment, air and moisture constantly flow through the multi-layered building envelope systems. Modeling of this dynamic interaction allows for a realistic simulation of the behavior of the building envelope walls, fenestrations, and roof materials that are exposed to weather, building occupancy, and mechanical heating/cooling conditions.
WUFI
SK&A uses WUFI® hygrothermal analysis software in order to aid in the design of building envelope systems and materials, as well as to determine the causes of failures. This type of analysis is centered on evaluating moisture accumulation, thermal efficiency, and overall hygrothermal behavior of roof and wall components and systems. WUFI® software performs dynamic heat and moisture flow calculations, taking into account wind-driven rain, exterior temperatures, the properties of building envelope materials, and exterior relative humidities. Simultaneously, WUFI® software calculates the flows of heat and moisture from interior conditions and interior human activities.
WUFI Video Files
Perhaps the most unique feature of the WUFI software is the video film files which illustrate the heat and moisture flows within wall and roof assemblies. These films are ideal for developing a real "feel" for the reactions of components under different seasons and climatic conditions or minor changes in the building envelope materials.
Using WUFI® software, SK&A is able to provide information related to:
1. Moisture Content of Materials Over Time 2. Accumulation of Moisture within Wall & Roof Assemblies 3. Condensation Potentials and Dew Points 4. Mold Growth Potential (ASHRAE Standard 160 & WUFI Bio) 5. Corrosions Potential (ASHRAE Standard 160 & WUF Corr) 6. Thermal Efficiency & Solar Heat Gain/Loss 7. Sensitivity Analysis
Data extrapolated from WUFI® provides valuable information for designers regarding the adequacy of building envelope design and performance. WUFI® results can also assist in forensic investigations of in-service buildings. The SK&A Group uses the latest version of Revitt, SketchUp and other software in support of creating WUFI® models. This allows for quick, seamless, and most importantly, accurate modeling.
Additional state-of-the-art structural engineering software is used to perform investigation, analysis and design functions. Examples of typical structural software packages used by SK&A engineers include:
SK&A engineers have a host of other smaller task-oriented software programs available to assist in specific structural element design.