Concrete podium structures have become an increasingly popular construction type for mixed-use buildings. Structural engineers are tasked with optimizing the thickness of concrete podium “transfer” slabs to provide as much floor-to-floor height as possible. In the Maryland area, post-tensioning is often utilized in podium slabs as it is popular with local contractors, structurally efficient, and an extremely effective means of minimizing the required thickness of the reinforced concrete. One challenge that results from thin podium slabs (especially those supporting 4 or more stories) is the need to resist anchoring forces at the ends of wood and light-gauge steel shear walls. Tension forces in shear wall anchors can easily surpass 100,000-pounds, and this often necessitates developing the full strength of the anchor rods embedded in the podium slab. Development of the full strength of the anchor rods requires significant length and hooks that cannot be accommodated in a thin concrete slab using conventional design calculations.
As a solution to this problem, a well-known structural connections fabricator, Simpson Strong-Tie, has developed a pre-engineered anchoring system capable of developing 120,000 psi high-strength steel rods in 10 to 14-inch-thick slabs. The “ATS Shallow Podium Anchor” system has been empirically validated by Strong-Tie at their Tye Gilb Laboratory in Stockton, California. Based on extensive destructive testing, Simpson Strong-Tie has developed and published tabulated wind and seismic design capacities for use by structural engineers. Innovations like the Shallow Podium Anchor serve as a reminder that it is critical to hire a structural engineering firm who has proven experience in optimizing structural floor thicknesses while also utilizing state-of-the-art technology to assist in satisfying prescribed building loads and other code requirements.
For more information on this anchoring technology, visit Simpson Strong-Tie’s structural engineering blog on anchor reinforcement for concrete podium slabs. https://seblog.strongtie.com/2015/06/anchor-reinforcement-for-concrete-podium-slabs/
Loading Dock & Future Exhibit Hall ‘C’ 
Bayfront Gallery Extension 
Mezzanine in new Exhibit Hall ‘C’
Construction is progressing at the Ocean City (MD) Convention Center. This is the third phase of renovations and expansions at the Convention Center upon which MC has teamed with Becker Morgan Group, Inc. The current phase consists of a loading dock expansion, extension of the Bayfront Gallery, and a brand new 30,000 sq.ft. Exhibit Hall on the north side of the building. Barton Malow has nearly completed the structural work at the loading dock and Bayfront Gallery, and steel erection is underway for the new Exhibit Hall. Be sure to check back for future updates!
Construction of the new Brightview Senior Living Community in Columbia, MD has been progressing quickly! Check out this recent drone footage courtesy of Harkins Builders, Inc.
Architect: Hord Coplan Macht, Inc.
MEP: Kibart, Inc.
To obtain a PDF or laminated hard copies of our new structural engineering reference guide, or to express interest in scheduling a future presentation, please reach out to us at [email protected].
Today we also sent out the latest edition of our company newsletter. Check the link below!
Morabito Consultants Newsletter – Company Highlights, April 2021
Built in 1925 by the retail giant, Montgomery Ward, this 8-story reinforced concrete structure is one of the most iconic Art Deco buildings in Baltimore City. Morabito Consultants (MC) served as structural and remediation engineer for the restoration of the Washington Boulevard entrance façade. MC is proud to work with our local concrete and façade restoration contractors to bring life back to these aging historic landmarks.
Client: Himmelrich Associates
Repair Contractor: CA Lindman, Inc.
This Five Star Platinum private golf club, located just minutes inland from Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, is giving their Jeffersonian-style Clubhouse a modern touch with this 4,877 square foot addition. Berkeley Hall’s new veranda expansion can function as an enclosed gathering space for events and formal dining while overlooking the golf course. Yet, by opening the folding glass walls around the perimeter, the space can be transformed into a shaded patio for lounging and relaxation. These sophisticated finishes conceal the rigid structural steel framing that supports wood roof trusses and provides the necessary stiffness for structures in this seismic hazard zone.
Architect: Peacock + Lewis Architects and Planners
MEP Engineer: Dulohery Weeks Engineers
Civil Engineer: Thomas & Hutton
While developments in BIM technology over the past couple of decades have vastly improved coordination efficiency for certain aspects of most building projects, BIM has also created some new challenges for structural engineers. As a result, regular design team communication regarding design intent, priorities, changes, and status are more critical than ever before. STRUCTURE Magazine recently published an article which takes a deeper dive into this topic and discusses multiple ways in which BIM has changed and challenged the structural engineering profession including:
-For structural engineers, BIM is not yet the fully integrated design tool that it has become for some other disciplines. BIM is not the structural design platform, or in other words the structural design process still take place outside of the BIM process and requires additional time and effort to incorporate into BIM models.
-Misperceptions about BIM’s efficiency for all design team members have led to shortened design cycles and a tendency to push design uncertainties much farther into the design process than was common in the past. BIM does very little if anything to relieve these added pressures on structural engineers.
-The BIM model is rarely the main deliverable, but structural engineers are forced to spend more and more time focused on BIM modeling rather than studying drawings and producing a complete set of construction documents. There is an increased possibility that critical details not reflected in models will be missed.
-BIM models do not always accurately reflect design status. Modeling that is very preliminary in nature and subject to change can appear to be much more finalized and prompt structural design and coordination that eventually becomes virtually useless.
-BIM models do not adequately communicate design intent, priorities, or changes. With model sharing increasing in frequency (now evolved to live models), structural engineers are often required to put significant time and effort into identifying, tracking, and reacting to changes without adequate context.
For STRUCTURE Magazine’s recent article on BIM’s impact on structural engineers and design team communication, please follow this link.
MC is proud to team with Rhett Roy Landscape Architecture, Thomas Henz, Tantillo Architecture LLC, and DSS Condo for this unique restoration project involving the repair and beautification to this 3-level parking garage including a 49,500 square foot landscaping and pool deck roof in Aventura, Florida. Morabito Consultants is serving as structural engineer of record, waterproofing remediation consultant, and special inspector. The project involves removal and reconstruction of landscaping and hardscape features, structural concrete repairs, and waterproofing replacement. Bengoa Construction began working in March 2021 and is expected to be completed in Summer 2022. Stayed tuned for future updates during construction!
With the utilization of mass timber structures on the rise, Simpson Strong-Tie has launched a line of code-approved hardware and adhesives to aid in the design, detailing, fabrication, and installation of various mass timber members and connections.
For more from Simpson Strong-Tie, including their new mass timber catalog, please visit the Strong-Tie Newsroom and Mass Timber Page in the following links.
Ground has been broken for a new high school in Jessup, Howard County, MD. MC teamed with TCA Architects, LLC and James Posey & Associates, Inc. (MEP Engineers) to design a state of the art 3-story classroom wing and a 1 story structure that includes two gymnasiums and an auditorium. Oak Contracting (GC) has begun foundation work on this 250,000 square foot structure. We are excited to see this project underway. Stay tuned for updates throughout the construction process!
