Structural Engineering REVOLUTIONIZED Through Adaptive Reuse

Key Concepts:

• Adaptive Reuse: Renovating existing buildings for new purposes.
• Sustainable Urban Development: Reinvesting in existing urban areas.
• Collaboration: Working closely with architects, contractors, and owners.
• Problem-Solving: Finding creative solutions to unique structural challenges.
• Risk Category: Classification of buildings based on occupancy and potential hazards.
• Four-way Flat Slab: A concrete slab with reinforcement in four directions.
• Structural Terracotta Tile: A type of clay tile used for structural support in older buildings.

1. Adaptive Reuse and its Significance

• Adaptive reuse involves revitalizing existing buildings, often historical ones, for new uses. For example, transforming a 1910 industrial facility into office or residential space in 2025.
• Kansas City is a leading US city for adaptive reuse projects, which reshape neighborhoods and reduce carbon footprints.
• Adaptive reuse is a smart and sustainable solution for urban development, allowing for the transformation of iconic buildings without starting from scratch.
• These structures have withstood "wars [and] recessions" and offer character not found in new construction.
• By not demolishing these structures, the carbon footprint is reduced. Many of these structures have natural light and ventilation, which is great for reducing the carbon footprint.

2. Erin Rosenthal's Journey and PMA Engineering's Culture

• Erin Rosenthal's career path is unique: from intern to president and owner of PMA Engineering.
• She started as an intern, cold-calling structural engineering firms in Kansas City.
• PMA Engineering values interns and new graduates, providing them with opportunities to touch every type of project and material.
• The firm emphasizes a family culture and mentorship, with a focus on helping engineers grow both technically and in communication skills.
• PMA Engineering encourages teamwork and collaboration, ensuring no engineer is working in isolation.
• "Lead by example is a big part of it."
• "We're here to be to work together as a team we don't want any engineer on an island we're working together to solve problems together whether it's my project or not my project I'm here to help you so that we can all succeed."

3. Kansas City as an AEC Hub

• Kansas City is a powerhouse for the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry, with over 1,200 firms.
• It is number one for sports architecture and infrastructure worldwide, bringing an international focus to the city.
• The AEC community in Kansas City is close-knit, with organizations like Casey Global Design fostering networking and collaboration.
• The Society of Women Engineers chapter in Kansas City educates young women about opportunities in engineering.

4. PMA Engineering's Approach to Mentoring

• PMA Engineering emphasizes leading by example and values interns and new graduates.
• New engineers are exposed to various projects and materials, as well as meetings and job sites.
• The firm doesn't have set plans for advancement, allowing individuals to take on opportunities as they feel comfortable.
• Every new hire is paired with a mentor for guidance and support.
• Newer engineers are encouraged to work with every engineer in the office to develop soft skills and learn different approaches to problem-solving.
• "When you think you've asked too many questions ask 20 more because you can never ask too many questions."

5. Adaptive Reuse: Challenges and Solutions

• The biggest challenge in adaptive reuse is the unknown, requiring engineers to peel back layers and understand the original structure.
• Collaboration with developers, owners, contractors, and architects is crucial to understand requirements and find solutions.
• Engineers must be humble and recognize they may not have all the answers initially.
• Adaptive reuse often requires brainstorming, collaboration, and testing (e.g., concrete scanning, coupon testing, anchor pull tests).
• "Here's the problem okay here's three solutions on how to solve it as opposed to new construction you kind of just go down the path."
• "You can't just go to a code book or a textbook most of what we're finding in these buildings we never learned about in school."

6. Case Studies: Kansas City Star Building, Penway Point, and Thomas Corgan Building

• Thomas Corgan Building: A 10-story building originally used for a textile factory and post office. Challenges included a four-way flat slab floor system and the need to integrate plumbing, elevators, and stairs.
• Kansas City Star Building (Grand Place): An entire city block built in 1911 as a newspaper printing press. Challenges included ADA compliance, water damage, different types of construction (steel, reinforced concrete, structural terracotta tile), and the need to reconcile existing drawings with actual conditions.
  • An elevator shaft is out of plumb by over 2 inches from base to top.
• Penway Point: An entertainment venue consisting of five different buildings, the oldest dating back to 1908. Challenges included changing the risk category from industrial (3) to entertainment (1), increasing load requirements, and incorporating reclaimed wood and steel from demolished buildings.
• These projects showcase the privilege of working on historical renovations and identifying beautiful structures for public enjoyment.

7. Procurement Methods for Adaptive Reuse

• Having the contractor on board immediately is beneficial for adaptive reuse projects due to the many unknowns.
• PMA Engineering prefers to involve the contractor during demolition to gain intimate knowledge of the building.
• This approach helps avoid surprises and provides the owner with a more accurate understanding of the schedule and budget.
• "PMA one of our things is I want to know how the contractor thinks he can solve this problem first you know the most efficient way you know cost-effective labor schedule and then let's see if we can pull that off."

8. Advice for Structural Engineers in Adaptive Reuse

• Be prepared for the unknown and don't always go for the easy solution.
• Listen to the building, honor its structure, and work with it.
• Develop multiple solutions and collaborate with the entire team to determine the best approach for the project as a whole.
• Embrace humility and recognize that you will encounter things you don't know.
• Continuously learn and ask questions.
• "Step back and really listen to the building understand you know and honor the structure and work with it as opposed to just taking an easy way out."

9. Conclusion

Adaptive reuse presents unique challenges and opportunities for structural engineers. Success in this field requires a combination of technical expertise, collaboration, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn and adapt. By embracing these principles, structural engineers can play a vital role in preserving historical buildings and creating sustainable urban environments.