Metro Vancouver commissioned the development of a new air quality monitoring station at MacLean Park, 710 Keefer Street, Vancouver, BC. The core requirement was to elevate an “Airpointer + PM” model air quality monitor (Thermo 5030 Sharp and SO2 analyzer), weighing approximately 400 lbs, to a height of 5 meters. This specific elevation was critical for obtaining accurate air quality samples from the surrounding areas.

The project presented several unique engineering challenges that my structural design needed to address:

  • Designing a support structure for the elevated unit that also allowed for safe and convenient lowering for regular maintenance and servicing, accommodating the loads and operational requirements of a mechanical winch system.
  • Developing a slender yet stiff structural design capable of withstanding significant climatic (wind) and seismic loads while minimizing movement of the sensitive monitoring equipment.
  • Delivering a cost-effective structural solution that was non-intrusive to the public park environment and enabled rapid construction.
  • Ensuring the structural housing for the electric winch mechanism was secure and could facilitate features like tamper/vandalism resistance and internal cabling.

My Scope of Involvement & Contributions (Structural Engineering)

As the lead structural engineer on this project for Associated Engineering, I was responsible for the complete structural design and analysis to support this unique air monitoring station. My direct responsibilities and key structural contributions were:

  • Advanced Structural Engineering Design and Analysis:

    • I spearheaded the comprehensive structural engineering design and detailing of the 5-meter high steel support post, its reinforced concrete foundation, and the critical structural supports for the integrated winch system.
    • I engineered an innovative solution utilizing a large square, hollow steel section (HSS). This HSS was designed not only to securely house the mechanical lifting device and provide essential maintenance access but also to ensure exceptional structural robustness. My design achieved minimal deflections under significant wind and seismic loads, thereby enhancing the unit’s stability and operational longevity. Furthermore, the design contributed to a contemporary aesthetic appropriate for the public park setting.
    • I performed rigorous structural analyses and calculations using advanced software and prepared detailed engineering reports, ensuring full compliance with all relevant building codes and seismic standards.

  • Geotechnical Integration and Foundation Design:

    • I effectively managed the coordination of geotechnical engineering services, which were performed by an external sub-consultant (EXP). I ensured their site-specific findings and soil parameter recommendations were meticulously integrated into my foundation design and overall structural analysis.

  • Inter-disciplinary Coordination for Structural Interfaces:

    • I liaised closely with mechanical and electrical engineering teams to ensure the structural system I designed effectively accommodated and supported their equipment. This included precise load considerations for the air monitor, winch mechanism, and associated cabling, ensuring all interfaces were seamlessly integrated while maintaining the primary structure’s integrity.

  • Construction Phase Structural Support:

    • I proactively engaged in site visits and project meetings throughout the construction phase, diligently working to ensure strict adherence to my structural design specifications and upholding quality standards for all structural elements.
    • I held direct responsibility for conducting thorough structural shop drawing reviews and providing precise, timely responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) specifically related to the structural scope of work.

Deliverables Achieved (Structural Engineering)

My dedicated involvement and structural engineering expertise were instrumental in the successful realization of a safe, efficient, and durable support structure for Metro Vancouver’s air monitoring station. The key structural deliverables I provided included:

  • Comprehensive Structural Design Package: A full suite of detailed structural engineering drawings, including member sizes, connection details, and material specifications for the steel post and reinforced concrete foundation.
  • Structural Integrity Verification: Substantiated through in-depth structural analyses and calculations, and comprehensive foundation design reports, demonstrating compliance with all applicable load cases and performance criteria.
  • Structural Design Basis Memorandum (DBM): A formal document meticulously outlining the core structural design principles, governing codes, load path considerations, analytical methodologies, and critical design criteria adopted for the project.
  • Dedicated Construction Phase Support (Structural): Ensured structural project fidelity and successful execution through proactive site presence, diligent structural shop drawing reviews, and effective resolution of RFIs pertaining to the structural works.
  • (If applicable) Structural Letters of Assurance: Provided as required by the authority having jurisdiction to certify compliance of the completed structural works with the approved design and regulatory standards.