Weld Defect Evaluation
During construction of a new hospital, several cracked welds were observed and did not pass a required structural inspection. HEA was retained by a law firm on behalf of the contractor's insurance carrier to determine the cause and origin of the weld failures. The...
Steam Flow Failure
A large extraction steam line failed at an operating power plant forcing the plant to shut down. The plant owner retained HEA to determine whether the cause of the failure was related to faulty installation or construction. Our investigation included mechanical stress...
Steel Bridge Launch
A contractor erected a steel bridge using the launch method. The bridge owner/designer became concerned about the bridge's structural integrity during the launch, and this concern became contentious. Our team independently evaluated the bridge launch sequence,...
Roof Truss Analysis of Fall Protection Loading
Challenge: A roof analysis was requested for the atriums within a resort hotel. The purpose of the analysis was to determine the adequacy of the existing structures to resist the reaction forces imparted by a fall arrest system for personnel. Resolution: A computer...
Resort Atrium Fall Protection
Challenge: Riggers must walk along the resort atrium roof framing to provide rigging for the facility. A fall protection system is required to prevent them from impacting the ground below in the event of a fall. Resolution: Our engineering team designed a fall...
Offshore Platform Crane Replacement
Challenge: An offshore platform is replacing both of its pedestal cranes. The existing platform structure must be analyzed under the new, larger crane forces and structural modification requirements will be specified. Resolution: A computer model was used to evaluate...
Main Engine Lift Spreader Beam
Challenge: To design a lift spreader beam capable of lifting the over 400-ton weight of the main engine for a new class of ship. The engine is too heavy for one crane to lift, so a spreader beam is necessary to provide enough clearance for two cranes to lift the beam...
Main Engine Lift Spreader Beam Test
Challenge: To design a test procedure to verify that a spreader beam (also designed by HEA) is capable of lifting the over 400-ton weight of the main engine for a new class of ship. The test procedure called for twelve 35-ton water bags to be suspended from the...
Lighting Coffins
Challenge: A legendary thrash metal band wanted to illuminate their stage using coffin-shaped lighting structures for an upcoming concert tour. The lighting coffins were to be suspended above the stage by guy wires and moved via controls during the show. HEA was asked...
Academy Awards LED Wall
Challenge: Our client supplied us a design for an aluminum truss LED wall. The assembly was used for the 2009 Academy Awards outside of the Kodak Theater. Hopper Engineering was asked to provide a strength analysis and an overturning check of the structure to ensure...