KHH provided structural engineering services for this highly complex project. We worked closely with Ashley McGraw Architects to make their vision a reality. Using the architect’s conceptual layout KHH developed a rational, dimensioned column grid, including the establishment of working points and radii for the many curved building elements.

The completed spaces allow students and spectators to enjoy athletic events in the Gymnasium, performances in the Auditorium, and aquatic activities in the Natatorium.

For more information about the details of this project, click here.

The cooperative work of Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt and Renua Energy for these community solar projects has been successful in the promotion of a green energy alternative. In fact, in aggregate, the solar energy produced by our team's projects over the serviceable life of the solar arrays will offset 4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide that might have been emitted from the equivalent of up to 11 fossil fuel plants in a year, or the combustion of over 450 million gallons of gasoline.

By James D'Aloisio. P.E., LEED AP

The use of closed-cell spray polyurethane foam has been expanding in recent years (pardon the pun!). It has excellent conductive thermal resistance and can be used, in some cases, as an effective air barrier. But there are limitations to its effectiveness in a building’s thermal envelope that not all practitioners realize.

1.      Cured SPF may develop cracks or bond failure over time, which can create air flow paths. This can occur when the substrate material to which the SPF is attached (usually steel or wood studs or joists) expands or shrinks due to temperature variations, and moisture variations in the case of wood members. And since SPF has very low thermal mass and does not absorb moisture, the air that exits through such fissures has the same temperature and humidity as it did when it entered, which can create high potential for condensation. Such an effect usually does not occur during construction, but over time, frequently exacerbating over several seasons.

What to do: Avoid the use of SPF on long framing elements, especially if they are subject to temperature variations.

2.      Although SPF insulation has high R-values, when applied between studs, joists, or rafters the thermal conductivity of the framing members (called “field thermal bridging”) reduces the thermal resistance, in many cases by half or more. A variant of this is when cold-formed steel wall studs extend up past the roof spandrel beam to form a parapet – See Figure 1.

What to do: Calculate the increase in U-factor for the field. Usually, some amount of continuous insulation is needed to comply with the requirements of the Energy Code.

Click here to read about more limitations and strategic options when using SPF.

We have many material and system options that we can use to create high-performance thermal envelopes and produce buildings that perform well and have minimal problems for many years. Used correctly and judiciously, SPF can be a part of such a strategy. But in many cases, incorporating continuous rigid insulation plus a separate air barrier material will produce better results. Please contact KHH to help you meet the goals of your project.