Innovation

Holmes Culley is committed to using "first principles" engineering to discover solutions that push the boundaries of structural engineering. Innovation in structural engineering occurs when we adapt existing technologies for new uses. For example, the application of Fiber Reinforced Polymers to provide strength to un-reinforced masonry brick buildings, base isolating a single family home, and using structural steel as a skeleton to anchor an artists expression.

Holmes Culley are strong advocates of using Performance Based Engineering (PBE), an alternative approach to prescriptive building code approach for the seismic evaluation and rehabilitation of existing buildings (please see 'Rehabilitation'). Holmes Culley’s implementation of PBE typically involves the assembly of a comprehensive structural analysis model of the existing building, including the geometry and strength of existing elements such as beams, columns and shear walls. Holmes Culley has its own proprietary analysis software to assess the existing performance of a structure against seismic activity. The software is versatile and we can adapt it, as required, for each project.

Projects

• Base Isolation of Lightweight Structures
• Engineering of Art
• Application of Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP)