Project Overview
Kipcon Engineering is a full-service structural engineering firm with over 40 years of experience. Founded by Mitch Frumkin in 1983, the firm specialises in a wide range of structural projects, including the remediation of air cool condenser support structures.
Located 35 miles outside of Las Vegas, the Apex Power Project presented a unique set of structural challenges that required advanced 3D modelling capabilities and fast, reliable software support.
The Challenge
The original structure was designed as an open steel frame, with columns sized for axial load only. Wind was never factored into the original design. However, wind moving through the structure too quickly was causing the air cool condenser to underperform significantly.
The proposed solution, installing Galebreaker Industrial wind screens around the exterior of the frame, would introduce an entirely new set of load conditions the structure was never designed to handle. Wind pressure on the screens created lateral loads and tensile cable forces on adjacent columns, putting several retrofit members into biaxial bending.
"I was looking for a program with comprehensive 3D capabilities. Now I use it extensively, and I love it."
Mitch Frumkin, President, Kipcon Engineering
How SkyCiv Helped
Fast, Professional Support
SkyCiv's support team played a key role in keeping the project on track. Mitch received responses within hours via live chat, and when he needed Chinese Steel members that weren't in the catalogue, the support team added them to the software the same day.
"SkyCiv's customer service is spectacular. I typically get a response within hours, not days like with other software."
Mitch Frumkin, President, Kipcon Engineering
Clear, Open Reporting
The open calculation reports, with full referencing to AISC standards, gave Mitch complete visibility into how the software reached its results. The filtering functionality helped him pinpoint failing members and adjust the bracing design until everything passed.
