Our work

Case Studies

Selected engagements illustrating our approach to structural analysis, seismic qualification, fracture mechanics, and independent design verification for safety-critical systems.

Industrial facility seismic assessment
Nuclear · Seismic Qualification

Seismic Analysis of Tritium Processing Equipment

Performed seismic qualification analysis for a multi-story steel frame supporting glove box equipment in a tritium separation system at a Canadian nuclear research facility. The analysis addressed NBCC-2020 seismic loads for non-structural components, including multi-mode response, torsional effects, and anchor bolt design.

NBCC-2020 AISC 370-21 CSA A23.3 ASME Sec.VIII
Scope
Seismic + structural analysis
Structure
Two-story stainless steel frame
Material
SA-240 Type 304L / SA-276 Type 304
Site Class
Class C, Sa(0.2) = 0.575g

Key contribution: Developed supplemental torsional effects analysis using both simplified accidental eccentricity (NBCC Art. 4.1.8.12) and conservative envelope approaches, demonstrating that the symmetric frame configuration maintained adequate margins under combined seismic and torsional loading.

Nuclear facility qualification testing
Nuclear · Equipment Qualification

Seismic Qualification Test Anomaly Resolution

Conducted engineering assessment for a non-conformance report arising from seismic qualification testing per IEEE Std 344-2013. The equipment exhibited response amplifications exceeding the Required Response Spectrum (RRS) at specific frequency bands during triaxial shake table testing.

IEEE 344-2013 CSA N289.3 OBE / SSE SRS Analysis
Scope
NCR engineering disposition
Test Method
Triaxial shake table (OBE + SSE)
Analysis
SRS comparison, frequency content
Outcome
Use-as-is disposition justified

Key contribution: Quantitative analysis demonstrated that while SRS exceeded RRS at narrow frequency bands, the broadband energy content and equipment functional performance remained within qualification acceptance criteria, supporting a technically justified use-as-is disposition.

FEA stress analysis
Pressure Equipment · Design Verification

Independent Design Verification of Pressure Boundary Components

Provided independent design verification for pressure-retaining components in high-temperature service, including stress classification, fatigue screening, and creep assessment. Verified compliance with ASME BPVC Section VIII Division 2 design-by-analysis methodology.

ASME VIII Div.2 Design-by-Analysis FEA Creep Assessment
Scope
Independent design verification
Method
FEA + hand calculations
Loading
Pressure, thermal, seismic
Temperature
Elevated (creep range)

Key contribution: Identified conservatism gaps in the original stress classification at geometric discontinuities, leading to revised linearization paths that more accurately captured peak stress intensities and improved fatigue life predictions.

Fatigue crack surface analysis
In-Service Assessment · Fracture Mechanics

Fitness-for-Service Assessment of Aging Piping System

Conducted fitness-for-service evaluation for an aging piping system with service-induced flaw indications detected during periodic inspection. Applied fracture mechanics methodologies to establish remaining life, set re-inspection intervals, and support continued operation decisions.

BS 7910 ASME Sec.XI API 579-1 Crack Growth
Scope
Flaw assessment + life prediction
Method
FAD + crack growth analysis
Degradation
Fatigue + corrosion interaction
Outcome
Continued operation justified

Key contribution: Established that detected indications remained within acceptable limits per Failure Assessment Diagram (FAD) Level 2A analysis, with crack growth projections supporting a 5-year re-inspection interval under current operating conditions.

Have an engineering challenge?

Tell us about your engineering challenge. We will review your inquiry and respond with an initial assessment of scope, approach, and how our judgment can strengthen your technical position.

Engage our team