rebar detailing companies Archives - Paradigm

Paradigm’s Approach to Structural Analysis and Modelling of Circular Platforms

Rinshadul Haque K P — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 12:04:54 +0000

Introduction

Circular platforms are an integral part of refinery structures. They are used to support heavy equipment, pipelines, and access systems, while also ensuring safety and stability for operational needs. Preparing accurate designs and detailed drawings for such platforms requires a blend of engineering expertise and advanced modelling tools.

Project Overview

In our company, we have successfully executed many refinery projects involving circular platforms and their foundations. Each project required close coordination with process, piping, and mechanical departments to meet the complex functional requirements.

Snaps from Model and drawings

Structural Analysis and Design

The process begins with a thorough structural analysis. Circular platforms often need to carry eccentric loads from pipelines, vessels, and rotating equipment. Our engineering team carefully evaluates:

Load combinations (dead, live, equipment, wind, seismic, piping, snow, etc.).
Foundation interaction, considering soil conditions.
Dynamic effects, especially where rotating machinery is involved.

We ensure that the design complies with industry standards and project-specific guidelines. The outcome is a safe, efficient structure capable of long-term performance.

Foundations are critical for refinery platforms, especially since they support concentrated loads. Our detailing covers:

Raft and isolated footing design.
Anchor bolt layouts and embedment details.
Reinforcement schedules for concrete works.
Special detailing for vibration and heavy equipment loads.

Modelling and Detailing

Once the design is finalized, we will be converting concepts into highly detailed 3D models.

Model primary and secondary steel members with precision.
Generate detailed connections suitable for fabrication.
Prepare general drawings showing anchor bolts, pedestals, and reinforcements.
Create clash-free models by coordinating with piping and equipment layouts.

The 3D model ensures better visualization, quick revisions, and high-quality deliverables for both fabrication and erection.

Deliverables & Results

Upon completion, the following engineering outputs are generated:

Analysis and Design results
3D Model
2D general arrangement drawings
Erection and fabrication drawings
Design calculation report

Conclusion

Over the years, we have successfully completed many refinery projects involving circular platforms. Each project presented unique challenges, from congested layouts to strict safety requirements. Our combination of structural analysis, design expertise, and Tekla modelling has helped us deliver accurate, constructible, and cost-effective solutions.

By integrating advanced analysis with Tekla modelling, we provide end-to-end solutions that ensure structural safety, fabrication accuracy, and ease of construction on-site.

About Author

Rinshadul Haque K P is a Structural Engineer specializing in design, Tekla modelling, and structural drawing preparation. With hands-on involvement in various industrial projects, including power plants and refineries, the author brings a practical understanding of BIM-based workflows and detailing standards. Passionate about precision and coordination, they focus on delivering efficient, high-quality structural solutions using modern tools and technologies.

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Paradigm Leads in Structural Engineering: Proof Checking and Retrofitting of a Steel Framed Structure

Mohammed Sufail K — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 10:23:54 +0000

At Paradigm, we take pride in delivering engineering solutions that challenge conventional boundaries. One of our technically demanding and rewarding projects involved structural design of a commercial steel building while strictly adhering to the initially approved structural members given by the client. Here’s how we successfully delivered it, without replacing the initially approved structural members—only by strengthening the existing steel members and adding a few additional members.

Project Overview

Building Type: 3-Story commercial steel framed building (approx. 21,000 sq. ft.)
Scope:
- Proof Checking the Structural Calculations Provided by the Client: Evaluate the initially approved structural design calculations to ensure structural integrity and compliance with code requirements.
- Retrofitting the Steel Members Used in Original Design: Utilize the already procured steel members, avoiding changes to their specifications.
- Foundation Design: Develop a suitable foundation system tailored to the structural layout and site conditions.
Primary Challenge: Delivering a structurally sound and compliant building by retrofitting the originally approved steel members provided by the client. This required a meticulous, iterative design process focused on strengthening existing members, adding new members where necessary, and reallocating replaced members elsewhere. All adjustments had to be achieved while maintaining project timelines, working within site constraints, and ensuring cost-effectiveness for the client.

Our Solution

Strategic Design Approach

Preservation of Existing Materials: Retained all pre-ordered steel members to avoid wastage.
Design Optimization: Improved structural integrity by adding supplementary elements such as bracings, strengthening plates, secondary beams, and load-distribution components.
Smart Reallocation: Where members could not be used in their originally intended positions, they were reassigned to other suitable parts of the structure without compromising safety.
Foundation Design: Developed a foundation system compatible with the revised structural layout and site conditions.

Execution Highlights

Design Review and Assessment of Original Drawings
- Conducted a thorough review of the client’s design drawings.
- Identified multiple structural members requiring modifications to meet safety and performance standards.
- Documented and communicated failures with comments directly on drawings based on design analysis.
Client Constraint Handling
- Recognized that steel members were already purchased based on a previous design.
- Addressed client’s concerns about avoiding material wastage and procurement costs.
Strategic Redesign
- Retained all procured members without altering specifications.
- Revised the design by:
  - Maintaining the original structural arrangement.
  - Adding supplementary plates, bracings, and secondary supports for stability.
  - Reallocating members to positions where they could be safely and effectively used.
Cost-Effective Engineering
- Delivered a safe, compliant design while minimizing additional material procurement.
- Maximized the use of existing members in original or new positions.
Foundation Design
- Designed a foundation system compatible with the revised layout.
- Considered site-specific factors including soil conditions, load paths, and member placement.
Client Communication and Approval
- Presented the revised design and its advantages.
- Gained client appreciation for delivering an innovative and resource-conscious solution.

Engineering Tools & Coordination

Delivered in full compliance with American Standards.
Prepared detailed plans, cross-sections, and foundation drawings.
Coordinated closely with the construction team to ensure smooth execution.

Sample layout and documentation of the delivered output

Conclusion

This project exemplified Paradigm’s leadership in delivering innovative engineering solutions under real-world constraints. Faced with pre-approved and pre-purchased steel members, we successfully re-engineered the design without compromising safety, functionality, or cost efficiency.

Through meticulous proof checking, strategic reallocation, and supplementary strengthening, Paradigm demonstrated its ability to set new benchmarks in resource-conscious and client-focused engineering. The outcome was a client-approved design that preserved resources and showcased our commitment to structural engineering excellence and industry leadership.

About Author

Mohammed Sufail K
Structural Engineer with 8+ years of experience in reinforced concrete, structural steel, and timber design. Specializes in delivering safe, efficient designs for residential and commercial buildings. Provides strong site support—resolving RFIs, value engineering details, and troubleshooting construction issues to ensure smooth execution.

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