Working on an MEP cooling tower replacement project

[MechWang]

Hello all, I am currently working on several cooling tower projects and would like to know how what is the process or what information should I provide, do I ask structural engineer to provide me a cost to review the existing structure, compare the existing and proposed cooling tower operating weight and is there codes that I can only exceed certain percentage with regards to the existing weight vs the new proposed weight. I would like to get your insight with this thank you.

 

[dik]

You need to know what the existing structure is. In addition, if you can locate drawings and specs for the original structure that would be very helpful. I'm not a big one for shopping around for prices. I know of three or four good consultants that I simply retain when I need assistance, and often recommend them to others.

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So strange to see the singularity approaching while the entire planet is rapidly turning into a hellscape. -John Coates

-Dik

 

[SAK9]

The general live loading allowance for the plant room is 5.0 kPa and 4.5 kN concentrated point load. You may find the information on your building design brief or structural drawings. If the information is not readily available a structural engineer may be able to back calculate the figure for you from the drawings. Generally most mechanical equipment impose point loads. So you can give the engineer point loads for the new tower(including water weight) and get confirmation if it is under the design limit. I would expect the allowance for variation to be around 20-25%

 

[structSU10]

As noted above existing plans for the building, and a cut sheet for the selected equipment should be enough to get a structural engineer started. They should at least be able to help determine if the roof can support the equipment as is, if there may be a better spot to locate the equipment that has less impact on the existing structure, and an idea of what the new support system could be. A field condition survey may be appropriate to ensure the structure is in sound condition adjacent to the new equipment as well.