Key Projects
Ritchie Engineering has provided consulting services to clients on projects which range in size from residential additions to $20+ million institutional facilities. Ritchie Engineering's diverse staff has completed approximately 1000 projects in six different states in the east coast region.
The Grant R. Doering Center for Science and Research, Bryn Athyn College
Bryn Athyn, PA
Cost (Overall project) $22.0 Million
Structural engineering services for a three-story 39,000 square foot building, which serves as a classroom and research center for the scientific community at Bryn Athyn College. The project consists of a structural steel frame with composite steel/concrete floor construction and concrete masonry curtain walls. The exterior façade features stone veneer and substantial glazing. The roof structure consists of a concrete slab on metal deck and supports mechanical equipment screened by timber mansard trusses. The subject project is on track to achieve LEED certification. The project is currently under construction and scheduled to be completed in 2009.
Expansion, The Student Life and Admissions Center, Bryn Athyn College
Bryn Athyn, PA
Cost (Overall project) $20.0 Million
Structural engineering services for the construction of a two-story, 38,000 square foot addition to an existing classroom and administrative building at Bryn Athyn College. The subject building features exposed heavy timber roof purlins and trusses supported by a combination of steel framing and load bearing masonry piers. The project also features two entrance towers with an approximate height of 60 feet above grade, a colonnade that connects an entry tower with the main building addition and several structural brick masonry arches and brick soffits. The building incorporates unique features throughout that match existing structures on campus that were built in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The project is currently under construction and scheduled to be completed in 2009.
Dining Hall Additions and Renovations, The Academy of the New Church at Bryn Athyn College
Bryn Athyn, PA
Cost: (Overall project) $9.0 Million
Structural Engineering Services for a two-story, 20,000 SF addition to the existing three-story Dining Facility. The existing structure was built in 1904-1905. The addition consists of (2) two-story dining pavilions, with one pavilion addition on each side of the existing building. A utility tunnel was incorporated to join the pavilion additions below grade. The dining pavilion construction consists of architectural grade timber glulam trusses and rafters supported by architecturally exposed structural steel and shallow spread footings. Lateral stability is provided by two-directional steel moment frames. Extensive renovations to the original construction were also provided including removal of portions of the existing floor structure for a new atrium and removing portions of the existing limestone bearing walls. The project was completed in the summer of 2008.
Chadds Ford Elementary School, Unionville Chadds Ford School District
Kennett Square, PA
Cost: (Overall project) $9 Million
Structural Engineering Services for the renovations to and additions to Chadds Ford Elementary School. Project included 40,000 SF Gymnasium, Cafeteria and Classroom Additions and 36,000 SF of renovations. The Gymnasium and Cafeteria featured a barrel roof with exposed trussed roof structure. The project was completed in 2003.
Expansion, Country Meadows Retirement Community
Bethlehem, PA
Cost: (Overall project) $1.8 Million
Structural Engineering services for the addition of a 9,000 SF Dining Area and Building Connector. The Dining Area joins and serves two 34,000 SF existing buildings and features a clerestory. Fire rated construction was provided to separate the existing structure. Lateral stability of the clerestory is provided by a structural steel frame. The project was completed in 2004.
New Student Housing, Pennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, PA
Cost: (Overall project) $12.0 Million
Structural Engineering Services for two, four-story buildings, with a total of 130,000 SF, for new student housing at Pennsylvania College of Technology. The project consisted of two four-story masonry wall bearing structures comprised of hollow core plank floors. The curtain wall system is comprised of a combination of masonry and metal stud / EIFS. The structures are founded on shallow spread footings. The roof structures are sloped and are comprised of wood trusses. The project was completed in August 2003.
Hon Building Alterations, Pennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, PA
Cost: (Overall project) $7.5 Million
Structural Engineering Services for alterations to an existing 105,000 SF building at Pennsylvania College of Technology. The project consisted of the addition of 5,000 SF of interior mezzanine structures, removal and roof infill at existing rooftop equipment, provisions for new wall openings in existing curtain wall, and addition of new entrance structures. The project was completed in August 2003.
New Educational Facility, Central Pennsylvania College
Summerdale, PA
Cost: (Overall Project) $5.0 Million
Structural Engineering Services for the design of 55,000 SF three-story structural steel frame classroom building. The floor system is comprised of composite beams and girders. Lateral stability is provided by steel moment frames. The ground floor level has perimeter reinforced concrete retaining walls. The project was completed in 2001.
New Blend Plant, Growmark FS, Inc.
Milford, DE
Cost: (Overall Project) $6.5 Million
Structural Engineering Services for the design of a new blend plant and associated support
buildings. The blend plant/fertilizer storage building is approximately 24,000 SF and is comprised of 32 feet high concrete walls founded on shallow concrete spread footings. The concrete walls support the steel roof framing and act as separation walls between adjacent product bays. The approximate ridge height is 45 feet above the floor elevation. Coordination and design was included for owner provided conveyor systems and associated elevated catwalks. The support buildings consist of two storage buildings with an approximate combined footprint of 20,000 SF, an 18,000 SF maintenance shop (with mezzanine) and a 2,000 SF office building. The project was completed in August 2007.
McAllister Building Renovations, The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
Cost (Overall project) $11 Million
The project scope included lowering the existing ground floor elevation of the 100 year-old building by two feet. Structural engineering services were provided to assist the contractor in providing a temporary shoring scheme to support the existing four-story building while the existing brick and cast iron columns and footings were removed and replaced. Ritchie Engineering determined dead loads and construction live loads to be supported by the shoring towers and provided temporary bracing details for the exterior walls while the existing concrete slab was removed and replaced. The project was completed in spring 2005.