Architectural Coordination Services (ACS)

Felten Group was recently awarded another ACS contract with a large production builder in Phoenix. For those builders that have downsized or terminated their internal ACS staff, Felten group offers full ACS on an outsourced basis. These builders pay only for the hours they need rather than carrying full-time staff. Further, because of our large, [...]

Out In Front

We all know just how powerful marketing can be. You have to stay in front of your audience to get their attention and keep it. Successful companies put their best foot forward during difficult economic times and increase their marketing budget because they know it can be their best asset. Attracting clientele can always be [...]

Value Engineering Updates

Prescriptive wall bracing in 2009 IRC still leads to fewer holdowns than engineered shear walls. Wood sleepers for basements can be eliminated by alternative basement wall design. 5-inch P.T. slabs continue to beat conventional footing and stem on coast, cycle time and performance.

Value Engineering

The market downturn has offered our industry the opportunity and created the desire to pursue all possible cost savings. To this end, value engineering has proven to be an effective tool. We have redesigned and re-engineered many products for many builders. One of our value engineering studies have yielded a cost savings for concrete and [...]

2009 Code Update – R602.10 Wall Bracing

The wood frame wall bracing provisions have been entirely rewritten to provide technical accuracy and clarity. Some of the highlights are: New Method labels, LIB, DWB, WSP, SFB BG, etc… Distinction between “intermittent” and “continuous” methods No more % of wall length calculations Braced wall line spacing up to 60 feet Cumulative 12.5 foot end [...]

Guardrails

Local jurisdictions have started to enforce the code required 200 lb concentrated load for guardrails. Be aware that some existing guardrail systems do not meet this load requirement. Felten Group has developed a sophisticated calculation procedure and performed some full-scale load testing to validate some guardrail systems. Contact us for more information.

Structural Engineer Magazine

BEST FIRMS TO WORK FOR 2008 The official survey results are in and posted in the October edition of Structural Engineer Magazine. Felten Group is honored to say that we placed 19th overall in a nationwide survey of the top engineering firms to work for and we were the only firm listed in the Top [...]