WRK provides structural engineering services for new and existing substation structures to our public and private power utility clients. We’ve developed proficiency in the new design, as well as, seismic strengthening of substation buildings and structures. WRK’s comprehensive experience includes leading design teams as the prime consultant on a multitude of seismic strengthening projects for energized facilities. Our experience gives us a unique perspective on delivering creative solutions to complex problems for the design and strengthening of substation structures.
SCE Relay Rack Seismic Assessment and Testing
Pomona, California
Performed time-history shake table testing on several relay rack configurations currently installed at various substation facilities across the SCE service territory. The objectives of the testing program were to determine the as-built seismic performance of the relay-racks along with investigation of possible retrofit options for known or discovered seismic performance deficiencies.
500kV Bus Support Testing
San Diego, California
Assisted SDG&E in the shake-table testing of 500kV bus supports to evaluate the expected performance of the bus supports retrofitted with friction spring dampers. Our scope of work included pretesting analysis to determine appropriate scaling for ground motions, 3D modeling in SAP 2000, post-testing analysis, steel fabrication procurement, and test lab procurement.
Pearl Substation Control House Addition
Wilsonville, Oregon
This Project consisted of an expansion of the control room at the Pearl Control House. Additionally, a new restroom and kitchen area were added at the existing breezeway with new exterior and interior walls, casework, appliances and plumbing fixtures. The existing control house structure was seismically upgraded with new exterior wall finish and new roof. The area of the existing control house was approximately 3,400 sq. ft. and the area of the new expansion was approximately 1,600 sq. ft. The new expansion is a steel structure in-filled with wood framing and sheathing and finished on the exterior with metal wall panels. A new rooftop HVAC unit serves both the new and existing portions of the building.
Raver Substation Control House Addition & Seismic Strengthening
Ravensdale, Washington
Provided structural design of new 3,500 sq. ft. control house building addition at Raver Substation. Structural system included open-web steel roof framing and metal stud/plywood shear walls. Structural challenges included design of a new cable vault and tunnel to connect control cabling to switchyard equipment. In addition, a complete seismic strengthening of existing 8,600 sq. ft. control house building was performed based on provisions of ASCE-41. Both structural and nonstructural systems were evaluated and construction documents developed.
Snohomish Substation Control House Addition
Snohomish, Washington
Provided structural design of new 2,500 sf control house building addition at Snohomish Substation. Structural system included open-web steel roof framing and metal stud/plywood shear walls. Structural challenges included design of foundation and first floor structure to bridge over existing below grade utility tunnel without impacts to tunnel function. In addition, complete seismic strengthening of existing 12,600 sf control house building was performed based on provisions of ASCE-41. Both structural and nonstructural systems were evaluated and construction documents developed.
Hickory Valley Switch House Building Seismic Strengthening
Hickory Valley, Tennessee
Developed seismic strengthening measures for Tennessee Valley Authority’s Hickory Valley Switch House Building in Hickory Valley, Tennessee. The Switch House Building is a 28’ by 60’ two-story rectangular-shaped building constructed circa 1951. The seismic strengthening consisted of new CMU shear walls at the exterior with interior and exterior steel HSS strongbacks to brace the existing URM walls. Encapsulation of the existing plaster ceilings and bracing nonstructural equipment and furniture was also performed.
High Voltage Substation Seismic Anchorage
Nevada
Designed seismic retrofit anchorage of existing high voltage substation equipment for over 70 NV Transformers throughout their service territory. This highly specialized work included extensive field investigation time in order to capture the in service condition. All anchorage designs called for installation and construction activities to occur while the substations remained fully-energized. Knowledge of the substation environment and operation aspects of the effected equipment is essential for successful completion of this work.
Embarcadero Substation Transmission Facility
San Francisco, California
Provided structural design for this new 12,000 sq. ft. transmission bus building at the Embarcadero Substation in downtown San Francisco, California. The building programming includes a cable basement, 230kV Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) room, MPAC room, viewing room, station service room, 5 ton crane, and battery room. The building structure consists of structural steel framing with two-story pre-cast concrete walls, concrete floors, and roof. The building is supported by a reinforced concrete mat slab. Unique pre-cast cladding elements were used on the building exterior to reflect the street front plaza area outside the building. Also, a green roof was also installed as part of the project.
Shelby Substation Seismic Strengthening
Shelby County, Tennessee
Performed seismic evaluation and developed seismic strengthening construction drawings for this 4,600 sq. ft. unreinforced masonry (URM) control house building in Shelby County, Tennessee. Located near Memphis, Tennessee, the site earthquake demands are expected to be very high, yet the seismic performance objective of Immediate Occupancy was needed. Creative strengthening measures were needed to allow construction of seismic strengthening while keeping the control house fully operational. As part of the project, new CMU shear walls on exterior of building were installed to avoid heavy construction activities inside the building. The building was successfully occupied by TVA without interruption during construction. Both structural and nonstructural systems were addressed to achieve Immediate Occupancy performance.
Weakley Substation Seismic Strengthening
Weakley, Tennessee
Performed seismic evaluation and developed seismic strengthening documents for this 4,500 sq. ft. unreinforced masonry (URM) control house building in Weakley, Tennessee. Strengthening measures included creative design and installation of new steel braced frames on exterior of building to minimize impacts of substation operations during construction. Building was successfully occupied by TVA without interruption during construction. Both structural and nonstructural systems were evaluated and construction documents developed.
"It is good to have a resource with experience to help establish a proper and accurate analysis of the equipment so as to limit cost by getting the design right the first time… WRK is not simply asking us what we want them to do, but they are trying to understand what we want to do, and then use their experience to determine the best way to get there."
Wesley Wills, Southern States LLC.
"The benefit of working with WRK is that they are creative. I work with many engineers that are very conservative–they prefer to stick to standard details. WRK brings innovative solutions and enjoys the challenge of using new technologies that might be less costly and easier to construct. Brian was trained to be innovative, and his firm operates the same way."
Jeff McGraw, MWA Architects
"What separates WRK from other firms is a working, hands-on, experience based knowledge. They’re not just theory based. Everyone, including construction crews, is impressed with WRK’s response time. When we had a question or minor changes, they responded within hours. My experience with WRK has been nothing but good."
Casey Scoggins, Tennessee Valley Authority
"I trust WRK. It isn’t about being the biggest firm, it is about getting the work done correctly."
Matt Weisensee, PacifiCorp
"WRK consistently provides creative solutions for highly sensitive projects. Approaching each project as if it is unique is highly valuable."
Casey Wyckoff, LSW Architects
"The WRK team is easy to work with, knowledgeable, and they have the credentials. They are approachable, they listen, respond and do what they can to meet our needs without argument. Over many years their work has been consistent, always learning and adapting."
Leon Kempner, Bonneville Power Administration
"I value WRK’s nuts-and-bolts approach with their ability to communicate in the field and provide constructable solutions. Historic projects can be convoluted, which can cause structural engineers to jump through hoops. This can be difficult for many engineers, but not WRK. They are great at considering and explaining all of the options with the understanding that structural isn’t driving the design."
Eric Philps, SERA Architects