As an engineering firm specializing in unique, one-off projects, our pride lies not only in the uniqueness of our creations but also in their long-lasting durability. Utilizing high-quality materials and engineering techniques, we ensure that our projects are built to endure. Testing novel concepts and fabricating with a focus on longevity and quality are integral aspects of our innovative approach. Our longevity is a key part of our offering, creating projects that stand the test of time through reliable and robust engineering. Project lifespan is kept in mind for every project.
A key contributor to Entech’s engineering and design process is mostly based around the stress of the material, the bearing, the “element” of which is seeing the load and potential “cycle” as well on the specific work. S-N Curves are utilized in determining the number of load cycles-to-failure for a material. Albeit this does not help with fatigue damage to the material prior to the failure, but that gets further into the conversation than needed here. We also do a high level of understanding the 'moment' of which is going to be applied to a structure. Once we understand the moment, we can then calculate the stress for that material simply by utilizing the formula of Stress = M/s where s is the section modulus. The section modulus can be looked up or also can be calculated within another formula.
Sometimes it is not as “easy” to run a calculation on what is to be expected on some of our projects. This particularly comes around when using fiberglass as it has many variables in what could impact the true Ultimate, or Yield Strength for the material as it can be changed many times depending on the layup schedule. Entech uses practical matters in formulating these educated opinions by running tests back in the shop. I would revert your attention back to the February article of “Design Thinking” which gives a perfect example of this type of study with the Kennedy Space Center Ramp project.
Entech is committed to the creation of projects designed for long-term use, and we dedicate a lot of front-end work to ensure this. Investments in quality materials, rigorous testing, and comprehensive design-engineering contribute to lower lifecycle costs, reduced downtime, and improved operational reliability for our clients.
Over the years Entech has developed FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) and SAT (Site Acceptance Test) criteria that also goes into these projects. Whether it is simulating potential failures or cycling out the machine to ensure it works as expected we thoroughly look into as many avenues as possible before sending the job to site or allowing the project to go into its daily use. Even static projects get a FAT/SAT test whether that is reviewing bolts with the proper torque stripe, or making sure the creative intent is truly bought off as shown below in the hang test for our Miami Cars and Caryatids job.
In this case all 36 Cars and 4 Caryatids were hung on a Gantry system to ensure they were plum and level prior to getting to the site. This ensured if any adjustments were needed (and there were some needed) they could be dealt with under the professional care within our facility.
All this said, there is only so much “engineering” that can be done, and things cannot simply last “forever.” This is where our dedication to customer service comes with providing a thorough operations and maintenance manual with all of our projects. This allows the customer to understand what needs to be done to keep their project looking and acting just like it did when it was first installed by Entech.
The future of where the innovation comes with reliability comes within the software in which we first design these machines or structures. In utilizing Solidworks as our main source of CADD we can feel reassurance in knowing that any changes of a design throughout its lifecycle can be recalculated, ensuring that the product performance and reliability continues throughout its lifecycle. We are also relying on and working alongside our subcontractors and vendors that as they buy new machines, work with new products, make their products better that the desire for reliability continues to satisfy all.
With over 30 years' experience, our expertise and engineering has continued to stand the test of time, with many projects standing tall decades later. Using our expert calculations, testing methods, and software, our commitment to consistently long-lasting work has never faltered. We have an exciting announcement coming next month that we are thrilled to share with you as we continue unleashing innovation!
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