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FORENSIC
ENGINEERING & EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
1.
EXPERT WITNESS EXPERIENCE:
Gerald Spencer is very believable as
an expert witness. His technical expertise along with his sincere honest
appearance, his spontaneity, his forthright manner, his ability to present
simplified explanations to complex issues, and his convincing arguments in
support of his positions are be hard to equal. As the Engineer of Record
responsible for the design and construction or more than 1300 HVAC, Electrical,
and/or Plumbing construction projects, Gerald Spencer, P.E. is totally qualified
to address any problem concerning the HVAC, Electrical, and/or Plumbing parts of
construction projects.
1.1.
Honeywell v. Brown & Root
Pioneer - AAA Arbitration - 70 Y 198
00463 00 - Mr. Charles Getman, Esq. - Houston, Texas - January 2003 - Provided
Testimony at open Mediation concerning interpretations and opinion of
instrumentation & control contract requirements. Gerald Roy Spencer, P.E. served
as an expert witness for deposition and also provided expert trial witness
service in support of the denial of a Federal Government Construction Contract
counterclaim before an arbitration panel concerning the Instrumentation
contract. The outcome for the counterclaim portion of the trial was that the
arbitration panel ruled to completely deny the counterclaim in 100% in support
of Gerald Spencer's testimony.
1.2.
Parkway Holdings, LLC v. Dale &
Associates, P.A., et al. - Civil Court 2005-0025-JC - D. James Blackwood, Jr., Esq, Copeland
Cook Taylor & Bush, P.A.; P.O. Box 6020 (39158); 1076 Highland Colony Parkway,
Suite 100; Ridgeland, MS 39157 - May 2008 - Gerald Roy Spencer, P.E. served as
an expert witness and prepared an expert witness report and opinion as evidence
concerning Plumbing installation. - May 2008.
1.3.
Brock
v. Strickling,
Individually and d/b/a Restoration Services of Houston, and d/b/a Fire
Restoration Services of Houston: and Gulf Restoration, Inc., Gary Bareham, ASI
Lloyds, Inc. and Brock v. ASI Lloyds -
Civil Court Conroe Texas - 06-11-11495-CV - Michael Johnston, Esq.; Johnston
Legal Group PC; 5300 Memorial, Ste. 375; Houston, TX 77007 - Gerald Roy
Spencer, P.E. served as an expert witness and prepared an expert witness report
and opinion provided as evidence concerning smoke residue source. - October 2008
1.4.
Gulf Coast Air Conditioning v.
Wyndam Builders - 3256 Chevy Chase
HVAC Case No. 70 110 00623 09 - May 2010 - Mr. Daniel D. Kistler, Esq.; Gordon &
Rees, LLP; 3D/International Tower; 1900 West Loop South, Suite 1000; Houston, TX
77027; (713) 490-4819; dkistler@gordonrees.com - Gerald Roy Spencer, P.E. served
as an expert witness and Provided Testimony at open Mediation concerning cause
of formation of Mold and Mildew in the residence. -
1.5.
The Methodist Hospital -
Scurlock Tower Electrical Emergency Power systems failure
caused by water leak - Mr. Iain Simpson, Esq. - De la Rosa & Chaumette; 1330
Post Oak Blvd., Suite 2250; Houston, Texas 77056 - December 2009 - Gerald Roy
Spencer, P.E. served as an expert witness and prepared an expert witness Expert
Opinion defining the responsibility for water pipe leak that caused Electrical
Emergency Power systems failure.
1.6.
Gerald Spencer has also been retained to serve as a Forensic Engineer
and/or an Expert Witness in several (about 10) additional litigation matters in
Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and New Mexico that are yet unresolved as of May
2010.
2.
FORENSIC ENGINEERING SERVICES:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. has performed
many formal Forensic Engineering Reports and reviews of existing HVAC systems to
determine the cause of the malfunctions and usually to recommend remedial
corrective actions for these systems. The following is a list of these Forensic
Engineering projects:
2.1.
REFRIGERATION:
U. S. Army (CESWF), Ft. Polk Building 4366
(12,000 sf refrigerated food storage warehouse), refrigeration system
replacement, 1995. The U. S. Army in-house engineers improperly changed the
original refrigeration system configuration to cause Ice Build-up within the
existing walls. This Ice Build-up was destroying the building walls. Gerald
Spencer prepared a report describing the design deficiency and then designed a
bid package for these remedial system modifications to correct the deficiency
and cause the system to operate properly. The U S Army funded this construction
and the system then operated without problems.
2.2.
CHILLED WATER PLANT:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. prepared an HVAC Study
of the HVAC systems for the
Lackland AFB, TX, chiller plant, 1994. The U. S.
Army CESWF in-house engineers improperly designed a 1500 ton Central Chilled
Water Plant that would not pump water to the buildings that it was supposed to
serve. The original system was supposed to be a primary-secondary pumping
circulation system. Gerald Spencer prepared a report describing the specific
design deficiencies blaming the specific Engineer of Record who was a government
employee, and then was commissioned to design a bid package for remedial
modifications to correct the deficiencies and cause the system to operate
properly. The U S Army funded this construction and the system then operated
without any problems.
2.3.
HUMIDITY
CONTROL: Gerald
Spencer, P.E. prepared an HVAC Study of the HVAC systems for the Thrift Building
no. 6329 at Lackland AFB, Texas. The resulting high relative humidity caused
mold, mildew and rust on the relatively new walls, ceiling grids, the ceiling
supply air diffusers, and the return air grilles. Gerald Spencer, P.E. prepared
a formal report defining the problem and criticizing the Engineers who designed
the systems.
2.4.
HUMIDITY
CONTROL: Gerald
Spencer, P.E. prepared an HVAC Study of the HVAC systems for the Band Building
no. 6359 at Lackland AFB, Texas. The resulting high relative humidity caused
mold, mildew and rust on the relatively new walls, ceiling grids, the ceiling
supply air diffusers, and the return air grilles. Gerald Spencer, P.E. prepared
a formal report defining the problem and criticizing the Engineers who designed
the systems.
2.5.
HUMIDITY
CONTROL: Gerald
Spencer, P.E. prepared an HVAC Study of the HVAC systems for the office building
1251 at Lackland AFB, Texas. The resulting high relative humidity caused mold,
mildew and rust on the relatively new walls, ceiling grids, the ceiling supply
air diffusers, and the return air grilles. Gerald Spencer, P.E. prepared a
report defining the problem and criticizing the Engineers who designed the
systems. Gerald Spencer, P. E. has described remedial modifications to
correct these design deficiencies.
2.6.
HUMIDITY
CONTROL: Gerald
Spencer, P.E. prepared an HVAC Study of the HVAC systems for the office
buildings 1355 at Lackland AFB, Texas. The resulting high relative humidity
caused mold, mildew and rust on the relatively new walls, ceiling grids, the
ceiling supply air diffusers, and the return air grilles. Gerald Spencer,
P.E. prepared a report defining the problem and criticizing the Engineers who
designed the systems. Gerald Spencer, P. E. has described remedial
modifications to correct these design deficiencies.
2.7.
HUMIDITY
CONTROL: Gerald
Spencer, P.E. prepared an HVAC Study of the HVAC systems for the office
buildings 1254 at Lackland AFB, Texas. The resulting high relative humidity
caused mold, mildew and rust on the relatively new walls, ceiling grids, the
ceiling supply air diffusers, and the return air grilles. Gerald Spencer,
P.E. prepared a report defining the problem and criticizing the
Architect-Engineer firm who designed the systems. Gerald Spencer, P. E. has
described remedial modifications to correct these design deficiencies.
2.8.
HUMIDITY
CONTROL: Gerald
Spencer, P.E. prepared an HVAC Study of the HVAC systems for the office
buildings 1352 at Lackland AFB, Texas. The resulting high relative humidity
caused mold, mildew and rust on the relatively new walls, ceiling grids, the
ceiling supply air diffusers, and the return air grilles. Gerald Spencer,
P.E. prepared a report defining the problem and criticizing the
Architect-Engineer firm who designed the HVAC systems. Gerald Spencer, P. E.
has described remedial modifications to correct these design deficiencies.
2.9.
ELECTRICAL
GROUNDING: At
NASA Johnson Space Center Building 16, Gerald R. Spencer, P.E. field analyzed
ground loops were causing circulating currents on the single-point ground (Mecca
grounding system) for the shuttle mock-up. This caused the zero reference for
instrument calibration to float, or change when an item of equipment was turned
off or on. We revised the electrical distribution system and the grounding
system. Gerald R. Spencer, P.E. designed remedial corrections to minimize
problems. Set standards for technicians to minimize future problems.
2.10.
CHRISTIAN
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. was
commissioned by the church to prepare a construction cost estimates in support
of a claim against the Insurance Company for fire damages for the replacement
cost of the destroyed facility for the Metropolitan CME Church; 7553 South
Freeway (288 at Holly Hall), Houston, TX 77021-5928; (713) 524-9556; Rev. Ed
Lockett, Pastor.
2.11.
FAILURE OF
THE POTABLE WATER SERVICE PIPELINE
serving the Parkway Holdings
Office Building at 200 Concourse; 1062 Highland Colony Parkway; Ridgeland
Mississippi 39157. Vance Daly' Esq. or D. James Blackwood, Jr., Esq.; Attorney;
Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, P.A.; 600 Concourse, Suite 100; 1076 Highland
Colony Parkway; Ridgeland, MS 39157. Gerald Spencer, P.E. also testified in
Deposition.
2.12.
ELECTRICAL
FAULT AND CURRENT PROTECTION DEVICE STUDY FOR NASA-JSC MISSION CONTROL CENTER
BUILDING: Gerald
Spencer, P.E. provided a formal report that defined the device interrupting
capacity, bus reinforcement bracing requirements, and breaker trip coordination
criteria for the existing switchgear and controls serving the four existing 1350
KVA generators that are in parallel with two 3000 KVA transformers for the
Mission Control Center at NASA-JSC. Gerald Spencer, P.E. has also provided new
switchgear and controls for the four generators and the parallel transformers
for the Mission Control Center at NASA-JSC power supply.
2.13.
EXXON
PRODUCTION RESEARCH LABORATORY BUILDING:
We performed an analysis of
the HVAC system and recommended several energy conservation measures such as
Variable Volume Chemical Hood Exhaust, Chilled Water Reheat for OSA Make-up, and
several other unique HVAC modifications for that project.
2.14.
USPS SMALL
HVAC ANALYSIS SYSTEMS:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. has
performed many (more than 20) analysis of small existing HVAC systems for the US
Postal Service. Contact Mr. Marshall Cantor (713) 226-3471 with the USPS. Gerald
Spencer, P.E. has all of the tools & instruments to analyze HVAC systems, and
regularly uses these instruments to determine non operation problems, and
operational problems with HVAC systems.
2.15.
M D
ANDERSON CANCER CENTER - SMITH RESEARCH BUILDING - HOUSTON, TEXAS:
Gerald Spencer, P.E.
prepared a formal report that studied and documented the existing HVAC,
Electrical Service, Air, Vacuum, De-ionized Water, Instrument Air, Steam Supply,
Chilled Water Supply, and other services to the laboratory. We documented the
present, future, and ultimate requirements for these utilities as required to
serve the existing and proposed laboratories, and the future ultimate building
utility requirements for these services. Our study documented specific
modifications to the building that allowed the building to be fully developed
into laboratory space plus the addition of 60,000 SF of new research laboratory
space.
2.16.
POSTAL
SERVICE: Gerald
Spencer, P.E. prepared a formal report that studied and documented the existing
Main Post Office, Houston HVAC
systems to replace open drive motors, replace the existing transmissions, revise
chilled water piping for variable chilled water flow, reconfigure plant for
primary-secondary pumping, start-up & commissioning, operating procedures, and
balancing. Gerald Spencer, P.E. was later the Engineer of record for the
construction of these modifications.
2.17.
National Imagery and Mapping Authority (now NMA):
Gerald Spencer,
P.E. prepared a formal report that investigated, studied and documented the
existing problems with the existing site sanitary collection systems and
solutions that solved the problems.
2.18.
NASA-JSC -
STUDY OF SITE ELECTRICAL SERVICE RELIABILITY TO ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING
EQUIPMENT. RELIABILITY AND REDUNDANCY REQUIREMENTS:
The reliability requirements
for each building or load served needs to be determined and defined. Gerald
Spencer, P.E. performed a study DEFINING THE RELIABILITY OF THE EXISTING
ELECTRICAL SERVICE TO CRITICAL DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS AT NASA-JSC according to
U. S. Army Reliability report
requirements for communications networks. This involved a review of
operational and maintenance logbooks to develop a data base of power failures
MTBF and disturbances MTBD (Mean Time Between Failures or Disturbances) to data
processing equipment caused by the power supply. Some disturbances were
unexplained and we were not able to determine the origin/cause of the
disturbance. The data base was analyzed to determine mean time between failures
for the power serving each critical system.
2.19.
NASA-JSC
PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORTS:
Gerald Spencer, P.E.
prepared more than six preliminary engineering reports that defined the
requirements for construction of a facility that was needed for accomplishing a
certain mission. These reports were used to apply for congressional funding.
3.
DAMAGE MODEL DEVELOPMENT:
Gerald Spencer has 40 years experience
preparing formal Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) studies for making economic
decisions that determine the best economic decisions for the design and
configuration of large energy consuming HVAC and heating systems for building
facilities. Gerald Spencer has 40 years experience preparing Construction Cost
Estimates. Gerald Spencer has
in-house computer programs for performing the energy consumption calculations.
Gerald Spencer can place a valid economic value on any design decision, casualty
loss, changed operations expense/saving, changed maintenance expense/saving,
and/or mechanical equipment malfunction/failure. Gerald Spencer, P.E. can become
available to perform as a legal expert witness for construction issues related
to Mechanical and Electrical Systems and Issues.
4.
PREDOMINANT
ENERGY USE STUDIES FOR RETAIL SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. has
prepared, certified and filed more than twenty Retail Sales Tax Exemption
Certificates for local Industrial and Manufacturing facilities. Gerald Spencer,
P.E. has prepared energy consumption analysis of energy used exploring for,
producing, or transporting, a material extracted from the earth; existing energy
used for manufacturing real goods; and/or processing tangible personal property
for sale as tangible personal property for use in obtaining Texas State Sales
Tax Exemptions and Rebates. We are familiar with the Rules and regulations of
the Texas State Comptrollers Office. We can represent you for tax rebate matters
concerning energy consumption taxation.
We have recently completed a Predominant Energy Use Study for a 40.8MVA - 138KV
substation for a local client that resulted in a multi-million dollar state
sales tax refund.
5.
CORPS OF
ENGINEERS CONCEPT DATA BROCHURES:
Gerald Spencer, P.E.
prepared more than six concept data brochures that defined the requirements for
construction of a facility that was needed for accomplishing a certain mission.
These brochures were used to apply for congressional funding.
6.
USAF EARLY
PRELIMINARY DESIGNS:
Gerald Spencer, P.E.
prepared one USAF early preliminary design that defined the requirements for
construction of a SCIF facility that was needed for accomplishing a certain
mission. These early preliminary designs were used to apply for congressional
funding.
7.
LIFE CYCLE
COST ANALYSIS & ENERGY MANAGEMENT:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. has prepared more than 100 formal energy consumption
analysis of federally-funded construction projects since 1968 in accordance with
Energy Life Cycle Cost Analysis principals that comply with the DoD, GSA, DOS,
and NASA guidelines. Gerald Spencer, P.E. is familiar with the DoD Criteria,
NASA-JSC Construction Criteria, Corps of Engineers Technical Manuals, Department
of State Design Guidelines, General Services Administration, U. S. Postal
Service, plus other rules and regulations governing energy management. Gerald
Spencer, P.E. has also prepared mote than 80 formal computer generated Energy
Consumption Analysis Reports for documentation proving compliance with ASHRAE 90
since 1980. Gerald Spencer, P.E. has prepared reports and analysis of proposed
buildings to indicate compliance with ASHRAE 90.1 in accordance with the
requirements of the Texas Energy Code. Prior to that Gerald Spencer, P.E.
prepared hand calculated energy consumption analysis for many facilities
including the FBI academy 1965 at Quantico, Virginia; Federal Courthouse and
Office Building, San Antonio, Texas 1965; FAA control tower and TRACON
facilities at DFW airport, Texas 1971; plus several commercial and privately
funded reports for non-federally funded projects. These reports compared various
HVAC systems on a Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) basis to determine the most
cost effective system to be constructed for each facility. These reports take
into consideration all capital investment, operating costs, taxes, interest,
maintenance and replacement costs on a life-cycle cost analysis basis. We also
consider small subsystems such as adding capacitors to motors for power factor
improvement and demand charges reduction. We have in-house capability and
experience in preparing energy budgets and energy analysis by computer modeling.
Gerald Spencer, P. E. is experienced in the design of all types of energy
management systems that control the cycling of energy consuming equipment
according to a preset program for the optimum use of energy. Often a project
will require the preparation of a formal report to economically justify the
expenditure of funds for improvements or for new construction. This report is
used to justify and defend the design decisions. Gerald Spencer, PE always
approaches energy engineering with an open mind, and evaluate every conceivable
energy savings option.
8.
CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATING: Gerald Spencer has 40 years experience preparing Construction Cost
Estimates. Gerald R. Spencer, P.E.
has taken the course offered by CESWF (Corps of Engineers, Southwestern
Division, Fort Worth District) to be certified to perform M-CACES (Minicomputer
Aided Cost Estimating System) construction cost estimates as required to derive
anticipated construction costs, current working cost estimates and final
government cost estimates in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations
(FAR's) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR's). Gerald Spencer
used the NAFAC (U S Navy) CES (Cost Estimating System) for about 8 U S Navy
Projects. Gerald Spencer used the 12 Part systems estimating format as directed
by the Department of State on about 4 DOS-FBO projects. Gerald Spencer uses
these systems to derive anticipated construction costs, current working cost
estimates and final government cost estimates as we design the Federal
Government projects that we are commissioned to design and cost manage. Gerald
Spencer also prepares construction cost estimates using the NASA Format and
Criteria. Using a computer program to estimate or analyze costs helps to
eliminate mathematical errors and saves time.
8.1.
Final Government Construction
Cost Estimates: Gerald Spencer, P.E.
has prepared the "Final Government Cost Estimates" that are used at the project
bid openings in accordance with the FAR & DFAR for more than 300 federal
Government Construction Projects for the past 30 years. The FAR and DFAR Bidding
Procedures for public bidding requires that the final government cost estimate
for each project be opened and posted as a bid for each project as the first bid
opened before the each of the contractor's bids are opened and posted. If the
lowest contractor submitted bid is too much higher or too much lower that the
Final Government Construction Estimate prepared by the AE design firm (such as
Gerald Spencer) then the contract cannot be awarded, and/or review and
justification of the bid to the Final Government Construction Estimate must be
performed. For the 300 federally funded projects where Spencer Engineers, inc.
prepared the Final Government Construction Estimate, all of these projects were
able to be awarded. A list of cost estimating results can be derived to
determine the accuracy of the Final Government Cost Estimates that were prepared
by Gerald Spencer, P.E. compared to the low bidder on the project. Gerald
Spencer has not ever had a Federal Government project where the low bid was too
high above the Final Government Cost Estimate for the government to award a
construction contract.
8.2.
Construction Contract
Modifications: Gerald Spencer, P.E.
has prepared less than 5 construction cost estimates for use in construction
contract modification proposal negotiations on Federal Construction Projects.
Gerald Spencer has reviewed and commented on construction cost estimates
prepared by construction contractors for use in construction contract
modification proposals.
8.3.
Privately Funded Construction
Contract Estimates: Gerald Spencer,
P.E. has prepared several construction cost estimates for privately funded
construction projects using these FAR estimating principles. On private projects
there is less management costs and less expensive non-union labor costs. The
Design Costs are sometimes reduced to provide less design construction details.
8.4.
Insurance Claim Construction
Cost Estimates: Gerald Spencer, P.E.
has prepared one recent construction cost estimates in support of a claim
against their Insurance Company for the replacement cost of fire damages that
destroyed entire facility for the Metropolitan CME Church which is now located
at 7553 South Freeway (288 at Holly Hall), Houston, TX 77021-5928; (713)
524-9556; Rev. Ed Lockett, Pastor.
9.
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
INTERPRETATIONS: Gerald Spencer has 30
years experience preparing Construction Contract forms, General Contract
Conditions, Special Contract Conditions, Construction Contract Drawings,
Critical Path Method Construction Schedules, and other construction contract
documents for Federal Funded construction projects and for Privately Funded
construction projects. Gerald Spencer
has more than 40 years performing construction contract administration as a
representative of the owner in relation to the construction contractor for more
than 1800 Construction Projects where he interpreted and enforced the
construction contract documents. He can become available to perform as a legal
expert witness for construction issues related to the following construction
contract topics:
9.1.
Construction Contract Document
Interpretations to determine Contract
Requirements and Scope of Work that the contractor agreed to perform as a part
of the construction contract..
9.2.
Construction Drawing
Requirement Interpretations
HVAC Systems
Electrical Systems
Plumbing Systems
9.3.
Construction Specification
Requirement Interpretations
Form of Contract
General Contract Conditions
Special Contract Conditions
Technical Specifications
Performance Specifications
Design-Build Contract Requirements
Turn-Key Contract Requirements
9.4.
Federal Government Contracts -
Gerald Spencer has 40 years
experience soliciting, executing, and administrating Federal Government AE
Contracts and Construction Contracts in the following categories:
Architect-Engineer Contract Requirements
Lump Sum Contract Requirements
Design-Build Contract Requirements
9.5.
Federal Construction Contract
Clause Requirement Interpretations -
Gerald Spencer has a working knowledge of DoD Criteria, Corps of Engineers
Technical Manuals, Department of State Design Guidelines, and the rules and
regulations governing military construction because he is the Engineer of Record
(Engineer of Record) for the construction of more than 300 Federal Government
Construction projects since 1966. Gerald Spencer is familiar with the following
Federal Government Regulations that govern the acquisition and construction of
publicly funded facility Construction:
Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR's).
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR's)
Federal Specifications (FS)
CEGS - Corps of Engineers Guide Specifications
Military Specifications
Specsintact (Navy & NASA)
CSI Specifications
Dept Of State Specifications
GSA Specifications
ETL (COE Engineering Technical Letters)
10.
HVAC, HUMIDITY CONTROL,
PLUMBING, FIRE PROTECTION: Gerald
Spencer, P.E. is a registered Mechanical Engineer. He is the designer and the
Mechanical Engineer of Record for more than 1300 mechanical construction
projects since 1966 that included the following types of mechanical systems
including the following types of projects:
10.1.
Heating Ventilating Air
Conditioning
Chilled Water
Packaged Systems
Industrial Process Cooling
High Rise New Construction to 14 floors
10.2.
Plumbing
High Rise New Construction to 14 floors
Soil Waste & Drain
Backflow Prevention
Water Service
Water Distribution
Landscape Irrigation
Site Sanitary Sewer Collection System Flow Analysis
Diesel Fuel Storage Systems
10.3.
Fire Protection
High Rise Fire Protection
Stairwell Pressurization
Fire Alarm Systems
Fire Pump Systems
Fire Standpipes
Automatic Sprinklers
Chemical Extinguishing Systems
Halon & FMC200 Systems
Computer Assisted Site Water Loop Fire Protection Analysis
10.4.
Instrumentation and Controls:
Distributed Control Systems (up to 16,000 points) NASA Building 32 with Data
Acquisition
Industrial Process Instrumentation - Shell Deer Park & Exxon Production Research
HVAC Central Control Systems - NASA, U S Army, USAF, U S Navy
10.5.
Cryogenics and Space Simulation
- LIN circulating systems, Cryro Pumping, Life Support Systems:
NASA-JSC Chamber A, B, D & E
NASA-JSC Building 260
Building 33 Ultra High Vacuum Systems
More than 20 other small cryogenic systems
10.6.
Rocket Test Firing Facilities -
Gerald Spencer is the AE of record for modifications to existing LOX, Hydrazine,
Deluge, high capacity steam venturi vacuum systems, Ammonia Refrigeration,
Environmental Hydrazine Contamination Clean-up, Hydrocarbon Contamination
Clean-up Plant Design, Instrumentation, systems at the following two NASA
facilities:
NASA-JSC - ESTA area.
NASA-White Sands Test Facility - Instrumentation and Controls Only for existing
systems.
11.
LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL POWER &
FIRE ALARM: Gerald Spencer is a
registered Electrical (Lighting and Power) Engineer.
He is the Electrical Engineer of Record for more
than 1300 construction projects since 1966 including the following projects:
11.1.
Electrical Lighting
Building Interior lighting - Elite LIGHT Software
Site Lighting - Elite OUTPOINT Software
Roadway Lighting (20 projects)
Airport Runway and/or Taxiway Lighting (less than 5 projects) - CCNAS & Houston
Ellington Field
Sports Venue Lighting (10 projects)
Theatrical Lighting (3 projects)
11.2.
ONE-LINE DIAGRAMS: Gerald Spencer, P.E. has prepared one-line diagrams or
documentation for modifications to existing one-line diagrams for more
than 1,200 projects. Such diagrams may be as simple as a residence or as complex
as the NASA-JSC Mission Control Center.
11.3.
ELECTRICAL SWITCHGEAR:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. is the Engineer or
Record for Modifying the Switchgear controlling three 1350 KVA generators, one
2000 KVA generator, and two 3000 KVA transformers with closed transition
switching for NASA-JSC Bldg 48. This switchgear was exposed to 160,000 amp
symmetrical fault current and was braced for only 100,000 amp fault capacity.
Gerald Spencer, P.E. is the Engineer or Record for many other Switchgear with
less capacity. Gerald Spencer, P.E. is the Engineer of Record for several
12.47KV indoor enclosed electrical switchgear projects for EXXON, USA at the EPR
facility.
11.4.
SHORT CIRCUIT STUDIES: Gerald Spencer, P.E. utilizes in-house computer
programs that perform short circuit calculations for each possible location of a
fault to determine the interrupting capacity requirements for protective
devices. SEI uses the Elite Short Circuit Program for short circuit
calculations.
11.5.
PROTECTION DEVICE COORDINATION
STUDIES: Gerald
Spencer, P.E. uses in-house computer programs that have time-current curves for
most of the protective devices (fuses and circuit breakers) commercially
available plus the capability to generate time-current curves for static
electronic-controlled power operated circuit breakers at all available settings.
Gerald Spencer, P.E. uses the Elite Protection Device Coordination Program for
protection device coordination studies.
11.6.
LIGHTNING/SURGE STUDIES: Gerald Spencer, P.E. is the AE of record for more
than 10 new telephone company electrical services that have lightning/surge
protection. Gerald Spencer, P.E. has performed trouble-shooting and has
installed Dranitz and RPM equipment to record surges and other unknown
disturbances. Gerald Spencer, P.E. has isolated and defined surge problems, and
then provided or designed solutions to fix these problems. Gerald Spencer, P.E.
normally installs the current transformers and voltage connections himself at
foreign locations and at secure locations. We have not had an accident in over
50 such locations.
11.7.
NEUTRAL GROUNDING STUDIES:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. has economically studied the power systems at NASA-JSC and
added resistors to the source neutral-ground to reduce available fault current
requirements of various items of equipment.
11.8.
RELIABILITY AND REDUNDANCY:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. has experience in defining the reliability of existing
electrical service and designing reliability and/or redundancy systems, e.g.,
parallel primary distribution feeders to building transformers, parallel
building transformers, power condition equipment, un-interruptible power
supplies, dual feed from the power company, sectionalized ring buses for power
company voltage, multiple power company transformers and emergency power
generators.
11.9.
HARMONIC CIRCULATING CURRENT
ANALYSIS: Gerald Spencer, P.E.
normally uses Reliable Power Meter instruments and Reliable Power Meter
Professional Power Recorder System software to analyze output data and to
determine the power condition at various points within building power systems.
Our formal reports to Owner/User are written so that a layman can understand the
data.
11.10.
hazardous area electrical DESIGN:
Gerald Spencer, PE is the Engineer of Record for more than 40 separate
electrical projects located in explosive and flammable classified environments
in local petrochemical processing plants along the Houston Ship Channel.
11.11.
POWER FACTOR CORRECTION:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. has performed many
power factor correction economic life cycle cost analysis to economically
justify the cost of the installation of capacitors. These studies have included
systems for entire buildings and sub-systems for individual motors. We have
formally analyzed the operation of synchronous motors at the Houston Main Post
Office because these motors require special care and analysis to minimize
economic electrical demand charges by the power company.
12.
Emergency OPERATING CENTER DESIGN:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. is the Engineer
of record for the emergency power and the electrical power distribution
for many Health Facilities, Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF),
FAA and Military Airport Control Towers, Department of State Secure
Communications Centers, the FBI Quantico fall-out shelter, Commercial
Telecommunication Facilities, and other emergency operating centers where
operations needed to occur at all times without regard to the commercially
provided infrastructure utilities. Gerald Spencer, PE is the Engineer of Record
for the HVAC and electrical for facilities that are required to be operational
during times when normal power and other utilities are not available. Gerald
Spencer, P.E. has extensive experience in the installation of diesel engine,
natural gas engine, and turbine engine driven electrical standby power
generators. Most of our diesel and gas turbine experience has been for
Southwestern Bell Telephone Company UPS projects. A natural gas engine generator
was installed at the Brazoria County (TX) jail. The largest diesel engine
generator installation (two 1250 KVA generators) was for the DFW airport FAA
facilities. Gerald Spencer, P.E. has also provided new switchgear and controls
for four 1350 KVA generators with parallel 3000 KVA transformers for the Mission
Control Center at NASA-JSC. The largest gas turbine engine generator that Gerald
Spencer is the Engineer of record
was 750 KVA was installed the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company at the Fondren
Road Office (Sunset Exchange).
13.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES TO
ELIMINATE OR MINIMIZE SERVICE OUTAGES TO BUILDINGS:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. has designed many electrical service change-outs that were
accomplished without loss of service to the entire building and only short
outages for changeover of individual loads to the new electrical service.
14.
Exterior Site Primary Voltage
Power Distribution: Gerald Spencer,
P.E. is the Engineer of Record for new commercial projects where the local power
company designs and installs the electrical service and also for federal
government and military modifications and additions. Gerald Spencer, PE is the
AE of record for the more than 40 power distribution projects including the
following electrical primary distribution and street lighting design projects
during the past 10 years including the following projects:
14.1.
NASA-White Sands
Testing Facility, repaired and up-graded 29KV primary distribution (35KV class
de-rated for altitude) and street lighting systems, 1996.
14.2.
NASA-JSC,
repaired/replaced overhead 12.47KV distribution and street lighting system in
Area 200/300, 1998.
14.3.
NASA-JSC Building 30S, upgraded 12.47KV primary service to accommodate
Mission Control Center UPS systems, 1997.
14.4.
U S Navy, Ingleside Naval Station, TX, Fleet Mine Warfare Center,
designed 12.5KV electrical primary distribution system and street lighting
modifications to serve a new 87,000 SF teaching/training facility and a new
6,500 SF secure communications and data processing facility 1997.
14.5.
U S Navy, Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, TX, Remodel Hanger 42 for
Mine Warfare Helicopter Maintenance & storage. 12.5 KV system
14.6.
U S Navy, Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, TX, ASRM facility for
training Mine Warfare Helicopter crewmen. 12.5 KV system
14.7.
U S Navy, Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, TX, New Vehicle maintenance
facility for Mine Warfare Vehicle Maintenance 12.5 KV system
14.8.
NASA-JSC, determined site electrical service reliability to electronic
data processing equipment and redundancy requirements using the U.S. Army
Reliability Report Requirements for Communications Networks.
15.
Hazardous Area Electrical
Design:
Gerald Spencer, PE is the Engineer of Record for
more than 40 separate electrical projects located in explosive and flammable
environments. Most of these projects are located at Petrochemical Refinery
Processing Plants along the Houston Ship Channel.
16.
Electrical Power Generation
Diesel Electric Prime Mover - 28 New Systems - multiple parallel generators for
half of these - 50KVA to 1350KVA generator size - Southwestern Bell Telephone
Co., Federal Aviation Administration, NASA, DOS, NIMA, and US Navy. Gas
Turbine Prime Mover - one project - 750KVA for SBC
17.
Electrical Un-interruptible
Power Systems - more than 45 large
systems for - Southwestern Bell Telephone Co., Federal Aviation Administration,
NASA, DOS, NIMA, U S Army, EXXON-USA, and US Navy.
18.
Electrical Power Quality
Improvements - more than 15 large
system modifications for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co., Federal Aviation
Administration, NASA, DOS, NIMA, U S Army, EXXON-USA, and US Navy
19.
Fire Alarm Systems -
NIMA 3500+ point detection system - Flash
Memory Technology - Comply with future code requirements.
20.
GOVERNMENT CLIENT LIST:
Gerald Spencer, P.E., Spencer Engineers, Inc.,
Spencer Dunaway Jones & Smith, Inc. and/or Spencer & Associates have had
multiple direct Architect-Engineer contracts with the following government
agencies.
United States Army Corps of Engineers
United States Air Force
United States Navy
United States Department of State
United States General Services Administration
National Air and Space Administration
National Imagery and Mapping Authority
United States Postal Authority
State of Texas General Services Administration
City of Houston - Department of Aviation
City of Houston - Police Department
City of Mount Belview - Parks & Recreation
21.
FOREIGN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
EXPERIENCE: Gerald Spencer is the prime
professional and/or AE of record for Foreign Construction Projects in the
following foreign countries:
Bahrain - 1 project
Barbados - 2 projects
Denmark - 1 project
India - 5 projects
Nassau - 1 project
Jeddah, Saudia Arabia - 1 project
KAMA, Saudia Arabia - 3 projects
22.
BUILDING CODE ISSUES:
Gerald Spencer has 40 years continuous
experience as a Part time City of Houston building administration official
serving as the chairman of the Plumbing Review Board.
Gerald Spencer, P.E. can become available to
perform as a legal expert witness for construction issues related to Building
Code Compliance for Mechanical and Electrical Issues. Gerald Spencer, P.E. has
been the chairman of this board for many years.
23.
ECONOMIC LIFE CYCLE
EXPENDITURE AND ANALYSIS ISSUES: Gerald
Spencer has 45 years experience preparing formal Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA)
studies for making economic decisions that determine the best economic decisions
for the design and configuration of large energy consuming HVAC and heating
systems for building facilities.
Gerald Spencer has in-house computer programs for performing the energy
consumption calculations. Most of these facilities were large Federal Government
projects. Gerald Spencer, P.E. can become available to perform as a legal expert
witness for construction issues related to Building Code Compliance for
Mechanical and Electrical Issues.
24.
ENERGY CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT
ISSUES: Gerald Spencer has 40 years
experience preparing formal Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) studies and formal
reports for making economic decisions that determine the best economic decisions
for the design and configuration of large energy consuming HVAC and heating
systems for building facilities. Most of these facilities were large Federal
Government projects. Gerald Spencer
has experience in the design of radio control of electrical loads for the
purpose of load shedding to reduce electrical demand charges and power factor
correction system modifications. Gerald Spencer has prepared formal reports to
justify the expenditure of funds for sometimes small improvements to existing
facilities or new construction efficiency improvements. These reports take into
consideration all capital investment, operating costs, taxes, interest,
maintenance and replacement costs on a life-cycle cost analysis basis. Gerald
Spencer has in-house capability and experience in preparing energy budgets and
energy analysis by computer modeling. Gerald Spencer always approaches energy
engineering with an open mind, and evaluate every conceivable energy savings
option. Gerald Spencer, P.E. can become available to perform as a legal expert
witness for energy consumption issues. Gerald Spencer has the following energy
analysis capabilities with his in-house data processing systems.
24.1.
COMPUTER PROGRAMMED ENERGY
CONSUMPTION MODELING: Gerald Spencer,
P.E. provides energy consumption calculations by computer modeling each building
that is planned. Once we have this data inputted into our computer, we can
easily ask "WHAT IF” questions concerning not only the equipment selection,
operation, and configuration, but also questions concerning the construction or
modification of the building. We can provide a computer programmed energy
consumption simulation model for any building using our in-house computer.
Existing Projects that have records of utility consumption and costs will allow
us to vary the inputs of lights, people, and other variables until the energy
consumption matches the historical data from the utility billings for a very
accurate projection of future energy consumption with any proposed
modifications. This will allow us to ask “WHAT IF” questions, and get finite
energy savings in BTU, KWH, KVA, from any and all proposed energy related
modifications to the building. Typical proposed considerations will be in the
following areas, plus others that we think of when we get into the project.
24.2.
KVA DEMAND CHARGE REDUCTION:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. can provide automation for load shedding as required to
reduce KVA demand charges by the power company. This will require a system to
monitor the KVA demand at the incoming electrical service with pulse meters that
will constantly up-date a controller as to the present KVA Demand that is the
basis for the electrical demand billing. This Controller will cycle various
loads off for relatively short periods of time so that the total measured demand
at the point of metering is reduced. The various loads will each receive a
priority rating and the controller will selectively cycle the various loads at
different times as required to reduce KVA Demand. This will be a part of the
EMCS, SCADA, or UCS system.
24.3.
INCANDESCENT LIGHTING:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. always tries to
minimize the use of incandescent lighting by substituting florescent (or HID)
lighting to provide the same lighting levels with less wattage of energy usage
everywhere possible.
24.4.
LIGHTING LEVELS:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. will review lighting levels in the site and justify any
levels that are greater than the minimum requirement.
24.5.
INSULATION:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. will consider different thickness’ of Roof Insulation and
Wall Insulation if economic life cycle cost analysis can justify the capitol
expenditure.
24.6.
WINDOWS:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. always considers the following glass options:
Different Reflective coatings
Double pane insulating glass
24.7.
DESIGN THE BUILDING WITH LESS
GLASS: Gerald Spencer, P.E. does not
wish to detract from the exterior or interior aesthetic appearance of any
facility. It would of course save energy to not provide any windows at all, and
have only insulated walls, but the morale of the personnel would be reduced, and
the personnel productivity would also be reduced.
24.8.
REVIEW OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES:
Review temperature settings,
operational hours, manpower requirements, and all other .
24.9.
REVIEW MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES:
Review expenditures, procedures, and schedules for maintenance.
24.10.
AUTOMATION:
Provide automation for resetting of space temperatures with the use of
programmable thermostats.
24.11.
HEAT RECLAIM:
We will evaluate waste heat reclaim systems addition to the existing equipment.
Auxiliary condensers added to condensing units can be used to generate domestic
hot water.
24.12.
TREES FOR WINDOW SHADING:
We will consider the addition of trees that are located to shade the windows
during the summer, to reduce the solar load on the windows.
24.13.
OTHER UTILITY COST SAVINGS:
We will discover other areas that utility cost savings are possible when we get
into this project. These items will also be evaluated.
24.14.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. provides life cycle costs of each option for the
purpose of decision making for system selection. Additional construction costs
would be sometimes serve our clients better in a savings deposit rather than
invested into more efficient energy consumption systems.
24.15.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES:
Each proposed change to the facility will be
evaluated on a Life Cycle Cost basis to determine the economic viability of each
proposed change. Each proposed change must stand alone on it’s own economic
merit.
24.16.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
CHANGES: Operations and Maintenance
changes to the facility will also be evaluated on a Life Cycle Cost basis to
determine the economic viability of each proposed change.
24.17.
ECONOMIC EVALUATION CRITERIA
EXPERIENCE: We are familiar with the
Army and NASA economic criteria and guidelines for evaluating the various
proposals for the modification of existing facilities.
24.18.
ECONOMIC EVALUATION CRITERIA:
We will work in cooperation with the
your accounting department and other departments as required to develop economic
criteria and guidelines for evaluating the various proposals for the
construction of these new facilities.
24.19.
ENERGY STUDIES:
Examples of similar energy studies performed and documentation of energy
savings in similar facilities performed recently are as follows:
LACKLAND AFB - NEW SCIF INTELLIGENCE FACILITY - $1,500,000.00 - 2002
LACKLAND AFB - REMODEL WHITE OAK DINING HALL - $3,100,000.00 - 2002
LACKLAND AFB - HVAC STUDY BUILDINGS 1250, 1350, 1354, 1355, 6329, AND 6359 -
$1,500,000.00 - 2002
ASRM AIR CREW TRAINING FACILITY - CORPUS CHRISTI NAS, TX - $2,200,000 - U S NAVY
- 1999
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE FACILITY - CORPUS CHRISTI NAS, TX - $2,200,000 - U S NAVY -
1999
MINE WARFARE CENTER - INGLESIDE, TEXAS - 1995 - $5,400,000 - U S NAVY - 1998
AIR OPERATIONS BLDG 1770 ADDITION - KINGSVILLE NAS, TEXAS - $1,750,000 - U S
NAVY - 1998
CAMP BULLIS ARMORY - U S AIR FORCE - $800,000 - 1997
AMDAHL CHAPEL - KELLY AFB, TX - $1,200,000 - 1995
METROLOGY BUILDING ADDITION - $850,000 - NASA-JSC - 1994
EXXON PRODUCTION RESEARCH FACILITY - BUFFALO SPEEDWAY - HOUSTON - EXXON, USA -
3250 TONS TOTAL: Spencer Engineers was the Engineer of Record a formal energy
analysis project for that resulted in the economic justification of the
construction of a new 750 ton super efficient base load water chilling machine
to run 24 hrs per day as justified by life cycle cost analysis. Additional
capacity was required also. Prepared Energy Consumption calculations with
computer simulation of the HVAC energy consumption for the proposed systems as
required for economic Life Cycle Cost evaluation and selection of the most
advantageous systems for construction.
Many other energy consumption analysis studies and reports dating back to 1964
24.20.
ENERGY BUDGET PREPARATION AND
LIFE CYCLE COST EVALUATIONS: Gerald
Spencer is the Engineer of Record for performing Energy Budget Preparation in
accordance with U S Army criteria defined in ETL-1110-3-309. Gerald Spencer is
the Engineer of Record for performing Energy Analysis and Life Cycle Energy Cost
studies as required to determine the types of HVAC and other energy consuming
systems to be installed in the new or existing facilities for the past 25 years.
Gerald Spencer has personal experience of an additional 3 years of performing
Energy Analysis and Life Cycle Energy Cost studies prior to entering private
practice in 1967. Gerald Spencer is very experienced in the design of Energy
Efficient Systems and modifications to existing systems as required to improve
energy consumption efficiency for the HVAC and other energy consuming systems to
be installed in the new or existing facilities. We have been designing energy
efficient HVAC systems for the past 25 years. Gerald Spencer has been performing
Energy Consumption Analysis and Energy Cost studies as required to determine
Energy Budgets for HVAC systems since the inception of ASHRAE Standard 90.
25.
VARIOUS
CLIMATE AND ALTITUDE DESIGNS:
Gerald Spencer is the AE of
record for successful projects in every imaginable climatic region as follows:
25.1.
High
Mountains: Gerald
Spencer, P.E. was the Engineer of Record for several high altitude HVAC systems
including the Plutonium Production Laboratory at Rocky Flats, CO @ 8150' el.;
Buildings 147 & 149 at White Sands Missile Range @ 4000' elevation; and two
projects at the NASA White Sands Test Facility @ 4000' elevation.
25.2.
Arid
Deserts: Gerald
Spencer is the AE of record for five Department of State projects in India; for
several Corps of Engineers (CESWF and CESWA) projects at the White Sands Missile
Range, New Mexico; three Corps of Engineers (MED) projects at KAMA in Saudia
Arabia and one project at Jeddah, Saudia Arabia. White Sands New Mexico and the
NASA White Sands Test Facility are equally harsh environments where Gerald
Spencer is the Engineer of Record for multiple projects.
25.3.
Permafrost:
Gerald Spencer is
the Engineer of Record for the EXXON Unmanned Microwave Relay Station in Ignek,
Alaska. The foundation was supported on the permafrost. We poured water instead
of pouring concrete for the building foundations.
25.4.
Hurricane
Prone Areas: All
projects along the Gulf Coast are designed to comply with the Uniform Building
Code or the South Florida/Dade County Building Code requirements for hurricane
force winds. Our hurricane structural design calculations have been reviewed and
approved by the Corps of Engineers, USAF, US Navy and NASA structural engineers.
We are current on the UBC code requirements for hurricane structural design.
25.5.
Tornado
Prone Areas: We
are the AE for projects in the mid-West where severe weather threats occur on a
regular basis. Gerald Spencer is familiar with the alarm warning systems that
are required. The St. Louis NIMA project has an alarm horn system to advise the
building occupants of severe weather threats.
25.6.
Blowing
sand areas:
Gerald Spencer is the AE of record for five Department of State projects in
India, for several CESWF and CESWA U S Army projects at the White Sands Missile
Range, New Mexico and the NASA White Sands Test Facility.
25.7.
Freezing Environment Design:
Gerald Spencer is the AE of record for projects in Alaska, New Mexico, Colorado,
North Texas, and other freezing climates. Even Houston has a hard freeze every
ten years of so, and this requires the same design considerations that we employ
in North Texas which has below zero temperatures for at least 48 hr duration
every winter. Freezing temperatures do not need much time to cause extensive
damage. Some areas such as Amarillo, Texas has 120 °F summers and -30°F winters.
The 150°F temperature range creates some unexpected differential expansion
problems, especially with masonry veneer buildings. The Corps of Engineers
masonry construction details and specifications are probably more stringent than
any other masonry construction-design standards, but additional consideration
over and above the Corps of Engineers requirements is needed for this huge
temperature range, where masonry tends to walk off of the masonry shelves in
slab on grade construction. Moisture entrainment in exposed concrete tends to
freeze, cause concrete to splay off, and expose the reinforcing steel to the
environment. We have designed details to minimize these occurrences.
25.8.
seismic DESIGN:
Gerald Spencer is the AE or record for mechanical and electrical portions of the
seismic design retrofit projects in the central continental U.S., the offshore
Pacific coastal, and the western India where we were the AE of record. We
usually design to exceed most building code requirements. We are familiar with
the building code source documents, The National Earthquake Hazard
Reduction Program (NEHRP) Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New
Buildings and Other Structures, as well as building codes from The
Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) and The Uniform Building Code
(UBC). Our seismic design procedures includes the following:
25.8.1.
Mechanical HVAC design for seismic event damage resistance.
25.8.2.
Lighting Fixture support design for seismic event damage resistance.
25.8.3.
Electrical equipment anchorage for seismic event damage resistance.
25.8.4.
Elevator supplemental design for seismic event equipment damage
resistance.
25.8.5.
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE) seismic movement resistance
design.
25.8.6.
Non-structural systems modification design to resist seismic event
damage.
25.8.7.
Non-structural masonry reinforcement design to resist seismic event
damage resistance.
25.8.8.
Design of bracing to support non-structural building portions such as
masonry parapets in order to resist seismic event.
25.8.9.
Structural protection design to reduce damage to essential equipment that
will be needed for Immediate Occupancy (IO) after a seismic event.
25.8.10.
Mechanical piping support design to resist movement during seismic
events.
25.8.11.
Non-structural heavy door movement shock absorber design and movement
limitation design to minimize seismic event caused movement that might injure or
kill office personnel.
25.9.
blast
related DESIGN:
Blast proof design experience includes:
Building 1172 remodeling - Red River Army Depot
Building 1174 addition - Red River Army Depot
Celanese Chemical Plant Control Room, Victoria, Texas
Small Remodeling Projects at Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant
Replaced Electrical service and power in 108 munitions storage buildings at
Lackland AFB, Medina Annex, Texas
FBI Academy (while in the employ of Wyatt C. Hedrick 1965)
25.10.
HURRICANE ENVIRONMENT DESIGN:
All projects along the Gulf Coast are
designed to comply with the Uniform Building Code and/or the South Florida/Dade
County Building Code requirements for hurricane force winds.
25.11.
HEAVY SNOW LOAD DESIGN:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. is the Engineer of
record for many projects in St. Louis, Colorado, Chicago, North Texas, New
Mexico, Virginia, Missouri, plus other areas in the Continental U. S.
25.12.
FREEZING ENVIRONMENT DESIGN:
We are the AE of record for projects in Alaska, Denver, North Texas, and other
freezing climates. Even Houston has a hard freeze every ten years of so, and
this requires the same design considerations that we employ in North Texas.
Freezing temperatures do not need much time to cause extensive damage. Some
areas such as Amarillo, Texas has 120 °F summers and -30°F winters. The 150°F
temperature design range creates some unexpected building material differential
expansion problems, especially with masonry veneer buildings. The Corps of
Engineers masonry construction details are probably more stringent than any
other details, but additional design and more stringent criteria and other
consideration is needed for the expansion caused by this huge temperature range.
Moisture entrainment in exposed concrete tends to freeze and cause concrete to
splay off and expose the reinforcing steel. We have designed details to minimize
these occurrences. We have designed details for new construction to prevent
these occurrences.
25.13.
DESERT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN:
Gerald Spencer, P.E. is the AE of record for five Department of State desert
projects in India; for one NASA-White Sands Test Facility, New Mexico project;
and for several CESWF and CESWA projects at the White Sands Missile Range, New
Mexico.
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