This project involved an addition and expansion to the existing Operations Field Centre (OFC) building at the Parkland Refining Plant. A critical design consideration for this structure was its exposure to significant blast loadings. The initial structural design was developed by a consulting firm not registered in British Columbia, necessitating a comprehensive independent review to ensure local code compliance and structural adequacy.

My Scope & Responsibilities

As the Independent Review Engineer, I was entrusted with conducting a thorough third-party assessment of the structural design for the OFC building addition. My role was pivotal in verifying the safety, integrity, and compliance of the proposed expansion.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Comprehensive Design Scrutiny: Performed a meticulous evaluation of the design consultant’s structural plans, calculations, and engineering models for the new addition.
  • Connection Integrity Assessment: Critically analyzed the proposed connections between the new structure and the existing OFC building, ensuring robust load transfer and compatibility.
  • Existing Structure & Foundation Evaluation: Assessed the adequacy of the existing building components and foundation system to safely support the additional loads imposed by the expansion, particularly under blast loading conditions.
  • Verification of Analytical Inputs & Outputs: Diligently examined the design consultant’s calculation sheets, alongside inputs and results from computer-aided structural analysis, to validate accuracy and assumptions.
  • Code Compliance Assurance: Ensured all aspects of the structural design, including assumptions, analyses, and detailing, strictly adhered to the British Columbia Building Code and established best engineering practices.
  • Issue Identification & Resolution: Proactively identified areas of non-compliance or potential structural concern, proposing technically sound modifications to rectify these issues.
  • Collaborative Design Refinement: Maintained open and constructive communication with the primary design consultant, effectively addressing concerns, discussing proposed changes, and collaboratively developing a detailed list of required alterations and improvements.

Deliverables & Key Achievements

My independent review culminated in a significantly enhanced and compliant structural design, ensuring the long-term safety and serviceability of the expanded facility.

  • Delivered a Vetted and Compliant Design: Successfully guided the refinement of the structural design, resulting in a final package that was thoroughly vetted for compliance with local codes and robust engineering principles.
  • Ensured Blast Resistance and Structural Integrity: Confirmed the structural system’s capacity to withstand specified blast loadings, safeguarding personnel and critical operations.
  • Achieved Regulatory Adherence: Facilitated the incorporation of necessary modifications, ensuring the project met all requirements of the British Columbia Building Code and industry best practices.
  • Mitigated Project Risks: Through rigorous examination and collaborative problem-solving, effectively mitigated risks associated with an out-of-province design by providing expert local oversight and ensuring adherence to regional standards.
  • Facilitated Project Progression: Produced a comprehensive list of agreed-upon alterations, which were seamlessly incorporated into the final design, allowing the project to move forward with confidence.