As consulting engineers, Froelich performs a full suite of structural engineering services for a variety of structures at all building phases. We have over 35 years of experience designing structures for new construction, as well as adapting historic buildings for seismic upgrades and renovation. Working with the owner, architect, and builder, our job is to provide three solutions for every potential problem—always. Above all else, we strive to show our clients how much we care.

Our services include:

• Adaptive Reuse / Seismic Retrofits
• Structural Design
• Hydropower and Utilities
• LEED / Sustainable Design
• Renovation / Preservation

Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit

Froelich Engineers has successfully performed the seismic evaluation and retrofit of several projects using ASCE41 regulations. ASCE 41 is a national standard for evaluating structures’ earthquake resistance. It has become the go-to standard for buildings, specifically pre-existing buildings, in seismic zones. The building code often mandates a seismic evaluation when a remodel, addition, or change of occupancy would impact the seismic performance of the building.

Froelich Engineers has performed countless historic renovations over the years. Our clients include the National Parks, McMenamins properties, as well as historic public, educational, and community buildings. It can be some of the most challenging structural engineering work since it takes a team effort—the structural work must not be visible to maintain tax credits and respect the historic character of the building—which also makes it the most rewarding structural engineering work. With extra creativity and a big problem-solving toolbox, we provide multiple engineering solutions that preserve the character of the building while ensuring the best use of time and money. Froelich strives to help owners find the most cost-effective solution, and sometimes, our strategizing early in the process allows the building to exceed seismic requirements and maintain historic tax credits at the same time.

Here is a list of our recent projects:

Friendsview Retirement Community (Newberg, Oregon), Performed seismic evaluation and retrofit of the six-story reinforced concrete shear wall structure, originally constructed in 1961, as per the ASCE 41-17

Rose Apartments (Portland, Oregon), Performed seismic evaluation of the existing three-story masonry building and its seismic force resisting system based on the desired performance level as per ASCE 41

Milicoma Intermediate School (Coos Bay, Oregon), Performed comprehensive evaluation and assessment for various sections of the school building constructed in the mid-1960’s and provided the retrofit scheme

Columbia House – Vancouver Housing Authority (Vancouver, Washington), Developed the detailed scope of work and performed seismic evaluation and retrofit design for the nine-story masonry structure originally constructed in 1975

Grande Ronde Hospital (La Grande, Oregon), Performed a comprehensive seismic evaluation and provided retrofit schemes for the Grande Ronde Hospital as per ASCE41 regulations. The project consisted of later addition with various structural systems to the original construction in 1966, which added to the complexity of the seismic retrofit

Creative Solutions for Creative Projects

Good structural engineering should be invisible so as to bring the design to the front and center. Therefore, we strive to make our work “disappear” and get out of the way of the architecture as much as possible. Our approach has made us a go-to firm for innovative designers and challenging new construction projects. We pride ourselves on the bold and innovative architecture that we have helped our clients realize. The Latin root of the word “engineer” is ingenuity after all, and we work hard to be ingenious.

Our creative projects include:

• Bold and unusual architectural projects, including high end office buildings, custom homes, post-secondary education buildings, and more
• Climbing walls
• Rope courses
• Sporting arenas
• Hydroelectric and dams
• Adaptive reuse and historical properties