About Us
As we stated on the Home page, the primary focus of BKA Engineering, LLC is structural engineering for residential and light commercial construction. Based in Erie, Colorado, BKA Engineering, LLC is owned and operated by Brent A. Bell, PE. Some of our past work is featured in our gallery page, and we encourage any of our past clients to share their photos with us. Engineering for the types of structures pictured typically includes the design of foundations and other structural elements such as beams, headers, joists, purlins, rafters, etc. Our services also include providing specifications and final design approval for shop drawings and shop fabrications (e.g. manufactured trusses).
"Engineers like to show off their pets!"[Photo by Brent Bell]
BKA provides inspection services for contractors,homeowners, prospective buyers, and lending institutions. Inspection types include concrete reinforcement and placement inspections, framing inspections, forensic and root cause inspections, FHA inspections and others. We have access to many standardized inspection formats which make it easier to streamline the client's approvals from Building Officials and lending institutions. BKA provides all inspections required for their own designs.
BKA has designed and evaluated many solar array and wind turbine installations. We are currently working on a new custom self-ballasted racking system for solar array installations on flat roofs. The front range of Colorado presents unique structural challenges caused by high winds and the prevalence of expansive soils. Both of these phenomena can make a solar installation a real challenge. We have developed spreadsheets for dealing with wind load calculations for array angles up to 45 degrees.
Occasionally, we have clients request seismic evaluations and computer modeling with Finite Element Analyses (FEA). The seismic cases have come primarily from jobs in Utah, where seismic loads are more of a problem than they are on the front range. In 2009, we were asked to check and certify seismic calculations for a crane at a US Army depot in Tooele, Utah.
For designs, foundation inspections, framing inspections, and engineering certifications:
BKA Engineering holds engineering licenses in Colorado and Utah!
