Structural Engineering in University Heights, IA

Structural Engineering in Iowa: what governs your project

Iowa sits on the northern edge of Tornado Alley — wind design and storm-shelter provisions matter. Western Iowa's deep loess hills are among the world's largest loess deposits and bring slope-stability and collapsible-soil concerns. Deep frost and moderate-to-heavy snow round out the design picture.

Permitting & plan check

Iowa's state building code sets minimum standards enforced by local building departments; the State Fire Marshal's office reviews certain occupancies such as schools and health-care facilities. Adopted editions can lag the newest I-Codes, so verify the local edition.

Good to know

• Iowa generates the highest share of its electricity from wind of any U.S. state.
• The 2008 floods caused record damage in Cedar Rapids and across eastern Iowa.
• Western Iowa's Loess Hills contain some of the deepest wind-deposited silt formations in the world.

Every discipline, one team