As demand grows for taller, more open, and functionally flexible warehouse spaces—driven by logistics, fulfillment, and data storage industries—so does the need for structural systems that deliver on these ambitions without compromising seismic resilience. Wright Engineers’ Director Kevin Shannon, SE, is helping lead the charge with advanced lateral systems for single-story tilt-up warehouses that push the boundaries of height and performance.
Recently, Kevin designed a cutting-edge lateral force-resisting system for an 80-foot-tall tilt-up warehouse—one of the tallest single-story tilt-ups in the region. At the core of the seismic design was a Multi-Tiered Special Concentric Braced Frame (MT-SCBF), an advanced variation of the SCBF system recently codified in AISC 341-16.
Historically studied in Japan through large-scale testing and analytical modeling, multi-tiered SCBFs are now recognized in U.S. codes as a special case requiring customized seismic detailing. A key challenge is brace buckling and re-straightening under cyclic loading—a behavior that can lead to premature fracture or instability. This is especially critical in tall single-story buildings where the height-to-length ratio of bracing bays can exceed conventional limits.
One major design consideration for MT-SCBFs is the risk of tier-by-tier buckling or the so-called “battering ram effect.” If unaddressed, this condition can undermine seismic performance. To counter it, horizontal struts are introduced at each bracing tier to interconnect the columns, resisting out-of-plane forces and unifying the system’s response under cyclic loads.
Kevin tackled these challenges with advanced analysis techniques to model brace and gusset plate behavior at each level. He employed staggered bracing to reduce continuous load paths that could elevate ductility demands in upper tiers, ensured foundations and collectors could handle peak brace forces, added localized strengthening at critical joints, and met the latest MT-SCBF-specific code requirements.
Kevin’s work reflects a deep understanding of structural behavior and system-level optimization, refined through years of experience and a passion for applying research to real-world challenges. As new warehouse typologies continue to evolve, Kevin and Wright Engineers are helping define the standards that will safely support these structures for decades to come.
ESQUIRE MAGAZINE’S BEST NEW HOTEL
The Thompson Palm Springs has earned a spot on Esquire Magazine’s list of the Best New Hotels of the World for 2025. Designed by SMS Architects, this 150-key boutique hotel blends luxury and personality with its elegant, bungalow-style rooms and serene outdoor spaces. Guests can relax poolside with a cold drink while taking in the mountain views. Wright Engineers is proud to have been on the team for this stunning new desert retreat.
BUILT TO FLOAT: ENGINEERING STABILITY ON WATER
Wright Engineers had the unique opportunity to design the structural system for the new EcoVap installation at Mountain Pass Mine in Mountain Pass, California. This innovative system enhances wastewater evaporation in a more efficient and environmentally responsible way. The project presented a distinctive engineering challenge—ensuring the stability and integrity of floating structural platforms in a dynamic mining environment. Working closely with TJK Engineers, Wright Engineers developed solutions tailored to the unique demands of this floating infrastructure.