Mike Thompson, PE, SE, Principal in Wright Engineers’ Colorado Springs office, recently presented “Built to Resist, Built to Last: FTAO Shear Walls Yes “U” Can” to the Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC).
The technical presentation explored the design of force transfer around openings (FTAO) shear walls and debunked FTAO misconceptions. While widely used, a common misconception persists that FTAO requires sheathing both above and below openings, potentially disqualifying walls with doors or full-height windows. Mike’s presentation clarified code requirements and shared results from full-scale testing of “horseshoe-shaped” (inverted ‘U’) shear walls. This session provided engineers with the evidence needed to confidently design versatile, code-compliant FTAO systems for diverse architectural layouts.
We are proud to have Mike representing Wright Engineers and sharing his expertise with the structural engineering community.
GEORGIA INDUSTRIAL BUILDING
Construction was recently completed for a new 164,068-square-foot industrial facility on Bohannon Road in Fairburn, Georgia. The best-in-class rear-load facility features a 36-foot clear height, 7-inch floor slab, 33 dock doors, two drive-in doors, a 185-foot-deep concrete truck court, 44 trailer spaces, 123 auto parking spaces, and approximately 4,098 square feet of spec office space.
Oakmont Industrial Group is the project developer, with Ware Malcomb Architects serving as project architect. Structural engineering was provided by Wright Engineers’ Atlanta office.
THOMPSON PALM SPRINGS EARNS GOLD NUGGET AWARD
Thompson Palm Springs has added another honor to its growing list of accolades, receiving a 2026 Gold Nugget Award for Best Commercial Project – Hospitality. The Gold Nugget Awards, presented by PCBC and the California Building Industry Association, recognize excellence in architecture, planning, and development.
Wright Engineers provided structural engineering services through completion of the Palm Springs hotel, working with our client and project architect, SMS Architects.
Congratulations to the entire project team on another well-deserved recognition.