Consulting Engineering Partnership (CEP) 60th Anniversary Feature 2023 by Nation Publishing Co. Limited

Sunday, December 17, 2023

th 16 - Page Special

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17TH, 2023

Consulting Engineers Partnership (CEP)

The evolution and triumphs of CEP Limited

stories by CHERYL HAREWOOD

RIGINALLY CALLED David Key and Partners, then David Key and Associates, Consulting Engineers Partnership Limited (CEP)’s first office was established in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955 by David Key. Eight years later, in 1963, Key established an office in Barbados, with Miles Rothwell heading the office. In 1965, civil and structural engineer Tony Gibbs took over the management of the Barbados office until his resignation as a director in March 1996. Today, Philip T. Sobers, (Director, BSc, MSc, DIC, CEng, FBAPE, FIStructE, FICE, MASCE) who first joined CEP in 1973 as a graduate engineer, has worked his way up to become the managing director of the firm. Located at Dayrells Road, Christ Church, CEP is housed in a building which has been the result of architecturally designed renovations applied to a colonial-style property over 100 years old. From its origins in 1963, the Barbados operation has grown, developed and matured into one of the leading engineering firms in Barbados, offering a comprehensive range of specialist engineering consulting services to clients. In its 60 years of existence, the company has successfully

Sunday, December 17, 2023

completed close to 5 000 projects throughout CONSULTING ENGINEERS PARTNERSHIP LIMITED (CEP) main office in Barbados and the Caribbean and has won Dayrell’s Road. (Pictures by Lennox Devonish) numerous awards. From time to time, depending mainly on the quantity and location of significant and ongoing projects, CEP offices operated for limited periods in Guyana (1967, 1974), Antigua (1975), St Vincent (1980), and St Kitts & Nevis (1982). At present, CEP has active offices which operate in Barbados, Consulting Engineering Partnership Limited (CEP) provides consulting Trinidad, and Dominica (est. 1971). engineering services to clients on projects of all sizes and complexity. As consulting engineers, CEP’s team provides Over the years as clients demanded more, CEP has offered more; a logical professional engineering services to architects, progression to the point where the firm now offers a range of consulting governments, and international development services to satisfy each client’s particular needs and wants. Depending agencies (including the International Bank for upon your needs, CEP offers these services independently or packaged Reconstruction and Development, the Council for together. From multi-storey building designs to road designs, geotechnical Interior Design Accreditation, the Environmental investigations, environmental impact assessments, CEP is committed to Defense Fund, the Caribbean Development Bank, creating the best solutions by using technical ingenuity, pursuit of quality, owners and private developers. CEP’s level of and responsiveness to your needs. repeat business is very high (70 per cent – 80 per CEP’s engineering services include: cent). To this end, many clients have entrusted this • Structural engineering reputable engineering firm with several of their •Civil engineering projects over the years. This is a confirmation of •Project and construction management the strong working relationships CEP fosters with •Land use planning clients. As CEP celebrates 60 years in operation, •Studies and investigations/assessment both management and staff will continually seek •Damage assessments after natural hazards. (PR/CH) to improve their performance and service to each client. (PR/CH)

A range of services

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The creation of Barbados’ landmarks A

GOOD REPUTATION IN the marketplace, both locally and regionally, experienced and wellqualified staff, and a legacy on which trust, good business practices, ethics, and excellent service have been built, are some of the hallmarks Philip Sobers, managing director of Consulting Engineers Partnership Limited (CEP) can be proud of today as this company celebrates 60 years in business. It is a milestone which has been reached through toil and sweat, on a foundation laid by its founder, David Keys, and fanned by some of Barbados’ top civil and structural engineers. Sobers, who has been with the engineering firm for the past 50 years, has, along with the firm’s team of engineers over the years, set a high bar for future leaders to follow. The past chairman of the Institution of Structural Engineers, Caribbean Division, sat down recently to reminisce about his years at CEP. A 1970 Barbados Government scholar and past Harrisonian who graduated from the University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus in 1973 with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering (with first-class honours), Sobers joined CEP fresh out of university. After three years at CEP, he set off for the United Kingdom after winning a Commonwealth Scholarship in 1976. This time he completed a master of science with distinction in concrete structure and technology and was also awarded the Diploma of the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine (DIC), in London. On his return to Barbados in 1977, he rejoined CEP. In 1982, he was made a shareholder and an associate in the engineering firm, and he has been a director for the past 38 years. Sobers plays a key role in the everyday management of staff and the overall function of CEP’s office at Dayrells Road, Christ Church. He is also presently the director in charge of many of CEP’s significant structural engineering projects. The professional engineer recalled those days when engineers such as Tony Gibbs, Keith Johnson, Jeffrey Lee, Addison Workman, Anthony Hutchinson and Clinton Tang, all helped in shaping his career. “During the early days, they taught me the ropes,” he confirmed. While he cannot recall his very first design, Sobers remembers with fondness providing surveying and structural design services together with the other members of the team, especially Gibbs and Hutchinson. He can also call to mind some of his early projects as a team member of CEP, including working on designs for the Meteorological Institute, the Caribbean Development Bank conference centre, the St Lucy Secondary School, the columns and foundations at the Grantley Adams International Airport in 1976, and for various clients overseas. He contributed significantly to the structural design and analysis of the Barbados Post Office at Cheapside and was part of the team that helped with the structural design for the Central Bank of Barbados. Sobers informed, “The

Central Bank of Barbados project was a very interesting project, as I was resident engineer for three years. Construction started in 1980, then there was a break before the slip forming started in 1983.” Sobers emphasised, “I remember this project well because during the period I worked a 12-hour shift, starting from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. CEP’s messenger at the time, Mr Denzil Clarke, would stay overnight with my wife, two-year-old son and our young daughter who was born that same year. “It was an experience; one that I have never wanted to experience again,” Sobers said, speaking about the arrangements he had to make to ensure his family was safe and sound during those months. Today, the Central Bank is the tallest building in The City. Sobers also worked on the structural design for The City Centre car park in the late 1980s and played a central role in the supervision of this project, which was Barbados’ first multi-storied car park. The extension of the Barbados Community College during the late 1980s, and Phase 2 of the Grantley Adams International Airport were other projects which bore Sobers’ structural signature. He described the Grantley Adams Airport Project, completed in 2005 as “a special project”. He explained, “It was a special project since it was the first time sophisticated tension structures were being used in the way they had been designed for usage. Today they are still standing. This entire project was completed in 2005. The design and construction took place over about seven years.” Of course, according to Sobers, there were countless projects which the CEP team designed over the years, such as the Insurance Corporation of Barbados building at Roebuck Street, St Michael, the Judicial Centre building at Whitepark, on the outskirts of The City; The 3W’s stand at Kensington Oval; the Barbados Coast Guard relocation; the Edutech Project, which involved designing buildings for use of computers at schools. Engineering services were also provided for numerous projects throughout parts of the region. Sobers, a past president and Fellow of the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that the contribution of CEP to the infrastructure of the Barbadian landscape has been significant. “I’ve been happy with the development of Barbados over the years, and the input that CEP has had in that development,” he stated. He reflected on the many years he and Anthony Hutchinson had shared as leaders of CEP – from 1996 to 2020 – and noted that he learned a significant amount from the now-retired Hutchinson. The chartered engineer, Fellow - Institution of Structural Engineers (UK), Fellow - Institution of Civil Engineers (UK), and member of the American Society of Civil Engineers added, “CEP is one of the oldest engineering companies in Barbados, and we will continue to play our part.” (CH)

PHILIP SOBERS, Managing Director. (SLD)

sbwltd@caribsurf.com

stevebuildingworks.com

Setting a higher local standard H

IS ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE entering the field of engineering is to consider engineering disciplines which focus on sustainability, climate change, restoration of older buildings, and facilities management. As one who has risen through the ranks from 2000 when he joined the firm and 23 years later is now a director of Consulting Engineers Partnership Limited (CEP), Greg Parris, believes that by so doing, engineers would contribute meaningfully to the development of the island. The former president of the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers from 2011 to 2013, as well as a former member of the Engineers Registration Board, is passionate about sharing his knowledge with fellow engineers or those wanting to pursue civil and structural engineering as a career. He is equally driven about the role he plays as a civil and structural engineer at CEP. The past student of the Combermere School and Barbados Exhibition winner (1996) studied at the University of the West Indies – St. Augustine, Trinidad in 1997, where he completed his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering with honours. It was on his return to Barbados in 2000 that Parris became a team member at CEP, joining the firm as an engineer in training and becoming registered after practising for four years under the guidance of senior engineers. In 2005, Parris was awarded a Barbados National Development Scholarship which saw him entering the Imperial College London to complete his master’s degree in structural engineering (with a focus on concrete structures and technology). While there, he also won the Frank Hodgson Prize (2006) for excellence in structural design. Parris returned to CEP thereafter and worked on several projects. Some of the key national projects he has worked on include the Grantley Adams International Airport where he was resident engineer for part of the project, the 3Ws

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Stand at Kensington Oval, the medical faculty building of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Grandview Reservoir and the National Monument which was recently unveiled. In 2010, he was made an associate of CEP, and three years later, a director of the firm. As director, Parris’ primary duties include bringing new projects to the company, maintaining business relations with new and existing clients, and providing technical guidance to engineers and technicians. He also makes it a part of his role to remain current with international developments in the field of engineering and ensure that each member of CEP’s team has the necessary training to stay abreast of what’s happening both on the global front and in the world of technology. He pointed out, “As an example, CEP uses a threedimensional space (3D computer models) for structural design work which makes collaborations with architects more streamlined. Two of the benefits for clients and the design team are the improved speed in the production of engineering drawings and the ability to identify any clashes encountered with utility infrastructure, such as airconditioning ductwork or other architectural features.” Parris, who is a visiting instructor at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute Of Technology, also stressed, “CEP has a cadre of experienced engineers who are technically capable of dealing with the challenges we face as a country as it relates to natural events that may lead to man-made disasters.” In the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan in Grenada in 2004, Parris conducted assessments for the Pan American Health Organisation, and the United Nations Development Programme. He also did similar exercises in Antigua and Barbuda after the passage of Hurricane Irma in 2017, and in Barbados after the passage of Hurricane Elsa in 2021. Parris

GREG PARRIS, Director. (SLD) has also conducted several technical and non-technical presentations to fellow engineers and the general public, with a focus on seismic and hurricane-resistant design. Looking at aspects of engineering in Barbados, Parris believes “the law needs to be enacted, to allow the quality of construction to be of a consistent higher standard”. He added, “This is especially so for the housing stock, which is unregulated but constitutes the largest number of buildings in Barbados.” His view is that enactment would see an improvement in general construction practices, leading to better performance of these structures against hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding. Parris further disclosed that with expected further development in the construction industry, more engineers will be required to work either with contracting companies or consultancy firms, to provide the necessary resources to execute the projects. He stressed, “This expected increase could also be used to enhance knowledge between experienced engineers and the younger ones who will be entering the field, and secure the future of engineering in Barbados in general.” (CH)

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Sunday, December 17, 2023

Excellence through the decades

ANY OF THE LARGER BUILDING structures in Barbados were designed by the team at Consulting Engineers Partnership Limited (CEP). It is with this in mind that director Herbert Browne believes that the impressive list of projects undertaken by CEP over the past 60 years, stand to keep the company in good stead for the years to come. “CEP can be proud of the built environment and the good reputation it has maintained all these years. I am proud to be part of this growth,” Browne said. He added, “Overall, I think it is a remarkable achievement. No other engineering firm in Barbados can boast of providing consulting engineering services continuously for 60 years. The directors and staff can feel proud of the firm’s success, and those who came before should be congratulated. We have all made a significant contribution to where Barbados stands today with its built environment and infrastructure.” A past president of the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE), Browne is of the view that “CEP has laid the foundation for its long-term survival”. He therefore sees no reason why the firm cannot survive for another 50 years. “It is up to the younger directors to take CEP forward,” he stated. Browne’s association with CEP started in 1978. It was in 1971 that the former Lodge School student won a National Development Scholarship to study aeronautical engineering at Queen Mary College, University of London. He also completed a master’s degree in air transport engineering at Cranfield University. He returned to Barbados in 1976 and went on to work with the Civil Aviation

Department for a few years before joining CEP, where he admitted to having to learn how to convert to designing building structures. Browne disclosed that “CEP at the time had a group of very talented engineers and technicians, so it was easy to retrain under the guidance of persons like Tony Gibbs.” After four years with CEP, Browne left Barbados for Columbia University in New York, where he completed a second master’s degree, this time in structural engineering. He rejoined CEP in 1983 but left in 1991 to take up residence in the United States. Once in New York, he became a consultant to CEP and continues to lend his expertise as a building structural engineer on various projects. Browne has also worked on major projects over the years, including the National Insurance Office; the Barbados National Bank headquarters, (now Republic Bank) which, at the time, was located at Fairchild Street; Life of Barbados headquarters (now Sagicor), The City; and Hastings Police Station. Together with the team at CEP, he is currently involved in the structural design for the new fire station headquarters building under construction in The Pine, St Michael. Browne shared, “I have been involved in significant projects over the years, and this CEP office has designed over 2600 projects in Barbados and the region. It’s a very impressive list of jobs, like the Central Bank of Barbados, the Grantley Adams International Airport, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (in St Kitts) and the former Sandy Lane Hotel. We have truly done well as a firm.” (CH)

THE GRANTLEY ADAMS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT is one of CEP’s impressive projects. (SLD)

ADeB Consultants Ltd. 7th Ave, Belleville, St. Michael Tel.: 246-426-1227

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Structural engineer’s role in Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Energy Installations BALLAST-MOUNTED PANELS. (GP) by HERBERT E. BROWNE PE CEng

LIMATE CHANGE IS A natural process which is caused by rainfall, wind, temperature fluctuations and other natural phenomena. However, during the past century, the impact of climate change on the planet has resulted in a crisis of existence due to man-made activity, primarily the combustion of fossil fuels for energy. This combustion results in greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane. Globally, climate change has resulted in prolonged drought, intense fires, flooding, rising sea levels, melting polar ice and extreme hurricanes. The scientific community has warned that limiting global temperature rise to less than 1.5ᵒC is necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The current temperature rise is 21.5ᵒC and on its current trajectory the global temperature will increase by as much as 4.4ᵒC by the end of this century. It is self-evident that climate change is a global challenge; however, solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change are well known. Reducing the dependence on the combustion of fossil fuels for energy and replacing this dependence with renewable sources of energy offers the best opportunities for contributing to the decrease in global temperature. The obvious sources of renewable energy in Barbados are solar and wind. Both resources are

essentially inexhaustible. In one hour the planet receives the same quantity of solar energy as would be consumed by the population of the Earth, 7.8 billion people, in one year. A solar energy system is a network of components designed to convert the energy from the sun into electricity. This is essentially an engineering problem and many engineering disciplines are involved in the solution. Among them are electrical, electronic; materials, mechanical; environmental, civil and structural. Each discipline has specific responsibilities in assembling the various components of the system necessary for the delivery of electrical power to the end user. This article will focus on the role of the structural engineer in the construction of PV solar energy systems. Solar energy installations may be found on the roof top of existing buildings, or they may be incorporated into the roof design of new buildings. Alternatively, solar systems may be ground-mounted, i.e. stand-alone installations often referred to as solar farms. Before a solar system is energised it has to be constructed and the design for construction is usually delegated to a structural engineer. In the case of ground mounted stand-alone systems, civil engineers provide design services for access roads, drainage and grading of the terrain for the solar farm. The visible components of a solar system

Best Wishes to the team at

On an amazing milestone

60 years Congratulations from all of us at

are the PV solar panels, the racking system, i.e. the steel structures to which the panels are attached, and the cables connecting panels to each other and to the storage batteries or the electric grid. The selfweight of the solar system is in the range of 5 to 10 pounds per square foot (psf). This is a relatively modest load and can be safely accommodated on the roofs of most buildings including single-family residences. Solar panels are however exposed to wind loads and this is the challenge for structural designers, to ensure that the installation remains intact to provide electrical energy during a hurricane and to prevent damage to the roof by the failure of the attachments, which is likely to occur if the panels are lost during a storm. Secure attachment to the roof is also necessary to prevent the panels becoming hazardous flying debris during a hurricane. Consider a typical installation on the roof of an existing building such as a hospital, police station, fire station or hurricane shelter. These types of structures are classified as critical facilities as they are expected to function after an extreme event like a hurricane. These facilities are therefore designed for higher wind loads than say an office building or retail building, and the quantitative discussion that follows focuses on critical facilities. Note, however, that similar concerns exist for non-critical facilities, but these types of buildings are designed for lower wind speeds.

GARAGE ROOF SOLAR. (GP) Major hurricanes are classified as Category 3 to 5 hurricanes with sustained wind speeds from 111 mph to 157 mph 1-minute average. In Barbados, the wind loading for the structural design of critical facilities is based on a basic wind speed of 170 mph which is a 3-second gust speed and correlates with the Category 5 wind speed. The 157-mph 1-minute average is equivalent to a 3-second average speed of 173 mph over land. The wind load on a solar installation located on the roof of any of the building types identified above as critical would be approximately 50 psf of uplift for a low to medium rise building. The wind load is therefore several times the self-weight of the solar system and the panels need to be anchored to the roof. On an existing flat or low sloping roof ballast mounting is the preferred method of attachment. Ballast mounting avoids penetrating the existing waterproofing layer in order to make connections to the roof structure and eliminates concerns about voiding the waterproofing warranty for membrane systems or of introducing leaks into the roof

• Continued on Page 8C.

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Bridging the past and the future I

T IS IMPORTANT THAT the the mechanical and electrical public is aware of, and engineers during the various appreciates, the role project stages. That’s that engineering plays where his strength grew in the overall process during the 46 years he of construction. Chief has spent with CEP. Technician Philip Jordan Much has changed feels passionately about for him over the this. “It is important years. He has worked to see engineering as through the days the lifeblood of any when drawings were construction project. It produced manually is the role of engineers on a drawing board to to make sure that today when everything each building that is is computerised constructed functions and drawings are adequately outside of the now produced on the physical building people computer. usually see,” Jordan As he reminisced on who joined the team at the early days, Jordan Consulting Engineers disclosed, “It was around Partnership Ltd (CEP), PHILIP JORDAN, Chief Technician. (SLD) 1987 that we started as a trainee technician completing drawings back in 1977, stressed. using the computer. Prior to that, everything As he shared various aspects of his work, was done by hand. It was tedious and he explained, “Usually in our field, we work called for a lot of patience. The upgrade very closely with architects, especially to software now makes it a lot easier. Of on major projects. They do the outline course, we have to keep abreast of the design of projects, then we must take that various engineering codes and practices. concept and ensure that it will withstand Working in the engineering field also calls the anticipated forces that are applied to it. for continued education and training,” the We therefore create our structural designs former Ellerslie Secondary School student to withstand wind forces from storms and and graduate of the Samuel Jackman hurricanes, seismic forces from earthquakes, Prescod Institute of Technology informed. or any “designed for” scenarios. The human According to Jordan, this includes, traffic and furniture loads – that is, an to some extent, spending much time estimate of persons utilising any particular reading, referencing, and going online, space within the building, especially at to keep abreast of what’s happening in peak times - as well as the placement of the engineering world. In the earlier days furniture in the building, must also be taken of CEP, Jordan also worked on projects into consideration. This is some of what the throughout the Caribbean, as part of the engineering aspect entails.” For Jordan, it’s assigned engineering team. Today, in his role all a huge responsibility. as chief technician, he oversees the firm’s He informed, “It is actually a great technicians whom he described as “well responsibility, given the fact that public advanced and experienced in the field”. buildings will be used and accessed by the “We simply work as a team to make general public. We must make sure they certain that the requirements, as far as can withstand the loading that they are the practice of engineering goes, are subjected to.” followed. We also want to ensure there Since most buildings are designed based is no misleading information going out to on a 50 to 100-year-period of events, the contractors or in the public domain. which serves to give engineers a good Once work on any building project has understanding of what forces are likely to commenced, we will see it through to the occur, specifically here in Barbados, Jordan finish.” also pointed out that engineering calls for Like many of his colleagues, what Jordan maintenance and upgrades to be done over enjoys most about his job is going around time, which would add to the life span and Barbados and the other islands, and stability of the structure. observing structures where CEP has had In further explaining various elements of a hand in the construction. Looking back engineering, he added, “It’s the engineer at the firm’s contribution to the overall who will determine the size of beams and development of buildings across the island columns in a building, the thickness of floor during the past 60 years, he disclosed, “It slabs, along with the sizes and spacings has not always been easy. It was extremely of reinforcement needed to go into the challenging at times. We have gone through concrete elements of the structure. Steelsome tough times, and we usually do so framed structures are another option whenever the country goes through any available for consideration.” form of economic depression.” Jordan reiterated, “Essentially, there Jordan added, “The economic situation on are several concepts that can be used. the island will always have an impact on the It all depends on the design concept of construction industry. When this happens, the architect. We have to work with the there is usually a lull in activity. Fortunately, architect to present them with a building we have always pulled through as a that can withstand the forces designed for.” company. Thankfully, we have also always Experienced in the areas of civil and had resourceful management, based on the structural engineering, Jordan liaises with foresight of the company’s directors.” (CH)

Sunday, December 17, 2023

PHILIP SOBERS, pointing to the crowning jewels that is Kensington Oval. (SLD)

ICBL BUILDING in Roebuck Street, St Michael of which Director, Herbert Browne was involved. (SLD)

The legacy of Consulting Engineers Partnership Ltd

HASTINGS POLICE STATION. (SLD)

The role of the structural engineer is not incidental • From Page 6C. sheeting. For a typical PV panel with an area of 6 ft2, the required ballast load is 300 lbs for the 50 psf uplift. Ballast is usually provided using hollow concrete blocks. A typical 8-inch block weighs 38 pounds and eight blocks would be required for each PV panel in this example. Adding this load to an existing roof necessitates checking the existing excess capacity of the roof structure to verify that this additional load may be safely supported. Where the existing capacity is inadequate, the roof would require strengthening. It was noted above that the additional dead load of the solar panels is modest and should therefore have no impact on the existing foundations; however, when ballast is added a deliberate check should be undertaken to confirm that this assumption is still valid. The attached photograph illustrates a typical ballast-mounted installation. It is located on a roof which is subject to lower wind loads than would be experienced on the roof of a critical facility as described above and the ballast is therefore lighter in this case. For new construction the structural engineer will design a rigid attachment to the new roof structure, avoiding the use of ballast and this is illustrated in the second photograph. Ground-mounted PV systems are special structures with characteristics that are unlike buildings. They are lightweight, sensitive to wind and are often not very high above the ground. The design of ground-mounted systems require consideration of both the static and dynamic responses to wind loads. As with roof-mounted PV systems the design needs to address the uplift on the installation at the design hurricane wind speed, i.e. the static response. If the renewable energy system is an important and significant component of the electricity generating capacity, then the system will be expected to remain functioning after an extreme event and shall be designed as a critical facility to survive a major hurricane. Ground-mounted systems which are lightweight, slender and flexible will experience a dynamic response at wind speeds less than the design wind speed for the static response. The system may experience aeroelastic flutter and torsional instability at resonant frequency. This excitation may occur at wind speeds well below hurricane force winds. Wind speeds as low as 20 to 50 mph are noted in Reference 6. ASCE 7-22 provides guidance for the design of ground-mounted fixed-tilt solar panel systems satisfying specific geometric limitations. These limitations are to ensure that wind-induced deflections are small, and the systems are therefore not flexible. The ASCE Standard notes that flexible structures such as singleaxis tracker systems will exhibit the wind-induced behaviour discussed above, and currently the only national standard with guidance on the design of such structures is the Japanese Industrial Standard. Until better information is available, ground-mounted solar systems in Barbados should rely on the recommendations of ASCE 7-22 with its geometric restrictions to limit wind-induced displacements. The foundations for ground-mounted systems are sized to resist the uplift resulting from the wind speeds of the design hurricane will either be shallow concrete footings or deep foundations, i.e. driven or augured piles, caissons or drilled shafts. The role of the structural engineer is not incidental in the construction and operation of a safe photovoltaic panel solar energy installation and may even be described as critical when the renewable energy system is an integral component of the national electricity generating and distribution system.

TRIDENT HOUSE in Bridgetown. (SLD)

SCOTIABANK Building in Bridgetown. (SLD) WHITEHALL Methodist Church. (SLD)

Sunday, December 17, 2023

PHILIP SOBERS, pointing to the crowning jewels that is Kensington Oval. (SLD)

ICBL BUILDING in Roebuck Street, St Michael of which Director, Herbert Browne was involved. (SLD)

The legacy of Consulting Engineers Partnership Ltd

HASTINGS POLICE STATION. (SLD)

TRIDENT HOUSE in Bridgetown. (SLD)

SCOTIABANK Building in Bridgetown. (SLD) WHITEHALL Methodist Church. (SLD)

10C

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Shaping the Caribbean skyline T

ODAY, OUTSTANDING CARIBBEAN engineer Tony Gibbs can look back with satisfaction at his contributions to the growth and success of Consulting Engineering Partnership Limited (CEP). Gibbs was one of the group of first four Fellows of the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE). The others were the late Alwyn Wason, the late Frank McConney, and the late Bertram Mahy. At 86 years old, Gibbs is also the oldest practising civil and structural engineer on the island, and the longest living member of BAPE, having joined that association in 1965, a year after its establishment. He sat at the helm of Consulting Engineering Partnership Limited (CEP) from 1965 to 1996, and is highly profiled on BAPE’s website page. The Grenadian-born national of Barbados, who was awarded the Companion of Honour of Barbados in 2020, the country’s second-highest honour, in recognition of his sterling contribution in 20231218BA the field of engineering in Barbados and the Caribbean, was the first engineer to receive the Companion of Honour of Barbados. He was also the first Caribbean person to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and he has served as secretary general of the Council of Caribbean Engineering Organisation (CCEO) from 2005 until 2020. A graduate of the Queen’s University of Belfast, where he gained his bachelor of science in civil engineering in 1961, and completed his postgraduate diploma in concrete technology at the University of Leeds in 1964, Gibbs has worked in several regional countries over the years. He continues his professional work throughout the Caribbean with current overseas assignments in Barbados, Guyana and Sint Maarten. A pioneer in developing buildings in the

Caribbean and elsewhere to withstand natural hazards such as hurricanes and earthquakes, Gibbs was one of the Organisation of American States consultants who developed the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States building code, having previously been part of the quartet which prepared the Caribbean Uniform Building Code (CUBiC). According to the professional body of engineers, “the name Tony Gibbs became a household name in engineering in the region and well beyond”, especially throughout the late 1960s and to this day. A structural engineer, he led CEP for many years, and “has built a reputation for professionalism that sets a very high bar for young engineers following in his footsteps”. Gibbs has held the position of secretary general of CCEO for many years, and he also continues to interact with all regional and international bodies involved in engineering. He is recognised by numerous international engineering bodies and is particularly known for his work with the regional wind code and disaster-resistant building designs, particularly in hospital structural design. Gibbs joined CEP in Trinidad on October 1, 1965. After just a month there, he was sent to manage CEP Barbados, taking up his duties in Barbados on November 1, 1965. It was in 1963 that CEP opened its doors in Barbados with engineer Miles Rothwell at the helm. When Gibbs took up the management of CEP in 1965, there were two engineers, including himself, three technicians, a secretary and a messenger. Before a physical office was opened on the island, the firm had already completed two projects. The first assignment was to divert Highway 1 inland to permit the Sandy Lane Hotel to be constructed as a beach hotel. Designed in 1958, it was back then that the firm’s structural engineering services were commissioned by Sandy

Lane’s owners. The property finally opened its doors in 1961, but was significantly altered and expanded some years later. Neither CEP nor Gibbs were involved in the expansion project. The second major project was the original Hilton Hotel (now Hilton Barbados), which was officially opened on November 30, Independence Day, 1966. Gibbs shared, “The opening formed part of the Independence Day celebrations. I came to Barbados to work on the Hilton. The project had already commenced. I simply came to finish it and was involved in its design and site inspection.” “When a major addition to the hotel began during the 1970s, CEP was involved in the addition of 34 more rooms to the hotel’s existing 156 rooms.” Gibbs was at CEP’s helm in the Barbados office from November 1, 1965, until March 31, 1996. He spent a total of 30 years and five months in charge of CEP, and during his leadership, was responsible for overseeing 1500 projects. He recalled, “On average, we got a new project every week, some of which lasted for several years. They included the Bank of Nova Scotia on Broad Street; the telephone company headquarters at Windsor Lodge; Cable and Wireless’ six-storey building at Wildey; the Caribbean Development Bank’s three buildings also at Wildey, and the Grantley Adams International Airport, which opened its new building in 1978.” The Barbados Central Bank, the Life of Barbados building at Wildey, St Michael, (now Sagicor’s head office); the new Frank Walcott Building on Culloden Road, St

TONY GIBBS. (GP) Michael, and the Royal Bank of Canada also at Culloden Road, were just a few of the other projects the firm worked on while Gibbs was at its helm. CEP was also involved in many projects throughout the region over the years. They included the Roseau Market in Dominica in 1971; the Government Headquarters in St Vincent; the Government headquarters and national library in Montserrat; the police headquarters in Antigua and Barbuda; and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank in St Kitts and Nevis. Expressing his deep love for engineering, and describing himself as “a workaholic”, Gibbs has just completed an assignment for the Ministry of Health and Wellness through the Pan American Health Organisation, and is currently working on a project for the National Housing Corporation. While he is no longer a director of CEP, he is still actively involved in the firm. (CH)

CON GRATS 60 years

of outstanding work! Best wishes from the team at

to our associates At

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Archiving the history of successes Celebrating heartfelt connections WHEN SHE ENTERED the doors of Consulting Engineers Partnership Ltd (CEP) 11 years ago, Louisa Knight felt at home. From that day, until now, she has viewed her colleagues at this top engineering firm as her family. Knight who handles all housekeeping matters at the firm, informed, “We live like a family. Everybody here is like family to me. I have never had any problems at all since I joined in 2012, and I feel very much appreciated.” The Haitian-born Knight, who migrated to Barbados 18 years ago added, “I love everything about CEP. I love working with the staff and everybody is friendly.” It’s no wonder, therefore that Knight has been severely affected by the death of former colleague Dawn Marie Marshall, who LOUISA KNIGHT. (SLD) passed away last month. For her, Marshall will always be part of the CEP family. Knight has confessed to loving her job and is very much at home when it comes to serving staff their daily intake of coffee, tea, and water or when she is working to ensure that clients who visit the office are also provided with a refreshing drink of their choice. She is equally satisfied with keeping the interior of the office clean and tidy at all times. The wife and mother of two sons credits chief executive officer Philip Sobers for his vision in running the affairs of CEP, and she is quite pleased that the company has reached the major milestone of 60 years. She stated, “When CEP celebrated 50 years, I had only been with the company for just a year. I feel very happy now to be fully part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, and I wish CEP many more years in business.” (CH)

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HERE IS A LEVEL OF PRIDE another. I also must thank Mr Sobers that individuals usually feel (Philip Sobers) for having faith when the organisation in me as a young man, and for which they worked has Mr Greg Parris, for guiding made and continues to me, teaching me, and make substantial strides in making me into a better its field. That’s how senior draughtsman. He still plays technician James Rollock a very important role in feels about Consulting the company.” Engineers Partnership Ltd Rollock understands (CEP). that the various hats he “I have this sense of wears at CEP are crucial pride in knowing that CEP to the overall success of has been around for 60 the firm. Along with his years. Many companies came post as senior technician, after us but did not survive. he also performs the role Ten years ago, I thought that it of systems administrator, was really great that CEP had overseeing the building JAMES ROLLOCK, Senior reached 50 years in business, and upkeep of all the Technician. (SLD) but celebrating 60 years now company’s computers, is so much better,” Rollock software and network shared. systems. In addition, he is CEP’s archivist, The former Christ Church Foundation keeping records and copies of all the firm’s and Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute printed drawings and data throughout the of Technology (SJPI) graduate who, as past 60 years. a teenager, entertained thoughts of He stressed, “I see my role as very becoming a draughtsman like his dad, important when I consider these different transitioned from wanting to work in the hats I wear, and especially when it comes to architectural field to the engineering field archiving and systems administration.” when he took up duties as an electrical In his primary role, Rollock produces draughtsman at a local firm. According to structural drawings for clients and focuses him, stagnation had set in, and he yearned much of his attention on the creation of for something more. reinforcement drawings, using programmes “I wanted something else; something such as AutoCAD and Revit. Rollock taught different. When I saw the opening at CEP, I himself how to use the Revit software applied for the job and I got it,” an upbeat before obtaining certification from SJPI, Rollock said. where reinforcement can be added to Since joining the company in 2005 as a foundations, slabs, beams or columns, and technician, Rollock has taken on various viewed in 3D, to observe a real-life view of roles, but he has never forgotten those how the placement would look on the job who helped him on his way up the ladder. site. He disclosed, “When I came on board I felt That he thoroughly enjoys his job is welcomed and went on to receive lots of tantamount to an understatement. training. Philip Jordan, who was the senior He affirmed, “I love my job. I have been technician at the time, took me under his with CEP for 18 years, and this alone speaks wing as I transitioned from one field to for itself.” (CH)

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The problemsolving side of engineering

Sunday, December 17, 2023

NDOUBTEDLY, CONSULTING chance to see first hand how the ENGINEERS PARTNERSHIP LTD theoretical concepts from my textbooks (CEP) has provided several of are implemented in real life. I also enjoy Barbados’ young graduates with the interfacing with clients, especially at the opportunity to develop their chosen beginning of each project,” she shared. careers in engineering. For Ochieng, she gets to enjoy a bit of Esther Ochieng is one such both worlds in her career. beneficiary, and she is grateful to CEP’s She explained, “Since the company is management for allowing her to hone also involved in project management, I her skills and expertise in engineering. have gotten the opportunity to practice Today, Ochieng’s attraction to it in projects of varying sizes. So I’ve the problem-solving side of civil developed a liking for it over time and engineering and the end goal of any have even decided to pursue an MSc project undertaken by CEP has much to in this area. I still also enjoy the design do with the fact that she is cognisant stage of any project, and I always look that the community at large always forward to developing new solutions stands to benefit. as needed in the various stages of any It was while completing her project.” undergraduate degree that Ochieng Ochieng has been a part of the civil discovered many of the courses she and structural engineering team at CEP ESTHER OCHIENG. (SLD) was taking allowed her to understand which has worked on numerous projects the elements involved in the construction of different over the years. In addition to the required structural analysis structures and how buildings once constructed, become and drawings, the work also includes performing geotechnical part of the community, to be used by people each day. This investigations to discover a site’s ground conditions to piqued her interest in civil and structural engineering even determine the appropriate foundation structure for the further. As the sole female civil and structural engineer at architect’s design and client’s requirements. CEP, part of Ochieng’s role is mainly to assist with the design To this end, she assisted in the geotechnical investigations and structural analysis for each project undertaken by CEP, for the Sol Service Station at St Bartholomew, Christ Church, produce engineering drawings, ensure that the structural as well as the ongoing new fire station project at The Pine, St. plans are correctly implemented on site and most importantly, Michael. She was also involved in the structural inspections that the structure of each building project meets the client’s and civil works design during the construction of the ultraexpectations. modern Hastings Police Station at Hastings, Christ Church, Ochieng’s love for the engineering field goes back to her to name a few. She is currently involved in the expansion of final two years at Queen’s College. Before that time, she Bayview Hospital and recently conducted structural condition planned to pursue a career in architecture. surveys at Kensington Oval as well as for various Rubis service She disclosed, “Studying architecture was my original plan. stations. Then I began studying physics and mathematics at a deeper Ochieng realises that the work of the engineer in a structure level in fifth and sixth form. This got me very interested in often goes unnoticed as most people pay more attention to studying how things functioned which eventually led me the aesthetic appeal of structures rather than their structural to select engineering as a major.” soundness. Yet, she remains hopeful that people will take the In 2012, fresh out of school, she left Barbados time to understand and appreciate the work of engineers as for the University of the West Indies St Augustine they live and work in safe structures every day. Campus in Trinidad and Tobago to study civil While this young professional has spent a relatively short environmental engineering. She returned to time with CEP, she is proud of the firm’s success over the Barbados in 2015 and worked as an intern at CEP years. during that year. She also worked as an intern “It is definitely a deep sense of pride to say that CEP as a in the engineering department at the Grantley company is even older than Barbados, being established in Adams International Airport in 2016. A year later, she 1963. It is great to be part of a CEP team with such a long became a full-time employee of CEP. history of excellence in engineering. I am also proud to be able Ochieng described her years in her chosen field as a to identify several notable buildings around Barbados to which continual learning process, and has credited CEP for allowing CEP contributed its services to their construction. All of these her to put into practice what she learnt while at university. are a strong legacy to stand on,” Ochieng remarked. (CH) “I have gained lots of practical skills and have had the

From the Management & Staff of Leverage Consulting Engineers inc.

CONGRATULATIONS to

ON YOUR 60TH AN ANNIVERSARY We look forward to partnering with you for many more years.

CONGRATS to

on your 60th Anniversary from

architecture + interior design

Tel: 246-427-0392 Email: office@leverage-eng.com

Celebrating over 55 years of successful collaboration

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Sunday, December 17, 2023

From educating to engineering

EBAR DETAILING software application for IS the process of desktop, web, and mobile creating detailed developed by Autodesk. drawings and schedules for This was first released in the placement of reinforcing December 1982 for the steel (rebar) in a concrete CP/M and IBM PC platforms structure. Reinforcing steel as a desktop app running is actually used in concrete on micro-computers with construction to enhance its internal graphic controllers. strength and durability by Ferguson was able to use providing tensile strength this drafting programme to counteract the brittle to draw and design as he nature of concrete. It is this would with a T-square, aspect of his job that Jose pencil and set square, but Ferguson admitted to loving this time, on a computer. the most, coupled with the “I got introduced to this immense satisfaction and in sixth form,” he explained. JOSE FERGUSON. (SLD) “good feeling” he gets when On leaving school in he travels around Barbados and sees those 2006, Ferguson went on to teach technical buildings where his expertise as a structural drawing, woodwork, and metalwork at technician was utilised. Ferguson has spent one of the island’s secondary schools for the last 15 years at Consulting Engineers just one term. During that time, he would Partnership Ltd (CEP). spend hours teaching himself how to use “You generally feel good when you know AutoCAD. This would eventually pay him you’ve made a positive impact and when much dividends, as it was not long after you have contributed to the construction of that he knew teaching was not his passion. buildings,” Ferguson enthusiastically said. Ferguson applied to CEP for the position He added, “I enjoy the rebar detailing very of engineering drafting technician. He was much, and I enjoy being at CEP.” hired in 2008. His introduction to the field of engineering Today, Ferguson’s contribution to the was gradual. While in third form at various projects which the team at CEP secondary school, he had the choice of undertakes is vital, and this technician choosing to study sciences or the arts and is content to play his part to ensure the technical drawing. He chose the latter. He structural soundness of each building disclosed, “During that period, I started to designed by the experienced team of study technical drawing, metalwork, and engineers at this engineering firm. woodwork. I realised how much I enjoyed Like his colleagues, Ferguson is pleased the technical field more than the sciences. I with CEP’s success through the years. continued to study the industrial arts from He sees CEP reaching 60 years as a great third form straight up to sixth form.” achievement and accomplishment and hopes It was during those years that Ferguson it will continue to achieve much more in the was introduced to AutoCAD (version 14) a years ahead. (CH) 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD)

extends

Congratulations to Consulting Engineers Partnership Ltd on reaching 60 Years.

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Connecting theory with practice

ONSULTING ENGINEERS PARTNERSHIP LIMITED (CEP) has been a huge part of the development of Andy Atherley’s career as a civil and structural engineer. He holds the engineering firm in high esteem for the opportunities it has afforded him to contribute to the changing landscape of Barbados. The former Harrisonian, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in civil engineering with architecture from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, and a master’s degree from the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London, also in the United Kingdom, became a team member of CEP in 1996. At that time, he was a 23-year-old graduate engineer. As he looked back at his journey some 27 years later, Atherley described his years as a civil and structural engineer, as “a most interesting journey”, one which he chose to partially chronicle. He recalled, “The first major project I worked on after joining CEP, was the roadside installation of buried PVC ducts for Bartel. This covered two routes between Bartel’s exchanges. The first route stretched 8 km between the exchanges at Thornbury Hill and the Grantley Adams International Airport. The second covered 14 km from Windsor Lodge in St Michael, right through to Four Roads in St John, via Salters, Charles Rowe Bridge, Locust Hall, Market Hill, and Golden Ridge. Those works took just under a year to complete. Today I consider it to be

Sunday, December 17, 2023

a great first experience.” Part of Atherley’s responsibility during this project involved checking on the excavation and duct installation work being ANDY ATHERLEY WAS strategically invoved in the construction of the now Republic Bank carried out by the various contractors. He building on Fairchild Street. (Inset) Andy Atherley. (SLD) reiterated, “It was a huge undertaking for me, considering that I was only three to four major roles and Atherley was strategically but it was also rewarding because it was months into the job. involved, were the construction of the a necessary step to understand how to Atherley further pointed out, “Essentially former Barbados National Bank building approach not just engineering but work life when you are starting out as a young on Fairchild Street, The City, as well as the in general.” engineer, you need guidance and you need former media centre and Mitchie Hewitt Atherley went on to work on many other experience. On that project, I first saw the Pavilion at Kensington Oval. These latter major projects. difference between the theory and design two were constructed in 1998. He informed me, “My experience covers project work at university compared to “The construction of these two a wide range of building and engineering practical on-the-job experience. It was facilities at Kensington Oval was my first projects, including buildings, roads, an eye-opener. As an engineer, you must overall experience in the engineering of telecommunications and other utilities, be thoughtful and careful when applying buildings. I worked on design and drawings sports facilities, the airport, and schools. As that theory to real-life situations on your from foundations to roof, carried out an example, during the Edu-tech project, own. When starting, you will always need site investigations to determine what I worked on the renovations of the St guidance from senior engineers.” foundations were needed, and monitored Matthew’s and St Luke’s Primary schools.” He further added. “The experience I Other key projects in which CEP played gained also taught me to appreciate how •Continued on Page 15C people react at different levels during projects – from workmen to supervisors, and staff members of clients – and how to deal with situations. The travelling general public was heavily affected by the road works, so learning how to handle that aspect of a project was extremely important.” Still sharing the importance of this first project, during which time he worked closely with former director, Anthony “Tony” Hutchinson, Atherley stressed, “It was tiring and it was overwhelming,

The Management and staff of ICBL congratulates Consulting Engineers Partnership Ltd. (CEP) on this tremendous milestone and wish them continued success.

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Sunday, December 17, 2023

Revolutionising Barbados’ engineering landscape

Learning the difference in cultures • From page 14C construction works. That was a good experience for me,” Atherley said. At that time a lot of design and drawing work was done by hand, but the use of computers was on the increase. The young engineer used both methods, as needed for any particular project, making drawings either by hand or AutoCAD software and Microsoft Excel to help speed up calculation time for more numerous and repetitive hand calculations. Since 1998, Atherley has also been involved in the design of foundations for more than 20 communication towers around the island for Cable and Wireless. He informed me, “That project required me to traverse the island. That was fantastic. And the towers are still standing and stable. I am really quite happy to have played a role in their construction.” Atherley has also worked on several regional projects. His first was for a private residence in Mustique, which he visited in 1999, to inspect the construction of the building. He later worked on projects in St Lucia and Dominica. He explained, “With overseas projects, you are essentially dealing with different cultures, people, building practices and ground conditions. At first, I found that working in Mustique was wholly different from Barbados. We had to deal with mountainous terrain, less available building technologies and building equipment, and a different quality of building materials.” Atherley worked for CEP full-time until 2011, when he got married. He now lives between Barbados and France and works as a part-time civil and structural engineer for CEP. Describing CEP as, “the foundation of my engineering career”, he stated, “CEP’s work has also essentially been the foundation of much of the infrastructure that is used today in Barbados by everyone. It has been absolutely fantastic to be a part of this aspect of shaping Barbados, and I am extremely grateful to CEP for having allowed me the opportunities I was afforded. I can only wish the company continued success in the future.” (CH)

Frank Collymore Hall. Yet another first technology introduced by CEP was shell structures to cover industrial buildings. A shell is a three-dimensional The team at Consulting Engineers Partnership Limited is committed to excellence. (SLD) solid structural element a plate in two steps: by (also called plate and shell 1968, at a building located whose thickness is very initially forming the middle structures) are lightweight at the rear of the telephone small compared to its surface as a singly or doubly constructions using shell company at Two Mile Hill, other dimensions. It is elements. These elements, curved surface, then by St Michael. A shell structure characterised in structural typically curved, are applying loads which are can also be found at the terms by mid-plane stress, coplanar to the plate’s plane assembled to make large concourse of the Grantley which is both coplanar and structures. thus generating significant Adams International normal to the surface. A The first shell structure stresses. Airport. (CH) shell can be derived from designed by CEP was in Thin-shell structures

RA TS

quick-setting capacity and workability. Concrete needs to be workable enough to be placed into the form and consolidated (via vibration), yet quick-setting enough to emerge from the form with strength. This strength is needed because the freshly set concrete must not only permit the form to “slip” by the concrete without disturbing it but also support the pressure of the new concrete and resist collapse caused by the vibration of the compaction machinery. Slip forming was introduced to Barbados during the construction of the Central Bank of Barbados’ 12 tubes, which remain a main feature of the structure. The introduction of KUBIC frames was another technology. The KUBIC space frames are a modular three-dimensional structure without diagonal bracing, which is capable of spanning large distances and carrying significant loads. These frames cover the entire

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S ONE OF THIS ISLAND’S leading engineering firms, Consulting Engineers Partnership Limited (CEP) has introduced several technologies to Barbados which were not being used until CEP introduced them. There were the pre-stressed and precast concrete, which were both introduced in the early 1960s, as well as slip forming. The latter is a construction method in which concrete is poured into a continuously moving form. It is used for tall structures (such as bridges, towers, and buildings), as well as horizontal structures, such as roadways. Slip forming enables continuous, non-interrupted, cast-inplace “flawless” concrete structures that have performance characteristics superior to those of piecewise construction using discrete form elements. Slip forming relies on the quick-setting properties of concrete and requires a balance between

to the Directors,, Management & Staff of o

On your

Anniversary

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Lears, St. Michael

Tel: 436-3952

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Sunday, December 17, 2023