Engineered Certainty for a Demanding Civic Retrofit

Overview

Radius Track engineered and fabricated a curved cold-formed steel framing system to support stainless steel standing seam façades on four existing aerobic digesters in Los Angeles:

• Replaced 140,000 square feet of aging tile with corrosion-resistant stainless steel
• Added insulation, sub-framing, and 6,000 engineered panels
• Standardized curved framing system accommodating unique geometric variances across four structures

Problem & Approach

Each digester presented unique geometric variances, including slightly different shapes, irregular concrete surfaces, and minimal available depth for structural connections. All work occurred within one of the most demanding code environments in the country.

During preconstruction, the Radius Track team developed a standardized curved framing and anchoring system providing installation tolerance to accommodate the inconsistencies of each concrete shell. Through advanced 3D modeling, the team designed a connection strategy meeting Los Angeles' stringent seismic and lateral requirements.

The approach eliminated the need for conventional light-gauge bracing while maintaining structural integrity and design precision. Over a three-year construction schedule, Radius Track synchronized fabrication, material delivery, and installation sequencing to align with the phased decommissioning of each digester.

Precision fabrication models generated shop drawings, cut lists, and field installation plans directly from the coordinated 3D model. This ensured seamless communication between design, production, and site teams. Materials were delivered just-in-time, reducing site congestion and waste while maintaining pace across multiple project phases.

Solution & Results

The fully integrated façade framing system met minimal embed depths, required no lateral bracing, and achieved approval from one of the nation's strictest building jurisdictions.

Key technical achievements included:

• Delivered 140,000 square feet of curved framing supporting 6,000 engineered stainless steel panels
• Synchronized three-year phased delivery aligning with digester decommissioning schedule
• Eliminated conventional light-gauge bracing through engineered connection strategy meeting LA seismic requirements
• Provided standardized system with built-in tolerance accommodating irregular concrete surfaces
• Generated shop drawings and installation plans directly from coordinated 3D model

For the contractor, this coordination translated into predictable installation, reduced rework, and provided significant cost savings through labor efficiency and material optimization.

__

Team

Owner: Los Angeles Department of Public Works

Architect of Record: Parsons.

Engineer of Record for Structural Work: Parsons.

Contractor: CMF Inc.

GC: PCL Construction, Inc.

CFS Engineer: McClure

Awards

2025 CFSEI DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER