Our Services
Structural Design
Barter & Associates, Inc. provides structural engineering services to a diverse range of clients, including architects, government agencies, institutions, specialty contractors, industrial firms, and other engineering companies. Our design projects span hospitals, schools, churches, office buildings, deep-water docks, and industrial facilities.
Analysis
Our firm conducts structural analyses of existing buildings to evaluate their ability to support additional loads, whether from increased gravity demands or wind forces. These projects range from homeowners wishing to convert attics into living spaces to warehouse owners planning to install overhead cranes. Additionally, our engineers maintain a detailed computer model of one venue to verify the structural capacity of its dome roof, ensuring it can safely support the heavy loads required by sound and lighting equipment for live performances.
Damage Assessment
Since Hurricane Andrew, Barter & Associates has provided comprehensive damage assessment services for numerous hurricanes. Following Hurricane Ivan, we conducted surveys on over 1,800 structures, including 1,400 residential inspections for the City of Gulf Shores, Alabama. We have also performed more than 400 inspections for insurance companies after various natural and man-made disasters. Our engineers are fully trained and certified in disaster assessment inspections.
Specialty Structures
Our firm maintains ongoing relationships with multiple companies requiring specialized structural engineering expertise. We design tank foundations in accordance with API 620, 625, and 650 across the country. Our specialized services also include wind and seismic analysis of equipment, high mast light pole foundation design, industrial structures, docks, piers, and relieving platforms.
Litigation Support
For over 36 years, our principals have provided litigation support on numerous cases, representing both plaintiff and defendant positions. The majority of these cases involve issues related to substandard construction or design. Although we do not actively market this service, attorneys frequently seek out our firm’s honest, reliable analyses to support litigation proceedings.
Historic Renovation and Restoration
Barter & Associates has completed multiple projects focused on the preservation and restoration of historic structures, including Montgomery Presbyterian Church, Selma YMCA, Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, and the re-installation of the steeple at Christ Church Cathedral in Mobile after a century. Our commitment to historic preservation began in 1982 with the adaptive reuse of the McGowan-Lyons Building in Mobile and has continued through our passion for preserving architectural heritage.
Special Inspections
Our firm manages comprehensive special inspection programs for projects ranging from under $1 million to over $150 million in value. We coordinate with specialized inspectors and materials testing firms, ensuring a complete inspection process. By managing this process, Barter & Associates guarantees that all code requirements for special inspections are fully met, providing property owners with the highest level of compliance and quality assurance.