NISHKIAN MONKS was established in 2003 and carries with it a tradition of innovative and professional capability that characterizes the Nishkian firms and can be traced back to 1919.  Nishkian firms have collectively to date been responsible for in excess of 7000 engineering projects.

General Services
Nishkian Monks provides services covering all phases of structural engineering.  These services include studies of structural systems in the conceptual stage, preliminary design and cost studies, final design and working drawings, specifications, and general on-site observation of the structural work throughout the construction phase.

The structural systems selected for a project should reflect and be compatible with the architectural concepts.  They should be efficient, economical and should address programmatic requirements.  Consistent with this philosophy, NM has designed structural systems using various building materials ranging from conventional reinforced concrete, pre-stressed concrete to masonry, wood, heavy timber and structural steel. NM technical personnel stay abreast of the latest design techniques and state-of-the-art theory through formal education, research and participation in specialized technical seminars and conferences.

Nishkian project assignments have encompassed all types of new building structures and structural/seismic rehabilitation of existing buildings.  Project types include large public and multi-use projects, office and commercial buildings, residential buildings, hotels, institutional, educational and health facilities, military and industrial projects, parking structures, restaurants and churches.

In addition to the more conventional structural design expertise, the firm has developed in-depth experience in seismic evaluations and dynamic analyses.  Such projects are supported by computer analysis, including sophisticated in-house computers and software, and a fully qualified staff.

Seismic Capabilities
All Nishkian personnel are well versed in seismic design and analysis, as many projects are located in Seismic Zone 4, the most severe seismic region designated by code.  Computerized seismic investigations include, seismic distribution, shear wall analysis, response spectrum analysis and dynamic analysis of large structures.  Studies cover structural steel, concrete, masonry and wood structures.

Seismic studies are performed on company-owned computers.  All computer results are thoroughly reviewed and critiqued by an engineer experienced in seismic evaluation to determine the validity of computer input as well as output.  Based on the computer output, engineering judgment is then used to design the structure.

Wind Load Analysis
Buildings are designed for wind forces in much the same manner as earthquake forces.  Simple structural analyses are accomplished with hand calculations while more complex analyses are carried out using computers.  Structures are designed taking into account wind stresses and interstory wind drifts.  When unusual wind conditions call for special design considerations, wind loads and design criteria are developed in consultation with outside wind specialists.

Computer Design
NM operates several PC-based computers in-house.  This equipment uses such software as ETABS, its PLOTTER and post processor design packages STEELER, CONKER and WALLER; SAFE and its post processor design packages SAFEPL, SAFERC, and SAFECO; and SAP90, SAPCON and SAPSTL.  It also uses a set of simple, interactive programs developed by various individuals for routine design of elements such as beams, columns, walls, and footings.  Simple interactive programs, as well as large and complicated programs for three-dimensional dynamic analysis of structures (e.g. TABS, ETABS, SAP) are available.

Automated Drafting
NM currently operates automated drafting stations that use P.C. based technology.  Our drafting staff is versed in the use of our software programs.  Our automated drafting is based upon the latest release of AutoCad.  In addition, we are also using an enhancement package designed and developed by our staff.  This package specifically addresses the needs of structural drawings.