Feature Staircase Conformance Review | Structural & Shop Drawing Review by Q Engineering

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Feature Staircase Conformance Review — PWGSC Laboratories Canada

Introduction

Q Engineering is proud to highlight one of our recent structural review projects: the general conformance review and engineering verification of a custom feature staircase constructed inside a federal laboratory facility in Mississauga.
This project required a detailed assessment of delegated-design shop drawings, site-installed steel connections, welding inspections, and as-built documentation to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code and the structural intent of the base building designer.

Our team delivered a thorough engineering review, provided timely support to the contractor and fabricator, and issued the final conformance documentation required for project close-out.

Project Overview

The project involved the installation of a large architectural “Feature Stair” connecting multiple building levels. Because this staircase ties directly into the existing structural steel system, the work required a certified engineering team to:

  • Review and stamp connection shop drawings

  • Evaluate delegated design engineering provided by the fabricator

  • Conduct a site review of the installed steel and connection details

  • Review and stamp as-built drawings

  • Issue a General Conformance Report in accordance with OBC Division C, Subdivision 1.2.2

This ensured all components were installed safely and met the structural performance requirements outlined by the original structural consultant.

Scope of Work by Q Engineering

1. Review of Existing Structural Documentation

Our engineers examined all applicable reference materials including:

  • Structural drawings prepared by WSP

  • Structural connection designs and shop drawings prepared by Astound Maffeis Engineering

  • Inspection and welding reports completed by GHD Inc.

This allowed our team to confirm compatibility between design intent, fabrication details, and on-site implementation.

2. Field Review & Data Collection

A Q Engineering structural engineer attended the project site to:

  • Inspect installed steelwork

  • Verify connection geometry and alignment

  • Review welding quality based on CSA W59 standards

  • Document existing conditions through photos and measurements

This visit ensured that the staircase structure conformed to the approved design.

3. Shop Drawing Review & Stamping

The staircase connection system included a mix of structural components such as:

  • W-section beams (W310, W460, W610 series)

  • C-channel sections (C310 series)

  • HSS members (HSS60.3×6.4)

  • Custom fabricated I-shape assemblies

  • Powder-coated steel plates and bent plates

  • Tempered laminated glass guard systems

Our team reviewed these drawings for structural adequacy, assembly logic, connection detailing, and compliance with CSA S16, CSA W59, and project specifications. After revisions were incorporated, the drawings were stamped for fabrication and installation.

4. As-Built Review & Compliance Verification

With the fabrication complete and the staircase installed, our engineers reviewed:

  • As-built connection drawings

  • Weld inspection reports

  • On-site measurements

  • Field notes from GHD Inc.’s third-party inspection program

This comprehensive review ensured that the final installation met the design criteria and code requirements.

5. General Conformance Letter

Upon completing all evaluations, Q Engineering prepared and issued the General Conformance Report confirming that the feature staircase and its connections were installed in general conformity with the reviewed and stamped documents.

This certification is a required component for project turnover and municipality documentation.

Technical Highlights

  • Connection design followed CSA S16 (Steel Design)

  • Welding operations complied with CSA W59

  • Fabrication performed under CWB-certified procedures

  • Structural review carried out in accordance with OBC Division C, Subdivision 1.2.2

  • Multi-disciplinary coordination between fabricators, inspectors, and structural consultants

  • Integration with existing building structure designed by WSP

This project exemplified the importance of detailed coordination between delegated engineering, fabrication, inspection, and independent professional review.

Why Q Engineering?

Q Engineering delivers fast, precise, and reliable engineering services for residential, commercial, industrial, and government projects. Our expertise allows us to support contractors, architects, and owners with:

  • Shop drawing review and stamping

  • Structural connection design

  • General conformance review

  • Field inspection services

  • As-built verification

  • Permit-ready engineering documentation

We take pride in combining speed with accuracy — ensuring every project meets the highest safety and quality standards.

Conclusion

The Feature Staircase Conformance Review at PWGSC Laboratories Canada demonstrates Q Engineering’s commitment to technical excellence, code compliance, and responsive communication with project stakeholders.
Our team ensured that the staircase was built safely, accurately, and in full alignment with the structural design requirements of the facility.

For professional structural review services or consultation on your next project, contact Q Engineering today.