Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Structural Engineering Solutions in Dallas, TX
Founded in 1974, HLA Engineers has established itself as a leader in structural and mechanical engineering design and analysis. Our team of highly skilled engineers leverages finite element analysis and classical engineering methods to solve complex problems across diverse industries. With over five decades of experience, we have expanded our expertise to include thermal, vibration, fatigue, and computational fluid dynamics simulations. Our commitment to personalized solutions ensures close collaboration with clients, delivering tailored engineering services that meet exacting standards. We specialize in physical testing, forensic analysis, and expert witness support, backed by advanced software tools like ANSYS and LS-DYNA.Our engineers hold prestigious memberships in professional organizations, reflecting our dedication to industry excellence. Having worked with major clients such as General Electric and Shell Oil, we bring proven expertise to every project. Our focus on innovation and precision has made us a trusted partner for structural integrity assessments and damage tolerance analysis. We pride ourselves on combining technical rigor with practical problem-solving to address even the most challenging engineering scenarios. This legacy of excellence continues to drive our mission of delivering reliable, cutting-edge solutions to clients worldwide.
Services
Finite Element Analysis
Structural Design
Fatigue Analysis
Forensic Engineering
CAD Modeling
Stress Analysis
Damage Tolerance Assessment
Vibration Testing
Expert Witness Services
Physical Testing
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of specialized engineering expertise
- Our team utilizes advanced FEA software for accurate simulations
- We provide comprehensive forensic analysis and failure investigation services
- Our engineers hold multiple professional licenses and industry certifications
- We deliver tailored solutions for complex structural integrity challenges
Services
Finite Element Analysis
Our finite element analysis services utilize advanced computational modeling to simulate structural behavior under complex loading conditions. We employ industry-leading software like ANSYS and LS-DYNA to predict stress distribution, deformation patterns, and failure modes with high accuracy. This enables optimized design solutions that enhance structural performance while reducing material costs and development time.
Structural Design
We provide comprehensive structural design services for industrial equipment and infrastructure projects. Our engineers develop customized solutions that meet ASME, API, and other regulatory standards while balancing performance requirements with cost efficiency. Our expertise includes pressure vessels, piping systems, and transportation equipment design.
Fatigue Analysis
Our fatigue analysis services evaluate component lifespan under cyclic loading conditions using advanced fracture mechanics principles. We employ specialized software tools and industry-standard methodologies to predict crack initiation and propagation rates, enabling proactive maintenance planning and design improvements for extended service life.
Forensic Engineering
We conduct thorough forensic engineering investigations to determine root causes of structural failures and equipment malfunctions. Our multidisciplinary approach combines field analysis, laboratory testing, and computational modeling to provide expert testimony and remediation recommendations for industrial incidents.
Physical Testing
Our physical testing services validate structural performance through full-scale load testing and specialized measurement techniques. We design custom test protocols using strain gauges, accelerometers, and data acquisition systems to verify design assumptions and ensure compliance with certification requirements for critical infrastructure.
People
Steve W. Stahl
President
Licensed Professional Engineer with 34 years of experience in mechanical engineering, specializing in ASME pressure vessel design and oilfield equipment analysis. Holds BS in Mechanical Engineering and maintains memberships in ASME and AISC.
Ricky A. Cribbs
Executive Vice President
Structural engineering expert with 31 years of experience in FEA-based design and forensic analysis. Licensed in 11 states, with MS in Civil Engineering and active roles in ASCE and NCEES committees.
Dipen Shah
Vice President
PhD Mechanical Engineer with 28 years of expertise in fracture mechanics and damage tolerance analysis. Specializes in transportation structures and has published extensively on composite materials and fatigue analysis.
H. Keith Hunt
Director
Founding engineer with advanced degrees in Mechanical and Structural Engineering. Pioneered early FEA applications in aerospace and brings extensive experience in structural analysis of industrial equipment and infrastructure.
Percy Elavia
Engineering Manager
Mechanical engineering specialist with 19 years of experience in railcar design and fatigue analysis. Expertise in fracture mechanics and software development for engineering applications, with ME in Mechanical Engineering.
Questions
What engineering services does HLA Engineers offer?
We provide finite element analysis, structural design, forensic engineering, physical testing, and expert witness services for industrial applications.
Which industries do you serve?
We work with transportation, energy, petrochemical, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors on structural integrity and mechanical design challenges.
How long has HLA Engineers been in business?
We've delivered engineering solutions since our founding in 1974, with over 50 years of combined experience among our senior staff.
What makes your engineering analysis different?
We combine advanced FEA with physical testing and decades of practical experience to deliver solutions that balance technical accuracy with real-world applicability.
Can you handle complex structural failures?
Our forensic team specializes in investigating complex failures using multidisciplinary approaches that integrate field analysis, laboratory testing, and computational modeling.
