Business Details
11 Years
experience
Expert Structural Engineering Solutions in Reno & Boise
Nelson Wilcox Structural Engineers was founded in 2015 as a Reno-based structural engineering firm with a commitment to delivering innovative, code-compliant solutions. Our team brings over 60 years of combined experience in designing new structures and assessing existing ones, with specialized expertise in seismic, wind, and snow load analysis that extends beyond standard code requirements. We maintain professional licenses across 12 U.S. states, including Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Washington, enabling us to serve diverse geographic challenges.Our practice encompasses educational, residential, commercial, and industrial projects, emphasizing constructability, economic efficiency, and technical rigor. We utilize advanced computer analysis methods and finite element modeling to address complex structural challenges, while maintaining a focus on practical engineering solutions that prioritize client needs and project-specific requirements.
Services
Structural Design
Seismic Retrofits
Forensic Analysis
Finite Element Modeling
Building Renovations
Industrial Structures
Water Facilities
Expert Witness
Code Compliance
Displacement Analysis
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years combined experience in structural engineering design
- Our team maintains professional licenses in 12 U.S. states
- Specialized expertise in seismic, wind, and snow load analysis
- We utilize advanced finite element modeling and computer analysis
- Proven track record with educational, residential, and industrial projects
Services
Structural Design
Our structural design services encompass new construction projects across educational, residential, and commercial sectors. We utilize the latest building codes and computer analysis tools to create safe, efficient structural systems. Our engineers optimize material selection and construction methods to balance performance requirements with economic considerations.
Seismic Retrofits
We specialize in seismic vulnerability assessments and retrofit solutions for existing buildings in high-risk regions. Our approach combines code requirements with practical field experience to enhance structural resilience while maintaining functionality. Services include nonlinear dynamic analysis and performance-based design.
Finite Element Modeling
Our team employs advanced finite element analysis software to simulate complex structural behaviors. This includes displacement contours, stress distribution, and failure mode predictions for components like shear pins, plate elements, and contact systems using industry-standard computational methods.
Forensic Engineering
We conduct comprehensive forensic evaluations of structural failures or performance issues. Our services include expert witness testimony, damage assessment, and remediation recommendations based on rigorous engineering analysis and field testing of existing building systems.
Code Compliance
Our engineers ensure structural designs meet all applicable building codes and jurisdictional requirements. We maintain expertise in regional load specifications for seismic, wind, and snow conditions that exceed minimum code standards in Western U.S. markets.
Questions
What structural engineering services do you offer?
We provide seismic retrofits, forensic analysis, finite element modeling, building renovations, industrial structure design, and code compliance services for educational, residential, and commercial projects.
Which states are you licensed to work in?
Our engineers hold professional licenses in 12 U.S. states including Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Washington, enabling regional expertise in seismic and climate-specific design challenges.
What makes your firm different from other engineering companies?
We combine 60+ years of collective experience with advanced computational analysis methods and deep understanding of regional load requirements exceeding standard code minimums.
Do you handle both new construction and existing structures?
Yes, our practice includes designing new buildings and assessing/renovating existing structures, with specialized capabilities in seismic upgrades and forensic engineering investigations.
Where are your office locations?
We operate from two primary offices: 225 S. Arlington Ave., Suite B, Reno, Nevada 89501 and 402 W. Union St., Boise, Idaho 83702.
