Welcome to VanDorpe Chou & Associates, Engineers

DESIGN CONSULTING

Wood Frame Construction
Light Gauge Steel Construction
Concrete Construction
Post Tension Conventionally Reinforced
Masonry Construction
Structural Steel Construction
Post-Tension Foundations
Structural Field Observation
Fire Sprinkler Design
Construction Administration Services

VCA Engineers has pioneered many design improvements for Type V construction including rigid diaphragm analysis and the use of pre-manufactured shear elements. Our company’s practice of performing on-site structural observation during the foundation and framing stages provides valuable practical understanding of current trends in methods and materials of construction.

CODE CONSULTING

VCA Engineers provides plan check and inspection services for a number of municipal jurisdictions. Plan check services include reviewing plans for all life safety aspects of the code as well as Title 24 energy conservation compliance and ADA accessibility.

Go to Code Consulting

FIRE SPRINKLER CONSULTING

Effective January 1, 2011, California Building Codes require fire sprinkler systems in most occupancies, which now include all new one- and two-family residences and townhouses, as well as garages and carports built in the California. The California Residential Code (CRC) allows a prescriptive method for the design of fire sprinkler systems. However, more economic pipe sizes can often be achieved using an engineered design rather than the prescriptive NFPA fire-sprinkler guidelines allowed by the CRC.

If your team is looking for fire-protection plans, VCA can provide you with a smart design and a quick, quality turnaround. VCA has been designing NFPA fire sprinklers design for over 20 years, and we have two licensed Fire Protection Engineers on staff ready to help you with your next project.

Our Licensed Fire-Protection Engineers can design bid-able plans for the design of:

•Automatic Fire Sprinkler/Fire Suppression Systems

•Fire Hydrants

•Fire Pumps

•Standpipe Systems

We are also available for consulting services for fire suppression systems in existing structures.

VCA Engineers Structural Design

Our Licensed Structural Engineers can prepare designs for pipe support systems including lateral bracing. Our team is innovative and has a proven record of performance. We can provide designs for all occupancies and are experienced with related DSA and OSHPD requirements applicable to schools and hospitals located in California.

VCA Fire-Sprinkler Plancheck

VCA Code Group, Inc. provides complete plancheck services for fire alarm and suppression systems. For more information on our review service, visit the VCA Code Group website.