October 27, 2020, Article 8
Jacob Dodd, PE
Signs have been, and are continuing to, pop up everywhere around us. However, they don’t just “pop up.” Our Design Engineer, Jacob Dodd, from our Chattanooga office, is an expert in the structural and support design of the sign and components. He sat down with us recently to go over just what goes into supporting these structures.
The Chattanooga team has been working on sign design for over 40 years. Not only are new sign structures still going up, but repairs and refacing to existing signs is needed. Since Jacob started in 2016, the demand has grown even more. Each structure has varying elements whether they are different column types, foundations, or prefabricated sections which are all uniquely designed to meet industry standards.
Not only are the elements that make up sign structures varying, but so are the geographical elements that surround them. Working on these elements in unique field conditions, and at times with existing structures having no prior drawings or information available, can be a feat. Jacob, on numerous occasions, has had to modify designs to make them feasible. Whether that be modifying the foundation to not have to drill into rock or finding other ways to get creative in the design process.
Take for instance the signage at the Boston Scientific Manufacturing Company in Marlborough, Massachusetts. There was no place to weld the sign to the existing building, the previous work wouldn’t serve as adequate for the signage and the prior field notes were so bad, they were indecipherable. Jacob was forced to get creative and found ways to transfer the load weight to the structure that wouldn’t fail.
Boston Scientific isn’t the only example of adding signs to existing structures; it’s quite a popular practice right now and even more so with upgrading to LED signs. A popular example of this is the transferring of Sun Trust Park, home to the Atlanta Braves, to Truist Park. Jacob and his team completed all the new signage throughout the ballpark. Just around the corner off I285, you will see the new 100- foot tall Cobb Galleria Marquee. Yes, Jacob’s structural expertise was also instrumental in this project.
Even though Jacob’s structural design know-how reaches all project types, his work in signs is recognized by millions around the country who pass his structures. Whenever he spots one of his signs, he sees the hard work, complex details, and dedication lit up against the skyline, reminding him of a job well done.
