With Taut you get fifteen years of engineering experience, two years of AI, and one engineer who brings both.
What CANDE Is, and When You Actually Need It
Plain-English explanation of what CANDE is, when buried pipe and culvert work actually needs soil-structure interaction analysis, and what the program does and does not do.
I'm a licensed professional engineer based in Dayton, Ohio, providing structural and geotechnical engineering services for projects across the United States and internationally. I work directly with clients, no layers, no hand-offs. When you hire Taut Engineering, you're working with me.
My practice covers foundation design and geotechnical analysis, buried structures and culverts, solar racking, structural steel and cold-formed steel, plan review and PE stamping, and independent engineering reviews. I also build Python automation tools and use AI assistance to run analyses faster, without compromising the engineering judgment behind them.
AI-Assisted FEA and Analysis Automation
Python tooling and AI assistance for building, verifying, and documenting structural models. Faster turnaround on independent checks without cutting corners on judgment.
Buried Structures and CANDE Finite Element Analysis
Nonlinear soil-structure interaction for buried pipe, culverts, drainage structures, and relining systems.
Solar Racking Engineering
Wind uplift, ballast design, and structural review for rooftop, carport, and ground-mount PV racking systems.
Structural Engineering and Plan Review
Hot-rolled and cold-formed steel design, reinforced concrete, independent peer review, and PE stamping.
Geotechnical Engineering and PLAXIS FEA
Finite element analysis for foundation design, soil-structure interaction, and lateral pile analysis using PLAXIS 2D/3D.
Pylon Sign Drilled Shaft Foundations
LPILE analysis with Reese weak-rock p-y model to justify reduced embedment into limestone. ACI 318 shear design with the size-effect provision. Stamped calculation package for permit.
Freestanding Scoreboard Structure
Site-specific adaptation of a manufacturer scoreboard structure to CBC wind and seismic loads. Drilled pier foundation design, Excel calculation package, and PE seal for permit.
Steel Solar Carport Structural Calculator
Built a parameterized Excel calculator for steel solar carport structures that generates ASCE 7 wind and snow loads and sizes the primary structural members across multiple regional wind and snow markets. Includes IBC code references throughout, a corrected Case B wind load factor, a ledger beam designed as a double-overhanging member, and a self-supporting-panel check that flags when the modules contribute structurally. Maintained in parallel market and configuration versions to support repeatable carport design across jurisdictions.
"Delivered a thorough, well-documented analysis under a tight deadline. Flagged an issue I would have missed, explained the engineering clearly, and gave a direct recommendation rather than a list of options. Will hire again."Upwork client · peer review · 2024
"Exactly what I needed: a licensed PE who actually does the analysis himself. Direct communication, no hand-offs, and a report that held up to a second review."Upwork client · foundation design · 2023
Texas and Florida licensure in progress. Additional state licensure available on request.
Most of my work comes through Upwork or direct referral. If you have drawings, a spec, or a project description ready, include it with your message and I will respond with scope, fee, and timeline. Initial consultation is free.