EXPERTISE // PEOPLE

Leah M. Ruther

Senior Associate

 
Experience

Since joining WJE in 2012, Leah Ruther has been involved in numerous projects related to both structural engineering and architecture. Her typical responsibilities have included the investigation and analysis of existing and damaged structures, development of technical repair and rehabilitation documents, and construction observations. Ms. Ruther has performed a variety of structural analyses on steel, concrete, masonry, and wood structures. She has assisted with several nondestructive investigations and completed multiple condition assessments. Additionally, Ms. Ruther has performed multiple water infiltration investigations.

 

 

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS

Repair and Rehabilitation Design

  • First Baptist Church - Oak Park, MI: Repair of masonry walls, wood trusses, and roofing with preparation of construction drawings
  • Two Pierce Place Parking Garage - Itasca, IL: Concrete repairs with preparation of construction drawings
  • CC Little - Ann Arbor, MI: Waterproofing and masonry repairs with technical documentation preparation and construction observation services

 

Structural Evaluation

  • Paul Building - Grand Rapids, MI: Roof collapse investigation and analysis; repair design and preparation of repair documents
  • Major Retail Store Chain - Various Locations: Field inspection, structural analysis, repair recommendations, and design for large metal-frame buildings
  • Granger Energy of Morgantown - Morgantown, PA: CMU wall and concrete foundation design

 

Damage Assessment and Documentation

  • Hagelstein Bakery - Royal Oak, MI: Structural evaluation of partial wall collapse, shoring design, and preparation of repair documents
  • Kamps Hardwood - Grand Rapids, MI: Structural evaluation of partial roof collapse

 

Fire Damage Investigation

  • Residential Home - Whitehall, MI: Structural assessment of fire damage to wood trusses followed by repair design and preparation of repair documents

 

Construction Observation Services

  • Varsity Tennis - Ann Arbor, MI: Preparation of repair documents for subgrade waterproofing of the concrete foundation and construction observation services
  • Metropolitan United Methodist Church Parsonage - Huntington Woods, MI: Preparation of repair documents for masonry repairs and roof replacements; construction observation services

 

Facade Assessment

  • Fox Theater Parking Garage - Detroit, MI: Condition assessment and report of findings submitted to owner and City of Detroit to satisfy facade ordinance requirements
  • Simpson Circle Parking Structure Cooling Tower Enclosure - Ann Arbor, MI: Condition assessment with technical document preparation and construction services

 

Testing and Instrumentation

  • Prescott Valley Public Library - Prescott Valley, AZ: Field investigation and water infiltration testing of metal roofing system

 

Roofing and Waterproofing

  • 35th Macomb Centre - Clinton Township, MI: Condition assessment and design of EPDM membrane roofing system
Professional Affiliations

Structural Engineers Association of Michigan - Young Members Chapter

Registrations

Professional Engineer in MI

Education

Calvin College
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, 2011

Lawrence Technological University
Master of Civil Engineering, 2013