As part of a facility expansion, a company planned to increase liquid nitrogen storage capacity at its Tennessee facility by installing a third liquid nitrogen (LIN) tank. To move the project forward, the client required accurate site data and civil engineering documentation to support permitting, layout coordination, and future construction activities.
Chief Engineering was engaged to provide the site-specific engineering services needed to establish a reliable foundation for the project. The scope included performing a field investigation, installing a local benchmark for elevation control, verifying existing site conditions, and capturing layout constraints within the designated tank area. Using reference information supplied by the tank vendor, the team developed an approval-level civil drawing package that included grading plans, concrete interface details, and layouts for bollards, fencing, and vehicle access.
A key component of the project was ensuring the proposed tank installation fit seamlessly within the existing facility while providing the documentation necessary for permitting and contractor coordination. Accurate field data and scan-based verification helped reduce uncertainty and provided a clear understanding of site conditions before construction activities began.
During execution, the construction contractor elected to begin portions of the work using preliminary Issued for Approval (IFA) drawings rather than waiting for the final Issued for Construction (IFC) package. This accelerated schedule required an additional site visit for scanning and coordination after field conditions evolved. Although the contractor assumed responsibility for proceeding with the preliminary information, the experience reinforced the importance of using finalized construction documents before installation begins to minimize rework and ensure alignment with the final design intent.
Despite the accelerated project schedule, Chief Engineering delivered the civil engineering support needed to keep the project moving while maintaining accurate documentation and coordination throughout the design process. The project also highlighted the value of field verification and scan-based engineering in supporting complex facility expansions where existing conditions directly influence construction success.
This project demonstrates that effective scanning support extends beyond capturing dimensions—it provides the reliable information that owners, designers, and contractors need to make informed decisions, reduce project risk, and build with confidence.
