Business Details
40 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Structural Engineering Partner in Chambersburg
David Black Associates has been delivering structural engineering and code consulting services since 1986, founded by David Black, P.E., whose career began in the 1970s with landmark projects like the World Trade Center. Our firm specializes in evaluating, designing, and restoring commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings across eight states, combining decades of hands-on experience with technical expertise. We prioritize personalized service, ensuring principal engineers remain directly involved in every project while maintaining transparency and client-focused solutions. Our reputation for cost-effective, code-compliant renovations and new constructions stems from rigorous adherence to industry standards and a deep understanding of building systems.Licensed in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and five additional states, we serve architects, contractors, attorneys, and insurance companies with property condition assessments, expert witness testimony, and structural evaluations aligned with ASTM E2018-01 guidelines. Community engagement remains central to our mission, demonstrated through pro bono contributions to local shelters and infrastructure projects.
Services
Structural Engineering
Code Consulting
Property Assessments
Building Renovations
New Constructions
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of structural engineering experience since 1986
- Principal engineers remain directly involved in every project
- Licensed in eight states including PA, MD, VA, and NY
- Specialized expertise in existing building assessments and renovations
- Community-focused firm with documented pro bono contributions
Associations and certifications
- ASTM International
Services
Structural Engineering
Our structural engineering services encompass new construction design and existing building evaluations. We specialize in commercial, industrial, and institutional projects requiring code-compliant solutions. With expertise dating to the 1970s World Trade Center project, our team delivers technically rigorous designs and retrofitting strategies tailored to each structure's unique requirements.
Property Assessments
We conduct ASTM E2018-01 compliant property condition assessments identifying structural deficiencies and maintenance needs. Our evaluations cover roofing, mechanical systems, and code compliance for pre-purchase or refinancing purposes. Reports include cost estimates for remediation and can be professionally sealed when required by clients.
Code Consulting
Our code consulting ensures projects meet current building standards through comprehensive system evaluations. Services include ADA compliance reviews, fire protection assessments, and elevator/escalator code verification. We modify assessment scopes to meet specific client requirements while maintaining adherence to state and national regulations.
Building Renovations
We specialize in cost-effective renovations preserving historical structures while meeting modern code requirements. Our team has revitalized numerous downtown properties through strategic modifications. Services include truss strengthening, retaining wall installation, and comprehensive system upgrades for commercial and institutional buildings.
Expert Testimony
Our engineers provide expert witness services for insurance claims and legal proceedings. With decades of experience evaluating structural failures and code violations, we deliver technically sound assessments used in court cases. Services include detailed reporting, site inspections, and professional testimony when required.
People
David J. Black
Principal Engineer
Licensed Professional Engineer with 50+ years of experience, including World Trade Center project work. Founder of David Black Associates since 1986, specializing in structural evaluations and code compliance solutions across eight states.
Questions
What structural engineering services do you offer?
We provide complete structural design for new constructions and retrofitting solutions for existing buildings, including truss strengthening and code compliance upgrades.
How experienced is your engineering team?
Our principal engineer has 50+ years of experience, including work on the original World Trade Center, with the firm established in 1986 serving eight states.
Do you perform property condition assessments?
Yes, we conduct ASTM E2018-01 compliant assessments identifying structural deficiencies and providing remediation cost estimates for commercial properties.
Which states are you licensed to work in?
We are licensed in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and North Carolina.
Can you assist with code compliance issues?
Our code consulting covers ADA compliance, fire protection systems, elevator regulations, and all mechanical systems evaluations to meet current building standards.
Have you worked on community projects?
Yes, we've contributed structural solutions for local shelters including Waynesboro's New Hope Shelter, donating materials and engineering expertise for community revitalization.
