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Singh Tower is a high-rise residential development located at 626 Summit Avenue in Jersey City, New Jersey. During the design development phase, the project team evaluated alternatives to the originally proposed steel-framed balcony assemblies. Through a structural value engineering study performed by OM Consulting Engineers Group LLC (OMC), the balcony system was redesigned as a reinforced concrete cantilever integrated into the primary slab system. The redesign improved constructability, reduced long-term maintenance risks, and generated measurable cost savings while maintaining compliance with governing building codes and structural performance requirements.
The Singh Tower development consists of a mixed-use residential high-rise with retail and amenity spaces on lower levels and residential units above. The building reaches approximately 285 feet in height and includes approximately 198,000 square feet of construction area.
The structural system for the 29-story building consists primarily of reinforced concrete flat plate slabs supported by concrete columns and shear walls. Residential floors extend above podium levels and include cantilevered balcony projections from several floors.
Typical floor slabs are 9 inches thick, while the first floor slab is 10 inches thick and the main roof slab is 11 inches thick.
The structural system was analyzed using ETABS and SAFE finite element software. A 3D analytical model was developed to evaluate gravity, wind, and seismic loads.
Design Loads and Analysis
Design loads were determined in accordance with the 2018 International Building Code (New Jersey Edition). Typical residential floors were designed for 40 psf live load, while higher loads were applied to retail, gymnasium, and roof terrace areas.
The building was designed for a basic wind speed of 113 mph and analyzed using the equivalent lateral force procedure. Wind base shear values were calculated from ETABS analysis.
Lateral Force Resisting System
The lateral system consists of reinforced concrete shear walls located around the elevator and stair core. The system provides resistance to wind and seismic forces. Drift analysis showed roof displacements of approximately 1.61 inches in the north–south direction and 2.98 inches in the east–west direction at the top of the structure.
Foundation System
The building foundation system consists primarily of spread footings bearing on rock with an allowable bearing capacity of approximately 20,000 psf. A mat foundation supports the stair and elevator core to distribute concentrated loads from the shear wall system.
Balcony Structural Design Challenge
The original structural design utilized steel-framed balcony assemblies connected to the reinforced concrete floor system. While structurally viable, this configuration introduced complexity in steel-to-concrete connections, potential thermal bridging, and long-term corrosion concerns.
A structural value engineering study was performed to evaluate whether the balconies could be constructed using reinforced concrete integrated directly into the floor slab. The revised concept extended the floor slab outward to create cantilevered balcony slabs with additional reinforcement to resist negative bending moments at the support.
Construction Advantages
The concrete cantilever system simplified construction by eliminating structural steel fabrication and erection. Balconies were cast monolithically with the floor slabs, reducing coordination between trades and allowing a consistent floor construction cycle.
The value engineering modifications resulted in a more efficient structural system while maintaining safety and performance. Structural optimization across multiple elements resulted in potential material savings of approximately 10–15 percent while improving long‑term durability.
Conclusion
The Singh Tower project demonstrates how structural value engineering can enhance constructability, durability, and economic efficiency. By integrating cantilever balconies into the reinforced concrete slab system, the project team achieved a simplified structural solution without compromising architectural intent or structural performance. ■
About the Author
Hardik Shah is a Senior Project Structural Engineer at OM Consulting Engineers Group LLC in Jersey City, New Jersey. He specializes in high‑rise concrete structures, value engineering, and performance‑based structural design.
