Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Engineering Solutions in Dallas
HLA Engineers was founded in 1974 to deliver structural and mechanical engineering design and analysis services using finite element simulations and classical methods. Our team of highly skilled engineers specializes in solving complex problems through diversified approaches, personalized solutions, and close client collaboration. Over 50 years, we expanded our expertise to include thermal, vibration, fatigue, and computational fluid dynamics analysis, along with physical testing, forensic engineering, and expert witness support. Our engineers hold advanced degrees and professional licenses, bringing decades of experience in industries like transportation, power generation, petrochemicals, and aerospace.We prioritize technical excellence, client trust, and innovative problem-solving, maintaining memberships in leading professional organizations like ASME, AISC, and ASCE. Our work spans global projects, from finite element analysis of railcars to structural evaluations of wind turbines and nuclear fuel cars. We combine cutting-edge software tools with deep domain knowledge to optimize designs, prevent failures, and ensure compliance with international standards. Our commitment to accuracy, transparency, and client education has solidified our reputation as a trusted engineering partner for complex industrial challenges.
Services
Finite Element Analysis
Structural Design
Fatigue Assessment
Forensic Engineering
Physical Testing
Damage Tolerance Analysis
Railcar Design
Pressure Vessel Analysis
Wind Tower Evaluation
Elastomer Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of specialized expertise in finite element analysis and structural engineering.
- Our team includes licensed engineers with advanced degrees and industry-specific certifications.
- We provide end-to-end solutions from design to forensic analysis and litigation support.
- Our work meets global standards like ASME, AISC, and ISO for reliability and compliance.
- We combine cutting-edge software with hands-on testing for accurate, actionable results.
Services
Finite Element Analysis
Our finite element analysis services use advanced software like ANSYS and LS-DYNA to simulate structural, thermal, and dynamic stresses. We create detailed models to predict product performance, identify failure points, and optimize designs for industries ranging from aerospace to rail transport. Our engineers validate results through physical testing, ensuring accuracy for complex systems like wind towers and pressure vessels.
Fatigue Assessment
We evaluate fatigue life and damage tolerance for critical components using methods like S-N curves, fracture mechanics, and crack growth modeling. Our work extends equipment lifespan for clients in transportation and energy sectors by identifying stress concentrations and recommending design improvements that triple fatigue life in structures like wind turbine towers.
Forensic Engineering
Our forensic engineers investigate structural failures, collapses, and industrial accidents using simulation and physical evidence. We provide expert testimony, root-cause analysis, and repair recommendations, leveraging expertise in metallurgy, stress analysis, and code compliance to resolve litigation cases and prevent future incidents.
Physical Testing
We design and execute full-scale physical tests for structures like ISO containers and railcars, using strain gauges, load cells, and data acquisition systems. Our tests validate finite element models, confirm buckling resistance, and ensure compliance with standards like ASME and DOT through controlled environments and real-world simulations.
Railcar Design
HLA pioneered finite element analysis for railcars in 1972 and remains a global authority. We design and analyze tank cars, hopper cars, and intermodal equipment for puncture resistance, fatigue performance, and compliance with AAR and DOT regulations, ensuring safety and durability for freight and passenger transport systems.
People
Steve W. Stahl
President
Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas with 40+ years of experience in ASME pressure vessels, piping design, and structural analysis for oil and gas and power generation industries.
Ricky A. Cribbs
Executive Vice President
Structural engineer with expertise in FEA, forensic analysis, and code compliance. Licensed in 11 states and active in ASCE and NCEES committees for structural engineering standards.
Dipen Shah
Vice President
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with 30+ years of experience in fatigue analysis, composites, and expert witness work. Led projects for railcars, wind turbines, and aerospace structures.
H. Keith Hunt
Director
Founder with a Masters in Structural Mechanics. Pioneered FEA applications in aerospace and industrial structures, including Apollo spacecraft analysis and railcar design.
Percy Elavia
Engineering Manager
Mechanical engineer with 20+ years in tank car analysis, fracture mechanics, and software development. Specializes in puncture resistance and damage tolerance for transportation equipment.
Questions
What industries does HLA Engineers serve?
We serve transportation, energy, petrochemical, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing sectors with structural analysis, design, and forensic engineering services.
How does HLA ensure accuracy in finite element analysis?
We validate FEA models through physical testing, use industry-standard software like ANSYS, and apply decades of engineering judgment to ensure reliable simulations.
Can HLA assist with international compliance standards?
Yes, we ensure compliance with global codes including ASME, ISO, DOT, IMDG, and ADR for clients in over 30 countries.
What forensic engineering services do you offer?
We investigate structural failures, provide expert testimony, and recommend repairs using simulation, metallurgy, and code compliance analysis.
How do you handle complex fatigue analysis projects?
We use fracture mechanics, crack growth modeling, and S-N curves to predict lifespan and improve designs for components under cyclic loading.
