Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Engineering Solutions in Dallas, TX
HLA Engineers was founded in 1974 to deliver structural and mechanical engineering design and analysis services to industrial clients using finite element simulations and classical engineering methods. Our team of highly skilled engineers specializes in solving complex problems through diversified approaches and personalized solutions, maintaining close collaboration with clients. Over 50 years, we have 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 railcar design, pressure vessel analysis, and structural optimization. We utilize cutting-edge software like ANSYS and LS-DYNA to provide accurate simulations, ensuring compliance with ASME, AISC, and international standards. Our commitment to technical excellence and client-focused service has established us as leaders in engineering analysis for transportation, power generation, and petrochemical industries.
Services
Finite Element Analysis
Structural Engineering
Mechanical Design
Forensic Analysis
Fatigue and Fracture Analysis
Physical Testing
Computer Simulated Stress Analysis
Damage Tolerance Analysis
Railcar Design
Pressure Vessel Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in structural and mechanical engineering.
- Our team includes licensed Professional Engineers in multiple states.
- We offer comprehensive forensic analysis and failure investigation services.
- We utilize advanced software like ANSYS and LS-DYNA for precise simulations.
- Our engineers have expertise in fatigue and fracture analysis for critical components.
Services
Finite Element Analysis
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a computational method used to predict how structures behave under stress, vibration, and other physical forces. Our engineers use FEA to simulate complex systems, identify potential failures, and optimize designs for industries like rail, aerospace, and energy. By leveraging software like ANSYS and LS-DYNA, we ensure accurate, cost-effective solutions that meet rigorous safety standards.
Structural Engineering
Structural engineering services focus on analyzing and designing load-bearing structures to ensure safety and durability. We specialize in steel, concrete, and composite materials for industrial buildings, bridges, and equipment supports. Our team addresses wind, seismic, and dynamic loads, providing detailed fabrication drawings and compliance with AISC and ASCE standards for optimal performance.
Forensic Analysis
Forensic analysis involves investigating structural or mechanical failures to determine root causes and prevent recurrence. Our experts conduct site inspections, material testing, and simulations to support litigation or design improvements. This service is critical for industries requiring compliance with safety regulations and insurance claims, ensuring transparent, evidence-based conclusions.
Fatigue and Fracture Analysis
Fatigue and fracture analysis evaluates how materials degrade under cyclic loading to predict lifespan and prevent catastrophic failures. We apply advanced techniques like crack growth modeling and stress-life curves for components in railcars, wind turbines, and pressure vessels. Our assessments help clients optimize maintenance schedules and enhance structural reliability.
Physical Testing
Physical testing validates simulations by measuring real-world performance under controlled conditions. We conduct load tests, strain analysis, and vibration studies using precision instruments like accelerometers and load cells. This service ensures compliance with industry standards and provides actionable data to refine designs for safety and efficiency.
People
Steve W. Stahl
President
Steve Stahl has 10 years of oil and gas engineering experience and 35+ years at HLA. He specializes in ASME pressure vessels, piping, and power generation structures. Licensed in Texas with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
Ricky A. Cribbs
Executive Vice President
Ricky Cribbs leads structural analysis with expertise in FEA and forensic engineering. Licensed in 11 states and as a Structural Engineer in Nevada, he holds MS and BS degrees in Civil Engineering and contributes to ASCE committees.
Dipen Shah
Vice President, Chief Engineer
Dipen Shah, Ph.D., specializes in mechanical analysis, composites, and fracture mechanics. With 21 years at HLA, he has led projects on wind towers, railcars, and biomedical research, publishing extensively in international journals.
H. Keith Hunt
Director
Keith Hunt founded HLA in 1974 after working on Apollo spacecraft stress analysis. He holds MS and BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering and has 50+ years of experience in railcars, pressure vessels, and industrial structures.
Percy Elavia
Engineering Manager
Percy Elavia manages mechanical design projects with 19 years at HLA. He specializes in railcar fatigue analysis and software development, holding MS and BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering.
Questions
What industries does HLA Engineers serve?
HLA Engineers serves transportation, petrochemical, power generation, and industrial sectors, specializing in railcar design, pressure vessels, and structural analysis.
What software does HLA use for engineering analysis?
We use ANSYS, LS-DYNA, AutoCAD, and custom FEA programs for simulations, ensuring precise stress, thermal, and dynamic load evaluations.
Can HLA perform forensic investigations for legal cases?
Yes, our engineers provide expert witness services, including failure analysis and litigation support for structural collapses and industrial accidents.
Do you offer physical testing services?
Yes, we conduct full-scale structural tests with strain gages and load cells to validate designs and ensure compliance with safety standards.
What certifications do HLA engineers hold?
Our team includes licensed Professional Engineers (PE) in multiple states, Structural Engineers (SE), and members of ASME, ASCE, and AISC.
How does HLA ensure quality in engineering solutions?
We combine advanced software, physical testing, and decades of experience to deliver reliable, code-compliant solutions tailored to client needs.
