SAP Engineers, PLLC is a VDOT Certified DBE/SWaM firm specializing in bridge engineering services located in Virginia Beach, VA.   The firm was founded by Al Patel, PE, who has over 35 years of experience in structural and bridge engineering disciplines.  As a Project Manager/Principal Bridge Engineer, he is highly familiar with AASHTO LRFD and AASHTO BrR design and load rating criteria along with VDOT standards, policies, office practice and specifications. He is an adept user of MICROSTATION, DESCUS, SIMON, CONSPAN, and STAAD software for the design of skewed continuous curved steel bridges and prestressed concrete bridges.

Al Patel has successfully completed over 160 bridge design and replacement projects and over 800 bridge load ratings using the AASHTO MBE and VDOT’s load rating policies and procedures. These projects include concrete and steel bridges with straight and curved alignments. He is highly experienced in the analysis and load rating of special structures using a variety of software packages, to include concrete arches, steel delta frames, bascule and swing span movable bridges and long span cantilever trusses. Al has been actively attending AASHTOWare bridge user group meetings and has also worked with VDOT to establish state guidelines on gusset plate analysis. This allows him to stay up to date with the latest changes in load rating procedures.