To extend the life of the iconic egg-shaped digesters at the Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant, McClure served as the specialty cold-formed steel (CFS) engineer for a full cladding replacement in a high-corrosion coastal environment. The solution was an all-stainless steel CFS system designed to withstand constant moisture and exposure.

The curved geometry and unknown substrate conditions posed major challenges. McClure engineered custom-fabricated radiused horizontal studs in short arc segments to match the digesters’ curvature while resisting multi-directional forces. All components—studs, clips, screws, and anchors—were stainless steel for maximum durability.

To accommodate variations in concrete thickness and anchor placement, McClure designed custom clips with large stand-off tolerances and confirmed anchor performance through field pull testing to avoid the post-tensioned structure.

This project demonstrates how CFS systems can be adapted for highly specialized applications, delivering a resilient, long-term solution in aggressive environments.

This project earned Second Place in the Municipal category of the 2025 CFSEI Design Excellence Awards.