Wind-borne debris is without a doubt a very serious design consideration when approaching a storm shelter or safe room design. In every tornado or serious wind event, there are devastating images of the effects from upturned trees, 2x4s, cars, and even large fuel tanks. Designing for such impacts can be daunting, and present day engineering theory may not be sufficient…read more →
How often do you double check your structural software analysis to be sure the results are accurate and expected? Just because the model shows all members pass the code check doesn’t mean the designer is off the hook to be sure the design is sound. Hand calculations and quick verity checks of the software results are necessary to ensure a…read more →
In December 2017, Jason Pirtle, PE, from Jason Pirtle Structural Engineers, LLC, gave a talk on Tornado Shelter Design. He chose Operation Hope Neighborhood Ministries (https://www.facebook.com/operationhopejackson/) for the SEU Speaker Inspires donation of the month. Jason shared why he chose this organization: “Operation Hope Neighborhood Ministries is a faith-based non-profit whose mission is to walk beside the hurting families in one of our…read more →
Happy Holidays from SE University! It’s the holiday season, and we would like to take this opportunity to share information about our SEU Speaker Inspires program. This program began in 2015 as a way to “pay it forward”, enabling SE University speakers to designate a charity/organization of their choice for SE Solutions to make a donation to help improve our world. Thanks…read more →
Are you aware of the new enhancements included in Revit 2018? With software constantly updating and adding features, engineers often aren’t able to keep up-to-date on the newest enhancements which could reduce the time it takes to accurately model their next project. In the October 2017 SEU BIM Forum, Betsy Werra, from E.L. Werra Consulting, LLC, gave a presentation on…read more →
Using post-tensioned concrete may seem like a daunting task for engineers who are more comfortable with traditional reinforced concrete design. However, post-tensioned concrete certainly allows for designs that cannot be achieved with traditional mild steel reinforced concrete, and improvements in construction methods have eliminated previous problems with corrosion of the steel strands. PT concrete can allow for thinner and longer…read more →
In November 2017, Matt Brown, SE, from Newport Structural Design, Inc., gave a talk on Validating Software Results. He chose the North Bay Fire Relief Fund (https://www.redwoodcu.org/northbayfirerelief) for the SEU Speaker Inspires donation of the month. Matt shared why he chose to support the North Bay Fire Relief Fund: “My reason for choosing this organization is that my own house came dangerously…read more →
Have you wanted to jump into the world of PT design, but have hesitated due to a lack of experience on the subject? Typical undergraduate or even graduate engineering course work may offer a brief overview of PT design, but a thorough, in-depth education on this design method is not commonplace in most universities. However, there are many resources available…read more →
In October 2017, Otto Schwarz, PE, SE, from Ryan Biggs | Clark Davis, gave a talk on Post-Tensioned Concrete Analysis and Design. He chose the Habitat for Humanity – Capital District (https://www.habitatcd.org/) for the SEU Speaker Inspires donation of the month. Otto shared why he chose his local Habitat for Humanity: “I have been lucky enough to have the privilege of having a stable place…read more →
Using post-installed adhesive anchors is commonplace in concrete construction and especially in renovations of concrete structures. However, field conditions can often dictate changes to the original design, and anchors are often relocated due to unforeseen circumstances. If you have been a design engineer for any length of time, you have undoubtedly encountered the situation where a hole was misdrilled, or…read more →
