Blog

Input Needed on Proposed Requirements for Thermal Bridges in ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1

On August 22, 1018, Martha Van Geem, PE, Independent Consultant, presented Challenges of Proposed Requirements in ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 as a supplemental session for SE University. Martha reviewed the proposed requirements being considered by ASHRAE in Addendum av and areas of the country which could be affected by the changes. ASHRAE is seeking input on these proposed changes from practicing…read more →

30 Aug, 2018

Blog

Increasing Deck Diaphragm Shear Capacities

When designing large roof deck diaphragms, the shear requirements at the perimeter often far exceed those in the field, so much so that the more commonly used lighter gage decks and typical attachment designs can be inadequate. What is the best way to increase the deck diaphragm shear strength while also minimizing any cost increases? In June 2018, Keith Cullum,…read more →

2 Aug, 2018

Steel Deck Diaphragm Calculators and Resources

Keeping up with all of the available resources for structural engineers can be a job in itself. But being aware of these resources can save time and headaches during design. Are you familiar with the most recent tools developed for steel deck diaphragm design? In June 2018, Keith Cullum, PE, from Simpson Strong-Tie gave a presentation on Steel Deck Diaphragm…read more →

19 Jul, 2018

“SEU Speaker Inspires” Organization of the Month: UCSD Undergraduate Student Scholarships Fund

In July 2018, SE University welcomed back Dave Adams, SE, from BWE, to present Project Quality and Inspection Requirements. In 2016, he designated the University of California at San Diego Undergraduate Student Scholarships Fund (https://giveto.ucsd.edu/) for the SEU Speaker Inspires donation of the month, and he has chosen to do the same in 2018. Dave chose UCSD Undergraduate Student Scholarships Fund for his…read more →

16 Jul, 2018

“SEU Speaker Inspires” Organization of the Month: Habitat for Humanity of Collin County

In June 2018, SE University welcomed Keith Cullum, PE, with Simpson StrongTie, to present Steel Deck Diaphragm Attachment. He has chosen Habitat for Humanity of Collin County (https://habitatcollincounty.org) for the SEU Speaker Inspires donation of the month. A proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity for more than two decades, Simpson Strong-Tie has been a national sponsor of Habitat for Humanity International since…read more →

24 Jun, 2018

Resources for Wood Construction Issues

How often have you visited a job site for a wood structure you have designed, only to find the contractor has used a different fastener than specified? Or perhaps you noticed a seasoning check on a glulam beam and were unsure whether it could jeopardize the integrity of the beam? With so much flexibility inherent to wood construction, there tends…read more →

21 Jun, 2018

Ethics in Structural Engineering

How often do you consider your ethical obligations as a structural engineer? What does it even mean to be an ethical engineer? Some might think merely abiding by the laws that apply to everyone else within your jurisdiction is considered ethical, but professional engineers have a duty beyond simply following those laws. In the April 2018 SE University session, Matthew…read more →

18 May, 2018

“SEU Speaker Inspires” Organization of the Month: Wildlands Conservancy

In May 2018, SE University welcomed Robert Kuserk, PE, with APA – The Engineered Wood Assocaition, to present Frame for Success – Best Practices for Wood Buildings. He has chosen the Wildlands Conservancy (http://www.wildlandspa.org/) for the SEU Speaker Inspires donation of the month. Robert shared that he “chose this organization in association with Teacher Appreciation Week this week to remember my brother,…read more →

10 May, 2018

Key Parameters for Classical Design Methods

Structural software has become a daily necessity for structural engineers; however, it can be to an engineer’s detriment if the fundamental concepts of structural engineering are not well understood. Having a good understanding of how structures behave can prevent devastating errors that might be overlooked in a software program. Using classical design methods, engineers can estimate the preliminary member sizes…read more →

3 May, 2018

“SEU Speaker Inspires” Organization of the Month: David and Maxine Fowler Endowed Excellence Fund at the University of Texas at Austin

In April 2018, SE University welcomed back Matthew Rechtien, PE, Esq., Senior Assistant City Attorney with the City of Ann Arbor, to present Engineering Law and Ethics Case Studies. In 2017, he designated the David and Maxine Fowler Endowed Excellence Fund at the University of Texas at Austin(http://endowments.giving.utexas.edu/page/fowler-david-maxine-exc-fnd-caee/4886/) for the SEU Speaker Inspires donation of the month, and he has chosen to do the…read more →

19 Apr, 2018