Statement of Special Inspections
For certain structural projects, special inspections are required by the code to ensure a high quality of construction. However, which elements require special inspections? How often are the inspections required and who is responsible for ensuring the are completed at the appropriate time during construction. In the July 2018 SE University session, Dave K. Adams, […]
“SEU Speaker Inspires” Organization of the Month: Purdue University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and University of Texas at Austin
In August 2018, SE University welcomed Donald Meinheit, PhD, PE, SE, from Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., to present Behavior and Design of Anchors in Concrete. Don has chosen to split his donation between Purdue University Lyles School of Civil Engineering Undergraduate Structures Laboratory – Hampton Hall Renovations (https://engineering.purdue.edu/CE), University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign Civil and Environmental Engineering […]
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 […]
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? […]
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 […]
“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 […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]