How Much is That Masonry Wall?
How often do you have conversations with local contractors or masons to gain their insights and perspectives on the ins and outs of masonry construction? While you may have a better grasp on the technical aspects of masonry design, local masons can offer their practical and reasonable advice for what makes the most economical sense […]
Practical Control Joint Spacing in Masonry Walls
Control joints (CJs) are necessary in reinforced masonry walls with minimal joint reinforcing to prevent thermal cracking. However, improper placement of CJs can negatively impact the structural capacity of the wall and lead to an inefficient design. What are the best methods to ensure an efficient and practically detailed masonry wall with CJs? In the […]
Are you a Fiduciary?
On a daily basis, engineers tend to focus on their technical responsibilities to their clients and their most important task, to “hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.” Engineers may not consider themselves as a fiduciary for their clients, but are their actions and language in line with their intent? In the […]
Practical Aspects of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) is still somewhat new to many structural engineers, but its uses are gaining in popularity, and structural engineers should become more familiar with its use, design, and practical applications. Clients are always looking for new, innovative, and cost effective solutions, and SFRC may be the answer on your next project. […]
“SEU Speaker Inspires” Organization of the Month: Friends of Perryville Battlefield
In March 2020, SE University welcomed Matthew Rechtien, PE, Esq., from Walter P. Moore, to present 2020 Engineering Ethics Update. Matt designated Friends of Perryville Battlefield (https://www.friendsofperryville.org) for our SEU Speaker Inspires donation for the month. Matt shared, “On October 8, 1862, nearly 8,000 Americans fell in the drought-parched Chaplin Hills of Kentucky during the […]
Specifying Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) is gaining in popularity, especially in designs for industrial slabs on grade. Steel fibers can add strength and increase fatigue resistance, impact resistance, and crack control which make it ideal for large scale slabs where the use of welded wire fabric can be eliminated. The addition of steel fibers may […]
Avoiding Common Issues with Deferred Submittals
Building design is becoming more integrated in the modern age. More and more structural designs include proprietary products and delegated design professionals in order to speed up construction schedules. How does this affect the Engineer of Record? During the January 2020 SE University session Delegated Design: Addressing Potential Risks with Proper Project Management, Doug Allen, […]
“SEU Speaker Inspires” Organization of the Month: The Dharma Project
In February 2020, SE University welcomed Claire Gandee, from Bekaert, to present Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete. Claire designated The Dharma Project (https://www.thedharmaproject.org/) for our SEU Speaker Inspires donation for the month. Claire shared, “This group brings yoga, meditation and mindfulness to folks who might otherwise have no access to these valuable practices, such as police […]
Resources for Wind Loads on Non-Building Structures
When ASCE7 is not enough, where do you turn? The code covers most typical building and non-building structures, but practicing engineers know there is always that odd job or new trends that aren’t always picked up by the code in a timely manner. Unless you own your own wind tunnel laboratory, it can be difficult […]
“SEU Speaker Inspires” Organization of the Month: Team Rubicon
In January 2020, SE University welcomed Doug Allen, PE, from Simpson StrongTie, to present Delegated Design: Addressing Potential Risks with Proper Project Management. Doug designated Team Rubicon (https://teamrubiconusa.org/) for our SEU Speaker Inspires donation for the month. Doug shared, “I’d like to donate to Team Rubicon as they are a great organization that supports veterans […]