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 […]
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 […]
“SEU Speaker Inspires” Organization of the Month: SEI Futures Fund
In March of 2018, SE University welcomed David Odeh, SE, PE, SECB, F.SEI, F.ASCE, to present Classical Design Methods . David nominated SEI Futures Fund (http://www.asce.org/structural-engineering/sei-futures-fund/) for the SEU Speaker Inspires donation for this month. David shared about his involvement in SEI Futures Fund: “A few years ago, a group of leaders from SEI got together and created something […]
Importance of the Weld Ductility Factor in Bracing Connections
When designing bracing connections, have you been using a weld ductility factor on welds subjected to shear and transverse loads to allow for adequate redistribution of stresses? Although there have been multiple tests and papers showing the importance of this factor, some engineers are still unaware of its necessity which can result in underperforming bracing […]
Using Structural Software Successfully
How well do you trust the results of your structural analysis software? Relying on software can save hours of design time, but using an inaccurate model can have devastating results. Even the most experienced engineer can stand to be reminded of potential inaccuracies when using structural software, especially with the many changes made to building […]
“SEU Speaker Inspires” Organization of the Month: Wounded Warrior Project
In January and February of 2018, SE University welcomed back Patrick Fortney, PhD, PE, SE, P.Eng, from the University of Cincinnati, to present Selecting the Appropriate Seismic System for Your Steel Project and Introduction to the Design and Cost of Steel Seismic Connections . In 2017, Patrick nominated Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/) for the SEU Speaker Inspires […]
Resources for Wind Borne Debris Tested Assemblies
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 […]
Rules of Thumb to Double Check Software Results
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 […]
“SEU Speaker Inspires” Organization of the Month: Operation Hope Neighborhood Ministries
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 […]
PT Tendon Families in Revit 2018
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, […]