What’s the difference? OMF vs IMF vs SMF
Are you able to quickly recall the different code requirements for Intermediate Moment Frames and Special Moment Frames? For many engineers who don’t design in seismically active regions every day, anything beyond a standard R=3 seismic design might require some study on the current requirements for drift and strength design in moment frame construction. However, […]
The Chevron Effect – Useful Resources for EORs
Do you often utilize chevron braced frames in your steel building designs? The flexible geometry of a chevron brace makes these configurations very common because of the ability to shift the workpoint of the bracing connection along the length of the frame beam; thus allowing for wall openings in the structural wall. However, the Chevron […]
2015 NDS for Wood Construction – Now Including Cross-laminated Timber
Have you seen some of the new mid to high-rise structures that are using cross-laminated timber? While the product has been used in Europe since the 1990s, it has more recently become available in the US and Canada. Now, with the incorporation of this new wood product in the 2015 NDS for Wood Construction, you […]
Useful Resources for Masonry Joint Design
To access the articles from the July 2017 Learn, Innovate Excel Newsletter, please use the links below: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? OMF VS IMF VS SMF NEW DESIGN APPROACH RECOMMENDED FOR CHEVRON BRACED FRAMES Are you aware of the many resources that are available for free to assist structural engineers in the design and detailing of […]
Horizontal and Vertical Masonry Movement Joints
When designing with structural masonry and/or architectural brick veneer, are you certain you are following the best practices in regards to control or expansion joint placement in your design? Are you appropriately noting these movement joints on drawings and explaining in the specification to ensure the mason will follow your directions to prevent unnecessary cracks […]
Welding Myths Debunked – Steel Backing {Video}
How much consideration have you given to the use of steel backing for welds in seismic applications on your recent structural design jobs? Do you consider it more of a contractor’s means and methods, or do you investigate each application to be sure it meets the requirements of AWS D1.1? In the February 2017 SEU […]
Welding Myths Debunked – Maximum Fillet Weld Thickness
How many fillet welds do you specify on any given job? Are you confident that you have a complete and thorough understanding of the intent behind the code provisions as they apply to the maximum size fillet weld allowed? The use of fillet welds can get so repetitive and instinctive that we often specify them […]
“SEU Speaker Inspires” Organization of the Month: The City Mission – Cleveland
In February 2017, Duane Miller, PE, from the Lincoln Electric Company, presented Welding Myths that Structural Engineers Need to Know About. He nominated The City Mission in Cleveland (https://www.thecitymission.org) for the SEU Speaker Inspires donation of the month. Duane shared why he chose The City Mission: “An icon in the welding world, Mr. Omer W. Blodgett passed […]
Design Criteria Based on Structural Irregularity
When your structure has a horizontal or vertical irregularity, do you find yourself trying to quickly recall the additional seismic design requirements you need to consider? Two quick examples: Is a 3-D analysis required? Is the irregularity allowed in the seismic design category where the structure is to be built? In December 2016, Kimberley Robinson, […]
Helpful Flowcharts for Permitted Seismic Design Analysis Methods per ASCE7-10
When starting a new project, is it a challenge to determine what design method you can use for the seismic analysis of your structure? Do you find yourself spending a significant amount of time researching associated code provisions? In the December 2016 SE University Session, Structural Irregularities per the ASCE7-10 Seismic Design Requirements, Kimberley Robinson, […]