Topics in Concrete
Where is a good resource for questions about concrete? The American Concrete Institute updated its website recently, and “Topics in Concrete” is one of the main headings. Under Topics in Concrete there is a list of almost 100 topics related to concrete. Click on any topic, and you will be taken to a summary page […]
Structural Masonry Design Tips
The International Masonry Institute has resources for Structural Masonry Design available on their website through their Design Tools – Structural Masonry heading. This page provides design aids including the following white papers: Masonry Partition Wall Design Internal Bracing Guide (This guide was authored by Scott Walkowicz, who has presented two SE University sessions.) IMI RAM […]
Toolkit for Ten Foundations of Risk Management – Available for Free to CASE Members
In the December 2013 issue of Structure Magazine, the “CASE in Point” section highlighted two “Foundations” that are part of the CASE Toolbox (Communication and Education). For each Foundation, there are different tools/templates that are available, including Tool 4-5, Project Communication Matrix. The toolbox is available at no charge to CASE members. The CASE Toolkit […]
New AISC Design Guide Available – Design of Blast Resistant Structures
In July 2013, AISC released a new Design Guide for the Design of Blast Resistant Structures. Design Guide 26 is available as a PDF Download for free to AISC Members, or can be purchased as a PDF or hard copy. In the November 2013 Modern Steel Construction article Bracing for Blast, Patrick Newman, a senior […]
Excel Tips – Using the Trend Function to Interpolate Between Values
In performing engineering calculations, there are often times when you have to interpolate between values to get an answer to use in an equation. We know that similar triangles can be used to find that intermediate value, but how can we automate the process? In Excel, the Trend function works well when you are trying […]
Proofreading – More Than Just Checking for Typos {Video}
Have you ever sent out an email, then realized a word is missing in the subject line? Have you written a report, and realized after the report was sent that words were misplaced or used incorrectly? Could these errors have been caught with better proofreading procedures? During the October 2013 SE University continuing education session […]
Seismic Loading and Provisions for Industrial Buildings – Should You Use ASCE 7 Chapter 13 or Chapter 15?
In the design of industrial structures, engineers need to know whether the structure and other elements they are designing are considered structures or components under ASCE 7. Because there are different loads and design procedures for Nonbuilding Components (Chapter 13) and Nonbuilding Structures (Chapter 15), the engineer should make the determination before the loads are […]
“Restrained or Unrestrained?” – AISC & AISI Fund UL Test for Fire Resistance of Unrestrained Assemblies
As a follow up to our July 24, 2013 blog post, and our July 10, 2013 SE University session on Structural Fire Protection, we wanted to bring to your attention a recently published article that looks at unrestrained steel assemblies and beams. “Restrained or Unrestrained?”, an article in the September 2013 issue of Modern Steel […]
Tips for Concrete Design
If you are designing a building with concrete beams and columns, how do you determine a starting member size, or the amount of reinforcement required? While many engineers will use a spreadsheet or computer program for the final design, what simplified methods can be used to arrive at a preliminary design for a beam or […]
Be Safe Around Masonry Walls Under Construction
In the August 2013 SE University session, Scott Walkowicz, PE, from Walkowicz Consulting Engineers discussed bracing masonry walls under construction, and provided reasons why it is important for structural engineers to know about masonry bracing. One of the reasons discussed during the session is that it is important for the structural engineer to understand the […]