SEU, a program provided by SE Solutions, LLC

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 […]

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, […]

Specifications for Steel Castings

Have you been involved in a project with extensive architecturally-exposed steel connections or complex geometric constraints?  Or, have you ever considered using standardized steel castings to improve seismic resistance in braced frame construction?  Structural steel castings can be a benefit in all of these situations, but may not be as familiar to most engineers as […]

Composite Steel Beams with Slab Openings

Have you recently had a project where an architect insisted on running ductwork through the slab at an inconvenient location for your composite steel beam?  Perhaps you have a building that is changing occupancy and you need to determine the absolute maximum composite strength available in an existing beam section with a new slab opening […]

Changes Coming to Minimum Percent Composite Recommendations

One of the most frequently misunderstood statements in the AISC Commentary is about to get a facelift.  Perhaps you have been under the impression that the Code requires a minimum of 25% for partial composite action?  Or did you believe that the Commentary suggested a minimum of 50% composite action?  Because of the confusion around […]