Understanding Personality/Behavior Traits for Improved Workplace Communication
Effective communication is a skill that is often undervalued in the workplace. We have years of training and multiple degrees to learn our trade, but how much time along the way has been directed at learning to deal effectively with others? Typically, we focus all our energy on learning concrete design techniques (pun intended), but […]
Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Tools: Download Design Guides and other Technical Documents
Are you interested in finding additional resources for the design of cold-formed steel members? In the September 2016 SE University session, Roger LaBoube, PhD, PE, from Missouri University of Science & Technology, gave a presentation on Design Aids and Design Examples for Cold-Formed Steel. He reviewed the resources available to structural engineers from various organizations […]
Accuracy in FTAO Wood Shear Wall Design Methods
Are you using the most accurate design method when you utilize Force Transfer Around Openings (FTAO) in your wood shear wall design? In the past, a variety of design techniques have been used to determine a rational analysis for wood shear walls, but recent research sheds some light on which methods are the most accurate […]
Helpful Tips to Avoid RFIs in Steel Connection Design
What are some things the engineer of record can do to reduce RFIs on steel connection design and avoid costly changes after bid selection? During the June 2016 SE University Session, Best Practices to Improve Structural Construction Documents, Carol Post, PE, SE, LEED AP, with Thornton Tomasetti, and Cathleen Jacinto, PE, SE, with FORSE Consulting, […]
Using Coordination Checklists to Improve Structural Bid Documents {Video}
Does your office have a system in place to ensure coordination between disciplines is addressed early and often throughout the design process? Are you frustrated by always having the same RFIs and Change Orders on your projects? The design process is just that – a process. However, many times we are met with the same […]
Stiffness Modifications for Masonry Walls in FEA Software Programs {Video}
Are you confident in your familiarity with the finite element software your office uses to design masonry building components? Do you know what the program design defaults are within your software and how to make changes when necessary? With software programs being frequently updated, it is important to stay up-to-date on the changes and features […]
Tips for Modeling Masonry in Finite Element Software
Do you use a Finite Element Analysis program for modeling masonry elements? Do you have a thorough understanding of what factors are being used by your program for stiffness modification, and how the mesh sizes are being set in the model? In May 2016, Sam Rubenzer, PE, SE, with FORSE Consulting, gave a presentation on […]
Maintenance Recommendations for Concrete Parking Structures
Cleaning and maintenance of concrete parking structures tends to be an afterthought for design engineers, but proper maintenance can increase the lifespan of these structures and produce happy owners in the process. Regularly scheduled cleaning of expansion joints and washing down of the structure can reduce buildup of hazardous chemicals that cause the structure to deteriorate […]
SEU Curriculum Tracks Now Available
SE University is pleased to announce the addition of SE Curriculum Tracks as part of our initiative to increase efficiency in the workplace of our clients. Now available in the SEU Resource Center, SE Curriculum Tracks contain prior SE University content developed into specific training “Tracks” that will facilitate quick access to training new engineers […]
Evaluation of Cracking in Concrete Parking Structures {Video}
Do you know what contributes most to the lifespan deterioration of precast concrete parking structures? Are you able to identify the culprit behind cracking throughout your parking structure rehabilitation projects? Preventing and remediating cracks within parking structures requires a thorough understanding of the different ways in which concrete sections respond not only to gravity loads, […]