Coordination Checklist for Stair Design {SEU Resource Center}
Do you have a multistory project where you’ll be involved in the design of the stairs? Would it be helpful to have a document that could help you define the scope of your design with the architect and owner, and identify key items in the design process? With input from practicing structural engineers, SE University […]
Coordination Checklist for Elevator Design {SEU Resource Center}
Do you have a project with an elevator? Would you like a checklist to help you in considering the several coordination aspects that contribute to elevator design? With the help of an elevator consultant, SE University has compiled a Coordination Checklist to assist structural engineers in their coordination with architects and elevator consultants during the design […]
Ethics – Case Studies Available From NSPE {Video}
What should an engineer do when confronted with a situation in which there are ethical concerns? What resources can be used in decision-making, and are there examples or case studies that might clarify the issues? In the November 2014 SE University session, Ethics in the Professional Practice of Engineering, Vincent Drnevich, PhD, PE, from Purdue […]
ASCE 7-10 Wind Load (Components & Cladding) – Does a Curved Surface Create a Discontinuity?
When determining wind load pressures for components and cladding loads, areas of discontinuity in a building (i.e. building corners) have a zone where the Gcp value is increased. This results in wind pressures that have higher values within the width of the discontinuity. In the October 2014 SE University session, Designing for ASCE 7-10 Wind […]
Do Minimum Wind Pressures Need to be Applied to Interior Walls?
During the October 2014 SE University session, Designing for ASCE 7-10 Wind Loads – Components & Cladding, Don Scott, SE, from PCS Structural Solutions, was asked the question, “Does the minimum design wind pressure of ASCE Section 30.2.2 (16 psf) apply to walls in the interior of an enclosed building?” In response, Don said that it is […]
ASCE 7-10 Wind Load – When are Buildings Exempt from Torsional Load Cases? {Video – SEU Resource Center}
As part of Chapter 27 in ASCE 7-10, Figure 27.4-8 shows the 4 different load cases that should be considered related to the wind loads. Cases 2 and 4 are the two cases that include torsional moment. Many engineers find that when they start considering all of these load cases, with wind blowing in each […]
Building Period for Wind Loads vs. Seismic Loads
During the September 2014 SE University session, Designing for ASCE 7-10 Wind Loads – Main Wind Force Resisting System, Don Scott, SE, from PCS Structural Solutions, asked and answered the question, “Why is Building Period Important?” Don talked about how the period affects the Gust Effect Factor, which in turn affects the building pressure. As part […]
Using Tuned Mass Dampers to Mitigate Floor Vibrations
The effects of vibration in a floor system, while typically not dangerous from a life safety perspective, can present a serviceability issue. To reduce the effects of vibration, engineers may consider increasing the mass of the structure or otherwise stiffening the floor. When increasing the mass or stiffness is not feasible, there are other options […]
CASE Publications Available on Updated Website, Including the Free Document CASE Guide to Special Inspections
As we mentioned in a previous blog post on the Toolkit for Ten Foundations of Risk Management, the Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE) offers documents, including the toolkit articles, at no charge to its members. These documents are also available for purchase, and a discount is available to members of ACEC. Earlier this year, […]
Lessons Learned in Designing Bridge Cranes {Video}
During the May 2014 SE University session Rules of Thumb for Industrial Building Design, Bill Kussro from IBI Group presented a list of Lessons Learned in Designing Bridge Cranes. In this 4:03 clip from the SE University session, Bill reviews items including supporting joist deflection limits for under-running cranes, locating crane runways symmetrical to supporting […]