This article identifies common errors that structural engineers make when performing seismic design and calculations. The intent is to help engineers avoid those errors and misapplications. This article is written in checklist format such that an engineer can verify adequate self-knowledge, as well as review the work of others on a project. …
Clearly defined structural engineering contract scopes save engineers time, profit, and – most importantly – the personal satisfaction of their profession. Building Information Modeling (BIM) can improve this scope clarity if addressed proactively, or compound the difficulties in achieving clarity if ignored. The construction industry has reached a point where the use of BIM is not self-explanatory: it could be used to create 2D shop drawings, coordinate trades, or estimate cost. …
Nearly every day in our careers as structural engineers, we consider the following equations:
Mn = Asfy(d-a/2), Mn = FyZx
Readers will no doubt recognize these as the nominal flexural strengths utilized in beam designs for reinforced concrete and steel, also known as (among other things) the flexural limit state. …
Most high-performing firms that are successful over the long term are those which truly embrace strategic planning. If you have been part of a strategic planning process in your firm and are still skeptical about the importance of such a process, you should revisit the goals of your firm’s last two strategic planning sessions and assess how your firm has changed as a result. You will likely be amazed! …
One of the concerns of professionals in the structural engineering community is the limited exposure to timber and masonry design for graduating civil/structural engineering majors. A majority of smaller scale structures are constructed using timber/masonry separately or a combination of these materials; …
Arup was an Outstanding Award Winner for the Newport Beach Civic Center and Park project in the 2014 NCSEA Annual Excellence in Structural Engineering awards program (Category – New Buildings over $100M). …
Within the structural community, there seems to be a lack of awareness, as well as a growing opportunity, regarding overhead electrical transmission and distribution structures. In the United States alone there are millions of miles of corridor consisting of aging single- and double-pole structures and lattice towers. These structures form an impressive network, supporting high and extra-high voltage wires (12 kV to 765 kV) and delivering power from generation facilities to customers located hundreds of miles away. …
Looking to learn the latest technology updates for practicing structural engineers? Need information on improving your business practices? Interested in meeting the leaders of our profession to discuss the challenges of structural engineering?
Join us for the 2015 Structural Summit at the Red Rock Resort, Las Vegas, NV, and you will be able to do just that. Every year the Summit draws the best and brightest of our industry – from the leaders who have advocated for the profession and are the experts in our field to the up and coming enthusiastic young professionals who will be taking over our profession in the future. What better place to be a part of the action to influence our profession? …
Cold-formed steel (CFS) trusses can be an economical framing option for many buildings, and are often the most economical option for those having a steeply sloped roof. Some advantages of CFS trusses are that they have an excellent span-to-weight ratio, can be shop-fabricated into custom shapes, and are non-combustible. …
Corrosion related damages are the root cause of numerous façade failures on masonry clad steel frame buildings (Figure 1). Corrosion of the underlying steel frame or anchorage can lead to cracking, spalling, displacement, and eventually the loss of entire masonry units or severe section loss of structural components. Corrosion is a quantifiable reaction, whereby initiation, propagation, and deterioration can be projected through comprehensive assessments and durability modelling. …