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CASE on Contracts

Survey of SE Firms’ Contracts Practices

In preparation for a presentation on Contracts for Structural Engineers at the SEI Structures Congress last year, the presenters surveyed members of CASE to determine how they dealt with several contract issues that pose business risks to their firms. Topics included: dealing with onerous contracts, getting paid by architects even when a contract is in place, use of limitation of liability clauses, use of standardized CASE contracts, and who within a firm writes and negotiates contracts. The following are those results. …

Jun, 2015 By Steven E. Schaefer, P.E. In Articles, CASE Business Practices Comments 0

An Ounce of Prevention

One Lawyer’s View on Professional Writing for Engineers

You probably did not go to engineering school to learn to write… and you probably did not take your job for its writing opportunities. Admit it; you probably look forward to drafting written communications about as much as you do reviewing steel shop drawings. However, if you have read any of the author’s earlier articles, you know the importance of the latter task. The former is just as critical. …

Jun, 2015 By Matthew R. Rechtien, P.E., Esq. In Articles, Legal Perspectives Comments 0

Enhanced Seismic Design of the New San Bernardino Justice Center

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP was an Award Winner for the San Bernardino Justice Center project in the 2014 NCSEA Annual Excellence in Structural Engineering awards program (Category – New Buildings over $100M).

As one of the tallest seismically base isolated buildings in the United States, the Justice Center creates a visible landmark for the city while engaging the public with vibrant open space. …

Jun, 2015 By Mark Sarkisian, P.E., S.E., NAE, LEED, Peter Lee, P.E., S.E. and Lindsay Hu, P.E. In Articles, Spotlight Comments 0

Engineer with Your Eyes Open

Given the choice, and the apparent difficulties of the alternative, this may seem like superficial advice for navigating a daily routine. This bit of counsel, however, has impacts far beyond mere cognizant awareness of the surrounding environment. Most have heard or been given the guidance, “keep your head on a swivel” – often in relation to sports, or perhaps even before entering precarious situations, but these recommendations may not be expected among the cubicle warriors of engineering firms. Taking time to look around may just save a project schedule and budget in a matter of minutes. …

Jun, 2015 By Scott R. Harpole, P.E. In Articles, Structural Forum Comments 1

Slow Engineering?

On a recent flight to an NCSEA Board Meeting, I decided to detach a bit and surfed the in-flight entertainment selections on the seat back screen in front of me. A TED Talk titled In Praise of Slowness caught my attention because my brain seemed to be craving a break from mulling over drag strut connections and Board agendas. For those of you who are not familiar, TED is a non-profit organization that promotes the sharing of ideas through brief, thought-provoking talks given by people from all different industries, cultures and backgrounds. …

May, 2015 By Ed Quesenberry, P.E., S.E. In Articles, Editorial Comments 1

The Virtues of Ignorance

My title this month comes from a collection of essays that resulted from a June 2004 meeting in Matfield Green, Kansas, which is a small town in the Flint Hills – one of my favorite landscapes – roughly a two-hour drive from my home. Edited by Bill Vitek and Wes Jackson, The University Press of Kentucky published it in 2008 with the subtitle, Complexity, Sustainability, and the Limits of Knowledge. The SEI Engineering Philosophy Committee was intrigued by the book’s provocative name and decided to read and discuss it together. What follows are some of my own reflections. …

May, 2015 By Jon A. Schmidt, P.E., SECB In Articles, InFocus Comments 0

Brick Beams

After 30 Years, a Friary Project continues to Provide Valuable Lessons

In 1981, a young architect and the author were tasked with designing a friary at Siena College in upstate New York. The friary is a residence for the Franciscan Friars who are administrators, professors and staff members at the college. The building (Figure 1) includes two residential wings and a large entrance and common area. …

May, 2015 By David T. Biggs, P.E., S.E., Dist.M.ASCE, FSEI, HonTMS In Articles, Lessons Learned Comments 0

Evaluating Existing and Historic Stone Arch Bridges

Stone is one of the oldest construction materials used by man, as well as the longest lasting building material available. Whether stone structures were built to provide shelters, aid agriculture, or provide a passage over an obstacle such as a river, a valley, etc., they have made a significant contribution in shaping the cultural landscape of countries around the world. In the United States, many examples of stone arch bridges can be found, still accomplishing their original function of bridging streams and rivers. …

May, 2015 By Carlo Citto, P.E. and David B. Woodham, P.E. In Articles, Structural Forensics Comments 0

Special Reinforced Masonry Walls

NEHRP Technical Brief for Designers

Under the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) and the stewardship of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Applied Technology Council (ATC) and the Consortium of Universities for Research in Earthquake Engineering (CUREE) have jointly prepared an excellent series of ten succinct and practical seismic design guides for practicing engineers, available for free online. …

May, 2015 By Gregory R. Kingsley, Ph.D., P.E., P. Benson Shing, Ph.D. and Thomas Gangel, P.E. In Articles, Structural Design Comments 0

Fastening Steel Deck

Steel floor or roof deck is only as good as its fastening. Whether it is the performance of the product as a diaphragm to transfer wind or seismic forces, resisting wind uplift, acting as a concrete form, providing bracing to beams or joists, or providing a safe working platform during construction, proper fastening makes the deck do its job. …

May, 2015 By Thomas Sputo, Ph.D., P.E., S.E. In Articles, InSights Comments 0

Current Issue	Resource Guide

Review Category : Articles

Survey of SE Firms’ Contracts Practices

One Lawyer’s View on Professional Writing for Engineers

After 30 Years, a Friary Project continues to Provide Valuable Lessons

NEHRP Technical Brief for Designers