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Seismic Modeling of an Irregular Water Treatment Structure

This article summarizes the author’s experience in developing a structural model to analyze and design a structure for the Victor Valley (California) Wastewater Reclamation Authority that is approximately 50 feet wide by 300 feet long. Because the structure has significant horizontal and vertical irregularities, and is in a high seismic area of southern California, design codes specified three methods of analysis: (A) Modal Response Spectrum Analysis (MRSA) for structures with horizontal irregularities; (B) Tank Hydrodynamics for water basins; and (C) Equivalent Lateral Force (ELF) for regular structures. …

Jun, 2013 By Louis Scatena, P.E. In Articles, Structural Performance Comments 0

Newburyport Bridge

This is the first in a series of articles on the historic bridges of the United States. It will include those bridges the writer believes were the most significant structures since 1793 built in wood, iron and steel. Up to then, most bridges built in the country were wooden pile and stringer bridges built in much the same manner as Caesar did when crossing the Rhine centuries before. …

Jun, 2013 By Frank Griggs, Jr., Dist. M. ASCE, D. Eng., P.E., P.L.S. In Articles, Historic Structures Comments 0

The Proper Role of the Geotechnical Engineer

As a practicing geotechnical engineer for over 30 years, I would like to thank Mr. Gerd Hartung, P.E., S.E. and Mr. Richard Anderson, P.E. for their insightful article entitled The RFP for the Geotechnical Report as presented in the March 2013 issue of STRUCTURE magazine. Their specific and relevant advice regarding how to procure the services of geotechnical engineers is beneficial to us all. …

Jun, 2013 By Victor R. Donald, P.E. In Articles, Guest Column Comments 1

Wood Design

Making the LRFD Leap

If your office and its culture are consistent with most structural design firms, you probably embraced the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) approach for reinforced concrete years or even decades ago. For many, working stress design for concrete is a totally foreign concept, while LRFD ‘strength’ design is what you probably learned in school and practice to this day. …

Jun, 2013 By Jerod G. Johnson, Ph.D., S.E. In Articles, Engineer's Notebook Comments 0

Height and Area Considerations for Commercial Wood Buildings

Wood buildings have economic, aesthetic, green, and structural attributes that make them a good choice for commercial buildings. However, perceived barriers have made designers reluctant to choose wood for large buildings, like building code limitations and the challenge to meet structural capacities. Fortunately, codes are shifting to accommodate new technology that, in turn, is permitting wood structures of sizes and heights heretofore unthinkable. …

Jun, 2013 By Paul D. Coats, P.E., C.B.O. and Dennis Richardson, P.E., C.B.O. In Articles, Building Blocks Comments 1

On the Importance of Collaboration

Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.
– Henry Ford

People often say that the whole is greater than sum of its parts, and that is the case when professional organizations collaborate to accomplish more than the sum of their individual efforts. …

Jun, 2013 By Edward M. DePaola, P.E., SECB, F.SEI, M.ASCE In Articles, Editorial Comments 0

Changing Building Codes

Are They Really That Bad?

Structural Forum is intended to stimulate thoughtful dialogue and debate among structural engineers and other participants in the design and construction process. Any opinions expressed in Structural Forum are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NCSEA, CASE, SEI, C³Ink, or the STRUCTURE^® magazine Editorial Board.

In discussing my profession with a friend recently, I explained how we are bound (and protected) by building codes. I mentioned that it is a bit of a challenge keeping up with code changes, since a new code comes out every three years. …

May, 2013 By David L. Pierson, S.E. In Articles, Structural Forum Comments 0

An Understated Entrance

The New Atrium Roof at the California Academy of Sciences Plays a Supporting Role to a Landmark Building

Walter P Moore was an Award Winner for the Atrium Operable Roof – California Academy of Sciences project in the 2012 NCSEA Annual Excellence in Structural Engineering awards program (Category – Other Structures).

When planning and designing the new operable roof at the California Academy of Sciences, the foremost concern was to allow the critically-acclaimed building to hold center stage while the new roof provided weather protection and ventilation quietly and elegantly in the background. …

May, 2013 By Rafael Sabelli, S.E. and Mark Waggoner, P.E., M. ASCE In Articles, Spotlight Comments 0

William J. Mouton

Tube Structure Pioneer and Foundation Innovator

In addition to his many breakthrough structural innovations, noted New Orleans structural engineer and Tulane University professor of architecture, William J. (“Bill”) Mouton, Jr. (Figure 1) also stood out for an incredible list of other accomplishments. He held more than 20 patents, including erosion control concepts for Louisiana’s wetlands, regeneration systems for rebuilding sand beaches, a unique mono-track system for high-speed mass transit, and a counter-rotating combustion engine. …

May, 2013 By Richard G. Weingardt, D.Sc. (h.c.), P.E., Dist.M.ASCE, F. ACEC In Articles, Great Achievements Comments 2

Design of Shelf Angles for Masonry Veneers

Anchored masonry veneer wall systems are commonly used throughout North America in residential, commercial and institutional construction. These exterior masonry veneers are non load-bearing and are usually assumed to be little more than an exterior finish of the building envelope. Using prescriptive design methods, masonry veneer can be supported vertically by foundations for heights less than 30 feet, or supported by the building frame for taller structures. …

May, 2013 By W. Mark McGinley, Ph.D., P.E., FASTM In Articles, Structural Design Comments 16

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Review Category : Articles

Making the LRFD Leap

Are They Really That Bad?

The New Atrium Roof at the California Academy of Sciences Plays a Supporting Role to a Landmark Building

Tube Structure Pioneer and Foundation Innovator