Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing is a bit of a unique product among the many other systems that comprise the structural elements of a building. It can be an industry standard shape, or one of a variety of proprietary products that are available. It can be designed and specified by the structural engineer of record, or it could be delegated to a specialty engineer specific for the CFS system or CFS component assembly. …
Power-actuated fasteners, also called power-driven fasteners, DX/GX fastening systems or shot pins, have been used for decades and are routinely used on today’s construction projects in a wide variety of applications. …
Historically, equivalent static analysis procedures have been used to determine seismic design forces for conventional structures. In certain situations involving critical or highly complex structures, modal analysis procedures utilizing the elastic response spectrum concept have been employed. Both of these analysis procedures are computationally inexpensive yet they can be overly conservative. …
In my last column, I proposed that the proper purpose of the practice of engineering is the material well-being of all people. This month, I would like to elaborate a bit on what this means and explore in more detail how engineers uniquely pursue it. …
Although mostly known as a world-class designer and builder of innovative steel bridges when he founded his consulting engineering firm in 1892, it was not long before Frank Chittenden Osborn (Figure 1) greatly expanded his practice to include the design of a wide array of structures, not the least of them being large-scale sports facilities. …
Steel deck is often installed using arc spot welds, either with or without weld washers. Arc spot welds, often referred to as “puddle welds”, are similar to plug welds except that the thin top sheet does not require a hole to be pre-punched prior to welding. This article will focus on what an arc spot weld is, how the weld is made, and how to ensure quality welds are produced. …
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.
“The civil engineering profession recognizes the reality of limited natural resources, the desire for sustainable practices (including life-cycle analysis and sustainable design techniques), and the need for social equity in the consumption of resources.” …
You wouldn’t go to your dentist for oral surgery without asking exactly what procedures he or she will be performing and what it will cost, would you? Unfortunately,, this is exactly the trap that many architectural and engineering consultants fall into – neglecting to provide a specific list of services that they will perform as part of their contract. …
Many superb opportunities are available to assist structural engineers in improving their skills, expanding their understanding, and increasing their efficiency and level of success. One problem our profession faces today is that too few engineers take advantage of these opportunities, and instead choose to languish in mediocrity. …
WSP Cantor Seinuk was an Award winner for the 8 Spruce Street – Beekman Tower project in the 2012 NCSEA Annual Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards Program (Category – New Buildings over $100M).
When it opened in 2011, the 870-foot, 76-story iconic Beekman Tower, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, became New York City’s tallest residential tower. Located just south of the Brooklyn Bridge, the 1.1 million square feet mixed-use building is redefining the skyline of Downtown Manhattan. …