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TSEC 65: Performance-Based Multi-Hazard Design of Buildings

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In this episode, we talk to Anastasia Athanasiou, a Postdoc fellow in Structural and Wind Engineering at Concordia University about the performance-based multi-hazard design of buildings, and more specifically, the effects, similarities and differences of wind and earthquakes loads on buildings and how engineers can enhance the inherent resilience and improve the robustness of buildings.

Engineering Quotes:


Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Anastasia:

  • In 2017 you were invited to present your work to the ‘1st Japan-Greece International Workshop by Young Researchers on Advanced Materials and Technology for Applications to Steel and Composite Steel/Concrete Structures’, in DPRI Kyoto University. Can you tell us what you presented there, and how that experience has benefited your engineering career?
  • What are some of the similarities, as well as differences of wind and earthquake loads and how they act on buildings?
  • What are some of the latest challenges you have seen in the wind design practice?
  • Why is it so important to do an earthquake risk assessment, and what does that involve?
  • You often hear engineers talk about a multi-hazard design. What that involves?
  • In your opinion, what kind of multi-hazard engineering strategies can be incorporated into the design to enhance the inherent resilience and improve the robustness of buildings?
  • What career advice would you give to young engineers who would like to achieve similar success as you did?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Performance-Based Multi-Hazard Design of Buildings:

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TSEC 64: What Newly Graduated Structural Engineers Can Expect After College

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Graduated Structural EngineersIn this episode, we talk to Trina A. Agnello, P.E., a Structural Assistant Manager at Stewart. We take a deeper look into what newly graduated structural engineers can expect after the first five years of college when working at a firm.

Engineering Quotes:

Graduated Structural Engineers

Graduated Structural Engineers

Graduated Structural Engineers

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Trina:

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TSEC 63: Buckling Restrained Braces in Structural Engineering

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Buckling Restrained Braces

In this episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we talk to Maria Eugenia Chumbita, P.E., Vice President of CoreBrace, about the use of buckling restrained braces (BRB) in structural engineering, what they are, how they work, and the process involved in going from the design to the construction phase of projects. Maria also talks about the importance of communication and human connection and how that can improve the productivity of your team.

Engineering Quotes:


Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Maria in This Episode:

  • What are buckling restrained braces are and how do they work?
  • What are some of the requirements for designing with buckling restrained braces?
  • Can you please explain the process involved in going from the design to the bidding to the construction phase of projects?
  • How important do you deem personal development and human connection in the design world?
  • What are some of the lessons you learned from past projects you’ve worked on?
  • What piece of final advice can you give young engineering students who are considering a career like yours?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Buckling Restrained Braces:

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TSEC 62: All You Need to Know About Modular Construction

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Modular ConstructionIn this episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we talk to Aaron Miller, P.E. who is a senior project manager at DCI Engineers. We will be talking about modular construction, what it is, and how it fits into the construction environment.  

Engineering Quotes:


Modular Construction

Modular Construction

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Aaron in This Episode:

  • What is modular construction?
  • What is the comparison between the speed of typical constructions and modular constructions?
  • How does your experience with modular construction shape your approach to structural design?
  • How do offsite construction techniques fit into the construction environment?
  • What are some of the lessons you learned from past modular projects you’ve worked on?
  • How important is training and experience for modular design?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Modular Construction:

  • The modular construction referred to here is volumetric modular that is an offsite construction technique that incorporates all the building systems (or as many as you can) that consist of all the MEP’s, structures, and interior finishes to minimize work in the field.
  • The modules are predominately mostly made from wood, structural steel, and shipping containers.
  • An eight-story podium, like a five-story wood over three concrete, would take about six to eight months to complete. The preparation and schedule for volumetric modular buildings take the same time, however once delivered on-site and after placing the concrete, it can be completed in as little as 7 days.
  • Working with modular constructions shapes helps you to think ahead when it comes to working on other structural design projects.
  • Modular construction is still very new and is not an established design methodology yet, therefore schools have not yet started teaching it to their students. It all comes down to understanding the sequence and accessibility and how to incorporate components into the structures.
  • Some entities are attempting to produce a codified code for modular construction like the Modular Building Institute (MBI) and manufacturers are also trying to get some information to the IBC (International Building Code).
  • One of the advantages of modular construction is better collaboration between people as it necessitates it right from the start of the project.

More Details in This Episode…

About Aaron Miller, P.E.

Modular ConstructionAaron Miller has more than a decade’s worth of experience providing quality engineering design to a variety of materials in factory-built (modular) construction, residential, mixed-use, light industrial, and commercial projects. His responsibilities include project management, client relationships, and developing structural processes for off-site construction techniques.

Aaron is adept at collaborating with multiple disciplines to provide his projects with cost-effective, efficient designs. His experience with multi-story podium projects and factory-built design has provided cost-effective structural solutions for the growing housing industry in California, Washington, and beyond. Aaron co-chairs the in-house modular technical committee and conducts informational presentations about the topic to AEC professionals.

 Sources/References:

Connect with Aaron via LinkedIn
Modular Design Makes for Quick Construction
International Building Code
Offsite Construction Expo

Please leave your comments or questions in the section below.

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To your success,

Matthew Picardal P.E. & Cara Green, EIT
Hosts of The Structural Engineering Podcast

TSEC 61: How to Choose the Right Structural Framing System for a Building

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Structural Framing SystemIn this episode, we talk to Jim Amundson, P.E., SE, Vice President, and Principal at Coffman Engineers, about important aspects you need to know about when selecting the appropriate structural framing system for a building.

Engineering Quotes:

Structural Framing System

Structural Framing System

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Jim:

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TSEC 60: The Benefits of Using Ultra-High Performance Concrete in Your Engineering Projects

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Ultra-High-Performance ConcreteIn this episode, we talk to Matthew J. Bandelt, Ph.D., P.E., an Assistant Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Studies in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) about using emerging concrete materials, such as ultra-high performance concrete, in projects and how they test these materials to evaluate their performance.

Engineering Quotes:Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Matthew:

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TSEC 59: Starting Your Own Engineering Company (What You Need to Know)

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Own Engineering CompanyIn this episode, we talk to Michael Howell, P.E., SE, president and owner of Arrow Engineering. Mike is a licensed structural engineer who has experience as both a contractor and a designer. He specializes in providing engineering services for design-build projects and has experience in several different types of projects. We talk to Michael about starting your own engineering company.

Engineering Quotes:

Own Engineering Company

Own Engineering Company

Own Engineering Company

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Michael:

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TSEC 58: Innovation and Product Testing in Engineering

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product testing in engineeringIn this episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we talk to Annie Kao, PE, Vice President of Engineering at Simpson Strong-Tie about innovation and product testing in engineering and why seismic retrofitting is so important in structural engineering.

Engineering Quotes:


Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Annie in This Episode:

  • What would you say makes a good engineering leader?
  • What is your involvement in the research and development sector of Simpson Strong-Tie?
  • You are also responsible for innovation across all product lines at Simpson Strong-Tie. What does that entail?
  • Can you tell us more about the product testing and training that is done at Simpson?
  • What are some of the latest advancements in construction technology that have a direct impact on the structural engineering industry?
  • Why is seismic retrofitting important in structural engineering?
  • What advice can you give young students out there that might consider pursuing a career in the engineering industry?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Innovation and Product Testing in Engineering:

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TSEC 57: Structural Engineering and the Surfside Building Collapse

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Surfside building collapseIn this episode, we talk to Emily Guglielmo, P.E., SE, the past president of the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) and the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC), about building safety in response to the recent Surfside building collapse in Miami a few weeks ago. She will also talk about a structural engineer’s role post-collapse and how the collapse will affect our building codes.

Engineering Quotes:

Surfside building collapse

Surfside building collapse

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Emily:

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TSEC 56: From Engineer to Successful Business Owner

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Business OwnerIn this episode, we talk to Peter Vanderzee, President and CEO at LifeSpan Technologies, about his career journey and experience transitioning from electronics to chemical to environmental to geotechnical and then finally to structural engineering. He also shares some great strategies and tips for the startup engineering business owner.

Engineering Quotes:

Business Owner

Business Owner

Business Owner

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Peter:

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