The Ultimate Earthquake Engineering Evolution That Is Reshaping Structures – Ep 150

February 27, 2025

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In this episode, we talk with Reyhaneh Navabzadeh, Ph.D., A.M. ASCE, engineer at Structural Integrity Associates, about how the earthquake engineering evolution transcends traditional practices to tackle critical challenges with innovative strategies for safer, more resilient structures.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Reyhaneh:

How do earthquake engineering and traditional structural engineering differ in terms of design considerations and analytical approaches?
How has earthquake engineering evolved globally, and what strategies can regions with different seismic risks implement to improve their resilience?
What are the major challenges earthquake engineers face today, and how do these challenges impact the design and construction of structures designed to resist seismic activity?
Can you discuss the recent advancements in materials, technologies, and research that are shaping structural and earthquake engineering practices?
Do you need to sign up to receive earthquake alerts, or is it automatically available on devices like smartphones?
How can regions with limited resources effectively implement earthquake-resistant systems?
What are the essential skills or areas of knowledge that engineers should develop to excel in earthquake engineering?
What final piece of advice would you give to engineers looking to specialize in earthquake engineering or incorporate seismic design principles into their work?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About The Ultimate Earthquake Engineering Evolution That Is Reshaping Structures:

The earthquake engineering evolution goes beyond traditional structural engineering by incorporating specialized knowledge such as seismology and soil-structure interactions to ensure structures withstand seismic forces. This discipline integrates detailed seismic load considerations, requiring mastery of both general and specialized analytical approaches.
Global earthquake engineering standards have significantly evolved, adopting advanced methods like performance-based design and utilizing smart materials. Regions enhance resilience by implementing tailored strategies based on micro-zonation studies that assess local seismic risks and by investing in education and infrastructure.
Earthquake engineers face the challenge of adapting increasingly complex code books to design safe structures in rapidly urbanizing areas with high seismic risks. These challenges necessitate innovative solutions and adaptations in building designs to meet the stringent requirements of updated seismic codes.
Recent advancements in earthquake engineering include the adoption of smart materials like shape memory alloys and systems such as base isolation. These innovations improve the resilience of structures by enhancing their structural integrity and adaptive capabilities, crucial for mitigating the impacts of earthquakes.
Earthquake alert systems such as My Shake and Shake Alert provide essential early warnings and are becoming integral for residents in seismic regions. These apps may require a sign-up or automatic activation, depending on device settings and regional implementation strategies.
Regions with limited resources can enhance earthquake resilience by prioritizing efficiency in design, using cost-effective and locally available materials, and adopting policies and training specific to seismic criteria. This approach helps maximize functionality while minimizing unnecessary expenses.
Engineers should focus on understanding seismic risks through micro-zonation and adapting global standards to local conditions. Continuous education and the ability to implement advanced structural designs, such as performance-based methods, are crucial for excelling in earthquake engineering.
Engineers must ensure rigorous compliance with building codes and stay informed about the latest advancements in seismic standards and technologies. This includes being proactive in learning and applying new materials and methods that enhance the structural safety and resilience of buildings in seismic zones.
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More Details in This Episode…

About Reyhaneh Navabzadeh, Ph.D., A.M. ASCE

Dr. Reyhaneh Navabzadeh is a highly skilled structural engineer with over 8 years of professional experience and 10 years of research expertise in structural and earthquake engineering. Her work spans a diverse range of areas, including performance-based design, vulnerability assessments, risk analysis, structural dynamics, and multi-hazard analysis. Dr. Navabzadeh’s innovative contributions extend to wind engineering, where she has developed dynamic analysis methodologies for multi-rotor wind turbines and assessed wind-seismic interactions in turbine structures.

An expert in nonlinear finite element modeling (FEM) and the design of reinforced concrete, steel, and wood structures, she is adept at both numerical modeling and practical applications, such as deep and shallow foundation design.

Dr. Navabzadeh holds a B.S. in civil engineering from Shiraz University, an M.S. in earthquake-structural engineering from IIEES, and a Ph.D. in structural engineering from Texas A&M University.

She actively contributes to the field as a peer reviewer for leading journals and holds leadership roles in professional organizations, including ASCE and the American Wind Energy Association. She has served as vice president of membership and communications for ASCE Capital Branch and participates in ASCE committees focusing on wind engineering and future environmental hazard conditions.

Her dedication to advancing structural engineering through innovation, research, and professional service makes her a respected leader in the field

About the Hosts

Mathew Picardal, P.E., SE

Mathew is a licensed engineer, practicing on structural projects in California, with an undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.S. in Structural Engineering from UC San Diego. He has designed and managed various types of building structures, including residential wood apartment buildings, commercial steel buildings, and concrete parking structures and towers. He also hosts the new YouTube channel “Structural Engineering Life,” through which he promotes the structural engineering profession to engineering students who are not familiar with the industry perspective.

Rachel Holland, P.E.

Rachel is an experienced R&D engineer, developing and patenting multiple new structural connectors. She also offers her expertise to both the end user and specifiers as a branch engineering supervisor. She represents Simpson Strong-Tie as a deck expert, educating others on how to properly build code-compliant decks. Before her career working for a manufacturing company, she spent many years working for engineering consulting companies. She earned her Architectural Engineering undergrad degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from California State University, Monterey Bay. Rachel is a licensed P.E. in California, Arizona, and New Mexico.