Renovation projects are often complex endeavors in which engineers often lack pertinent structural information of the original design and any subsequent changes to the building.  Investigating old records from previous owners, historical resources and searching for photographs taken during construction can be helpful; however, engineers typically need more definitive material specifications to ensure the capacity of the system can sustain new intended loads for the structure.

In the April 2023 SEU session, D. Matthew Stuart, PE, SE, P.Eng, F.ASCE, F.SEI, A.NAFE, from Partner Engineering and Science, Inc., presented Adaptive Reuse of the Historic Witherspoon Building.  Matthew reviewed the different types of vintage structural components used at the historic Witherspoon building in Philadelphia, PA.  He explained the different approaches used to determine the load carrying capacity of the existing floor and roof framing and talked about the historical reasons for the development and use of hollow clay tile arch framing systems.

Due to the age of the structure and lack of construction documents, the steel used on the project was tested to determine the actual yield strength to be used in the renovation design.  After the presentation, Matthew was asked for guidance on coupon testing steel from an existing structure, and he provided some tips for successfully determining the yield strength.

Matthew noted that a steel coupon test only needs a sample about 2 inches wide and 6-8 inches long to perform the load test.  Typically, the steel can be safely collected from redundant areas of the structure such as the bottom flange of a simply supported beam near the support or the bottom chord extension of an open web steel joist.  Exploratory demolition may also be necessary to locate structural systems hidden behind walls or ceilings.

Lab testing can then be performed to determine the yield strength of the steel.  Typical testing standards include ASTM A370 Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products or ASTM E8 Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials at room temperature.

It is common during reuse or renovation projects to be without necessary design information from the original construction.  While educated design assumptions based on historical data must be used, material  lab testing ensures designers do not use overly conservative assumptions, and can maximize the capacity of the structural system being repurposed.

D. Matthew Stuart, PE, SE, P.Eng., Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.

In April 2023, D. Matthew Stuart, PE, SE, PEng., F.ASCE, F.SEI, A.NAFE, from Partner Engineering and Science, Inc., presented Adaptive Reuse of the Historic Witherspoon Building. Matthew nominated the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) (UMCOR – Global Ministries (umcmission.org)) for the SEU Speaker Inspires donation of the month.

According to it’s mission statement, UMCOR is the humanitarian relief and development arm of The United Methodist Church and it assists churches to become involved globally in direct ministry to persons in need. UMCOR comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters – famine, hurricane, war, flood, fire or other events—to alleviate suffering and serve as a source of help and hope for the vulnerable. UMCOR provides relief, response and long-term recovery grants when events overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on their own. UMCOR also provides technical support and training for partners to address emerging and ongoing issues related to disaster relief, recovery, and long-term health and development.

Thank you, Matthew, for helping structural engineers with your SE University session, and for your designation of the United Methodist Committee on Relief as our SEU Speaker Inspires Organization of the Month!

SE University began the SEU Speaker Inspires program in 2015 as a way to “pay it forward”, enabling our speakers to designate a charity/organization of their choice for SE University to make a donation to help improve our world.

Intermediate Moment Frame systems and Special Moment Frame systems have stringent connection detailing specifications and limits.  Selecting the best prequalified connection for your system can be confusing given the many stipulations and options available.

In the March 2023 SEU session, Matt Mester, PE, SE, from MiTek, Inc., presented Steel Moment Frames: Design Principles & AISC 341/358 Provisions.  Matt identified the four types of moment frames allowed by the building code, and how to choose a system based on the seismic criteria.  He then reviewed the design provisions contained in AISC 341 for SMF, IMF, and OMF systems.  Matt also reviewed the AISC 358 connection types and why you would choose one for your project.

Matt included some very useful slides in his presentation which summarize the limitations for the prequalified connection contained in AISC 358.  The limitations include span/depth ratios, beam and column depth and weight limits, as well as flange thickness limits as shown in the slides below:

These useful charts are a great quick reference when you need to identify which prequalified connection might work best given certain beam and column sizes on your next project.  Click on the slide to print a PDF copy to keep on hand when you start detailing your next IMF or SMF project.

When was the last time you revamped your LinkedIn profile?  So many engineers only update this vital contact tool when they move or change employment status, but LinkedIn offers more benefits than simply providing contact and employment information.

LinkedIn is often the easiest way to find old colleagues that you may have lost contact with due to the boost LinkedIn profiles receive in search results on search engines.  This added visibility should make each user realize the importance of maintaining their LinkedIn profiles.  At the very least, your profile should include up-to-date employment information, job title, and current professional photo.  However, there are so many other ways LinkedIn can benefit your professional brand.

Considering that most employers also have LinkedIn accounts, it could be a wise career choice offer to help your employer maintain content.  Providing updates on current jobs under construction, or photos from a recent team-building event could show your commitment to your employer and enhance your visibility in the workplace.

LinkedIn is a great tool to keep abreast of new developments within your industry and maintain contact with professionals who you may have had a brief introduction at a conference, but would otherwise lose touch with.  However, this requires frequent use of monitoring posts by other groups and contacts, and responding to their achievements or announcements.  If you only check your profile when something on your end has changed, you miss the benefit of connecting with others when they have significant changes in their careers.

Updating your profile can lead to conversations that you may not have considered.  Taking the time to list your skills and recent accomplishments really affect your professional brand and will be noted by others that you don’t even realize.  You may be quite content in your job and not looking to be approached by recruiters, but LinkedIn has eclipsed as more than just a tool for recruiters.  Your professional profile shows your perspective on your career, and it would be wise to make that perspective meaningful to the many people viewing your profile, as you read this!

Kevin S. Moore, PE, SE, Simpson, Gumpertz, & Heger

In January 2023, SEU welcomed Kevin S. Moore, PE, SE, from Simpson, Gumpertz, & Heger, to present What a Structural Engineer Should Know about Resilience.  Kevin has designated SEAONC Diversity in Structural Engineering Scholarship (http://www.ncsea.com/about/foundation/diversityscholarship/) for our SEU Speaker Inspires donation for the month.

Kevin shared, “The opportunity to increase funding in a permanent endowed scholarship that financially supports a student from an historically underrepresented minority in structural engineering, preferably with a desire to practice in northern California, is a very small but rewarding privilege. Thousands of capable students desire a rewarding career in our noble profession, but often face unfair challenges and financial shortfalls that fail to cover costs associated with very expensive university programs. Scholarships like this help bring some amount of equity to students that have done so much themselves. I am proud to be a part of a community that cares enough to contribute and even happier that SEU sees the value in doing the same.”

Thank you, Kevin, for helping structural engineers with your SEU session, and for your designation of SEAONC Diversity in Structural Engineering Scholarship as our SEU Speaker Inspires Organization of the Month!

SEU began the SEU Speaker Inspires program in 2015 as a way to “pay it forward”, enabling our speakers to designate a charity/organization of their choice for SEU to make a donation to help improve our world.

How do you know if a conflict of interest arises on a project?  Are you familiar with the ethical rules you may be subject to, and the ways to address potential conflicts?

In the February 2023 SEU session, Matthew Rechtien, PE, Esq., from Walter P Moore, presented 2023 Engineering Ethics Update: Conflicts of Interest.  Matt defined conflicts of interest and explained why ethics rules regulate conflicts.  He also covered the basics of conflicts rules, how to apply them, and how to identify conflicts.

Matt shared some helpful tips for identifying conflicts of interest.  He noted several situations which could result in a conflict of interest as shown on the following slide:

Matt noted that not all of these situations prove that a conflict exists, however, they should cause a moment of pause to consider if a conflict does exist.  If a conflict is identified, engineers should refer to the ethical guidelines to which they are bound by their licensing boards and/or professional organizations.  As Matt said, it is more prudent for the engineer to make any potential conflict known to the clients, rather than have to defend their actions to a board at a later point.

Identifying a conflict of interest does not mean the engineer cannot be involved on a project.  Depending on the ethics rules in their jurisdiction, engineers may be able to proceed once the conflict is disclosed, but at the very least, a disclosure is typically necessary if there is a potential for conflict.  Using the above tips, engineers can more accurately assess when conflicts might arise in their future projects, and proceed with a bit of caution.

Have you worked on the same project more than once?  Or have you been solicited to perform work on a previous job by a new client?  When does a conflict of interest exist when working on a similar or same project?  What duty does the professional engineer have to disclose any potential conflicts?

In the February 2023 SEU session, Matthew Rechtien, PE, Esq., from Walter P Moore, presented 2023 Engineering Ethics Update: Conflicts of Interest.  Matt defined conflicts of interest and explained why ethics rules regulate conflicts.  He also covered the basics of conflicts rules, how to apply them, and how to identify conflicts.

From his experience working as an attorney and engineer, Matt shared several common examples of conflicts of interest that structural engineers can be faced with.  One example he proposed involves successive engagements on a project.  To hear Matt’s reasoning on whether this common occurrence presents a conflict of interest, watch this short 6 minute video:

Engineers should maintain familiarity of the ethical rules to which they are bound by state law and also by professional boards.  These rules can vary widely by state and may have specific requirements when a conflict of interest is identified.  Both ASCE and NSPE specifically address conflicts of interest in their ethics code and both require engineers to disclose any potential conflicts. 

Ethics rules exist to protect the client and the engineer from conflicts of interest which could impede the engineer’s judgment on a project.  Matt noted that conflicts of interest are among the most common ethical issues faced by engineers, thus, the professional engineer is wise to identify any conflicts early and seek counsel before proceeding on the project.

Roger LaBoube, PhD, PE Missouri University of Science and Technology

In December 2022, SE University welcomed back Roger LaBoube, PhD, PE, from Missouri University of Science and Technology, to present Cold-Formed Steel Standards (2022).  In years past, Roger designated the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (https://www.lls.org/) for the SEU Speaker Inspires donation of the month, and he has chosen to do the same in 2022.

Roger shared: “On June 7, 2003, our daughter Jennifer married Russ. The wedding was a wonderful family event and Karen and I were both extremely happy for Jennifer and Russ. Four short months later, Russ was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma Stage 4B. After 10 months of treatments, Russ’ Hodgkins was forced into remission. Obviously, Karen and I were elated to learn of this news. However, in June 2005, Russ was diagnosed with leukemia. Following more chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, the leukemia is now in remission. I chose to support LLS to honor both Russ and Jennifer for their fighting spirit and to help others who are also fighting so hard to defeat their cancer. Our family has benefited first hand from both the research and the patient services of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.”

Thank you, Roger, for helping structural engineers with your SE University session, and for your designation of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as our SEU Speaker Inspires Organization of the Month!

SE University began the SEU Speaker Inspires program in 2015 as a way to “pay it forward”, enabling our speakers to designate a charity/organization of their choice for SE University to make a donation to help improve our world.

Sam Rubenzer, SE, PE FORSE Consulting

In September 2022, SEU welcomed back Sam Rubenzer, SE, PE, from FORSE Consulting, to present Verifying Software Results.  Sam has designated Children’s Minnesota (Children’s Minnesota (childrensmn.org)) for our SEU Speaker Inspires donation for the month.

Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest freestanding pediatric health systems in the United States and the only health system and Level I Trauma Center in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children from before birth through young adulthood. Sam noted that Children’s Minnesota had done “some really great work for a sweet girl I know!”

Thank you, Sam, for helping structural engineers with your SEU session, and for your designation of Children’s Minnesota as our SEU Speaker Inspires Organization of the Month!

SEU began the SEU Speaker Inspires program in 2015 as a way to “pay it forward”, enabling our speakers to designate a charity/organization of their choice for SEU to make a donation to help improve our world.

Are you aware of how structural engineers can improve on a community’s ability to recover from a natural disaster?  Community resilience depends on many influencing factors, and the idea of resilient design is a new topic to most structural engineers.  With more severe natural disasters affecting our communities in ways we haven’t envisioned, and climate change shifting the cycle associated climatic events, structural engineers need to identify opportunities to be part of the solution and educate themselves to be effective and active participants in resilience.

In the January 2023 SEU session, Kevin Moore, SE, with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, presented What a Structural Engineer Should Know about Resilience.  Kevin explained resilience as it relates to structural engineering.  He identified how planners tie resilience to climate change; he defined functional recovery and how it is being considered in standards development.

While sustainability has been the atypical concept for the structural engineering community for quite some time, resilience is a new concept that requires our focus.  These two concepts are notably different and should not be conflated.  Sustainability is focused on an environment that improves human health and well being, economic vitality, and environmental resource abundance.  Resilience, however, is the capacity for a community to overcome unexpected problems, adapt to change, and prepare for and survive catastrophes.  

Community resilience can be described in shorthand as the ability for a community to recover after a catastrophe.  A resilient community is well prepared for and able to absorb, recover from, and successfully manage adverse events.   As structural engineers, we are most capable of sharing insight on performance-based building design, which can prove to be valuable for a community that requires viable space after a catastrophe.  Providing a resilient design specifically considers and intends to minimize damage that may be caused by adverse events.

Kevin specifically how a functional building can contribute to a community’s resilience.  After a natural disaster, there are several recovery states possible for a building, as shown on the slide below:

Resilient design applied to an individual building will most often result in a “functional recovery” level performance goal.  Functional recovery is a performance state where a building performs and is maintained, or restored, to safely and adequately support the basic intended functions associated with the pre-disaster use or occupancy.  This performance goal is a step above reoccupancy, which is a performance state in which a building is maintained, or restored, to allow safe re-entry for the purpose of providing shelter or protecting building contents.  A building in the reoccupancy state does not provide the same level of recovery opportunity to the community. A building in the functional recovery state is more useful to a recovering community because economic drivers and shelter are both provided in the same space.

As the design community continues to pursue resilience and resilient design concepts, structural engineers can actively contribute to planning discussions, building performance expectations, and being aware of benefits associated with performance-based design.  Incorporating performance-based designs will become more prevalent as building codes and standards evolve, focused on minimizing the damage associated with adverse events.