In this episode, we talk to Alex Morales, Assoc. AIA, EDAC, PMP, LEED Green Assoc., about structural steel design and how he went from architecture to falling in love with steel. He also talks about some of the latest innovative steel systems and how they are helping structural engineers. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Alex: How does one go from architecture to structural steel design? What does structural steel design entail? How did you flip a parking garage design from concrete to steel? What is one of the latest innovative structural steel systems designed by AISC, and how is it helping structural engineers? What are millennials saying about the future of the AEC industry? How important do you think it is to establish a culture of mentorship? Do you have any final advice for engineers considering a career like yours? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Structural Steel Design: We must always strive to further and better ourselves. In architecture, you get excited about knowing that your drawings will become buildings. But you will be amazed when you go out into the field and see what your drawings look like during construction. Try different roles as you progress in your career; even if you do not like a couple of the roles, you will get experience, working knowledge, and respect for the people who are in those roles. It can help you decide on a subject matter expertise that you would like to work on for the rest of your career. Structural steel design entails selecting the correct size and shape of the material, the structural calculations and analysis, and designing by choosing the correct materials to ensure the functionality of the completed building. It also involves budgeting, material procurement, and collaboration with the project team, stakeholders, and fabricators. The owner of the parking garage wanted to get the construction completed as soon as possible, but still have the flexibility to change the parking garage into something else in the future. Instead of concrete, steel was the preferred material to use to get the construction completed faster. A shallower foundation could also be used because of the lighter construction material, which also sped up the construction time. Steel also uses thinner and fewer columns than concrete, which optimized the space to fit in more parking spaces. All the changes and optimizations that the steel had over the concrete design are what sealed the deal in the owner's mind. AISC’s latest innovative structural steel system is called SpeedCore. It was developed by MKA Engineers, Pankow Foundation, and AISC. It is compiled of two outer steel plates that are filled in between with concrete and eliminate the need for rebar. It vastly reduces the need for materials such as rebar and wood. The metal plates have inward-facing “teeth” that hold onto the concrete and act as stay-in-place forms. SpeedCore is the alternative to leading core construction and makes it possible to build the core and the floors of a building at the same time. It eliminates the curing time, formwork, some permits required, and accelerates the construction schedule. It saves a lot of money and mitigates risks. There is great energy among the millennials about new ways of doing things in the AEC industry. As a result of the telling of stories and sharing of successes that is happening now, millennials, who are coming of age, are going to take the reins on the future of the AEC industry. It shows everyone that they can make it and contribute to the industry. The AEC industry will be more open to dialogs and intersections and become a very dynamic industry, and whose owners will be very proud of what it can do. Establishing a culture of mentorship is a great way t...