Episodes
Welcome back to the structural engineering podcast! It's been a busy few months and we're finally getting around to editing some of the conversations we've had in that time. This episode Zach and Max discuss our take on Slab on Grade Design with added tips and tricks picked up at the World Of Concrete Convention. We hope you enjoy, and since this can be a hotly debated topic, if you disagree with anything we've brought up, we'd love to talk about it....
Published 09/13/21
In this episode we talk with Sam Ruben, the Co-founder of Mighty Buildings, a company attempting to change the way we build residential and even commercial structures through 3D printing. At the SEP we believe the future of structures should, and will, look a lot different then our current practice. (Do you know how long we've been building houses with wood!?) If I were to place a bet, I think 3D printing will be a big portion of that, and these guys have a very cool system to help us get...
Published 06/17/21
This week we talk with Megan Stringer and Erik Kneer of Holmes Structures. Both Megan and Erik are committed advocates for more sustainable practices in structural design. I admittedly didn't know how much SE's could do to reduce the total carbon emissions of a building project, but I was happy to find not only do we have a role in this space, but it's truly crucial to a sustainable, low carbon future.Links:Achieving net zero embodied carbon (pdf)EPD'sSE2050.orgBuildingtransparency.org...
Published 06/03/21
This week we talk with Ilana Danzig an associate with Aspect Structural Engineers. She brings a large knowledge of complex structures with a passion in timber. We hope you enjoy!Click here to see the connection.  WebsiteInstagramLinkedInFaceBookYouTubeEmail: [email protected]
Published 05/20/21
This week we hear from Sam Mcglamery, Executive VP of vertex engineering. Sam has been a structural engineer far longer than I've been alive. At this point in his career he often uses his knowledge and experience to serve as an expert witness and standard of care expert. We reached out to Sam because we wanted to know the reality behind lawsuits and engineering, how likely are they, and what actually happens. We hope you enjoy.WebsiteInstagramLinkedInFaceBookYouTubeEmail:...
Published 05/06/21
This week we talked with Aniket Borwanker, a production manager at Simpson Strong Tie. Aniket it tasked with developing and testing new uses for FRP products. FRP includes fiberglass and carbon fiber wrap used in seismic retrofit's, bridges, wall strengthening, and many other possible applications. We learn all the places you can stick this stuff, how strong it is, and some tips on designing with it. Also, we've started a little newsletter. Now I know more email is not what most people are...
Published 03/11/21
This week we talked with Melissa Marshall, an expert science communicator, and probably the only TED speaker we'll ever convince to join us on the show. Melissa shares tips for communicating science and engineering terms and how to give more effective presentations. We recommend checking out her company:https://www.presentyourscience.com/and her ted talk https://www.ted.com/talks/melissa_marshall_talk_nerdy_to_meAlso, we've started a little newsletter. Now I know more email is not what most...
Published 02/25/21
This weeks guest is a little different than usual. We're talking with Sarah Lazar, a very specific recruiter working for the firm LVI. Sarah recruits for forensic engineering firms and only in the Midwest, but we're not talking to Sarah because we're looking for a job. She is also passionate and knowledgeable about the field of forensics structural engineering and offered to share what she knows with us. we hope you like it.Also, we've started a little newsletter. Now I know more email is not...
Published 02/12/21
This is Part 2 of our interview with Emily Guglielmo, a principle at Martin and Martin, and a member of the ASCE 7 wind and seismic committees. We learned a ton talking with her over an hour and decided to split the episode up in to bite sized chunks.Also, we've started a little newsletter. Now I know more email is not what most people are looking for, but we're hoping you'll make an exception. Every Tuesday morning we send out a short snip highlighting the most important engineering related...
Published 01/28/21
Gosh it's been a long time since we've put out an episode, but we're starting this season on a high note. Our first interview this year was with Emily Guglielmo, a principle at Martin and Martin, and a member of the ASCE 7 wind and seismic committees. We learned a ton talking with her over an hour and decided to split the episode up in to bite sized chunks. With that, enjoy part 1 of 2, and check back shortly for the next one.Also, we've started a little newsletter. Now I know more email is...
Published 01/14/21
This week we talked with Ted Goldstein PE of Tubular Connections and the inventor of the Shuriken nut keeper. We all know tubes generally make for more efficient and compact column shapes, but connections can be a challenge. Luckily Ted's got us covered. Check out his website at TubularConnect.com, or for a quick video of the product, check THIS outFinally, for a product data sheet, head over HERE To talk with us, just check out the following:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInFaceBookYouTubeEmail:...
Published 10/29/20
This week we talked with Nathan Krause PE a Precast Concrete engineer located in the mid-west. As season two of the SE Podcast comes to an end, we will have additional precast episodes next season including detailing and seismic design. Reach out to SE Podcast via: WebsiteInstagramLinkedInFaceBookYouTubeEmail: [email protected]
Published 10/18/20
This week we talked with Annie Kao, the Vice President of Engineering at Simpson Strong-Tie. Annie brings insight for both an engineering and management prospective. During the episode we discuss the culture of Simpson Strong-Tie, why Toyota is important, and how to be a successful engineer. If you want to learn more about the Toyota philosophy check out the book (link below). The Toyota Way to Lean Leadership on Amazon.Reach out to SE Podcast...
Published 10/01/20
In this episode, we speak with Bob Johnson, a Chicago native and distinguished structural engineer that designed parts of the Chicago skyline. Bob's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbrandtjohnson/ Video of Bob work:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iTK9lizgLgReach out to SE Podcast via: WebsiteInstagramLinkedInFaceBookYouTubeEmail: [email protected] 
Published 09/20/20
We're talking with Kevin Lamalva this week of Warrington Fire all about PBSFD. If you've never heard of this, in short, its using additional strength within the structure and rigorous analysis over a "blind" application of fireproofing material. There are a number of advantages here, from potential cost savings to a more defined level of performance. Traditional fire rating is terribly outdated, and PBSFD is on it's way to becoming a competitive technique. Kevin is the Author of many design...
Published 08/25/20
Warning: This is not an episode we know all that much about! We talked with Kevin LaMalva who wrote the book (many of them) on performance based fire engineering. This is not that episode, that comes next. Before we get to the high level, Zach and I try to learn for ourselves what the IBC says about fire proofing, how it is applied, and what structural engineers should know.  Website: theengineeringpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: @structure_3dLinkedIn:...
Published 08/06/20
Fast + Epp has become world renown for innovative and beautiful design in mass timber. As a fairly small firm with 35 years of experience behind them they have managed to work on some of the most exciting and structurally creative projects you're likely to see across the US, Canada, and Europe. We talk with Ian Boyle, one of the principals of Fast + Epp about not just mass timber, but the design philosophies of Fast + Epp and much more.Enjoy Website: theengineeringpodcast.comEmail:...
Published 07/09/20
We recently had the opportunity to chat with Luis Duque, a bridge engineer in Boulder Colorado and the host of the 'Engineering Our Future" podcast. Luis created began his podcast to share his experiences navigating the early stages of an engineering career. His episodes discuss everything from nailing a resume to managing work life balance.  Check out his podcast on any major platform, or through his website: https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/ Website: theengineeringpodcast.comEmail:...
Published 06/25/20
This week we're talking with Thor Matteson, A structural engineer in California, and the inventor of Skinny Braces. These unique braces attach a ductile fuse to an old fashioned cantilever column system to create a chimera of unmatched R value. Or really, you get to use an R=6.5, just like a wood framed shear wall. This gives you all the benefits of a cantilever column system without the huge footings and low R. The skinny brace is aptly named because it takes up a tiny amount of space...
Published 06/12/20
This week we chat with Blake Larsen of Larsen structural Design. Blake has done something that many of us dream of, a few try, and very few do well. That's start his very own engineering company, and grow it to be a success. If you've ever considered going out on your own, this episode is for you. Website: theengineeringpodcast.comEmail: [email protected]: @structure_3dLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/structural-engineering-podcastFaceBook:...
Published 05/29/20
This week we have an awesome chat with awesome framers (Check em out on instagram) to answer questions live on Instagram with a group of contractors. It was a real blast sharing what we could and learning a lot about what we can do to make their job easier, and produce better structures together. We talked for two hours, so I cut it down to two parts. we hope to do it again some time (with better audio quality hopefully), so please enjoy part 1@AwesomeFramers We're trying something new this...
Published 05/22/20
We are adding an unscheduled addition to our regular podcast line-up to squeeze in an extra episode with Ryan Smith of Sideplate . When we heard the Engineers over at Sideplate had developed a fully bolted moment frame with the existing sideplate technology we had to learn a little more. Please enjoy our conversation with Ryan, and feel free to reach out to us or Sideplate with any...
Published 05/14/20
This week Max and Zach sit down with the guys from Structuralengineeringbasics.com to discuss high rise design, and a little about the courses they provide. We hear some great stories about design in Dubai and an exciting project with some unique challenges in Canada. We recommend checking out their website at www.structuralengineeringbasics.com and If you'd like to check out their courses use code SEP25OFF for 25% off!We're trying something new this year to help keep the podcast up and...
Published 05/08/20
This is the second edition of tornado shelter design. This week we talk with Mark Kaiser of RLG to wrap up the story of tornado shelters, and talk about the future of shelter design. We're trying something new this year to help keep the podcast up and running and hopefully get even better. If you've learned something from our guests, consider becoming a patron of the show with the link https://www.patreon.com/SEPodcast If you're liking the show please subscribe, and heck, send us an email,...
Published 04/16/20
Welcome to our first ever PDH worthy episode! at 50 minutes, it's longer than usual, but if you pass our quiz we'll send you a certificate for 1 PDH hour. This episode Zach and Max interview Mark and David from RLG about the basics of storm shelter design and ICC 500. Once you've had a listen, the quiz can be found by following this link (or through our website). flexiquiz.com/SC/N/STORM_SHELTER_DESIGN We've got a lot of other fun things coming this year, so stay tuned. Also.... We're...
Published 04/09/20