The Structural Engineering Podcast

41:25

Episode 127 - What If Wood Could Flow?

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/09/30

What if structural timber could be shaped to put material exactly where it's needed? In this episode, we sit down with the team from Strong by Form to explore Woodflow, a new approach to engineered timber that combines material efficiency, structural performance, and advanced manufacturing. We break down how Woodflow is formed, how strand length and wood grade influence its behavior, and how it compares with established mass timber products. We also get into the engineering: strength and stiffness,

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01:06:51

Episode 126 - Your Design Works… But Can It Be Built?

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/09/23

In this episode, we step outside the design office to explore what structural engineers often get wrong about construction. We discuss the disconnect between design intent and what actually happens in the field from constructability and tolerances to sequencing, temporary conditions, and coordination. We also look at the details engineers tend to overcomplicate, the information contractors wish they had on structural drawings, and what makes an RFI response actually useful. Through real-world

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01:03:46

Episode 125 - The Building Doesn't Match the Drawings

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/09/16

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges of structural engineering in existing buildings, where the drawings don't always match what's actually in the field. We discuss how engineers navigate unknown conditions, undocumented modifications, aging materials, and the constraints that can make seemingly simple projects incredibly complex. We also dive into creative problem solving how to avoid getting stuck on the first workable solution, think beyond conventional approaches, and find better

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53:15

Episode 124 - Your Concrete Numbers Are Wrong. Does...

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/09/09

In this episode, we take a closer look at the concrete mixture requirements structural engineers encounter in ACI 318. We explore where the familiar values for water-to-cementitious-material ratio, air content, aggregate size, cement type, and durability requirements come from—and what they mean for the concrete we specify on our projects. We discuss how ACI durability exposure classes influence mixture requirements, including maximum water-to-cementitious-material ratios, minimum specified

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01:27:46

Episode 123 - What's Next for Structural Steel?

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/09/02

In this episode, we explore what's next for the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and the future of structural steel. We discuss how AISC's role extends beyond the Steel Manual, how research makes its way into the codes and standards engineers use every day, and the trends shaping the steel industry over the next decade. We also dive into AISC's 2033 Initiative and what it could mean for engineers, fabricators, and the broader steel industry. Finally, we look at the next generation of

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58:47

Episode 122 - The Role of Structural Engineers in...

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/08/26

In Episode 122, we explore a question that goes beyond how we design buildings: how do we make our communities more resilient before disaster strikes? We discuss the growing challenges of natural disasters, infrastructure risk, insurance, and the economic consequences of rebuilding after the fact — and why simply designing for the minimum code requirements may not be enough. We also dive into what it means to "future proof" America, and how engineers can play a role in connecting technical solutions

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01:19:45

Episode 121 - Are Structural Engineers Too Dependent...

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/08/19

In this episode, we explore the future of structural engineering and what it will take to continue pushing the profession forward. We discuss why innovation can be difficult in a risk-averse industry, how performance-based design is changing the way engineers approach complex structures, and whether our reliance on codes and software is beginning to replace first-principles thinking. We also dive into the growing role of AI in structural engineering—where it could accelerate design and innovation,

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01:22:16

Episode 120 – How Glass & Grid Shells Make the...

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/08/05

In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Schultz, Ph.D., P.E., to explore the engineering behind grid shells and structural glass. We discuss how grid shells achieve remarkable long spans through efficient geometry, the role of form-finding and computational design, and the challenges of analysis, connections, and construction. We also dive into structural glass, covering its behavior as a structural material, connection design, redundancy, code development, and the projects pushing the boundaries

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59:07

Episode 119 - Can Great Engineers Be Bad Leaders?

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/07/22

In Episode 119, we sit down with Travis Slisher to discuss what great leadership looks like in the engineering profession and why technical expertise alone isn't enough to build successful teams. Drawing from his own leadership journey, Travis shares the lessons he's learned about earning trust, communicating effectively, developing future leaders, and creating a culture where engineers feel empowered to grow and contribute. We explore the differences between managing projects and leading people,

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01:03:14

Episode 118 - Do You Really Need Rebar?

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/07/08

In this episode, we sit down with Claire Gandee from Bekaert to explore how steel fiber reinforced concrete is changing the way engineers design slab-on-grade and industrial floor systems. Using two comparable projects, one with conventional reinforcement and one with steel fibers, we discuss how the design process changes, what the fibers are actually doing after concrete cracks, and when steel fibers can replace traditional reinforcing steel. Claire explains how fibers influence crack control,

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01:04:26

Episode 117 - When Design Becomes Evidence

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/06/24

In this episode, we sit down with forensic structural engineer Mark Duckett, PE, SI, from Robson Forensic to explore what happens when engineering decisions are examined long after a project is complete. We discuss the role of expert witnesses, what the legal system means by "standard of care," and how forensic engineers use the scientific method to investigate failures, defects, and construction disputes. Mark explains the difference between simply disagreeing with a design approach and identifying

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01:05:42

Episode 116 - Nonlinear Twists: An Easy Path into...

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/06/10

In Episode 116, we explore the world of nonlinear structural analysis and performance-based seismic design. We discuss when nonlinear methods become necessary, how pushover analysis helps engineers understand building behavior beyond elastic limits, and where these advanced tools fit within modern codes and standards. The conversation covers modeling challenges, common misconceptions, software workflows, seismic performance objectives, and real-world applications where nonlinear analysis can

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53:57

Episode 115 - The Gap That Saves Buildings

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/06/03

In this episode, we dive into facade engineering and explore how building skins are designed to accommodate wind, seismic drift, thermal movement, construction tolerances, and long-term building behavior. We discuss the different types of facade systems, the loads they are designed for, and why movement joints are one of the most critical and often misunderstood parts of facade design. The conversation covers slip joints, story drift, facade deflection criteria, joint sizing, masonry veneer

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01:00:03

Episode 114 - Yielding for a Better Brace

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/05/27

In Episode 114, we dig into buckling restrained braced frames with Brandt Saxey, SE, of CoreBrace. We talk through how BRBFs work, what makes them different from traditional concentrically braced frames, and why yielding in both tension and compression without global buckling makes them such an effective seismic system. The conversation also covers brace behavior, energy dissipation, detailing considerations, coordination with manufacturers, common design misconceptions, and how BRBs are being used

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28:19

Episode 113: How Software Leaders See the Future of...

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/05/20

In this episode, we dig into the future of structural engineering software with the North American CEO and Chief Product Officer of IDEA StatiCa. We talk through why connection design is such a difficult problem to solve digitally, where traditional spreadsheets and simplified checks can fall short, and how engineers can balance speed, analytical rigor, and judgment. The conversation also covers AI, automation, interoperability, software adoption, and what skills young engineers need to build as

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52:39

Episode 112 – Good Connections Make Great Structures

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/05/13

In this episode, we dig into structural connection design and explore why connections are far more than just the final step of a project. We talk through how engineers approach connections as critical components that influence constructability, architectural expression, fabrication efficiency, and even the overall behavior of the structure itself. We break down how engineers think about clean and efficient connection detailing, why exposed connections often require much earlier coordination in the

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01:13:02

Episode 111 - Can Glass Really Be Structural?

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/04/29

In this episode, we dig into structural glass design and explore why glass in buildings can be far more than a transparent enclosure. We talk through how engineers approach glass as a true structural material in systems where stiffness, redundancy, detailing, and post-breakage behavior can be just as important as ultimate strength. We break down how engineers think about glass in tension, compression, and bending, how laminated assemblies and interlayers improve resilience, and why connections

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01:07:32

Episode 110 - Venues Aren't "Just Code": Vibration,...

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/04/15

In this episode, we dig into entertainment and retail design and explore why venues can't be engineered by code compliance alone. We talk through how structural engineers approach performance-driven spaces like concert venues, theaters, and experiential retail where vibration, rigging, sightlines, and serviceability often control the design more than strength. We break down how engineers think about vibration tolerance and human perception, how rigging grids are designed for unknown future shows,

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01:01:06

Episode 109 – How Coastal Structures Hold Back the Ocean

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/04/01

In this episode, we dig into flood and wave design and explore when water transitions from a site consideration into a true structural load case. We talk through how engineers identify flood risk, interpret FEMA flood maps, and determine when flood, wave, or debris loads must be considered—especially for engineers who typically design in dry conditions. We break down the difference between flood loads and wave impact, how elevated structures, piles, and breakaway walls behave under water-driven

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52:57

Episode 108 - What LEGO Can Teach Structural Engineers

The Structural Engineering Podcast ·

2026/03/18

In this episode, we explore structural engineering through an unexpected lens: LEGO. What starts as a simple building toy becomes a powerful way to explain fundamental concepts like load paths, stability, and structural behavior. We discuss how the idea began, why physical models can communicate more clearly than sketches or equations, and the first moment it became clear this approach actually works. The conversation highlights which concepts translate best to LEGO, where the analogies break down,

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