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• Structural Evaluation of Non-Structural Elements (Virtual Membership Meeting #3)

  • When
    Tuesday, December 09, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Zoom Webinar
  • Spaces left
    183
  • Registered
    17 registrants

  Register

  
  

  A conversation with:

  Byoung-Jun (BJ) Lee, PhD, PE, SE
  WDP & Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc., Manassas, VA

  Non-structural elements of a building include components such as exterior walls, veneers, windows, curtain walls, partitions, interior finishes, ceilings, roofing systems, etc., which are constructed using a variety of materials. Distress and deterioration of these components are often overlooked because they are not part of the primary structural system. However, structural evaluation of non-structural components is sometimes necessary to determine the root cause of observed distress and to develop appropriate repair or retrofit measures.

  In the West Virginia Capitol Building, several cracks were observed on the interior surface of the plaster dome. An in-depth investigation revealed that the dome was constructed using gypsum plaster reinforced with coconut fibers. The use of coconut fiber as a reinforcing material in building construction is extremely rare, and no published literature was available regarding its mechanical behavior or performance in this application. To address this knowledge gap, a series of material tests and detailed analyses were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of the composite material, assess the structural behavior of the dome, and determine the extent of retrofitting required.

  1 hour PDH will be offered.

  Schedule:

  12:00 to 12:10 p.m. Membership Meeting
  12:10 to 1:30 p.m. Presentation followed by Q&A

  Speaker:

  Byoung-Jun (BJ) Lee is a senior structural engineer of WDP and Associates located in Manassas, Virginia. He specializes in architectural engineering and structural engineering services including failure investigations, analysis, and repair design. He has expertise in structural analysis and repair, evaluation of existing structures, and non-destructive testing of concrete structures.  He is involved in forensic field and laboratory investigations, condition assessments, façade and building envelope investigations, development of design documents, and repair recommendations in reinforced concrete, steel, composite, masonry, wood, and cold form steel constructions. He has also written more than 20 technical papers in technical journals and proceedings.
  

  This is a virtual event. The Zoom link will be sent to all registrants prior to the program.

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• Volunteer at the National Building Museum

  • Start
    Saturday, January 10, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Saturday, February 14, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    National Building Museum
  • Spaces left
    100

  Volunteering at the National Building Museum

  

  The Community Outreach Committee invites you to share structural engineering principles with children in our community at the National Building Museum. They are looking for 5 volunteers for each event. You are welcome to bring your own kids, as long as they can help too!

  Register here for the following events:

  STEAM Saturday on January 10th from 1 pm – 3 pm

  This free program would be in connection with the WAVE installation and include the spaghetti/marshmallow activity as well as an activity on long-form roofs and bridges.

  Craft Workshop on January 24th from 10 am – 2 pm

  During this free drop-in program, kids will build their own geodesic domes out of straws from provided kits. Any help would be appreciated! If you love putting together Ikea furniture, then this event is for you.

  STEAM Saturday on February 14th from 1 pm – 3 pm

  This free program would focus on engineering buildings that can resist “disasters”, such as activities focused on wind and earthquakes.

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• SEA-MW Book Club Discussion: “Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men”

  • When
    Wednesday, January 21, 2026
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Walter P Moore (1700 K Street, Suite 1050, Washington DC)
  • Spaces left
    100
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

  SEA-MW Book Club Discussion:

  “Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men” by Caroline Criado Perez

  

  Join SEA-MW's SE3 (Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity) Committee for an engaging discussion on the book “Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men”.  Caroline Criado Perez investigates the shocking root cause of gender inequality and research in Invisible Women, diving into women's lives at home, the workplace, the public square, the doctor's office, and more. Built on hundreds of studies in the US, the UK, and around the world, and written with energy, wit, and sparkling intelligence, this is a groundbreaking, unforgettable expose that will change the way you look at the world.

  This event is free and open to all, but spaces are limited! Due to security reasons, RSVP is required.

  We encourage participants to read the book before the event, however you do not have to read the whole book to participate. All are welcome.

  Registration closes on Monday, January 19th, 2025 at midnight. 

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• 2026 Awards Gala Sponsorship

  • When
    Saturday, February 28, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

  Register

  For 20 years, SEA-MW has held the Excellence in Structural Engineering (ESE) Awards Gala to recognize outstanding achievements by structural engineering firms based in the Washington, DC region. Hosting this event is possible only with generous sponsors like you, and so we are asking for your assistance in supporting the 2026 SEA-MW awards program.

  Please use this link to view the 2026 Sponsorship level. Firms interested in sponsoring the event at any level may do so here: Sponsor the Awards Gala. 

  Please know that we are grateful for your continued support and we look forward to recognizing the ESE awards winners at The Kimpton Hotel Monaco on Saturday, February 28th, 2026. 

  Sincerely,

  Joseph Spaziani and Sanchay Tiwari

  Sponsorship Co-Chairs

  SEA-MW Awards and Gala Committee

  
  

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