PROGRAM ARCHIVES

Join us for a lunch-time technical presentation explaining why engineers should be reviewing and designing diaphragms, how to design diaphragms, and where in the building code to find diaphragm design requirements. This presentation will provide a general overview of various diaphragm types (metal deck, concrete, wood, etc.), followed by examples highlighting different analysis methods. One PDH Hour certificate will be provided for attending this event. Our speakers: Rose A. Rodriguez, PE, SE, (ADTEK Engineers, Inc.) and Joe Sharkey, PE, SE (Cagley & Associates, Inc.)

Since March 2020, businesses not previously set up for full time teleworking were forced to operate this way due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Washington DC metro area engineering firms were no exception, and the change occurred seemingly overnight. SEA-MW has assembled a panel of principals from four member firms to discuss how companies have handled operations during the pandemic, and how COVID-19 may shape the new normal moving forward. Online discussion.

• Marcia Camarda, PE, LEED AP – SK&A Structural Engineers
• Frank Malits, PE – Cagley & Associates
• Alex Salmin, PE – Ehlert Bryan
• Gary Strand, PE – Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger

Donald Dusenberry, PE, SECB, Past-President of the Structural Engineering Institute presents on a task committee report titled A Vision for the Future of Structural Engineers and Structural Engineering: A Case for Change, to help SEI and its members adapt to the changing environment in the construction industry. The following influences, among others, rose to the top priority. SEI’s responses all center on the belief that structural engineers of the future need enhanced leadership and innovation skills in a world in which technology and globalization present new challenges and opportunities. Don will discuss influences impacting the construction industry, and SEI’s vision for the future.

• Our codes and standards stifle innovation and creativity, hinder designs that respect sustainability and resiliency, and turn design services into commodities. Response: Facilitate transition to performance-based codes and standards.

• Other professions are facing many of the same challenges, yet we are working separately to solve them. Response: Lead summits with other professions on matters of common interest so we can work together and pool resources to find solutions.

• Technology has opened the world to competition and opportunity. Response: Form the Global Activities Division within SEI to focus on international issues and global opportunities.

• Our present educational system does not prepare engineers with skills to be leaders and innovators, or to operate in a global business world. Response: Develop and advocate for a fundamentally new education for structural engineers.

Tenant renovations and building modifications can lead to a variety of obstacles for structural engineers as we juggle client needs, existing conditions, new code requirements, and local jurisdictions. This virtual presentation by David Smith (Holbert Apple Associates) will provide an overview of analysis and design considerations for young engineers when working with existing roof structures of varying construction. Webinar. 

An evening of cocktails, dinner and awards for the DC region. The Structural Engineers Association - Metropolitan Washington (SEA-MW) Excellence in Structural Engineering (ESE) Awards Gala is the premier event recognizing outstanding achievements by structural engineering firms based in the Washington DC region. The ESE Awards Gala acknowledges projects that demonstrate exceptional innovation, creativity, and constructibility, as well as individual structural engineers who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. It is attended by many of the nearly 70 member firms, as well as contractors and other related design professionals.

This year's Awards Gala will be SEA-MW's fourteenth annual awards program.

This seminar will provide a brief overview on how to review, and what to look for, when reading a geotechnical report for a project. Critical items of interest that should be focused on by architects, engineers, estimators, project managers and superintendents will be highlighted. The review of techniques to ensure geotechnical recommendations are properly reflected in contract documents will also be touched upon. Presenter: Karl A. Higgins III, P.E., D.GE, Senior Vice President and Chief Engineer, ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC

Our guest speaker, Terry Pattillo, AIA (Woodworks), will present on the topic of mass timber and CLT construction with a focus on efficient designs that can help make mass timber a competitive solution in the local market.

This presentation will focus on engineering ethics principles and concepts, foundations of the various professional and technical society codes of ethics, including such topics as protection of the public health safety and welfare, professional competency, objectivity, truthfulness, confidentiality, conflicts of interests, and emerging issues/challenges affecting the practice of engineering. Examples of ethical dilemmas will be reviewed and discussed. Speaker: Arthur Schwartz, CAE

How structural engineering supports the renovation of significant historic statues. Gary Strand, Principal of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, will present lessons learned and interesting stories from several varied experiences. In his 37 year career in the DMV area, he has encountered a unique list of "usual" projects which required creative structural solutions and oversight. Gary's presentation affords an opportunity to discuss some of these projects and take a closer look at case studies where engineering fundamentals were employed to restore some iconic pieces of historic fabric. Come for the technical discussion, stay for the photographs. 

Our new SEA-MW fiscal year kicks off on September 25 with an inside look at real estate development. Senior members from Redbrick LMD will present on the development process, typical challenges they face, and what they seek and value from design teams & structural engineers. Redbrick LMD is a diversified real estate investment management and development firm that has closed on more than $2 billion in real estate transactions since 2000.

PAUL P. ELIAS - Executive Vice President Construction

STEPHAN M. RODIGER - SVP of Development

BRENDAN SOREM - Acquisitions & Development

HANNAH UNTEREINER - Senior Development Associate