Newsletter of the
Structural Engineers Association of Washington
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State Leadership
President
Darrell Staaleson (SE)
Vice President
Jim Farley (SW)
Treasurer
Theodore E. Smith (SE)
Secretary
Matt Leslie (SC)
Past President
Siri Ashworth (SE)
Trustees
In the Issue
- 2018 IBC Seminar
- 2020 PNW ASCE Regional Conference
- Fall Forum 2019 Video NOW AVAILABLE
- February Dinner Meeting Recap
- SEAW Volunteers at the PSEC Engineering Fair
- Cold-Formed Steel Framing - Impact of the 2018 IBC
- Back-up, Back-up, Back-up!
- State and Chapter Committee Reports
- Membership Postings
- Employment Opportunities
- Upcoming Events
- From the Editor
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March 24th
Dinner Meeting
is Postponed!
SEAW is taking proactive steps recommended by
Public Health – Seattle & King County
to protect our community by slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and reducing the number of people infected.
One of these steps, is canceling large events or meetings through March 31st or until we re-evaluate information provided by the Public Health Department.
SEAW has postponed our March 24, 2020 dinner meeting at the Hotel Monaco. The Board will look into reschedule this meeting in the future.
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By the Education Committee
"Update: With the Covid-19 virus and the social distancing requirements, the Education Committee is still planning on having the seminar but if needed it will change to a webinar-only format for all. We will follow Public Health - Seattle & King County guidance and recommendations and update everyone. Registration is open, the Education Committee doesn't plan to cancel."
Are you ready for the 2018 IBC? The SEAW Education Committee is hosting an all-day seminar about the changes to the structural provisions of the 2018 IBC which is scheduled for adoption by the State of Washington on July 1
st
of 2020. This seminar is a continuation of the September 2019 seminar that presented the changes to ASCE 7-16 and ASCE 41-17 and will focus on the materials standards. It will take place on Saturday May 16, 2020. Save the date!
The May seminar will cover:
- Chapter 17: Special Inspections
- Chapter 21: Masonry (TMS 402/602-2016)
- Chapter 22: Steel
- AISC 360-16
- AISC 341-16
- AISI S240-15 & S400-15/S1-16
- Chapter 23: Wood (NDS 2018)
- Tall Wood Building provisions
- City of Seattle amendments
- City of Seattle URM ordinance
Presenters:
Ed Huston, PE, SE, Smith & Huston Inc.
Jon Siu, PE, SE, Department of Construction & Inspections, City of Seattle
Nancy Devine, PE, SE, Department of Construction & Inspections, City of Seattle
Erik Lofthus, PE, SE, KPFF
Hans-Erik Blomgren, PE, SE, P.Eng. Struct.Eng., Katerra
James Farley, PE, SE, MC Squared
Alexander Lang, PE, SE, LEED AP, Magnusson Klemencic Associates
Taylor LaForge, PE, SE, Magnusson Klemencic Associates
This seminar will qualify for 5 to 6.5 PDH’s (total duration is still being determined). Morning coffee/tea and lunch will be provided. Printed notes provided. PDF of the notes emailed the day before the seminar.
Webinar format available on the same day for the same cost. Please specify when registering. PDF of notes included but no lunch provided for this option.
Please register early! Registrations less than two weeks prior to the seminar will incur a $25.00 late fee. Cancellation of registration will be subject to a $25.00 administrative fee.
Time:
- Registration - 8:30 am
- Seminar - 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (may end sooner)
Location:
- Seattle City Hall, Bertha Knight Landes room (5th Ave entrance)
Cost per person (seminar or webinar):
- Members - $240
- Non-Members - $340
- Students - $50
- Notes only - $100
Sponsor options:
- Sponsor Table (includes 2 entries) - $500
- Sponsor Name in notes - $150.
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2020 PNW ASCE Regional Conference
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By Nicole Peden
What is the ASCE PNW Regional Conference?
The PNW Regional Conference is one of many student conferences in the Nation. The PNW regional
conference includes student participants from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. This year
students are participating in five different events hosted at the University of Washington. We are
expecting over 300 Civil and Environmental Students from 20 PNW Universities to attend. It is the first
year UW has hosted since 2012 as the conference rotates year to year, and it is the first time the
Sustainable Solution competition is offered in the region.
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Fall Forum 2019 Video NOW AVAILABLE
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By Angela Gottula Twining
The SEFW Board of Directors is excited to announce that the recording of the 2019 Fall Forum is now available on the SEFW Vimeo page! Visit
www.vimeo.com/sefw
to watch the video today. Antony Wood’s presentation, “Worldwide Trends in Urban Growth: How Washington Stacks Up” was engaging, thoughtful, and enlightening! The SEFW organizers truly enjoyed putting together this wonderful event.
SEFW is hard at work – already! – solidifying a plan for the 2020 Fall Forum, which will be the 10
th
Annual event. So far in 2020, SEFW has also contributed funding to two grade-school popsicle stick bridge competitions, the SEAW Wind Committee, and the 2020 Pacific Northwest ASCE Regional Student Competition. Visit our web site, Facebook page, or Twitter feed to learn more about current happenings.
Stay tuned, as the 2020 spring fundraising campaign will kick off soon. SEFW hopes individuals, including members of SEAW, will partner with us to advance the profession of structural engineering through scholarship, education, research, and outreach. We can only fulfill our mission with donations from like-minded members in the community. Your tax-deductible contribution makes a difference!
Thank you for your support!
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February Dinner Meeting Recap
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By Lisette Terry
February’s SEAW dinner meeting presentation featured Maximillian Dixon, the Hazards and Outreach Programs Supervisor for the Washington State Military Department's Emergency Management Division. Mr. Dixon facilitated an engaging discussion about the potential natural hazards in Washington State and how to be prepared for them. The discussion, though focusing mostly on earthquake and tsunami preparedness and resilience projects, included very timely preparedness information given the state of the novel coronavirus outbreak. A key takeaway is that most people survive during a disaster, but the ones that get prepared have the best chance.
Mr. Dixon touched on the three different types of earthquake hazards that we have in the Pacific Northwest: crustal earthquakes, deep earthquakes, and the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquakes.
- Crustal earthquakes: Current knowledge tells us we have about a 15% chance of a large crustal fault going off in the next 50 years, however this percentage may be increasing. Through research, we are discovering that the recurrence interval may be more like 200 years, even though the last two big crustal earthquakes occurred in 900 AD and 1872. Crustal earthquakes could be up to a 7.7 magnitude, which is potentially very dangerous, and the intensity of the energy released will be amplified due to the close proximity of the fault to the surface.
- Deep earthquakes (Nisqually 2001): These are the most common large earthquakes that occur in our area, happening every 30 to 50 years. Deep earthquakes do not cause much damage due to the faults being approximately 50 miles below the surface. Aftershocks are also very rare.
- Subduction Zone Earthquakes: Also known as “The Big One,” a subduction zone earthquake will have shaking that lasts 3 to 6 minutes with a 10% to 20% chance in the next 50 years. The last event occurred in 1700. The fault line is 700 miles long, from Vancouver down through southern California. We can expect many aftershocks for up to a year following the event. A big concern is the major tsunami which will hit Washington’s outer coast within 15 minutes of the quake, with up to 60-foot waves.
Mr. Dixon is involved in research and projects which focus on the resilience of the state and preparing for a major event to occur. In 2016, 23,000 people in WA, OR, and ID participated in the Cascadia Rising exercise to understand the hazards and risks of a disaster. A subduction zone earthquake has the potential to create the most catastrophic disaster to hit the United States, which will impact our local ports and economy, the entire West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii. It could be weeks or months for first responders to reach isolated communities, so it is recommended that everyone has 2 weeks of emergency supplies ready.
The Resilient WA Subcabinet Report 16-19, provided to Governor Jay Inslee, included findings and recommendations of assessments which identify high-risk buildings, such as unreinforced masonry (URM) schools, and other high-risk structures, bridges, and transit corridors located in our state. It discusses how we can prioritize our funding to retrofit the highest risk structures. Mr. Dixon discussed his involvement in coordinating with local emergency managers and WAsafe to aid in retaining volunteers who can rapidly deploy to assess buildings and structures following a disaster, and to get businesses and schools back up and running.
Overall, he promoted readiness and preparedness to survive a disaster, as well as practicing earthquake drills. It is important to educate our communities and children what to do in the case of an earthquake. Staying in place and finding a space under a desk or table is recommended. Having a “go bag” with emergency supplies, sanitation items, comfort items, medications, etc. is the best way to prepare for a disaster.
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SEAW Volunteers at the PSEC Engineering Fair
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By Kyle Johnson
The SEAW Outreach Committee participated in the Puget Sound Engineering Council’s (PSEC) 2020 Engineering Fair on February 8
th
at the Museum of Flight. The fair had a variety of booths staffed by practicing engineers and technical people from many disciplines. It was a fun way for K-12 students to see and hear about different avenues of engineering, which is intended to encourage them to think about engineering as a career.
The SEAW booth had a variety of interactive activities including a Lego-bridge-building station, a gumdrop-tower-building-and-testing-on-a-shake-table station, and handouts for the parents on how to make their homes earthquake safe. The gumdrop tower and shake table testing seemed to be the highlight of the fair for many of the kids, making this event a huge success, and leaving many young minds encouraged about a career in structural engineering.
A special thanks to the SEAW members who volunteered for the event: Phillip Hui, John Gunn, Alisha Khadka, and Ishani Singal. If you are interested in volunteering for a future event, join the mailing list or see the
SEAW Outreach page
which has a list of upcoming events.
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Kyle Johnson, Alisha Khadka, Ishani Singal, and John Gunn at the SEAW booth.
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Cold-Formed Steel Framing - Impact of the 2018 IBC
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By Jason Warren, SCAFCO Steel Stud Company Engineering Manager, SSMA Chairman
As an engineer for a manufacturer, as well as a representative for the cold-formed steel industry, one of the main questions I have received over the past year is in relation to the 2018 IBC, and what specific impacts it will have on metal framing design and installation. In this brief article we will help shed some light on the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Codes and Standards, and to also give some references should a designer encounter any questions regarding metal framing design.
Regarding the 2018 IBC and its references to the AISI Standards, the only reference to AISI is in section 2211 of IBC 2018, and it references AISI S240-15. This is the 2015 edition of the AISI Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing. AISI S240 is an excellent resource for the design of load-bearing studs/joists, as well as built-up framing members such as headers and jambs, and complex systems such as shear walls.
AISI S240-15 only covers structural type metal framing systems. In relation to non-structural framing systems, AISI S240-15 refers to AISI S100-12, which is the 2012 edition of the main standard for the design of cold-formed steel members, and which was previously referenced by the 2015 IBC. Therefore, the 2018 IBC does not reference the latest edition of the AISI main standard (AISI S100-16), and the same design standards and practices which were used under the 2015 IBC still apply for cold-formed steel framing.
In summary, when it comes to metal framing design and installation for the current code cycle, we have a great new tool and resource for structural metal framing with AISI S240-15, but the governing standards have remained the same. For more information on cold-formed steel design, current standards and resources, or to connect with an industry/manufacturing representative, please see the following links:
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Spokane Convention Center – Exterior Bypass Framing
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Back-up, Back-up, Back-up!
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By Tristan Burton, Structural Forte - Spokane, WA
As a small business owner, we wear many hats: President, Marketing Director, H.R. Manager, and Head of the Accounting Department. That last one recently needed some attention. We were planning to update our outdated accounting software, something I had been putting off for some time. We planned ahead and had everything in place. New computer hardware, check. New computer software, check. Hire help for the process, check. Computer back-ups, check. The day before we started the process of setting up the new system, we decided to move the old computer to a new office because we wanted more people to see the new system. We turned on the old computer, but it did not boot up. The transfer from one desk to another killed the motherboard. The computer back-ups could not be used as the software was no longer available. This meant we had to rely on the paper record. Over the next two months, with expert help, we set up an entirely new account system with only the paper record as a resource.
The day the old computer crashed was traumatic and scary. However, with good paper back-ups, we survived. Now I know how to do a balancing general entry, as well as how to calculate beam deflections.
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State and Chapter Committee Reports
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Contact the committee chair if you are interested in learning more or getting involved:
·
NCSEA Delegate – Chun Lau
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Earthquake Engineering Committee – Kai Ki Mow
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One of the current main focus and an important topic that the committee hopes to address in the upcoming year is the Increased Seismic Load in the newly published ASCE 7-16.
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Members interested in EEC can find additional information regarding the meeting on the
SEAW website calendar or can contact the committee chair.
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Outreach Committee - Gino Mazzotti
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To receive emails about volunteer opportunities please sign up on the
SEAW Outreach page
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Sustainability Committee – Chris Jeseritz
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Refresher Committee – Mark Whiteley
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Public Information Committee – Darrell Staaleson
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Disaster Preparation/Response Committee – Joyce Lem
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WABO Liaison Committee – Matt Snook
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The SEAW/WABO Liaison committee is now available for questions from SEAW or WABO members. These questions can be about subjects addressed in the white papers already issued or general questions in the realm of structural engineering practice as it relates to interaction with the various building departments. Comments or questions can be emailed to
matts@cplinc.com
.
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Technology Taskforce – Morgan Wiese
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Membership Task Group – Jill Shuttleworth
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Continuing Education Committee – Nathalie Boeholt
·
Scholarship Committee – Kevin Solberg
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In accordance with SEAW bylaws, membership applications are vetted by the executive director, granted probationary status by the chapter board, and posted for membership comment. Membership is considered accepted 30 days after posting if current year dues are paid and no member objections have been received.
Read More
New Members:
- David Brands
- Matthew Copus
- Alexander Daddow
- Dimple Ji
- Kendall Josephson
- Mitchell Kerns
- Hans Lund
- Kevin Moore
- Leila Mosadegh
- Anandharam Mourougassamy
- Chris Padin
- Shreyans Rathod
- Evan Speer
- Anna Starr
- Brooke Whitsell
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Are you currently seeking employment as a structural engineer, senior manager, or a senior engineer technician? Check out our job board for current employment opportunities.
Learn More
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Entry-Level and Mid-Level Structural Engineer
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Company:
Brienen Structural Engineers
Location:
Kent, WA
Description and Details:
Are you excited by structural design and achieving an architectural vision? Want a shorter commute from the South Sound? We look forward to talking with you!
Brienen Structural Engineers is a structural consulting firm in Kent, WA looking for engineers to grow with our team.Our work varies from 20-story hotels to mid-rise mixed-use, large-venue entertainment to boutique retail, high-end residential to small remodels, and more. Our engineers see their work through from start-to-finish, staying with each project from initial feasibility, through all phases of design, and into construction administration and the grand openings, while developing positive and effective client (and coworker) relationships in the process.
We offer competitive benefits packages, flexible scheduling, free parking, and a culture of mutual interest, diversity, growth, and success.
Minimum of 2 years relevant experience, 5 years preferred, for Mid-Level positions. Wood and/or cold-form steel experience required. MS Structural Engineering preferred, BS with Structural emphasis and demonstrated industry experience welcome. Revit experience preferred.
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Located across the street from T-Mobile Park, Lund Opsahl is a growing structural engineering firm that provides a wide spectrum of services, including planning, design, seismic and damage assessments, upgrades, additions, tenant improvements, and construction support for a variety of new and existing building types in the Pacific Northwest. Our reputation as creative innovators and technical experts is built on responsive service, collaborative teamwork, and lasting relationships. Our firm's size offers early opportunities to work on challenging projects and encourages exciting career growth uncommon at larger firms, especially for the ambitious.
Currently, we are looking for Structural Engineers with minimum of three (3) years experience.
BENEFITS:
- Competitive benefits and salaries
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance/Health Savings Account
- Performance-based bonuses
- Flexible working hours
- 401(k) with matching contribution
- Profit Sharing Plan
- PTO, and holidays
- Group activities and team events
- In-House education programs
- Free parking
- (Did we say we're next to T-Mobile Park?!)
Please visit our
website
, for additional information and job descriptions for each of these positions. Inquires and resumes may be sent to
careers@lundopsahl.com
.
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Opportunities for Mid-level Design Engineer and Senior Project Manager
Seattle Structural is looking for qualified professionals to join our talented group practicing across a number of different industries. Seattle Structural offers an excellent opportunity to work on a variety of public and private institutional, healthcare, educational, and commercial projects both domestically and internationally. We offer a competitive salary and a relaxed, collaborative work environment. Benefits include medical insurance, transit reimbursement, and retirement matching. Seattle Structural is a firm that makes it easy to become personally invested in the achievements of your company.
Seattle Structural is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We are filling two positions. Candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Mid-level Designer: 5+ years’ experience.
- Senior Project Manager: 10+ years’ experience.
- BS or MS in Structural, Civil/Structural, or Architectural Engineering.
- Experience in steel and concrete buildings, lateral analysis, deep foundations, and marine projects are desired.
- Working knowledge of CAD and Revit preferred.
- Strong emphasis on client service.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong technical skills.
Please address inquiries to:
Howard Burton, President
Seattle Structural PS Inc.
3131 Elliott Ave STE 600A
Seattle, WA 98121
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MLA Engineering
has an exciting opportunity for an experienced
Structural Engineer
to join our consulting and design firm in Seattle, WA. Our diverse projects require critical thinking and creativity that is cultivated through our problem-solving approach in a small group environment.
We design new buildings and renovate existing structures in concrete, structural steel, masonry, and wood-framed structures. Our projects vary from small to large-size buildings and facilities. In addition to our building design and governmental projects, including county and state infrastructure, MLA specializes in the structural design of national and international zoos and aquariums.
Qualifications required for this
Structural Engineer
position include:
- Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering with Structural emphasis;
- Minimum of 3 years of experience working in a consulting design office;
- PE license preferred;
- Strong technical and analytical skills;
- Intuitive and practical;
- Practical use of REVIT as a design tool;
- Proficient with structural software such as RISA, ETABS, SAP2000;
- Excellent communication skills;
· Motivated to advance your effectiveness as an engineer.
Our work environment encourages creativity, teamwork, and professional growth. To learn more about MLA, please visit our website at:
www.mlaengineering.com
Location:
Convenient Downtown Seattle location with excellent public transit options; potential opportunities in New York City.
Benefits:
Top line Medical, Dental & Vision insurance,
generous
HRA account, 401K Plan w/4% matching, PTO & Sick LV, and professional training
Work Schedule
: Flexible
Salary:
Competitive + bonuses
Projects:
Diverse and often unique
MLA Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage women and minority candidates to apply.
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MAR 2020
Equilibrium Publication Team:
John Gunn, Editor
Darrell Staaleson, Past Editor
Zohrah Ali
Allison Tran
Blaine Sanchez
Lisette Terry
Shivang Gupta
Chase Young
Alisha Khadka
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COVID-19 is affecting all of us. In this time of social distancing, I encourage our members to interact with one another on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages. Stay safe and we will get through this together.
ACTION ITEMS:
1.
All members are welcome to submit articles to Equilibrium. To help you with your writer's block, here are a few topics: Write “Engineer's Notes from Afield,” summarize an interesting technical design you worked on, write about how you have been successful and increased productivity with an accounting procedure or marketing technique, write about your experiences doing community service, or share some construction site photos and talk about lessons learned.
2.
“A Picture and a Paragraph.” Please use the article submittal form provided and the picture needs a caption along with the names of the people in the photo.
3.
Please submit your articles in Word format using the Article Template. [Article Template]
CORRECTIONS:
None.
March Puzzle:
Which country, including its territories, has the most time zones?
Clue: Think islands!
Bonus: How many time zones does it have?
Look on the SEAW Facebook Page for a picture clue!
The first SEAW member to respond on our SEAW Facebook Page or at the next dinner meeting –
with a correct and full answer
- will get a prize.
February Puzzle:
What is the origin of ♥ as the symbol for a heart?
Clue: It is based on a type of plant.
Bonus: Cupid is the son of which two Roman gods?
Picture Clue:
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Answer:
Silphium is the name of the ancient plant which inspired the heart symbol. And Cupid is the son of Mars (Ares) and Venus (Aphrodite).
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Structural Engineers Association of Washington
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