Newsletter of the

Structural Engineers Association of Washington

March Dinner Meeting Recap

By Peter Deng

This month’s dinner meeting kicked off with messages from SEAW President Darrell Staaleson and ASCE President-Elect Henry Haselton. In his address, Darrell highlighted the Northwest Conference, which will be held in Seattle this year. SEAW Seattle is seeking volunteers and steering committee members. Then, Equilibrium editor John Gunn and SEAW Disaster Preparedness & Response Committee members Joyce Lem and Jackie Celin gave short talks on both committees. SEAW committees are a great way to get engaged in SEAW, connect with your peers, and learn about the latest changes in the profession. More information on these committees and how you can get involved are on the seaw.org website.

The main presentation was about the Magnitude-9 (M9) Project, presented by professors Jeffrey Berman and Mark Eberhard of the University of Washington. Professor Berman gave an introduction to the research and funding that went into the 6-year project. Since there have been no recorded ground motions of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, 30 different rupture scenarios were modeled to generate simulations of the ground motions that could result from such an event. Given the characteristics of the long subducting fault line, the magnitude, duration and spectral acceleration of a rupture could be particularly damaging. Due to past geological activity, Lake Washington and the surrounding region are in a basin of glacial till encapsulated by hard volcanic rock. A basin effect could potentially amplify seismic waves generated by an M9 event. Professor Eberhard then discussed consequences of an M9 event on reinforced concrete shear wall buildings in Seattle. Contrary to the spectral response which declines with longer periods that is often used in practice, the spectral acceleration for an M9 event could increase with longer periods. The return period for the M9 event is also much shorter than that of the maximum considered earthquake that is typically used for design. Luckily, local agencies have been implementing enhanced codes for taller buildings to account for the basin effect of a M9 event. Therefore, newer high-period buildings designed under the City of Seattle and City of Bellevue building codes, especially those with ductile detailing of the gravity system, are less prone to heavy damage from a large event. However, current national code practice does not account for the potential damaging effects brought on by the high accelerations, damaging spectral shapes, and long duration motion that result from a high magnitude event affecting high-period structures in a basin.

Professors Berman and Eberhard plan to host a longer session on the results of the M9 project on the University of Washington campus. More information to come, stay tuned! For more information on the M9 Project, visit https://hazards.uw.edu/geology/m9/ . For more information about new Director’s Rules in Seattle and Bellevue, visit https://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2018/10/01/new-directors-rule-on-implementing-seattle-basin-amplification-workshop-results/ and https://development.bellevuewa.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_4779004/File/pdf/Development%20Services/codes-Seismic-Basin-Amplifier-Factor.pdf.

SEAW President Darrell Staaleson and ASCE President-Elect Henry Haselton

Photo by Linda Ji

SEAW DPRC Members Joyce and Jackie

Photo by Peter Deng

Professors Berman and Eberhard taking questions from the audience

Photo by Linda Ji

2019 Seattle Chapter Board of Director Candidates! 

Deadline to vote is April 22, 2019!

Results will be announced at our April 23rd Dinner meeting.

SEAW Seattle Elections - Nominees & Call for Nominations!

President Candidate - Michael Bramhall, PE, SE 

 

Michael Bramhall, PE, SE, is a senior structural engineer with Jensen Hughes and has been with them for over eight years. Prior to Jensen Hughes, he worked for ABKJ, Inc for 22 years. Mike received a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture in 1985 and a Master of Science in Engineering in 1989; both from the University of Washington.

Licensed in 11 states, Mike's career has encompassed the design, detailing, and management of a wide range of projects including educational facilities, post-tensioned flat plate office buildings, medical laboratory buildings, wood framed residential structures, and pedestrian bridges. Projects of note include the Foege bioengineering and Genomic Sciences Building at the University of Washington, the Central Terminal Expansion at SeaTac International Airport, the investigation of failure and subsequent repair to a cistern building on a private island in the San Juan Islands, and repair of fire damaged concrete in a high-rise residential complex in Honolulu.

Mike is a member in the Structural Engineers Association of Washington; the American Society of Civil Engineers; the American Concrete Institute, the Post-Tensioning Institute, and American Institute of Steel Construction. His activities with SEAW include serving as the Seattle Chapter Secretary since 2012, three terms as a Director on the Seattle Chapter Board of Directors, 2018-2019 Seattle Chapter Vice President, voting member of the Earthquake Engineering Committee, past member of the Sustainability Committee, past member of the Exam Committee, and member of the Professional Practices Committee.

In addition to his love of structural engineering, Mike enjoys hiking, cycling, and traveling and is a passionate futbol fan; often trying to find activities that combine aspects of all these.

"I am passionate about reaching out to the young professional engineers in the Seattle area and inviting them to get involved in SEAW. They are our future leaders and a powerful voice in structural engineering."

"SEAW has provided me great opportunities for continuing education and professional growth throughout my career. The ability to meet and interact with the exceptional members of this organization on professional and personal levels has been a significant component in my development and maturation over the years. It's an honor to have been asked to serve as Seattle Chapter President."

Vice-President Candidate - Mike Visser, PE, SE



Michael D. (Mike) Visser, PE, SE, is the founding Principal of Visser Engineering. He came to Seattle in 1993 after working in Chicago, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. He worked at the Austin Company in Renton prior to founding Visser Engineering.

Mike is licensed in Washington, Oregon, California and Idaho. His experience ranges from heavy industrial (aircraft hangers, manufacturing facilities and nuclear power plants) to commercial (retail, movie theaters) and residential (apartments, condominiums and single family residences). He has experience with design in aluminum, steel, concrete, masonry and wood.

Mike joined SEAW in 1994, has taught the seismic portion of the SEAW Refresher Course since 2009, and has been on the SEAW Board of Directors since 2017.

"It is an honor to have been asked to serve as the Seattle Chapter Vice President. My involvement in SEAW has benefited me in many ways over the years - I have found the more I am involved, the more I get back. My personal goal is to see SEAW grow to be a more of a go-to resource for its members."

Director Candidates - 2 Open Positions

Sandro Kodama, PE, SE is a Principal with Quantum Consulting Engineers and has been with the company since its inception 17 years ago. Sandro received his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Washington State University and his master's degree in structural engineering from the University of Washington.

 

Licensed in Washington State and multiple Provinces and Territories in Canada, Sandro has designed a wide range of structures including: Office buildings, transit villages, community centers, mixed-use buildings, educations facilities, and private residences. He has also participated in numerous value engineering and constructability reviews of educational facilities. One of the most challenging and complex projects of Sandro's career was Del Mar Station, a hybrid structural and light-gauge steel framed TOD housing project in Pasadena, California. The 400 unit project was comprised of (7) buildings up to seven-stories in height over a (4) story below-grade parking structure that straddled the Gold Line light-rail. Most recently, he completed the Olympic High School Modernization and Addition and a seismic retrofit of the 1910 Bekins Storage Building on the corner of 12th and Madison, which is now home to Seattle University's new campus bookstore.

 

Sandro is active in various organizations, including the SEAW Earthquake Engineering Committee and the Light Gauge Steel Engineers Association. In 2002 he was part of an EERI reconnaissance team that traveled to Italy to survey the catastrophic damage to a school in the small town of San Giuliano as a result of the Molise Earthquake. In 2010 he participated in the Washington State School Seismic Safety Pilot Project, surveying schools in Aberdeen, WA. In his spare time, Sandro enjoys being outdoors: skiing, hiking, sailing, and spending time with friends and family.

 

"As in incoming board member of this outstanding organization, my goal is to find ways to increase membership participation and to work with the young members forum to inspire civil engineering students to pursue careers in structural engineering."

Tyler Winkley, PE, SE, is a Senior Engineer in the structural engineering department of Katerra and has over seven years of experience with buildings in the structural engineering industry, ranging from industrial, mixed-use, and residential to health care and commercial office. Tyler received both his Bachelor and Master of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Washington and is a licensed structural engineer in the state of Washington. Tyler is an innovative leader and collaborative team member who is hardworking, productive, and respectful to everyone.

Tyler joined SEAW in 2014 where he served as Vice President on the SEAW Younger Member Forum (YMF) Board. During his term as Vice President, Tyler organized and participated in several community outreach events such as Habitat for Humanity, STEM expos, and student competitions, in addition to providing support to the Seattle Chapter Board with other tasks such as monthly dinner meeting summaries. Tyler continued serving on the YMF board as President and Past President in subsequent years, helping to redefine the YMF's goals and mission, as well as promote growth and expansion of the YMF to better serve the SEAW community.

Prior to moving on from the YMF, Tyler joined the statewide Education Committee where he helped organize speakers and content for SEAW seminars and webinars such as the 2015 IBC Code Update seminar, Foundation and Shoring seminar, and Seattle Basin Amplification webinar. Tyler is passionate about continuing education and providing the engineering community with ample opportunities to be at the forefront of technology and information.

Tyler's organic growth through SEAW, as well as his dedication to serving its members, make him an ideal candidate to serve as a Director on the SEAW Seattle Chapter Board. His vision for the future of the Seattle chapter is one where SEAW is relevant among outside organizations and people are eager to join. This vision begins with providing greater incentives for SEAW membership and participation, expanding continuing education opportunities, promoting diversity and gender equality within the engineering community, and creating more attractive networking opportunities. This vision is attainable if we leverage each other's strengths, actively listen, and encourage change and innovation. 

Deadline to vote is April 22, 2019!

Results will be announced at our April 23rd Dinner meeting.

SE3 Symposium Invitation

By Natalie Tse

 

Structural engineers:

Come join us for a fun and exciting day in downtown San Francisco!!

The SE3 (#structuralengineering #engagement & #equity) committee is excited to announce an exciting program for this year's upcoming symposium, in Downtown San Francisco, on May 10, 2019, entitled:

“A CHANGING WORKPLACE: How to Engage, Retain and Secure the Future of Our Profession”

Please visit our website for more details on our program, schedule, special guests, thought leaders, panelists, and coordinators!

http://www.se3project.org/2019-se3-symposium.html

NOW is a great time to book your flights and accommodations!

If you’re interested in joining us, don’t procrastinate. Our 2016 Inaugural Symposium was a sold-out event. 

YMG Corner

By Sean Augustino

Hello SEAW members! Your YMG has an exciting spring planned for you!

March was pretty quiet overall, but our last social on March 19 ^th was a rousing success, thanks to all who came out! It was a great environment for some networking, conversation, and unwinding.

To follow up in April there is a double-header, which means TWO happy hours in the pipeline. Our first will be teaming with ASCE on Thursday, April 11 ^th , at RedHook BrewLab in Seattle. Two weeks later, we will be hosting one sponsored by our friends at Taylor Devices, on Thursday, April 25 ^th , at MKA’s office (1301 5 ^th Ave Suite 3300) . As usual, they will run from 5p-7:30p. RSVP via the link in the YMG Newsletter, to our email at seawymg@gmail.com , or directly to me at saugustino@dci-engineers.com . We hope to see you there!

Also, we are once again planning our on-campus student luncheons for Seattle U and UW. The theme will be: “What should students know about working in different types of firms, sectors, etc?” More specific details will follow, but we could use professionals who would like to volunteer for a lunch hour (food provided). Preferably, volunteers will be from a variety of professional backgrounds. If you may be interested in attending either or both of these, please e-mail me to let me know!

Finally, our most exciting news, we will once again be running a trip up to Vancouver, BC to check out their wealth of timber buildings! This will be over the summer, when the weather is (hopefully) famously beautiful! More details to follow on this as well, stay tuned! In the meantime, we hope to see you at one of our events soon!

March 2019 Social at Yardhouse Grill in Seattle. 

SEFW News & Annual Campaign

By Angela Gottula Twining

The Structural Engineers Foundation of Washington is excited for spring! Many efforts are currently underway:

SEFW is YOUR foundation! SEFW is the non-profit, charitable arm of SEAW, and we are excited to work together to promote structural engineering through scholarships, education, research, and outreach.

State and Chapter Committee Reports

Contact the committee chair if you are interested in learning more or getting involved:

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

Interested in engineering your career with an industry leader? We’re hiring. Our employees work on exciting projects, connect with great people, and enjoy excellent compensation and benefits. 

CKC has over 30 years of award-winning history. We’re an innovative company committed to growing our people and advancing the A/E/C industry. We provide challenging project opportunities and support employees with the tools and training they need to succeed. For more information, visit www.ckcps.com.      

Positions

Structural engineers must have an EIT and a BSCE. Responsibilities include:

·        Perform structural analysis

·        Prepare designs for buildings and other structures

·        Coordinate with BIM staff and others

·        Work independently and as part of a team

·        Maintain working knowledge of codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318

Project managers must also have a PE license. Additional responsibilities include:

·        Manage designs for buildings and other structures

·        Prepare project budgets and schedules

·        Coordinate with clients, industry partners, and Principals

Why You Should Apply

·        Excellent salary and benefits, including flexible PTO policy

·        Frequent training and professional growth opportunities

·        100% paid employee medical/dental/vision coverage

·        Company-provided Friday breakfast, social hour, beverages, and more

·        Employer match 401k

Please send Resume to jobs@ckcps.com in Word/PDF format.

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

August 14-17: 2019 NW Conference

From the Editor

Answer:

The Star Trek TV series is called Star Trek: Discovery and the Stardate is 1207.3. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_Discovery