SEAOC Talk November 2024

Special Wind Regions and Basic Wind Speed in Southern California

SEAOC's Wind Committee is pleased to host a FREE two-hour charrette from 10 a.m. - 12 noon, Thursday, Dec. 12.

The first hour of this online event will include presentation of the results of studies commissioned by SEAOC to define Basic Wind Speeds in Special Winds Zones in Southern California, as were introduced in ASCE 7-22.

The second hour will be a facilitated discussion to hear ideas regarding how to achieve a consistent approach to defining wind speed requirements in these areas. We are seeking ideas related to both technical recommendations and ways to organize the numerous jurisdictions in developing a common approach.

Design and consulting engineers, plan checkers, and building officials are all invited share experiences and expertise and provide input.

Register for the SEAOC Webinar: Beyond Site Class - Influence on Seismic Vulnerability

Speakers:

Ashwani Dhalwala, MS, SE, AEC Solutions

Martin B. Hudson, PhD, PE, GE, Hudson Geotechnics, Inc

12 - 1 pm

Wed, Dec. 18

$50 SEAOC members

$75 non-members

Seismic response of buildings is a function of elastic and inelastic dynamic properties of the building and dynamic characteristics of site-specific earthquake ground motions. Join us for this informative webinar!

SEISMICALLY VULNERABLE EXISTING BUILDING FACT SHEET SUMMARY

SEAOC is excited to announce the completion of the Seismically Vulnerable Building Fact Sheets. The sheets were developed to address the critical need for awareness and action regarding the safety of existing buildings during earthquakes. They summarize common structural vulnerabilities in building types including Unreinforced Masonry, Non-Ductile Concrete, Wood Soft/Weak Open Front, Rigid Wall - Flexible Diaphragm, and Pre-Northridge Steel Moment Frames. Each sheet explains the unique risks associated with these building types and highlights potential retrofitting solutions to improve building resilience, protect lives, and support community recovery.

These fact sheets are intended for building owners, policymakers, AEC industry professionals, and the general public, and provide a resource for structural engineers to help convey how seismically vulnerable structures may perform poorly in a seismic event. The information within is particularly valuable for those in earthquake-prone areas looking to better understand how to mitigate risks through retrofitting.

We would like to acknowledge the SEAOC Existing Buildings Committee and our regional chapters across San Diego, Southern California, Northern California, and Central regions, for their collaborative efforts in compiling the sheets. Click here to download your copy today.

2024 Convention Proceedings Now Available!

The 2024 SEAOC Convention Proceedings are now available. Click here to download yours today!

Mark your calendars and save the date for the 2025 SEAOC Convention!

Your Input is Vital: Take NCSEA's Compensation Study

Structural engineers across the U.S. are encouraged to take part in NCSEA's Compensation & Benefits Study, a critical effort to gather data on salaries, benefits, PTO, retirement plans, and job satisfaction within the profession.

By participating, you'll help create a valuable resource for informed compensation and benefits planning. The survey should take about 30-45 minutes to complete. Participants receive a discount on the final report, which includes real-time updates and tools to compare data by region, firm size, and more.

Make sure your voice is included — complete the survey to contribute to a comprehensive picture of the structural engineering profession.

A firm-level survey is also being conducted. If your firm has not received its survey link, email ncsea@ncsea.com.

UPDATES FROM THE MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

It's almost time for the sweetest structural engineering event of the year—the 2024 SoCal Gingerbread Challenge! Join SEAOSC in Orange County, this December for a whimsical, family-friendly event conveniently located in Discovery Cube OC in Santa Ana.

Organized by the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC), the SoCal Gingerbread Challenge is an annual holiday tradition encouraging engineering professionals across Southern California to get creative and construct elaborate but structurally sound buildings from gingerbread, candy, and icing. After an intense build night, the gingerbread creations are put on public display for a three-day exhibition, during which the public is invited to vote for their favorites.

But that's not all! During the SoCal Gingerbread Challenge exhibition, people of all ages can build their own gingerbread creations. Make your dream house, then shop while you wait for it to dry. When you return, you can test your design on our Shake Table to see if it would hold up in an earthquake! Real structural engineers will be standing by to answer your pressing questions and assist with the building and testing processes. Learn More