Newsletter of the
Structural Engineers Association of Washington
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State Leadership
President
Mike Visser (SE)
Vice President
Daniel Sumerfield (SC)
Treasurer
Matt Leslie (SC)
Secretary
Shalini Prochazka (SE)
Past President
Jim Farley (SW)
Trustees
Mike Visser (SE)
Shalini Prochazka (SE)
Tyler Winkley (SE)
Matt Leslie (SC)
Brian Parsons (SP)
Dan Tappel (SW)
In this Issue:
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April Meeting Preview: "Like Building a Ship in a Bottle: An overview of the engineering and construction of Climate Pledge Arena”
- Notice of Nominations (Seattle Chapter)
- Southwest Chapter Seeks Officers
- Columbia River SWR Draft Report Available Now
- WAsafe Playing in the June 2022 Cascadia Rising Exercise
- Earthquake Engineering Committee stays active, transitions leadership
- April 21 Marks the Anniversary of the 1962 World’s Fair
- Peikko DELTABEAM® offers simplicity in solutions
- Timberlab Demonstrates Possibilities in Mass Timber
- Engineer’s Notes from Afield: Looking back on 37 years
- Calendar
- Member Notices
- Employment Postings
- Message from the Chair
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Seattle Chapter and ASCE Seattle Sections'
Joint April Dinner Meeting!
"Like Building a Ship in a Bottle: An overview of the engineering and construction of Climate Pledge Arena"
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Date: Tuesday, April 26th, 2022
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM PST
Location: Museum of Flight Skyline Room
9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108. Click here for directions
Cost:
SEAW & ASCE Members - $55
Non- Members - $75
Register to Attend:
PDH: 1 Hour PDH certificates will be given out to attendees after the meeting.
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Presentation:
The historic Seattle Center Arena started out as part of the 1962 World’s Fair and recently underwent a major transformation into Climate Pledge Arena, the $930-million new home for the latest NHL franchise the Seattle Kraken. This 800,000-square-foot, mostly below-grade venue will hold more than 17,000 fans for hockey, basketball, concerts, and other events. Designing and constructing a new steel-framed arena below the temporarily supported 44-million pound roof and around the temporary shoring was much like building a ship in a bottle. Here we will provide an overview of the project, dive into some of the major engineering and construction challenges associated with the renovation, and discuss the innovative and collaborative methods utilized by the team to make this one-of-a-kind renovation of a historically landmarked building a success.
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Presenter: Tess Massaroni
Tess Massaroni, Superintendent, Mortenson Construction – As a superintendent, Tess has led the complex construction of sports and events centers across the country, including the Harborcenter hockey and multipurpose event center in Buffalo, NY; Fiserv Forum entertainment and sports center in Milwaukee; and Climate Pledge Arena, home of the NHL’s newest team – the Seattle Kraken. She is familiar with the complex and unique components of sports facilities and how they relate to players, coaches, staff and the user experience. At Climate Pledge Arena, Tess manages construction activity in the congested Seattle Center and is committed to safety, both inside and outside the fence. Tess graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Marquette University in 2013.
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Presenter: Brian MacRae
Brian MacRae, PE, SE, Vice President at Thornton Tomasetti - Brian is a structural engineering project leader in Thornton Tomasetti’s Seattle office and has extensive experience overseeing teams on a diverse variety of building types. His expertise is in the design of new education, healthcare, commercial and residential facilities. Brian’s technical experience includes performance-based seismic design, peer review and seismic retrofits. In working with his clients Brian emphasizes team collaboration, design efficiency and the use of creative solutions. Brian’s engineering education includes a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and a Master’s degree from UC Berkeley.
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Presenter: Mike Oakland
Mike Oakland, Ph.D, PE, Vice President with Thornton Tomasetti in Boston, Massachusetts. He has 36 years of experience in the analysis, design and construction of foundations and other geotechnically related aspects of projects ranging from dams to high rise structures. Michael Oakland received his BS in Civil Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University. He earned his Masters and Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from Purdue University. He formerly worked for Haley & Aldrich and CDM in Cambridge prior to joining Thornton Tomasetti. He has completed projects and field assignments throughout the United States as well as Asia, Africa and Russia. Dr. Oakland currently works as part of Thornton Tomasetti’s Infrastructure Group which specializes in providing engineering services to Contractors and Owners. He is a professional registered engineer in twelve states.
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Presenter: Shawn Leary
Shawn Leary, Principal at Thornton Tomasetti -
Shawn Leary has been with Thornton Tomasetti for 30 years as a structural engineer. Shawn currently is the Construction Practice Leader for the Boston office and specializes in all aspects of construction engineering including temporary stability analysis, rigging, shoring and evaluation of temporary construction loading.
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Notice of Nominations (Seattle Chapter) |
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By Darrell Staaleson, Chair of Nominating Committee |
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In accordance with SEAW Bylaws, the Seattle Chapter Nominating Committee was formed by the Seattle Chapter President, Shalini Prochazka. The Nominating Committee works to select candidates for officers from among those who have actively served on the Board of Director and who have a good working knowledge of our association and have demonstrated leadership skills or potential. We look closely at leaders coming from YMG. The Nominating Committee works to select members for the Board of Directors from a diverse cross section of our industry. And the work of the Nominating Committee is done throughout the year by encouraging members to become involved and, as TR (Teddy Roosevelt) said, you lead and inspire “not by pointing the way. You lead by riding the horse!” The goal is to gather the names of nominees before the committee meets. |
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Teddy Roosevelt on a horse |
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The Nominating Committee met on Monday, April 4, 2022, and discussed candidates for officers and for the Board of Directors and is in the process of confirming the nominees for election. At the time of publication, all nominees have not yet been confirmed. The formal announcement to the membership including the bio and photo of the nominees will be sent via email in the near future. The Call for Elections will go out (10) days following.
Committee Members:
Darrell Staaleson (chair)
Peter Somers
Chun Lau
Scott Douglas
Mike Visser
Shalini Prochazka, Seattle Chapter President (ex officio)
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Southwest Chapter Seeks Officers |
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By Dan Tappel, former SW Chapter President |
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For the past year, SEAW Southwest Chapter members have attended virtual and in-person meetings hosted by the Seattle Chapter. We are hopeful to return to our regular chapter meetings in the fall of 2022; however, we need Officers to make that happen.
Our chapter is seeking a President (SE required), Vice President (SE required), and Secretary (PE required). Being an Officer in SEAW provides an opportunity to connect with the local engineering community and learn the inner workings of SEAW.
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Columbia River SWR Draft Report Available Now |
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By Scott Douglas, WEC Chair |
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The SEAW Wind Engineering Committee (WEC) presents the following report for April:
Washington/Oregon Special Wind Regions (SWR) Study – CPP has completed the preliminary draft report for the Columbia River Special Wind Region Study. This preliminary draft report recommends that the special wind region along the Columbia River be amended to follow the Risk Category design speeds from the ASCE 7-16 wind maps for all counties east of and including Cowlitz County, versus being classified as a Special Wind Region. At the March 29, 2022, SEAW State Board meeting the board deferred to the SEAW WEC to use their judgment on sharing the preliminary draft report with others. The SEAW WEC has decided to share this preliminary draft report. For those interested please contact Scott Douglas at sdouglasscott@gmail.com.
In the near future, the Washington Pacific Coast SWR will follow, then the North Olympic Peninsula SWR. These reports will quantify specific wind speeds and boundaries in Washington State for the crosshatched Special Wind Regions on the ASCE 7 Chapter 26 wind maps.
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Oregon and Washington Special Wind Regions |
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The results of CPP’s studies will be first reviewed by the SEAW WEC, then approved by the SEAW State Board. SEAW’s final recommendations will then be submitted for adoption by the Washington State Building Code Council, and eventually for inclusion in ASCE 7 and the IBC.
Update to the 2004 SEAW commentary on wind code provisions (ATC 60) – The NCSEA Publications Committee (of which SEAW member Chun Lau is co-chair) is studying the possibility of NCSEA facilitating the update of this 18-year-old publication. The NCSEA Code Advisory Wind Engineering Subcommittee would likely spearhead this effort, with the SEAW WEC contributing.
Participation – All SEAW members, whatever their experience, are encouraged to participate at in WEC meetings. Please contact the WEC chair, Scott Douglas sdouglasscott@gmail.com, to join the SEAW WEC and receive additional information and announcements on Committee activities and actions.
Next Meeting – Friday April 29 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. Meeting will be virtual via the following Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 881 0110 8023
Passcode: 523148
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WASafe Playing in June 2022 Cascadia Rising Exercise |
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THIS IS A DRILL!
Expect a call-up of the WAsafe Building Safety Evaluators in June 2022!
THIS IS A DRILL!
As part of the Cascadia Rising Exercise in June 2022, WAsafe plans to test the WAserv system’s communications capabilities. WAsafe will send requests to WAsafe Building Safety Evaluators (BSEs) using the WAserv system. BSEs will be asked to respond.
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Cascadia Rising 2022 will test regional earthquake preparedness. |
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What is Cascadia Rising? CR2022 is a regional earthquake preparedness and response exercise. Originally planned as a response to a 9.2 Subduction Earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone (full 600-mile long “rip”), the exercises have been reduced in scope, a fallout from the last 2 years of emergency management agencies dealing with the pandemic. Nonetheless, smaller scale exercises and simulations involving communications and agencies are planned. Our “call-up” drill is going forward.
What are WAsafe and WAserv? WAsafe is our statewide program for volunteer Building Safety Evaluators who have registered in WAserv, the electronic registry for enrolling, managing, and dispatching volunteers following a disaster such as a major earthquake.
How do I qualify to join WAsafe? Take one of the WAsafe Trainings. Or, if you’re a first-time enrollee, you can qualify by having taken our online “Concept of Operations” module and one of the following: ATC-20, ATC-45, or Cal OES SAP Evaluator trainings. Registration in WAsafe is for 5 years. You can renew by taking a WAsafe training or, hopefully soon (we’re working on it), an online Refresher Course.
To receive committee announcements and meeting agendas, join the DPRC email list (see the webpage). Join us at our virtual monthly committee meetings on third Tuesdays from noon – 1pm (links given with emailed agendas). The committee welcomes new members and those who want to find out more.
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Earthquake Engineering Committee stays active, transitions leadership |
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By Kai Ki Mow, Outgoing EEC Chair |
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The SEAW Earthquake Engineering Committee (EEC) is delighted to have this opportunity to provide a status update and summary report of activities over the course of the recent years. EEC continues to stay engaged and active with a membership of 20 voting members and around 140 corresponding members. Despite the hurdles and disruptions caused by the pandemic, we are grateful to maintain committee involvement using GoToMeeting, having about 40 members on average participate over the past few years.
EEC meetings are typically held virtually on the second Tuesdays of odd months. Other than discussion on committee tasks, technical topics, and policy issues, meetings often feature 45-minute technical presentations by local experts. Recent presentation topics
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Kai Ki Mow, Outgoing EEC Chair |
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include “Chevron-configured Braced Frame,” “Magnitude and Recurrence of Large Upper Plate Earthquakes in the Salish Lowland in Washington State,” “Shake Table Testing of a Tall Mass Timber Building with Rocking Shear Walls,” and “Seismic Design of Special Reinforced Concrete Walls: Changes in ACI 318-19.”
One of EEC’s goals is to provide a forum for dialogue and technical discussion between local jurisdictions and design professionals regarding code amendments, interpretation, policy changes, and clarification of design provisions application. For example, in recent years the committee has been able to discuss the implementation of basin amplification workshop results, a rational approach for designing cross-laminated timber diaphragms, and occupant load calculation for the determination of risk category.
Another objective of EEC is to further strengthen collaboration with local research institutes and organizations such as the Washington chapter of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) and University of Washington Civil & Environmental Engineering (UW CEE) Department. In recent years, EEC served as a consistent and viable setting for UW academia to collaborate with practicing structural and geotechnical engineers regarding research efforts such as the M9 Project.
The EEC has continued its tradition of active involvement and representation on national technical codes and standards committees. These committees and organizations include ASCE 7, ASCE 41, ACI 318, ACI 374, TMS 402, AISC, and the NEHRP Recommended Provisions (BSSC). Committee members participating in these committees regularly provided updates and reports to the EEC on recent revisions and code development progress.
Related to the code development process, a primary recent accomplishment of the EEC was the drafting of a code amendment proposal for the Voluntary Use of Multi-Period Response Spectra (MPRS) for Determination of Seismic Hazard. This amendment provides a simplified method to develop seismic design parameters for the design of buildings as prescribed in ASCE 7-16 where it requires additional ground motion hazard analysis for many more buildings sites than in the previous code edition. The proposed simplified approach reduces the complexities and will result in more consistent and understandable estimation of ground motions for building design. The use of the ASCE 7-22 MPRS as an option in lieu of the ground motion hazard analysis requirements of ASCE 7-16 will also streamline the design and review process of buildings throughout Washington. The proposal was recently submitted to the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) for consideration. This code amendment proposal is a result of a year-long effort by an EEC Task Group formed with the focus on studying the feasibility of the proposed approach. The draft amendment proposal was discussed at multiple meetings and review comments were incorporated into the final proposal. We appreciate the effort of all those who participated through the process.
Upcoming efforts of EEC tentatively include drafting a White Paper to clarify the interpretation and implementation of the aforementioned MPRS code amendment proposal (if approved), studying changes in design forces and detailing requirement for special reinforced concrete shear wall in ACI 318-19, and further understanding of seismic force increase in ASCE 7-16 and its impact on additions to existing buildings under the next version of IEBC and ASCE 41.
Lastly, after almost six years of service, my term as EEC Chair has come to an end. Scott Neuman has assumed the role of Chair as of March 2022. Scott has been a long-time member of EEC and has consistently been an active participant. With Scott’s credential, expertise, and enthusiasm in serving EEC, I trust that he will be a great chair leading the committee forward.
With that, I want to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation for the support of committee members and State Board over the past six years. It truly has been an honor to serve as Chair of EEC. When accepting the recommendation to take on this role back in early 2016, I had hoped to build on the foundation established by the predecessors. I have always tried to leverage EEC as a forum for sharing ideas, cultivating collaborations, and disseminating/aligning information between academia, jurisdictions, and the engineering community. We have assisted on or accomplished a few milestones over the recent years, including publishing a White Paper, working through jurisdictional policies and discussions, sharing technical presentations, or participating in code development process. Hopefully these efforts contributed positively to the engineering community. All in all, I hope I have served the committee and engineering community well during my tenure. I humbly appreciate this precious opportunity and growth experience serving in this role. Thank you for extending your patience and grace.
Finally, a reminder that EEC is a SEAW Statewide Committee. Members from all four chapters are always welcome to participate in EEC meetings. Meetings are generally held on the second Tuesday of the odd months from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. and virtually via GoToMeeting. We are in the process of assessing the feasibility of returning to in-person/hybrid meeting in the future. If you have questions or would like to be on the EEC email list, please contact EEC Chair, Scott Neuman, at Scott.Neuman@kpff.com.
Additional Note from Darrell Staaleson, P.E., S.E., Chair, Public Information Committee:
SEAW committees are integral to the functioning of the work of our association and committees impact our members and the structural engineering profession throughout Washington State and also influence our profession in the Western Region and at the National level. In accordance with our Bylaws, the nomination of the Chair of the EEC (Earthquake Engineering Committee) was submitted to, discussed by, and approved by the SEAW State Board of Trustees, Mike Visser, P.E., S.E., State President.
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April 21 Marks the Anniversary of the 1962 World's Fair |
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By Angela Gottula Twining, SEFW Executive Director |
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The Structural Engineers Foundation of Washington is excited that 2022 celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Century 21 Exposition, the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. In 2012, ten years ago on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary, SEFW produced a 43-minute documentary that interviewed nine structural engineers of projects on the original World’s Fair campus. The documentary serves as a poignant piece of both Seattle and local structural engineering history.
Take some time over the next month to watch the documentary and share it! SEFW is working with the SEAW Outreach Committee to promote the video in local schools, in public locations like libraries, and on social media platforms (like the 3k-member Seattle World’s Fair 1962 Memories group on Facebook). It is exciting to also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of this effort that promotes structural engineering in such a positive way.
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Photos courtesy the University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections. |
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Photos courtesy the University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections. |
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To pique your interest, here are some fun facts about the World’s Fair structures, many of which are included in the documentary:
- Victor Steinbrueck, known for his work at Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market, was the original architect of the Space Needle. The original structural engineer, John Minasian, also worked on rocket engine test stands at Cape Canaveral (called Cape Kennedy at the time) and more than 80 other towers around the United States.
- The design and construction schedule for the Space Needle was a daringly tight 13 months (by contrast, the CN Tower in Toronto took 40 months for construction alone). Much of the upper portions of the Space Needle were still being designed while the lower portions were under construction.
- One structural engineer estimates that because of the tight design schedule, the Space Needle probably includes $1 million worth of steel that it didn’t need, but there was no time to review and revise the design plans for cost savings. The building simply had to open on time.
- The architect of the U.S. Science Pavilion, which we now call the Pacific Science Center, was Minoru Yamasaki, who also designed the flared pedestal Rainier Tower downtown and the original Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, among many other projects.
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- At the time of its construction, the U.S. Science Pavilion with its three “overhead lattice domes” was the nation’s largest precast concrete construction project.
- The Alweg Monorail at the Seattle Center in 1962 was the nation’s first full-scale monorail. It was designed by Axel Lennert Wenner-Gren, an independently wealthy entrepreneur (rich from working on vacuum cleaners and refrigerators), who also designed the Disney Monorail System in 1959.
- Howard S. Wright Construction, which is still active to this day in Seattle and is now a Balfour Beatty company, constructed multiple structures on the World’s Fair campus, including the Space Needle, Alweg Monorail, and Mercer Street Garage.
- Interestingly, the beams that carry the monorail are hollow, which reduced the weight of the beam but did not take away from their strength. The space inside is large enough for (a slender) person to walk through, at 5 feet tall and 18 inches wide!
- Paul Thiry, the architect of the Washington State Coliseum, originally wanted to “put a tent over the whole fairgrounds,” but hopefully it was some consolation that the eventual design resulted in one of the most iconic roofs in the city.
- The roof of the Coliseum features over 5.5 MILES of steel cables, which still hold the 44-million pound roof together today.
Learn more about the Seattle Center, the original “fairgrounds,” and watch the documentary on the SEFW Vimeo page today! Special shout-out to Howard Burton, SEFW Chair at the time of the video; Mark and Linda D’Amato, who both did so much to make it happen; Marga Rose Hancock, resident historian and key organizer; and Tyler Sprague at the University of Washington, who was the interviewer and a key part of the project’s success. |
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Peikko DELTABEAM® offers simplicity in solutions |
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By Evan Jordan, YMG Vice President |
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The SEAW YMG chapter gathered at the office of Magnusson Klemencic Associates on February 23 for a technical seminar on DELTABEAM® provided and sponsored by Peikko. The AIA-accredited presentation was led by John Riley, who has more than 25 years of experience in sales of green building products.
DELTABEAM® is a proprietary composite beam that can be cast integrally with a variety of different types of floor slabs, including mass timber, concrete, and composite steel deck. Mr. Riley discussed the advantages of DELTABEAM® that may enhance both the structural and architectural vision of a project.
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The YMG group hears a presentation from Peikko on the DELTABEAM® solution. |
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The presentation made me reflect on the creativity our profession inspires. While watching the DELTABEAM® presentation, it was hard not to recognize the impact of the product’s simplicity having significant impacts on the overall project. Structure that plays on unique material strengths while carefully considering constructability can drastically enhance architecture and help exceed client expectations. In a time where powerful computational engines can run complex analysis faster than ever before, it can is easy to lose the simplicity of basic engineering principles. Successful engineering is based on the efficiency and elegance of the systems we design, and DELTABEAM® holds these to be true and effective.
The SEAW YMG thanks Mr. Riley for taking the time to educate our chapter on the opportunities and innovative engineering solutions that DELTABEAM® provides.
Keep on the lookout for the next SEAW YMG Technical Seminar!
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Timberlab Demonstrates Possibilities in Mass Timber |
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By Evan Jordan, YMG Vice President |
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On March 11th the SEAW YMG had the privilege of touring Timberlab, Inc. in Portland, OR. Timberlab is a premier mass timber manufacturing facility that provides 3D modeling and CNC fabrication services to create custom mass timber products.
During our catered lunch, the Timberlab team stood firmly against a rapid fire of technical questions posed by SEAW members in attendance, ranging from business affairs and economic forecasting to engineering practices and coordination capabilities. The tour of the facility then began, where the team showed glulam members that were having connections fitted up. Attendees were shown the complex CNC machining processes used to modify and cut those connections, some spanning as long as 80 feet!
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SEAW members were able to see glulam beams in the Timberlab facility.
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The tour included a visit to Harder Mechanical, a tenant space that incorporates glulam beams from Timberlab. |
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Timberlab then guided attendees through the headquarters of Harder Mechanical, a previous project. The space, with its expansive spaces and high ceilings, was augmented by the beautiful wood grain of the exposed glulam beams and floor decking. The wooden structure left ducts, pipes, and utilities exposed as they snaked from room to room, a quiet homage to the tenant’s MEP expertise. The space ultimately served as a testament to the capabilities of well-coordinated mass timber harmonizing structure, architecture, and MEP.
Reflecting on the facility, the portfolio of successful projects, and the creative forces that drive their existence, it is difficult to understate the possibilities mass timber can have in the future. As the industry and science continue to expand through this remarkable field, I personally look forward to the innovations companies like Timberlab will make. As stewards of the built environment, structural engineers can push this field in a responsible and positive way that will raise society’s standards for infrastructure. Mass timber, through sound and logical structural engineering, has great potential in elevating the human experience within the built environment.
The SEAW YMG would like to thank Timberlab for taking the time to share who they are, what they do, and what makes them a unique and impressive force within industry.
Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming SEAW YMG tours!
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Engineer’s Notes from Afield: Looking back on 37 years |
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By Jill T. Shuttleworth, P.E., S.E. |
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I sit here today reflecting on my structural engineering career and the industry changes that have happened since 1985.
My first job out of college was at Whitacre Engineers in Tacoma. There were no computers for the engineers to utilize. All work was done by hand on engineering paper. As a recent graduate, I had experience utilizing Strudel Engineering software, so for the first several months I drove to Bellevue every day to model a 5-story moment frame building utilizing the Boeing computer. It was an interesting project, but the analysis was very expensive for usage fees and storage on the computer, in addition to my time.
After that job was completed, Whitacre Engineers decided to invest in their first computer for use by engineers. It was equipped with STAAD software. To design a 2D 3-member moment frame, the input would be made before leaving work for the evening. The computer would then be locked so the cleaning crew would not accidentally touch something overnight. The next morning, the result would be evaluated, and modifications (if needed) would be made starting the process over again. Comparatively, that frame utilizing current software takes nanoseconds to run.
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There were not many women engineers in the ‘90s. Typically, I wore a skirt and suit jacket to work each day. If I needed to go to a jobsite, I would wear slacks and leather close-toed shoes in addition to my hard hat, safety vest, etc. The first time I went to a job site with a new crew, there would often be catcalls which I ignored so they stopped happening. Talking with the job superintendents, I soon came to realize they had a lot of experience to share. I discovered a way to gain respect was by taking the time to listen to what they had to say before explaining to them why we have a requirement on the drawings that they needed to follow. I also learned a lot about construction and how things fit together.
Often early in my career, that initial lack of respect had as much to do with the fact that I was young and inexperienced as it did with the fact that I was a woman. Time changed, and with-it, offices started having casual Fridays. Currently, I generally wear jeans to work so I can go to a job site at a moment’s notice, although I will dress appropriately if I have a meeting that calls for more formal work attire. Jeans are much more durable and protect legs better for job site visits. One time, midway in my career, I wore slacks to a job site and a concrete tie was sticking out of a wall that tore my slacks and cut my leg. I do not think that would have happened or it would have been less severe if I were wearing jeans.
One of the best things that I did early in my career was to get involved in the Structural Engineers Association of Washington (SEAW). My first boss was active in the organization and volunteered me to assist with a seminar that was happening in the area. I was able to meet people from other offices and received wonderful continuing education over the years. One of my favorite activities with SEAW was to attend the NW Conference, which is held annually, and the host chapter rotates between northwest regional chapters. I was able to network with many engineers and enjoyed viewing the trade show participants, as well as receiving the continuing education.
When I moved to South Central Washington, there was no local chapter, so I along with four other structural engineers and several professional engineers started the South-Central Chapter of SEAW. Through being a leader in this organization, I have been active in local, state, and national Structural Engineers Association (SEA) activities. I highly recommend getting involved with your local SEA chapter or the professional organization that represents the work that you do.
Some things that I have learned over the years:
- Computer outputs are only as good as the input you put into them. Know what to expect and how to tell if the output is correct. Spot check some parts by hand.
- Sometimes it is quicker and easier to calculate by hand one page of calculations rather than by computer with many pages of computer output. Computers do not save paper.
- Respect other people that you come in contact with. Listen carefully to what they have to say. You may learn something.
- Get involved. Local engagement with peers helps with both continuing education and provides a resource that you can call upon if you have questions when doing something that is a bit different than you have done before and gives a resource that you may use for peer review.
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April 26 – Seattle Chapter and ASCE Seattle Sections' Joint April Dinner Meeting!" Like Building a Ship in a Bottle: An overview of the engineering and construction of Climate Pledge Arena"
- April 29 – WEC Meeting, 12 PM
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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
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New Members:
- Amir Almaliki
- Michael Reynolds
- Jason Hsia
- Seong Ahn
- Miroslav Doytchev
- Tim Wion
- Fokruddin Ahmad
- Kimberly Chun
- Eufemio Torres
- Jeffrey Arneberg
- Kalei Sur
- Abdoulaye Konate
- Amy Garras
- Jessica Martinez
- Heather Kline
- Dong Shin
- Kody Sanders
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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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MC Squared Inc. is a Structural Engineering design firm located in Olympia, Washington. We service the Pacific Northwest as well as 20 other US states. We provide structural engineering for projects ranging from small residential projects to the full structural design of multi-story buildings. Typical projects include structural design for additions and modifications to existing buildings, glass store fronts, seismic upgrades for existing buildings, retaining walls, soil retention systems, and marina/port facilities.
We are currently in search of candidates who have experience in structural engineering design. We do not require a PE or SE license, but we are interested in candidates who do. If you are licensed outside of Washington State, you should be able to become licensed in Washington State within 6 months.
MC Squared offers all employees paid vacation and sick leave, retirement plan with company matching, and health and dental insurance for employees and immediate family.
Qualified candidates should have:
- Bachelor of Science in Civil/Structural Engineering
- A EIT or PE or SE license in Washington State
- Experience with Microsoft Office, Risa 3D, Adapt, Enercalc, RetainPro, Simpson CFS Designer, Forte, RedSpec, and Allpile
To apply, please send resume with cover letter to MC Squared Inc., Attn: Jim Farley, via email at office@mc2-inc.com .
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MLA Engineering has a Senior Structural Engineer position available immediately.
Position requires seven to fifteen years of experience, specifically in a consulting design office that provides structural engineering on buildings that require close coordination with a multi-discipline team. We look forward to talking with engineers who are exceptionally skilled designing with all major construction materials and communicating well on a project team.
MLA Engineering (MLA) has a solid reputation and success designing local, national and international projects, including:
- Aquarium, zoo, and entertainment facilities;
- Public infrastructure: maintenance, wastewater and solid waste facilities;
- Evaluation, repair and seismic improvements of structures.
Our Seattle staff enjoys designing diverse projects that require critical thinking and creativity. We combine the opportunity of engineering unique and exciting projects with the flexibility, culture and benefits of a small business.
Qualifications:
- Master of Science’
- Licensed Structural Engineer;
- Strong technical and analytical skills;
- Intuitive and practical;
- Competent using REVIT as a design tool;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Skilled at providing accurate work;
- Excels in a team environment.
MLA is an equal opportunity employer with a comprehensive benefits package including 401K matching contribution (up to 4%), medical, dental, vision insurance, HRA account, bonus potential and flexible work environment.
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Holmes is a structural and fire engineering firm, with offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle. We are part of the New Zealand based Holmes Group, with offices around the Pacific Rim. Compelled by the possibilities, we are relentlessly pursuing Why – to create what is Best.
We are seeking Engineers for our San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle offices. Candidates must be fast learners, ambitious, have the ability to handle increased responsibilities, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and be able to interact effectively with clients, project teams, and colleagues. We are looking for all levels of Engineers.
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Structural Staff Engineer / Project Engineer
What’s missing from Swenson Say Fagét? You! SSF has immediate openings in our Seattle and Tacoma offices for talented Structural Engineers. All experience levels are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities include being smart, having common sense, playing well with others, and tackling challenges like a dog with a bone.
We approach project design with open minds and technical chops to find solutions to some real head-scratchers. Our loyal clients provide staff at all levels opportunities to directly collaborate with architects, owners, contractors, developers, artists, and public and private entities on projects of all types and sizes. Our office culture is informal. Besides being flexible, hardworking, and technically savvy, did we mention we’re also really nice people and like to have a ton of fun?
We’ve been in business for 27 years and remain committed to creating a place where people want to spend their time and energy. Pay is dependent on experience and benefits are great. Check us out at www.ssfengineers.com. If you like what you see, we’d love to hear from you.
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By Darrell Staaleson, P.E., S.E.
The SEAW Public Information Committee (PIC) presents the following report for April:
In the coming months we will be updating the Charter of PIC to incorporate the excellent past work and giving committee members new opportunities to create our Vision for the future and contribute to public awareness for SEAW in the future.
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One of the benefits of working on the Public Information Committee is an opportunity to sharpen your technical writing skills and public speaking skills. And as Dale Carnagie said in his master work “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” “being able to write well and present yourself makes you more valuable to employers and clients.”
Opportunities
“Equilibrium”
“Hall of Fame”
SEAW Brand Ambassador to NCSEA
Participation –All SEAW members, whatever their experience, are encouraged to participate in PIC meetings. Please contact the PIC chair, Darrell Staaleson at dstaal@staaleng.com or 253.520.0388 to join the SEAW PIC and receive additional information and announcements on activities and actions.
Next Meeting – Thursday April 21 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. Meeting will be virtual via Zoom link.
SEAW Brand Ambassador – In coordination with the NCSEA Nation effort, SEAW is participating in the #WeSEEAboveAndBeyond campaign. We are looking for projects and member participation that highlights the ideals of the structural engineering profession. Our recent post on Facebook highlighted SEAW members participating in the WASafe Training Day at the WABO Convention on MON MAR 21, 2022.
Puzzle –
I enjoy a good movie. Some of my favorite motifs include the paladin – guardian of the royal heir, Romeo and Juliet, and the Hero’s Journey – Ref. Joseph Campbell. The In-Laws (1979) with Alan Arkin and Peter Falk is a Romeo and Juliet motif with the Juliet being the daughter of a wealthy high society Jewish Dentist named Sheldon and the Romeo being the son of a shady Italian CIA agent named Vince. There are so many great quotes from this movie. My favorite is after a shootout with the mob in Manhattan outside a low-rent diner, Sheldon and Vince jump into the cab and Vince tells the driver, "Oh Cabbie, we're going on."
On the last watch of the In-Laws I happened to see something curious. So, here is a trivia question. What does the In-Laws have in common with Harry Potter?
Post your response on the SEAW Facebook page. And if we ever have another in-person SEAW dinner meeting, you’ll get the recognition you deserve for your knowledge of movie trivia.
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“The In-Laws” at the diner. Peter Faulk, Alan Arkin. (Left to right.) |
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Structural Engineers Association of Washington
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