SEAW Southwest-Seattle Joint Chapter Dinner Meeting | |
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DeWalt Hands-On Anchorage Training
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Acme Construction Supply, 4747 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Cost:
- Students: Free
- SEAW Member: Free
- Non-Member: Free
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Join us for a hands-on training session, hosted by DeWalt and focusing on concrete anchors and fasteners. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty by experiencing what it means when you specify 12” of embedment depth! DeWalt is ready to bring out their hammer drills, concrete drill bits, and 110+ epoxy to give us a chance to step out from behind our anchorage designer and see what it looks like out in the field.
This training qualifies for Professional Development Hours (PDH’s) and is free for all SEAW members and guests. Please wear close-toed shoes or boots and bring safety glasses and gloves.
Food and drinks will be provided, courtesy of DeWalt. Parking is available at the site.
This is a joint meeting with the Southwest and Seattle chapters, so this is a great opportunity to network with members from the other chapter!
Hosted by DeWalt:
Lars Anderson | Senior Field Engineer
Teague Sizemore | Pacific NW Field Engineer
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Upcoming Events for SEAW Southwest | |
All SEAW members are invited to these upcoming events! Be sure to join us for: | |
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AIA Southwestern Washington Winter Gala
November 7, 6-9 PM
Museum of Glass, Tacoma
Join our colleagues in AIA Southwestern Washington for the Winter Gala! The Gala will celebrate Dale Chihuly’s work with Photographer Terry Rishel. If you are interested in attending this event, be sure to register by November 5. More information is here.
SEFW Fall Forum Watch Party
November 14, 5:30 PM
SEAW SW will be hosting a watch party for the SEAW Fall Forum, “Seattle Waterfront Transformation: A Collaborative Approach.” Location and additional details will follow soon!
SEAW SW/CSI Mt. Rainier Chapter Joint Meeting
January 9, TBD
Mark your calendars for our January joint meeting with the Mt. Rainier Chapter of CSI.
On October 2, the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI) held a webinar anyone planning to sit for the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) SE exam soon. The presentation included six panelists, many of whom recently took the CBT SE exam, discussing their experiences, what they wish they had known before taking the exam, and their recommendations for anyone taking the exam. SEAOI has shared the final recording with us. Check it out if it would be helpful to you! Here is the recording of the Tips and Tricks webinar.
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2024 14th Annual Fall Forum | |
SEAW NWC with SEAOC Attracts 600+ Engineers with Thoughtful Sessions | |
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I recently had the opportunity to attend the Structural Engineers Association’s Northwest Conference in Portland, Oregon. The conference was cohosted with the Structural Engineers Association of California, making it one of the largest conferences in recent years with more than 600 engineers in attendance. As this was my first SEA conference and last as a young member, I was thrilled to receive a stipend from SEFW and could attend. My goal was threefold:
- Learn as much as possible about forthcoming code changes and trends in the industry
- Network with younger engineers to hopefully make lasting connections
- Observe and prepare for planning and hosting the 2025 SEA Northwest Conference in Spokane!
Of the 16 technical sessions that I attended, a few stood out:
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Engineering Licensure: As a younger engineer currently registering for and studying to take the SE exam, a technical session focused on engineering licensure quickly caught my attention and made my top priority list. The session presented the differences between approaches to engineering licensure in Washington, California, and New Zealand. I found it particularly interesting hearing New Zealand doesn’t have written technical exams, but instead an interview process that grants engineering licenses. The panel also discussed the recent switch to Computer Based Testing for the SE exam and reasons they believe the recent pass rate was 14% and how that issue might be addressed in the future.
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Parking Garage Live Loads: James McDonald, Joseph Moody, and Molly Pobiel with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) presented on live loading for parking garages and how electric vehicles may require the engineering community to rethink our current design loads. The presenters shared that electric vehicles on average weigh 30% more than their gas-powered equivalents and that 40 psf loading may not be enough to handle these heavier vehicles. I wasn’t aware that prior codes used to require 50 psf loading but that it was studied and reduced to the current 40 psf requirement. The presenters also focused on vehicle barriers required to resist 6,000 pounds of horizontal load whereas Eurocodes and other standards require 12,000 pounds and sometimes even higher at the bottom of ramps or other unique conditions. The presentation was memorable for its content but also for how passionate the presenters were regarding the subject matter.
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Seismic Collectors in Wood Diaphragms: The presenter, Kurt McMullin with San Jose State University, focused on load paths in wood diaphragms and the importance of documenting straps that act as chords and/or collectors. Mr. McMullin presented case studies from his time as a plan reviewer and common instances where it was unclear the engineer’s intent to address complications in load path. As I am currently working on projects with wood diaphragms, it was a great reminder to spend the time to clearly document where straps are required and spend the time thinking about where straps may be needed beyond the typical and obvious cases.
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California Senate Bills 721 & 326: California Senate bills 721 & 326 require all exterior elevated elements (decks, canopies, etc.) for apartment and condo buildings with more than 3 units be inspected by January 2025 and then on a repetitive cycle afterwards. I wasn’t aware of this legislation passed in 2018 and pending the effectiveness and potential future failures, I could foresee a similar requirement being enacted in Washington State. As an engineering student at Washington State University, I recall Dr. Don Bender spent significant time presenting on deck failures and ongoing research to improve the design and performance to hopefully reduce collapses. It was nice to see how engineers with HKSE, SGH, and WJE are conducting site surveys and addressing common issues seen in the field and how Washington State engineers and others may face similar requirements in the future.
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Beyond the technical sessions, I found the conference beneficial by spending time talking with various vendors and fellow attendees. I hope to see many new and now familiar faces at the 2025 SEA Northwest conference in Spokane next September. As part of the planning committee, I am eager to implement many great ideas and components following the recent conference’s success.
Lastly, thank you once again to the Structural Engineers Foundation of Washington (SEFW) and all those that contribute to the fund. Without SEFW’s generous stipend, I am not sure I would have attended the conference.
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Seattle YMG Delegates Enjoy SEAOC/SEAW NW | |
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This year, the Northwest Conference was a bit different than normal. Although held in Portland, the actual conference was hosted and mostly planned by the Structural Engineers Association of California (SEAOC). SEAOC has a long history of putting together informative and inspiring conferences and this year the NW delegations were able to join the fun. In addition to a few SEAW board members, three young member delegates from the Seattle YMG attended the conference: Doug McArthur, Connor Lester, and Paolo Bourdeau.
We all enjoyed three days of insightful technical sessions, a keynote about multi-hazard design, structural engineering history lessons, and lots of networking with fellow engineers, both young and experienced. There were also many social opportunities including a young member reception and one of the infamous CSI parties hosted by Ashraf Habibullah, the founder of CSI (creators of ETABS, SAP, and other structural analysis software).
Here’s a few of Doug, Connor, and Paolo’s favorite moments and takeaways:
“Closing out the conference on Friday was an awesome game of Jeopardy played by California structural engineering legends who gave insight to the many things they have done to advance the industry including creating ASCE 7 sections, codes changes after the Northridge earthquake, and creation of organizations like NEHRP, ATC, and NCSEA.” Doug McArthur
“The plenary keynote speech was incredibly interesting. As engineers we can often find ourselves hyper focused on our specialty, but learning about how we can use our influence to improve functional recovery of the communities we are designing was eye-opening. I also had a great time walking around and talking to all the vendors to learn about all of the new technological advances in products, software, and methods for construction.” Connor Lester
“As I am a younger professional, this was my first time attending a structural engineering conference. In the span of only a few days, I expanded my horizons by attending informative presentations with a couple of my favorites being sessions on the Türkiye earthquake reconnaissance and sessions on adaptive reuse. I also grew to appreciate the small world of structural engineering through meeting industry leaders and fellow young professionals from across the Pacific Northwest and California.” Paolo Bourdeau
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Doug, Connor, and Paolo (L-R) enjoy some of the social events at the SEAW Northwest Conference with SEAOC in Portland last month. Photo courtesy Doug McArthur. | |
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Remembering former Governor and Structural Engineer
Dan Evans
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I was fortunate to meet former Governor Dan Evans at the 2016 SEFW Fall Forum. The topic was “Engineers, Architects, Builders: A Legacy of Innovation in the Pacific Northwest,” and many professionals in the Seattle building industry, including Gov. Evans, participated in a panel discussion about the history of the city. It was a truly remarkable evening.
Dan passed away on Friday, September 20 at the age of 98. Many might not know, but Dan Evans graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Master of Science in Structural Engineering, both from the University of Washington. After graduation, Dan started work as an engineer with the City of Seattle, where he was asked to join a special design team created to do the design work on the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
In 1961, Dan partnered with Victor O. Gray and established the structural engineering firm Gray and Evans Consulting Engineers. Dan left the partnership in 1965 when elected to his first of three terms as Governor of Washington. Victor O. Gray and Co. Consulting Engineers continued operation through 1987 until Entranco Engineers purchased the company. Entranco was then acquired by DMJM Harris, who was subsequently acquired by AECOM.
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Scott Douglas with Dan Evans in November 2016. Photo courtesy Scott Douglas. | |
Dan Evans (far right) participates in a panel discussion at the SEFW Fall Forum in 2016. Also pictured are (L-R) Tyler Sprague, David Miller, Carla Keel, and Scott Redman. Photo courtesy SEFW. | |
URM Informational Webinars Coincide with Washington ShakeOut | |
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The Seattle Department of Constructions and Inspections (SDCI) has been working to advance the City’s program for improving the earthquake safety of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. To celebrate the Great Washington ShakeOut, SDCI invites you to register for the below webinars that will provide updates on current URM program development and a technical briefing on upcoming code changes that will facilitate and recognize URM retrofits.
Webinar #1: Seattle URM Retrofit Program Update
When: Wednesday, October 16, 2024; 11AM-12 PM
Target Audience: General
Register here
Webinar #2: Seattle URM Retrofit Recognition Technical Briefing
When: Thursday, October 17, 2024; 2:30-4:00 PM
Target Audience: Technical
Register here
Topics covered will include:
- Changes to 2021 Seattle Existing Building Code (SEBC) impacting URM buildings
- Procedure to demonstrate retrofit status of URM buildings
The Great Washington ShakeOut and Great American ShakeOut are October 17, 2024.
Learn more at DiasterReadyWashington.com or ShakeOut.org/washington.
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Save the Date for 19WSCI in September 2025 | |
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The Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER) is pleased to formally announce the 19th World Conference on Seismic Isolation, Energy Dissipation, and Active Vibration Control of Structures (19WCSI) at UC Berkeley, from September 15 to 19, 2025. This biennial conference is a key activity of the Anti-Seismic Systems International Society (ASSISi), the international organization committed to the advancement and promotion of seismic isolation and energy dissipation technologies (https://assisisociety.org).
Important Dates:
- October 31, 2024 - Abstract Submissions Due
- Mid-January 2025 - Notifications of Abstract Acceptance
- June 2025 - Full Papers Due
- September 15-19, 2025 - Conference in Berkeley
For more information, please visit the conference website at https://19wcsi.org or contact Reid Zimmerman (reid.zimmerman@kpff.com).
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SBCC Accepts SEAW’s SWR Proposal | |
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The Wind Engineering Committee submits the following report for the October 2024 Equilibrium:
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State of Washington Special Wind Regions (SWR) – SEAW’s proposal for incorporating the recommendations in White Paper WEC #3-2023 has been accepted by the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC). It has been given the number 24-GP1-004. The SBCC will consider this proposal for adoption as an amendment to the Washington State Building Code. The progress of this proposal is being monitored by SEAW member Roger Heeringa, a member of the SBCC’s Building Code Technical Advisory Group. It is expected SEAW’s proposal will be adopted as an amendment to the Washington State Building Code sometime in the second or third quarter of 2025. The ASCE 7-28 proposal for the incorporation of the updated Washington State SWR’s will be presented to the ASCE 7-28 Subcommittee on Wind Loads at their October 10/11 meeting. The proposal will be balloted by the Subcommittee before the end of the year.
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Update to the 2004 SEAW commentary on wind code provisions (SEAW/ATC 60) – Work progresses on this effort by the NCSEA Wind Engineering Code Advisory Subcommittee. There is an October 31 deadline for completion of updated drafts as reviewers for the updated chapters will be assigned at the Subcommittee’s November 5th meeting at the NCSEA Summit Conference in Las Vegas. Several SEAW WEC Members are involved in this Commentary revision.
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City of Bellevue Kzt Map – This effort is still on the WEC’s agenda for the Kzt Wind Load Factor map for the City of Bellevue’s consideration. It will replicate the existing City of Seattle Wind Load Factor Map found at Wind Load Factors - SDCI | seattle.gov. If adopted the map will facilitate an alternate conservative method for rapid determination of Kzt factors and justify use of a Shoreline Exposure C classification in the City of Bellevue.
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Participation – All SEAW members, whatever their experience, are encouraged to participate 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 November 22 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm.
Meeting will be virtual via the following Zoom link
Meeting ID: 821 1158 1245
Passcode: 022157
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BSSC, EEC Review and Comment on ASCE 7-28 Updates | |
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The Building Seismic Safety Council (BSSC) is a national organization within the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS). NIBS receives federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to research and develop the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program’s (NEHRP) Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures (NEHRP Seismic Provisions). Within the BSSC, the Provisions Update Committee (PUC) researches structural provisions and how they can be updated and improved to enhance safety. Many of the larger changes to seismic provisions over the last few cycles, such as the ASCE 7-22 Chapter 11 Multi-Period Response Spectrum (MPRS), can be attributed to the work done by the PUC.
SEAW is a Professional Organization (PO) of BSSC, which affords us the opportunity to review proposed code changes from the PUC and provide feedback. This review is handled within the Earthquake Engineering Committee (EEC) of SEAW.
The PUC has been working on updates to the 2026 edition of the NEHRP Seismic Provisions, which largely forms the basis of changes to the upcoming ASCE 7-28. This document is anticipated to be referenced by the 2030 International Building Code (IBC). Thus far, SEAW has reviewed one round of proposals from BSSC and their work is ramping up, so we expect to see more proposals soon.
Anyone who is interested in more information about SEAW’s involvement with BSSC can contact patrick.lindblom@hdrinc.com.
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2025 Membership Dues Increase | |
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Dear SEAW Members,
We hope this message finds you well. As a friendly reminder, SEAW will be implementing a membership dues increase beginning in 2025. This decision was made after a thorough review of SEAW’s financial needs and is to ensure we can continue to provide valuable services and maintain our affiliation with NCSEA.
To briefly recap:
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NCSEA dues increase: Starting in 2023, NCSEA began increasing their dues incrementally, and SEAW’s upcoming adjustment will help cover these ongoing costs while keeping your dual membership intact.
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Rising operational costs: SEAW has not adjusted its dues since 2014, despite the growing costs associated with offering our programs and services. This increase will allow us to continue delivering the quality resources, events, and networking opportunities that you’ve come to expect from SEAW.
We understand that dues increases can be challenging, and we are committed to being as transparent as possible. The State Board will provide the final details of the exact amount of the dues increase soon.
Thank you for your continued support of SEAW and our shared mission. Your involvement is crucial to the ongoing strength of our community, and we are here to answer any questions you may have about the upcoming changes.
Sincerely,
Your SEAW State Board
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October 16, 2024, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
SEAW SW/Seattle Joint Chapter Dinner Meeting (@Acme Construction, Seattle)
October 16, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Seattle URM Retrofit Program Update Webinar (@Via WebEx)
October 17, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Wind Engineering Committee Meeting, (@Via ZOOM)
October 17, 2024, xx:00 AM – xx:00 PM
Seattle URM Retrofit Recognition Technical Briefing Webinar (@Via WebEx)
November 5-8, 2024
NCSEA Summit (@MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV)
November 7, 2024, 7:00 - 7:00 PM
AIA Southwestern Washington Winter Gala (@Museum of Glass, Tacoma)
November 14, 2024, 6:00 PM
SEFW Fall Forum (@Benaroya Hall)
November 14, 2024, 6:00 PM
SEAW SW Chapter Fall Forum Watch Party (@TBD)
November 22, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Wind Engineering Committee Meeting (@Via ZOOM)
September 15-19, 2025
19WCSI (@University of California Berkeley)
January 9, 2025, TBD
SEAW SW/CSI Mt. Rainier Joint Meeting (TBD)
Please see the SEAW website for other event dates and information: https://www.seaw.org/calendar
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Charlotte Philbrick
Student - Seattle Chapter
Yared Belete
Washington State University
Student- Seattle Chapter
Hien Duong
US Army Corps of Engineers HQ
SE Member- Seattle Chapter
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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. | |
Structural Engineers, All Levels
Swensen Say Faget
Location: Tacoma, WA
Swenson Say Faget has immediate openings in our Tacoma, WA office for talented Structural Engineers. All experience levels are encouraged to apply. Expectations include being smart, having common sense, playing well with others, and tackling challenges like a dog with a bone.
At SSF we approach project design with open minds and technical chops to find solutions to some real head-scratchers. Our loyal clients provide our engineering staff at all levels opportunities to collaborate directly with architects, owners, contractors, developers, artists, and public and private entities on projects of all types and sizes. We have an informal culture and flexible team structure that encourages and supports the development of well-rounded and technically savvy engineers.
Qualifications include:
- PE License Preferred for Project Engineers and Project Managers
- Meticulous attention to detail with demonstrated analytic, problem-solving, and three-dimensional conceptual skills.
- Excellent command of the English language with above average verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Our annual salary ranges represent the low and high end at SSF. Actual compensation will be based on various factors including but not limited to experience, skills, depth and breadth of technical ability, and individual performance.
- Staff Engineer: $75,000 - $85,000
- Project Engineer: $85,000 - $95,000
- Project Manager: $90,000 - $105,000
Salary is just one component of SSF’s total compensation package. Other compensation includes annual discretionary bonuses based on company profitability and employee contributions to SSF’s success plus additional wages calculated and paid quarterly for extra time and effort above set goals.
For a full list of benefits and more information check us out at https://ssfengineers.com/careers/ . If you like what you see, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your resume and letter of interest to info@ssfengineers.com.
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Mid-Level Structural Engineer with Historic Renovation Experience
Swensen Say Faget
Location: Seattle and Central WA Offices
Swenson Say Faget has immediate openings in our Seattle and Central Washington offices for experienced and talented mid-level Structural Engineers with a passion for historic preservation and adaptive reuse.
At SSF we approach project design with open minds and technical chops to find solutions to some real head-scratchers. Our loyal clients provide our engineering staff at all levels opportunities to collaborate directly with architects, owners, contractors, developers, artists, and public and private entities on projects of all types and sizes. We have an informal culture and flexible team structure that encourages and supports the development of well-rounded and technically savvy engineers.
Qualifications include:
- PE License Preferred for Project Engineers and Project Managers
- Familiarity with ASCE 41
- Meticulous attention to detail with demonstrated analytic, problem-solving, and three-dimensional conceptual skills.
- Excellent command of the English language with above average verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Our annual salary ranges represent the low and high end at SSF. Actual compensation will be based on various factors including but not limited to experience, skills, depth and breadth of technical ability, and individual performance.
- Project Engineer: $85,000 - $95,000
- Project Manager: $90,000 - $105,000
Salary is just one component of SSF’s total compensation package. Other compensation includes annual discretionary bonuses based on company profitability and employee contributions to SSF’s success plus additional wages calculated and paid quarterly for extra time and effort above set goals.
For a full list of benefits and more information check us out at https://ssfengineers.com/careers/ . If you like what you see, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your resume and letter of interest to info@ssfengineers.com.
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Applying or Renewing your Membership in SEAW | |
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SEAW is organized into the membership categories and their corresponding dues structures
listed below. Select the membership category that best fits your status.
Your contact information is shared with our foundation, SEFW.
In order to “opt-out” please contact the association office. Click here for our privacy policy.
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Please consider making a line-item donation to SEFW as part of your dues renewal. Special designation can be placed on the donation, so it can be applied to scholarships, disaster preparedness or research opportunities. SEFW fulfills its mission with the assistance of donations from individuals and corporations. More information on SEFW and its mission to promote structural engineering can be found at www.sefw.org. Thank you for your support! | | | | |
