Picture the scene: you're given a nice chunk of land to develop and make billions, but there's a catch. There's already somebody situated on the plot of land who won't budge - you need to share.

This was the problem faced by structural engineer William LeMessurier in 1976 for the construction of Citigroup Centre at 601 Lexington Avenue in New York City.

His seemingly simple design solution created a chain of design implications, which cumulated in SERENE - the code name for the secret emergency works required for this skyscraper which was found after construction was complete to have a 1 in 16 chance of collapse in any given year...

Happy New Year!!

We're learning about another pioneering engineer in today's episode; the 'father of civil engineering' - Thomas Telford.

Born in 1957, the Scotsman rose from humble origins to become the 'Colossus of Roads', so called for his work on over 1000 miles of UK roads. Just as the 'Colossus of Rhodes' was one of the ancient seven wonders of the world, Telford himself was a wonder; unafraid of new materials and techniques, he built aqueducts of stone, and suspension bridges of iron.

And you thought Othmar Amman was the dramatic one? Think again - we learn about Telford's beef with famous engineers John Rennie, and Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Happy listening, and happy holidays!

It is statistically proven that a positive mindset enables positive outcomes... Then let's learn from success!

Much to Janet's delight, Ellie has agreed to another Career Corner episode. Today we're spotlighting engineering in academia; what is it like to do a postgraduate degree in engineering, and how does it compare to R&D as an industry career? We discuss the pros and cons of our experience, and the advice we'd give to those considering a PhD in civil engineering.

Happy listening, and please send any comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram #structurespracticenatter and TikTok @SPANNATTER.

In our reinforced concrete episode, we learnt that concrete began as a plant pot. Today we discuss the less humble origins of steel, who's inventor also developed patents for sugar extraction and reducing seasickness on passenger ships.

We also learn about steel's 'Achilles heels'; we discuss an extraordinary example of fatigue, consider the environmental impact of corrosion protection, and Janet tries to restrain Ellie from yabbering on about her passion - buckling.

Enjoy learning even more about steel, and please reach out to us with any questions or topics you would like us to discuss! Also, we're now on TikTok! https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGdFftpC7/

After covering concrete and wood in previous episodes, I’m sure it is no surprise that we are talking about steel! Steel is a versatile material used extensively in our structures today. Find out why engineers (us) love steel as we talk about its wide ranging benefits...ductility, stiffness, machinability. We of course balance that with its weaknesses…corrosion, fatigue, buckling.

If you can get through our attempts at describing steel’s microstructure and phase changes during heat treatment… we see you, we appreciate you! And we hope you come back for part 2 because we did what we do best, nattering. 

Send in any comments to [email protected] or use the Q&A box in the podcast description. Happy listening!

We start another series… Yes, another one. This time we want to highlight engineers, past and present (P&P), that have made a significant contribution to structural engineering. Othmar Hermann Amman is best known for his suspension bridges and unprecedented use of steel. 

It was said of Amman that he was ‘the enemy of the ornate, the complicated, the extravagant’. It is no surprise his simplistic design philosophy was much appreciated by Ellie. She also admires Amman’s ability to pivot and learn from his mistakes. 

Amman’s relationship with his mentor, Gustav Lindenthal, was filled with some *drama* and we share all the tea. Let us know what you think about Gustav’s dream bridge and whether or not Amman was right in bidding for the same bridge with his design!

Send in any comments to [email protected] or use the Q&A box in the podcast description. Happy listening!

Hello, and welcome to the final part of our mini series where we discuss ten projects we feel... [insert adjective here] about!

In our final* episode we learn about diagrid skyscraper design for China's Sany Irootech HQ; should China be commissioning new skyscraper projects amid their 'ghostscraper' crisis? Janet points out further issues with 'greenwashing'...

We also discuss Gaudi's Basílica de la Sagrada Família; would you consider a 135 year-old construction project to be more than a little delayed? Ellie argues that perhaps not...

Merry listening!

*I'm sure we'll find a way to continue the discussion - which you are welcome to join! Reach us at [email protected], or find us on Instagram :)

Are floating cities the answer to rising sea levels? Do we need a city dedicated to innovation and technology-driven research for the transport industry to accelerate sustainability efforts? Can you have too many footbridges?  

We discuss these questions in this episode as we continue in our four-part series on upcoming construction projects. We are back in Japan with Woven city, in the Maldives with their floating city, and in our backyard (Oxford) with the Oxpens River Bridge.

Happy listening, and as always please get on touch at [email protected] or on Instagram #structurespracticenatter

What if we changed the way we build our cities? The Line aims to revolutionise how cities are configured and built. Would you fancy living in this skyscraper turned horizontal metropolis?

The Fjords in Norway are deep as they are wide making travel across the western coast a challenge. With the E39 road project, Norway aims to provide efficient travel routes which might include the world’s first Submerged Floating Tunnel. Join us in this episode as we discuss The Line and the Fjords.

Happy listening, and as always please get on touch at [email protected] or on Instagram #structurespracticenatter