Can birds stop bridges being built? Should historic events prevent us from rebuilding monuments? Are data centres something tourists would love to see?

These are three questions we encounter today in our first episode in a four-part series on upcoming construction projects (with varying likelihoods of actually being built).

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

Structural failure is often accidental. In a minority of cases, acts of terrorism cause deliberate impact-induced damage.

The 1995 bombing of the Alfred Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City is the most deadly act of 'homegrown' terrorism in the United States to date.

How does a structure behave when subject to a sudden impact, in particular - what is 'brisance'? How have engineers learnt from this tragedy when designing high-security buildings?

Please be aware that this podcast discusses acts of violence which some listeners may find distressing.

"It so happens that the work which is likely to be our most durable monument, and to convey some knowledge of us to the most remote posterity, is a work of bare utility; not a shrine, not a fortress, not a palace but a bridge."

- Montgomery Schuyler on the Brooklyn Bridge (1883)

There is little more that needs to be said on bridges... Although Janet & Ellie do try! Today we discuss the main features of the 'majestic' suspension bridge and the 'fashionable' cable stayed bridge.

Form and function; two words familiar to any structural engineer. The bridge is where these two words form a union - the very function of a bridge is its form!

Bridges preceded buildings: bridges enabled our nomadic ancestors to traverse river and ravine. Since ancient times, bridges defined the trade routes that gave rise to cities of present times. Today, these bridges are our landmarks.

But are all bridges comparable? What makes some stand out, but others go unnoticed? What are the different forms of bridge, and what advantages does each one hold?

There is so much to discuss (as always), and we will continue the discussion in Part 2 next week!

CLT, LVL, DLT... No, they're not diseases, they're types of mass engineered timber! Mass timber is a beautiful material that has taken sky scrapers to the next level (literally) in recent years.

It is strong and flexible (making it especially resilient for earthquake design); while being lightweight and biophilic (making it a contender to traditional materials like concrete and steel).

However, nothing is perfect; is mass timber really sustainable and safe - woodn't you like to know? Find out in Part 2!

Did you know that the oldest timber building has been standing for more than 1300 years? Or that the tallest tree is taller than the Stature of Liberty? Or that mass timber can sustain load for longer than steel during a fire?

There are so many environmental, structural, and health benefits to using timber in our structures... Join us today in Part 1 of our episode on sawn and mass timber to learn how wood is really good!

Join us for our first natter episode. The natter series has a few bloopers and bits of the chit-chat Ellie and I have while recording. Nothing serious, we catch up, laugh a lot and think we’re funnier than we probably are! Please have a listen and let us know. Send any comments to [email protected] or use the Q&A box in the podcast description. Happy listening!

In 1981, the collapse of two pedestrian walkways at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City resulted in one of the most devastating structural failures in U.S. history in terms of loss of life and injury. This tragic event highlighted the critical need for peer review and independent checks during design and construction. In this episode, we explore the causes of the collapse and the lessons learned. We also discuss how construction contracts impact the design and building process. This case study serves as a sobering reminder of the structural engineer’s responsibility to ensure safety.

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

Climate change due to global warming is one of the major crises of our time. The construction industry contributes significantly to carbon emissions globally, which means that structural and civil engineers are well placed to effect change and drive towards a net zero world. In this episode, we discuss key concepts in sustainability and climate change and their interpretation and implementation in the construction industry. We also share resources you can use to further your knowledge of sustainability in the construction industry. 

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

As a structural engineer, you are legally required to provide functional and safe designs. Depending on where you are, there are particular codes/standards you can use to meet this legal requirement. In this episode, we consider the UK and cover these standards (Eurocodes), regulations (Building Regulations and the Construction, Design and Management Regulations), and the design philosophy behind them (Limit State Design). 

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