The Structural Engineering Podcast

What if structural timber could be shaped to put material exactly where it's needed? In this episode, we sit down with the team from Strong by Form to explore Woodflow, a new approach to engineered timber that combines material efficiency, structural performance, and advanced manufacturing.

We break down how Woodflow is formed, how strand length and wood grade influence its behavior, and how it compares with established mass timber products. We also get into the engineering: strength and stiffness, weight, failure modes, durability, connections, field modifications, and the testing required to bring a new structural system to market. From current applications and code approval to manufacturing scale, embodied carbon, cost, and future research, this conversation looks at what it takes to move an emerging timber technology from the lab into real structures.

Guest Profile:

Jorge Christie is the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Strong by Form, where he leads the development of Woodflow, a biomimetic engineered-wood technology that combines computational design, material optimization, and advanced manufacturing. An architect with advanced degrees in computational design and digital fabrication from the University of Stuttgart and ETH Zurich, Jorge's work focuses on translating the structural efficiency found in nature into high-performance timber products for construction and other industries.

Links & Resources:

structurEd (our free PE/SE study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/structurEd

https://strongbyform.com/

https://strongbyform.com/woodflow-core

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=casNqN2u

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In this episode, we step outside the design office to explore what structural engineers often get wrong about construction. We discuss the disconnect between design intent and what actually happens in the field from constructability and tolerances to sequencing, temporary conditions, and coordination.

We also look at the details engineers tend to overcomplicate, the information contractors wish they had on structural drawings, and what makes an RFI response actually useful. Through real-world lessons from the field, we explore how understanding construction can help structural engineers design better, communicate more effectively, and ultimately deliver more successful projects.

Guest Profile:

Sergio Ortiz is a Senior Project Manager at Fransen Pittman Construction with extensive experience managing complex construction projects throughout Colorado and beyond. His portfolio includes schools, healthcare facilities, fire stations, commercial developments, historic renovations, and major additions to existing buildings. Sergio brings a field-focused perspective on constructability, coordination, sequencing, and the challenges that arise when structural designs move from drawings to reality.

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structurEd (our free PE/SE study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/structurEd

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In this episode, we explore the unique challenges of structural engineering in existing buildings, where the drawings don't always match what's actually in the field. We discuss how engineers navigate unknown conditions, undocumented modifications, aging materials, and the constraints that can make seemingly simple projects incredibly complex.

We also dive into creative problem solving how to avoid getting stuck on the first workable solution, think beyond conventional approaches, and find better ways to work within an existing structure. From deformation compatibility and load redistribution to constructability and historic building practices, this episode explores what existing buildings can teach us about becoming better structural engineers.

Guest Profile:

Dan Sloat, S.E., is an Associate Principal with Degenkolb Engineers in Seattle, where his work focuses on structural engineering, seismic evaluation, and the challenges of existing buildings. He earned his B.S. in Structural Engineering from Rice University and his M.S. in Structural Engineering from the University of Washington. Dan is passionate about creative problem solving and finding practical solutions within the constraints of existing structures topics he recently presented on at NASCC: The Steel Conference.

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structurEd (our free PE/SE study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/structurEd

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In this episode, we take a closer look at the concrete mixture requirements structural engineers encounter in ACI 318. We explore where the familiar values for water-to-cementitious-material ratio, air content, aggregate size, cement type, and durability requirements come from—and what they mean for the concrete we specify on our projects. We discuss how ACI durability exposure classes influence mixture requirements, including maximum water-to-cementitious-material ratios, minimum specified strength, air entrainment, and other material requirements.

Guest Profile:

Tyler Ley is a professor and concrete researcher whose work focuses on concrete materials, mixture proportioning, durability, cement chemistry, air entrainment, curing, and field performance. Through his research and educational work, Tyler has become known for making complex concrete concepts accessible to practicing engineers and for emphasizing the connection between concrete mixture design and real-world performance.

Links & Resources:

Tyler Ley on YouTube: YouTube.com/@TylerLey

Tarantula Curve resources: ConcretePavements.org

structurEd (our free PE/SE study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/structurEd

And as promised ~7 videos I really liked to help me learn about concrete mixes:

• Introduction to Concrete Mix Design
• How to Make Concrete Last 100 Years
• Aggregate in Concrete Mix Design
• Compressive Strength and Water-to-Cement Ratio
• Why Do We NEED Air Bubbles in Concrete?
• Intro to Curing Concrete
• Tarantula Curve

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In this episode, we explore what's next for the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and the future of structural steel. We discuss how AISC's role extends beyond the Steel Manual, how research makes its way into the codes and standards engineers use every day, and the trends shaping the steel industry over the next decade.

We also dive into AISC's 2033 Initiative and what it could mean for engineers, fabricators, and the broader steel industry. Finally, we look at the next generation of structural engineers where new graduates are excelling, where they need more development, and what young engineers should learn to become better steel designers.

Guest Profile:

Dr. Christopher Raebel, P.E., S.E., Ph.D., is Vice President of Engineering and Research at AISC, where he oversees technical activities including standards, research programs, and technical publications. Before joining AISC, Chris spent 12 years in structural engineering practice and later served as a professor, department chair, and director of the Architectural Engineering Program at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. His expertise includes structural steel design, connections, structural robustness, floor vibrations, and engineering education.

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structurEd (our free PE/SE study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/structurEd

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In Episode 122, we explore a question that goes beyond how we design buildings: how do we make our communities more resilient before disaster strikes? We discuss the growing challenges of natural disasters, infrastructure risk, insurance, and the economic consequences of rebuilding after the fact — and why simply designing for the minimum code requirements may not be enough.

We also dive into what it means to "future proof" America, and how engineers can play a role in connecting technical solutions with government, finance, insurance, technology, and community investment. From disaster mitigation and resilience standards to finding new ways to fund projects before a disaster occurs, this episode challenges us to think about structural engineering as part of a much larger system of risk and resilience.

If you like learning about this side of engineering, check out the Resilient Architecture and Structural Engineering Expo as part of the Natural Disasters Expo in mid-October.

Guest Profile:

Richard S. Seline is the Chief Executive and Development Officer of ROAR Partners and Executive Director of the Future Proofing America Collaborative. With more than 40 years of experience connecting government, industry, academia, investment, and communities, Richard has worked on hundreds of projects focused on resilience, economic development, and disaster risk mitigation. His work with ROAR and Future Proofing America focuses on shifting the conversation from recovering from disasters to investing in communities before disasters happen — and developing the standards, resources, and financial mechanisms to make that possible.

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by the Resilient Architecture and Structural Engineering Expo.

Links & Resources:

Richard Seline on YouTube: youtube.com/@rseline

Future Proofing America: futureproofingamerica.org — The initiative Richard leads, focused on building a more resilient and future-ready America.

Resilience Community Navigator: resiliencecommunitynavigator.org — Resources for navigating community resilience and disaster mitigation.

ROAR Partners: roarpartners.co/about — The "think tank-do tank" collaboration behind much of this work.

FEMA BRIC Program: FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities — Federal funding for projects designed to reduce disaster risk and increase community resilience.

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance: FEMA HMA Programs — Overview of federal hazard mitigation funding programs.

Fitch Ratings — Climate Vulnerability in Infrastructure Project Finance: Fitch Ratings — Proposed criteria for incorporating climate vulnerability into infrastructure project finance ratings.

Stimson Center — Climate-Responsive Resilient Building Codes: Stimson Center — Research on incorporating climate risk and resilience into building codes and standards.

World Bank Climate & Disaster Risk Screening Tools: climatescreeningtools.worldbank.org — Tools for assessing climate and disaster risk during project planning.

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In this episode, we explore the future of structural engineering and what it will take to continue pushing the profession forward. We discuss why innovation can be difficult in a risk-averse industry, how performance-based design is changing the way engineers approach complex structures, and whether our reliance on codes and software is beginning to replace first-principles thinking.

We also dive into the growing role of AI in structural engineering—where it could accelerate design and innovation, where it could create new risks, and what should always remain the responsibility of the engineer. Finally, we discuss the curiosity, judgment, and problem-solving skills that will define exceptional structural engineers over the next 50 years.

Guest Profile:

Ron Klemencic, P.E., S.E., Hon. AIA, is Chairman and CEO of Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA) and a recognized leader in structural engineering innovation. Throughout his career, Ron has helped advance performance-based design and pioneered new structural systems, including SpeedCore. His work on complex and high-rise structures around the world has earned him numerous industry honors and membership in the National Academy of Engineering.

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by CalcBook — the modern way to perform and document your structural calculations. Visit calcbook.com and use promo code SEPOD for 50% off your first three months.

Links & Resources:

StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd

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In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Schultz, Ph.D., P.E., to explore the engineering behind grid shells and structural glass. We discuss how grid shells achieve remarkable long spans through efficient geometry, the role of form-finding and computational design, and the challenges of analysis, connections, and construction.

We also dive into structural glass, covering its behavior as a structural material, connection design, redundancy, code development, and the projects pushing the boundaries of transparent architecture.

Guest Profile:

Joshua Schultz, Ph.D., P.E., LEED AP, is a structural engineer, educator, and author specializing in lightweight structures, structural glass, mass timber, and long-span structural systems. He currently serves as a Professor of Civil Engineering at Gonzaga University while also leading Schultz Engineering as Principal Engineer and Chief Structures Nerd, where he helps architects and engineers develop innovative structural solutions. Earlier in his career, Joshua worked at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), contributing to the design of high-profile supertall buildings and advanced façade systems. He is also the author of Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture, a comprehensive guide to the analysis and design of lightweight structural systems. Through his work in practice, research, teaching, and writing, Joshua is helping advance the future of structural engineering by bridging innovative design with practical engineering.

Links & Resources:

Book - Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture

• Routledge - https://shorturl.at/qe5Up
• Amazon - https://shorturl.at/m9Jyb

Links of interesting projects

Transparent Shell Typology

Frei Otto and Gridshell

Taiyuan Botanical Garden

Transbay Transit Center

Grace Farms

Joshua's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaschultz

StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd

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In Episode 119, we sit down with Travis Slisher to discuss what great leadership looks like in the engineering profession and why technical expertise alone isn't enough to build successful teams.

Drawing from his own leadership journey, Travis shares the lessons he's learned about earning trust, communicating effectively, developing future leaders, and creating a culture where engineers feel empowered to grow and contribute. We explore the differences between managing projects and leading people, the common leadership mistakes engineers make as they advance in their careers, and how strong leadership influences everything from team morale to project outcomes.

We also discuss how leaders can navigate difficult conversations, maintain accountability during high-pressure projects, and motivate teams through challenging situations. Whether you're an emerging engineer looking to increase your influence or an experienced leader seeking to strengthen your team, this episode offers practical advice that can help you become a more intentional and effective leader.

Guest Profile:

Travis Slisher is a purpose-driven leader at Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC), where he focuses on developing people, improving processes, and building a culture that helps teams succeed. With extensive experience leading multidisciplinary engineering and construction teams, Travis is passionate about servant leadership, organizational culture, and empowering others to reach their full potential. He is also a Certified Small Giants Leader and an active contributor to workforce and industry development throughout Northern Colorado.

Links & Resources:

StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd

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In this episode, we sit down with Claire Gandee from Bekaert to explore how steel fiber reinforced concrete is changing the way engineers design slab-on-grade and industrial floor systems.

Using two comparable projects, one with conventional reinforcement and one with steel fibers, we discuss how the design process changes, what the fibers are actually doing after concrete cracks, and when steel fibers can replace traditional reinforcing steel. Claire explains how fibers influence crack control, joint spacing, durability, constructability, and long-term performance, while also addressing common misconceptions and practical considerations for specifying fiber reinforced concrete.

We also dive into the real-world impacts on cost, schedule, sustainability, and field construction, highlighting where engineers can unlock the greatest value and where conventional reinforcement still has an important role. Whether you design warehouses, data centers, manufacturing facilities, or other concrete slabs, this episode provides practical guidance to help you confidently evaluate when steel fiber reinforced concrete is the right solution.

Guest Profile:

Claire Gandee, ME, is a senior technical manager at Bekaert, where she works with engineers, owners, and contractors to optimize slab-on-ground and industrial floor systems using steel fiber reinforced concrete. Drawing on her background in concrete design software and structural applications, Claire helps project teams improve constructability, performance, and sustainability through innovative reinforcement solutions. She is a frequent speaker and educator on industrial concrete floors, steel fiber reinforcement, and practical design methodologies.

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Bekaert Corporation.

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StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd

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