The Structural Engineering Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with forensic structural engineer Mark Duckett, PE, SI, from Robson Forensic to explore what happens when engineering decisions are examined long after a project is complete.

We discuss the role of expert witnesses, what the legal system means by "standard of care," and how forensic engineers use the scientific method to investigate failures, defects, and construction disputes. Mark explains the difference between simply disagreeing with a design approach and identifying a true breach of professional responsibility, while sharing insights into how root causes are uncovered in complex structural cases.

We also explore the skills required to succeed in forensic engineering, the value of technical writing and communication, and what practicing engineers can do today to reduce future risk. Whether you're interested in forensic investigations, expert witness work, or simply becoming a better structural engineer, this episode offers a unique look at our profession through the lens of evidence, accountability, and lessons learned.

Guest Profile:

Mark Duckett, P.E., S.I., is a forensic structural engineer with nearly 40 years of experience in structural design, inspection, failure analysis, and professional liability investigations. He has designed and inspected everything from custom homes and high-rises to industrial facilities, marine structures, and specialty projects. As an Associate with Robson Forensic, Mark investigates structural failures, construction defects, code compliance issues, and standard-of-care matters, bringing decades of real-world engineering experience to complex disputes and litigation.

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Robson Forensic.

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In Episode 116, we explore the world of nonlinear structural analysis and performance-based seismic design. We discuss when nonlinear methods become necessary, how pushover analysis helps engineers understand building behavior beyond elastic limits, and where these advanced tools fit within modern codes and standards.

The conversation covers modeling challenges, common misconceptions, software workflows, seismic performance objectives, and real-world applications where nonlinear analysis can fundamentally change design decisions. We also look ahead to how increased computing power, AI, and evolving design practices may make advanced analysis more accessible to the next generation of structural engineers.

Guest Profile:

Anurag Upadhyay, Ph.D., is a freelance technology consultant who specializes in performance-based seismic design, nonlinear analysis, and advanced computational modeling. His work has focused on helping engineers better understand structural behavior beyond elastic limits through tools such as pushover analysis and nonlinear response history analysis. Anurag is also an active educator and developer of open-source resources that make advanced seismic analysis more accessible to practicing engineers.

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In this episode, we dive into facade engineering and explore how building skins are designed to accommodate wind, seismic drift, thermal movement, construction tolerances, and long-term building behavior. We discuss the different types of facade systems, the loads they are designed for, and why movement joints are one of the most critical and often misunderstood parts of facade design.

The conversation covers slip joints, story drift, facade deflection criteria, joint sizing, masonry veneer challenges, and the coordination required between structural engineers, facade engineers, architects, and contractors. We also discuss common detailing mistakes, constructability concerns, and practical lessons engineers can apply to improve facade performance and reduce costly field issues.

Schematic Detail provided by BHB

If you would like the presentation slides or access to the presentation recording by Jeff, reach out to him at [email protected].

Jeff also suggest for additional expertise on this topic, connect with Kirsten Zeydel with Nevell Group. She gives an excellent presentation about all these tricky slip conditions.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-zeydel-48212495/

Email: [email protected]

Additional Resources:

https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/gcr/2016/NIST.GCR.16-917-38.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.structuremag.org/article/challenges-in-cladding-design/

https://www.bhbengineers.com/articles/a-new-approach-exterior-metal-stud-design

Guest Profile:

Jeff Thomas, PE, is a Senior Associate at BHB Structural Engineers with extensive experience in building design, seismic engineering, and project leadership. A graduate of the University of Utah, Jeff has spent his career helping deliver a wide range of structural projects throughout the western United States while mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by CalcBook, the go-to calculation platform built specifically for structural engineers. Whether you're designing steel connections, concrete members, or timber framing, CalcBook helps you create transparent, organized, and code-referenced calculations in a fraction of the time.

Spend less time formatting spreadsheets and more time engineering. Check them out at CalcBook.com.

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In Episode 114, we dig into buckling restrained braced frames with Brandt Saxey, SE, of CoreBrace.

We talk through how BRBFs work, what makes them different from traditional concentrically braced frames, and why yielding in both tension and compression without global buckling makes them such an effective seismic system. The conversation also covers brace behavior, energy dissipation, detailing considerations, coordination with manufacturers, common design misconceptions, and how BRBs are being used in mass timber and other modern structural systems.

Guest Profile:

Brandt Saxey, SE, is the VP of Preconstruction Sales / Technical Director at CoreBrace. He brings deep technical experience in buckling restrained brace systems, including design support, preconstruction coordination, and helping engineers understand how BRBFs behave in real projects. His work sits at the intersection of seismic design, constructability, manufacturer coordination, and practical application of BRBs in modern structures.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by IDEA StatiCa.

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

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In this episode, we dig into the future of structural engineering software with the North American CEO and Chief Product Officer of IDEA StatiCa.

We talk through why connection design is such a difficult problem to solve digitally, where traditional spreadsheets and simplified checks can fall short, and how engineers can balance speed, analytical rigor, and judgment. The conversation also covers AI, automation, interoperability, software adoption, and what skills young engineers need to build as structural design workflows continue to evolve.

Guest Profile:

Stephanie Bourgeois Kennard is the North American CEO of IDEA StatiCa, bringing a leadership perspective on software adoption, customer needs, and how structural engineering workflows are evolving across the industry.

Vojtěch Chalupa is the Chief Product Officer at IDEA StatiCa, where he helps guide product strategy and development for tools used by structural engineers around the world. His work focuses on improving connection design workflows, interoperability, and practical software solutions for real-world engineering problems.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by IDEA StatiCa.

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In this episode, we dig into structural connection design and explore why connections are far more than just the final step of a project. We talk through how engineers approach connections as critical components that influence constructability, architectural expression, fabrication efficiency, and even the overall behavior of the structure itself.

We break down how engineers think about clean and efficient connection detailing, why exposed connections often require much earlier coordination in the design process, and how lessons from tension structures and "form follows force" design can shape the way engineers approach everyday projects. The conversation also covers the balance between engineering judgment and software automation, the risks of black-box design workflows, how digital tools can improve collaboration between engineers, fabricators, and detailers, and what AI and parametric design may mean for the future of connection engineering.

Guest Profile:

Andrea Castelo is a Technical Manager - Structural Engineer at IDEA StatiCa specializing in steel connection design, constructability, and engineering workflows that improve collaboration between engineers, detailers, and fabricators.

Johan Lozada is a Product Engineer at IDEA StatiCa focused on structural steel connection design, BIM integration, and workflow automation for complex steel structures. Together, they work closely with the structural engineering industry to help engineers solve challenging connection problems and streamline real-world design workflows.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by IDEA StatiCa.

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

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In this episode, we dig into structural glass design and explore why glass in buildings can be far more than a transparent enclosure. We talk through how engineers approach glass as a true structural material in systems where stiffness, redundancy, detailing, and post-breakage behavior can be just as important as ultimate strength.

We break down how engineers think about glass in tension, compression, and bending, how laminated assemblies and interlayers improve resilience, and why connections often control the performance of the entire system. The conversation also covers the differences between annealed, heat-strengthened, and fully tempered glass, how standards and testing inform design, common misconceptions about brittleness and safety, and why close collaboration between architects, fabricators, and engineers is essential when ambitious transparent structures are the goal.

Guest Profile:

Matt Soda, P.Eng., PE, SE is a Structural Project Engineer with RJC Engineers, where he specializes in structural glass and facade engineering. His work focuses on delivering high-performance glass systems that balance architectural vision with structural behavior, constructability, and long-term durability. He brings hands-on experience designing elegant transparent structures and insight into one of the most technically demanding materials used in modern construction.

Links & Resources:

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

Excellent references for architects and engineers interested in glass design:

Home - Structural Glass Design Manual

Erin Mills Town Centre – Globe Structure | glassonweb.com

Structural Glass Engineering in North America - RJC Engineers

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In this episode, we dig into entertainment and retail design and explore why venues can't be engineered by code compliance alone. We talk through how structural engineers approach performance-driven spaces like concert venues, theaters, and experiential retail where vibration, rigging, sightlines, and serviceability often control the design more than strength.

We break down how engineers think about vibration tolerance and human perception, how rigging grids are designed for unknown future shows, and why exposed structure can either elevate architecture or become a liability. The conversation also covers adaptive reuse of malls and anchor boxes, what engineers look for when evaluating existing buildings, common misconceptions about reuse and overbuilding, how structural testing and "detective work" inform decisions, and why early engineering involvement is critical when design intent is ambitious but budgets and sites are constrained.

Guest Profile:

Travis Corigliano, PE, SE, is a Principal at Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA) in Seattle, where he leads the firm's Retail & Entertainment market sector. His work focuses on designing spaces where people actively choose to go like concert venues, immersive entertainment, and redeveloped retail environments balancing strong architectural intent with structural performance, constructability, and long‑term flexibility.

Links & Resources:

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

Structural Trivia:

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In this episode, we dig into flood and wave design and explore when water transitions from a site consideration into a true structural load case. We talk through how engineers identify flood risk, interpret FEMA flood maps, and determine when flood, wave, or debris loads must be considered—especially for engineers who typically design in dry conditions.

We break down the difference between flood loads and wave impact, how elevated structures, piles, and breakaway walls behave under water-driven forces, and where standard structural intuition starts to fall apart. The conversation also covers how ASCE 7, ASCE 24, and FEMA guidance are used in practice, common misconceptions around seawalls and shoreline protection, how engineers communicate risk to clients, and what the future of coastal design may look like as conditions continue to evolve.

Links & Resources:

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

Structural Trivia:

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In this episode, we explore structural engineering through an unexpected lens: LEGO. What starts as a simple building toy becomes a powerful way to explain fundamental concepts like load paths, stability, and structural behavior.

We discuss how the idea began, why physical models can communicate more clearly than sketches or equations, and the first moment it became clear this approach actually works. The conversation highlights which concepts translate best to LEGO, where the analogies break down, and how to balance simplicity with technical accuracy.

Links & Resources:

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

Structural Trivia:

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