The Structural Engineering Podcast

Episode 108 - What LEGO Can Teach Structural Engineers

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: Sign up for our structural trivia! A quick email mid-week will keep you sharp.   Reach out to us: TheEngineeringPodcast.com Instagram Linkedin  

Episode 107 – The Structural Logic of High‑End Residential Design

In this episode, we explore the realities of high‑end residential structural engineering, using custom homes in the Hamptons to examine how architectural ambition, homeowner expectations, and constructability intersect. Although single‑family homes dominate the U.S. building stock, this conversation shows why residential work especially at the high end demands careful coordination and judgment. We discuss how the engineer–architect–owner relationship shapes project outcomes, how engineers respond to open‑concept demands and social‑media‑driven ideas, and where early decisions can either unlock or constrain the design. The conversation also dives into renovations, including when selective demolition is necessary, common surprises hidden in existing construction, and how engineers adapt when plans change midstream. Finally, we reflect on lessons learned from managing scope creep and value engineering, to coordinating with contractors and mechanical systems, to handling complex roofs and tight architectural tolerances. The episode closes with practical advice for engineers new to residential work and insights that often surprise those coming from commercial design. Links & Resources: StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd Structural Trivia: Sign up for our structural trivia! A quick email mid-week will keep you sharp. Reach out to us: TheEngineeringPodcast.com Instagram Linkedin 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.

Episode 106 - Mast Frame: Rethinking Seismic Systems

In this episode, we take a deep dive into mast frames a hybrid seismic system that challenges the traditional boundaries between elastic and energy‑dissipating components. Using the Samuel Merritt University project as a case study, we unpack why the design team stepped away from conventional BRB‑only frames and moment‑frame/dual systems, and instead embraced a BRBM (Buckling‑Restrained Brace + Mast) approach. We explore how mast frames redistribute stiffness, improve drift control, and preserve architectural openness in ways that standard systems struggle to match. From nonlinear response history analysis to capacity design of mast members, we walk through the technical decisions that shaped the system. We also get into the practical realities detailing strategies that allow the mast to rock, base connections that handle massive overturning forces, and the construction challenges of erecting a tall, stiff truss inside a transparent building. Finally, we zoom out to discuss where mast frames fit in the future of seismic design. Will hybrid systems like BRBM become more common in dense urban environments? How might codes evolve to better capture their behavior? And what lessons should engineers carry forward before attempting a similar system on their own project? Links & Resources: StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd Structural Trivia: Sign up for our structural trivia! A quick email mid-week will keep you sharp.   Reach out to us: TheEngineeringPodcast.com Instagram Linkedin   Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by NEXT Insurance; affordable, engineer-friendly liability coverage starting at just $29/month, designed to give structural engineers the protection they need with zero hassle. Go to NextInsurance.com/sepodcast and get a free quote today!

Episode 105 - Standardizing Tornado Resilience: Provisions of ASCE 7-22 Chapter 32

In this episode, we break down the landmark introduction of Chapter 32 in ASCE 7-22. For the first time, tornado-resistant design moves from a voluntary recommendation to a codified requirement for specific Risk Categories. We explore the probabilistic shift in how we view tornado hazards and the practical hurdles of implementing these loads in the design.   Links & Resources: StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd   Structural Trivia: Sign up for our structural trivia! A quick email mid-week will keep you sharp (FYI-Survey Monkey is often re-directed to the spam folder).   Reach out to us: TheEngineeringPodcast.com Instagram Linkedin   Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by NEXT Insurance; affordable, engineer-friendly liability coverage starting at just $29/month, designed to give structural engineers the protection they need with zero hassle. Go to NextInsurance.com/sepodcast and get a free quote today!  

Episode 104 - What's Really Holding Up Your Building?

In Episode 104, we dig into the world beneath our buildings, foundation systems. From shallow footings to deep foundations, we explore how engineers match soil behavior, structural demands, and constructability to choose the right system for the job. We break down the fundamentals of spread footings, mats, piles, drilled shafts, and ground‑improvement‑based systems. You'll hear how load paths shift depending on soil conditions, why "simple" footings aren't always simple, and what engineers should watch for when coordinating with geotechnical reports, contractors, and owners. Tune in to hear how foundation systems balance performance, risk, and practicality — and why the most important part of a building is often the part no one ever sees.   Structural Trivia: Sign up for our structural trivia! A quick email mid-week will keep you sharp (FYI-Survey Monkey is often re-directed to the spam folder).    Reach out to us: TheEngineeringPodcast.com Instagram Linkedin   Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by NEXT Insurance; affordable, engineer-friendly liability coverage starting at just $29/month, designed to give structural engineers the protection they need with zero hassle. Go to NextInsurance.com/sepodcast and get a free quote today!