This episode we get to talk with Amanda Dean, one of the group of Structural Engineers diving in to the equality of our profession and making sure it is enjoyed and pursued by the most qualified individuals to make a better built environment.Take a look at the SE3 page here: http://www.se3project.org/A great SE3 video as an introduction: HereThe TED talk we mentioned: Here Also, we are starting a structural trivia, Just two emails a week, 6 questions total. Facts only, generally referencing code books. A great way to stay sharp, don't just be the best in your office, prove it. Here or belowhttps://forms.gle/2JRqawfiGn1dWy3g9 Reach out to us:InstagramLinkedInEmail: info@theengineeringpodcast.com
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. Download the latest version of IDEA StatiCa Software | IDEA StatiCa 14-Day Free Trial | IDEA StatiCaLinks & Resources:StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEdReach out to us:TheEngineeringPodcast.comInstagramLinkedinDisclaimer: Here
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.Download the latest version of IDEA StatiCa Software | IDEA StatiCa 14-Day Free Trial | IDEA StatiCa Links & Resources:StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEdReach out to us:TheEngineeringPodcast.comInstagramLinkedinDisclaimer: Here
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. Download the latest version of IDEA StatiCa Software | IDEA StatiCa 14-Day Free Trial | IDEA StatiCaLinks & Resources:StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEdReach out to us:TheEngineeringPodcast.comInstagramLinkedinDisclaimer: Here
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/StructurEdExcellent 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 EngineersReach out to us:TheEngineeringPodcast.comInstagramLinkedin