PODCAST · science
The Structural Engineering Podcast
by Zach and Max
Hosted by Max and Zach, The Structural Engineering Podcast dives into the world of structural design, real-world engineering challenges, and the stories behind the structures that shape our world. Whether you're a practicing engineer, an aspiring student, or just curious about how buildings stand tall, tune in for expert insights, industry interviews, and relatable experiences from the field.
Episodes
-
Episode 114 - Yielding for a Better Brace
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...
-
Episode 113 - How Software Leaders See the Future of Structural Engineering
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...
-
Episode 112 – Good Connections Make Great Structures
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…
more -
Episode 111 - Can Glass Really Be Structural?
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…
more -
Episode 110 - Venues Aren’t “Just Code”: Vibration, Rigging & Mall Reuse
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…
more -
Episode 109 – How Coastal Structures Hold Back the Ocean
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
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...
-
Episode 103 — Space Frames, Cable Nets, and ETFE Systems
In Episode 103, we dive into space frames, cable nets, and ETFE membrane systems — the lightweight structural forms that make some of today’s most iconic buildings possible. From the geometry that drives space frame efficiency to the tension‑based behavior of cable nets and the surprising...
-
Episode 102 - Navigating Emergency Response Engineering
In Episode 102, we chat with Scott Collins and Mike Riccitiello about the role of structural engineers in emergency response. From the first phone call to on-site triage, we break down how engineers gather information, assess danger, and make judgment calls while coordinating with other emergency...
-
Episode 100 - Max and Zach: Candid Conversations
Celebrating a milestone! This week marks our 100th episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast. We're reflecting on the journey from our very first episode to where we are today. More importantly, we're thanking you, our incredible community of listeners, for your support. Join us for this...
-
Episode 99 - Engineering a Startup: The CalcBook Story
In this episode of the Structural Engineering Podcast, we sit down with the founders of CalcBook, Nick and Peter, a tech startup that’s rethinking how engineers document and share structural calculations. What started as a frustration with scattered spreadsheets and inconsistent workflows has…
more -
Episode 98 - Post-Tensioned Concrete with Ryan Musgrove
This episode is brought to you 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. Episode Summary: In this episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Musgrove...
-
Episode 97 – Innovating Mass Timber Design with SPEC Toolbox
In this episode, we sit down with Adam Jones from SPEC Toolbox, a company reshaping how engineers approach mass timber design. From CLT panels to connection detailing, Spec Toolbox offers a suite of digital tools that streamline workflows, reduce errors, and bring clarity to the often chaotic…
more -
Episode 96 - AI Is Reinventing Structural Engineering
Is AI about to redesign the future of structural engineering? In Episode 96, the Structural Engineering Podcast sits down with a leading AI expert to explore how artificial intelligence is shaking up the AEC industry. From automated design to predictive modeling, we dive into the tech trends that...
-
Episode 95 - Understanding D.G. #1
In this episode, we test our knowledge of an AISC design document, Design Guide #1 - Base Plate Connections. This is the first DG we read as we entered the working world, and we think it's worthwhile to revisit it occasionally. Want to look at all the guides available?...
-
Episode 94 - Famous Failures
In this week's episode, we discuss famous structural engineering failures. From the Hyatt Regency Collapse to Ronan Point, these instances have been crucial in helping us develop our profession and design safer, more appealing structures for the world. Creating the built environment inevitably...
-
Episode 93 - Unique Seismicity
In this episode, we discuss the seismic systems we've used and have dreamed of using, as well as the new systems and latest research. This is a pretty fun overview of the seismic systems available to us, so take a listen and check out all the links below. Dampers Explanation (From Taylor Devices)...
-
Episode 92 - Meetings With The Architect
This episode we are talking with Melissa Lanning, an architect with Infusion Architects based out of Colorado. Melissa is the first architect we've asked to be on the show, it took 5 years of practice but we're ready to talk with the most common client for structural engineers, and learn how we…
more -
Episode 91 - Cellular Hybrid
This week is a conversation with Kee Leung. Kee is the director of Odace engineering, a firm in London that specializes in efficient structural systems, both in design and development. Take a look at the Website here: https://www.odace.co.uk/ A weird instagram link that shows this beam: Here…
more -
Episode 90 - Equity and Egagement SE3
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:...
-
Episode 89 - Our 5 Best?
This episode Zach and Max discuss the 5 most important building to them in the last 5 years, and under construction currently. We have a lot of great technical talks coming up or being edited as we speak, but dive in as we get back to our favorite hobby. Also, we are starting a structural trivia,...
-
Episode 88 - Ultra High Performance Continues
This week we get to continue our education in to UHPC with a discussion with Joe Bunkers from Gage Brothers. Gage Brothers is a group of precast experts helping move the needle on UHPC production and use, take a peak at the links below for a very cool project that comes up in our conversation…
more -
Episode 87 - How strong is your understanding of UHPC?
This weeks episode is about one of the most unique materials we have had in a while. Now you may say this is concrete, which we've been pretty good at since 1300 BC, and while that isnt incorrect, we say its so much more than stone, clay, and limestone from 3300 years ago, this is Ultra High...
-
Episode 86 - Succesfully Engineering A Career
We are lucky enough to have one more episode with Scott Johnson this week. Scott was our primary host at Louisiana Pacific and works in the construction services sector. We had a short conversation with Scott about his career path and quickly decided we wanted to hear more. From the Marines to...
-
Episode 85 - Long Spans And Short Timelines
Welcome to another exciting episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast! Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Scott Collins, an innovative engineer whose remarkable work caught our attention in a recent article in Modern Steel. Join us as we delve into the diverse projects Scott is...
-
Episode 84 - MF Vs BF, Pick your team
This episode of the structural engineering podcast is a showdown of epic proportions, BRACE yourself, or maybe reserve a MOMENT to listen to the show? Zach and Max compete for the best R=3 system and discuss where they hold advantages. So pick your team, and join in. And, We're getting much…
more -
Episode 83 - Engineering Sales: Curiosity's Role
In this episode of the Structural Engineering Podcast, we explore the crucial yet often overlooked topic of sales in engineering with consultant Mark Wainwright. Discover how curiosity enhances both engineering and sales skills as we delve into the interrelated dynamics of client relations,...
-
Episode 82 - Financial Engineering
This week is unique for us, as it's not a direct structural engineering resource but it's a topic that I am certain you need to understand while you plan out your career. Zach and I are talking with Ryan Sullivan, an engineer who left his design job to go after a passion in financial planning.…
more -
Episode 81 - Keeping The Fire Out
This Episode we continue our series of conversations at Luisiana Pacific and this time we get to learn all about fire design. We are talking with Scott Johnson who made the transition from consulting structural engineer to a whole host of tasks and skills at LP. We get to hear all about fire...
-
Episode 80 - The future of Mass Timber - Countless Reasons To Learn
In this installment, we delve further into the realm of Mass Timber design. As the popularity of this material rises, we're looking forward to continuing out education and helping spread the conversation. Our guest for this episode is Mark Robertson, an engineer who has been at the forefront of…
more -
Episode 79 - The Engineering of Building Science
This Episode will be the first part of our Louisiana Pacific series put together when Zack and Max visited LP at their Tennessee headquarters and tried to learn everything we could manage in a few short days. This first conversation is with Neil Freidberg, a building scientist at LP, and an...
-
Episode 78 - Done With The Podcast?
After 4 years we decide if we've hit the end...is the SE podcast done? Join in while we talk about that, some great management discussion, CA PE, SE tests, and so much more. Reach out to us: Instagram LinkedIn Email: [email protected]
-
Episode 77 - Open Source
In todays episode we get to talk with a group of people that are each doing amazing things in the computer programming space as it relates to structural engineering and sharing their work in an open source platform. Listen in to learn about Python, open source, a bit of AI, and much more. You may...
-
Episode 76 - Building Tall
This episode we get the chance to continue our conversation with Jordan Jarrett and learn about a unique design challenge that very few engineers get the opportunity to work on, but we all "literally" look up to. We're talking about tall buildings today, and learning how they work and in what…
more -
Episode 75 - Equity, Education, and Growing in Your Career
This week we get to talk with Jordan Jarrett, an engineer with an impressive career spanning a renowned technical firm to teaching at a college, she's seen a broad spectrum of the resources we have for education beyond college, and shares some tips on navigating your career, enjoy the talk, and...
-
Episode 74 - Starting with 2050
This episode is with Connor Lewer, a structural engineer with Professional Engineering Consultants out of the Colorado office. We're talking with Connor about their steps in the SE2050 movement and take the chance to ask a lot of introductory questions to continue our education in the school of...
-
Episode 73 - Negotiating Your Career
This Episode is unique in its guest but relevant and valuable in content. This week we get the chance to talk with Dan Oblinger, a hostage negotiator, and business coach focusing on the engineering side of things. Zach has had Dan come to his firm and it was a fantastic experience, If you get the...
-
Episode 72 - Building With The Future in Mind
This episode is with Ethan Fogle of HGA Architects and Engineers about some of his work and an itroduction for us regarding sustainability and embodied carbod as it relates to structural engineers. This is a theme that we've wanted to share for a long time so this episode goes a bit longer than...
-
Episode 71 - Dampers, How to Shake it up and Slow it Down
This episode we're talking with Trevor Haskett of motioneering, motioneering is one of the worlds premier firms managing damping systems. If you've ever seen the picture of the large golden ball pendulum type structure in Taipei 101, motioneering would be the team behind it. Enjoy our…
more -
Episode 70 - School-Masters-Your First Job
This week we talk with David Wu, a new engineer recently completing his undergrad, and now finishing up a great internship before grad school. We talk with David about what new engineers can expect from the working world, and we ask about how his education prepared him for his first structural...
-
Episode 69 - The Art of Mass Timber
This week we talk with Robert Malczyk, an experienced engineer on the forefront of mass timber design and the founding principle of Timber Engineering Based in Vancouver BC. We talk about what type of Architect/Engineer relationships we may want to aim for as our careers move forward, and the…
more -
Episode 68 - Should you be a sales Engineer?
This week we talk with Jason Hoover, he's the senior director for structural solution with MITEK. After listening to the episode let us know if you would ever switch over to engineering sales or if you currently are in engineering sales let us know how you like it. If you plan to be in Denver for...
-
Episode 67 - Pultruded FRP
Zach and Max sit down with Jake Althouse, an FRP enthusiast, certainly an expert by my standards, and head of advanced materials at Frost Engineeeing. Jake gave us the run-down on all things FRP. If you've ever wondered when, how, and why to use FRP, this episode will pull(trude) you to your…
more -
Episode 66 - GC and SE walk into a bar...
This week we talk with Chris Whittle a project engineer at a construction company. It's taken some time but we got a contractor to join us on the show. Let us know what your thoughts are on the episode and any questions you might have! Website Instagram LinkedIn FaceBook YouTube Email:...
-
Episode 65 - Concrete for Christmas
In this episode Max gets stuck in the office wrapping up a concrete submittal before the holidays. Luckily Tyler Ley swings by to help save the day and teach us about the miracle of concrete. For more from Tyler, Check out the links below: Tyler's YouTube Additional info on: Aggregate In Concrete...
-
Episode 64 - Shingle It
This week we are talking with Aaron and Wes, the Founders of a new platform for remote and flexible freelance structural work. That's probably not a combination of words you often come across. Shingle is looking to shake up how work is done in the engineering community, and I have a good feeling...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hosted by Max and Zach, The Structural Engineering Podcast dives into the world of structural design, real-world engineering challenges, and the stories behind the structures that shape our world. Whether you're a practicing engineer, an aspiring student, or just curious about how buildings stand tall, tune in for expert insights, industry interviews, and relatable experiences from the field.
HOSTED BY
Zach and Max
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Structural Engineering Podcast have?
The Structural Engineering Podcast currently has 116 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Structural Engineering Podcast about?
Hosted by Max and Zach, The Structural Engineering Podcast dives into the world of structural design, real-world engineering challenges, and the stories behind the structures that shape our world. Whether you're a practicing engineer, an aspiring student, or just curious about how buildings stand...
How often does The Structural Engineering Podcast release new episodes?
The Structural Engineering Podcast publishes regularly with 116 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Structural Engineering Podcast?
You can listen to The Structural Engineering Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Structural Engineering Podcast?
The Structural Engineering Podcast is created and hosted by Zach and Max.
URL copied to clipboard!