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.

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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!

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 performance of ETFE, we break down how these systems work, where they shine, and what engineers need to consider when designing them.

Tune in to hear how these structures balance form, efficiency, and constructability — and why “lightweight” doesn’t mean simple.

Structural Trivia:

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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!

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 response officials. Tune in to hear real stories and learn how emergency response work changes the way you design long after the crisis is over.

Links & Resources:

Scott Colllins: [email protected]

Mike Riccitiello: [email protected]

Episode 85 - Long Spans - Short Timelines, Mr. Beast's Engineer

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

Structural Trivia:

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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!

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 lighthearted celebration as we dive into a special Q&A segment.

Links & Resources:

StructurEd (our free study tool): theengineeringpodcast.com/structured

Structural Trivia:

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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 grown into a powerful, cloud-based platform built by engineers for engineers.

We dive into the full journey:

• How the idea for CalcBook was born
• The leap from side project to startup
• Challenges of building a technical product for a technical audience
• Lessons learned from launching and growing in a niche industry
• The future of digital tools in structural engineering

Whether you’re an engineer, entrepreneur, or just curious about how innovation happens in our field, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and inspiration.

Links & Resources:

• Try CalcBook: calcbook.com. Use promo code SEPOD for 50% off your first three months!
• StructurEd (our free study tool): theengineeringpodcast.com/structured
• NCSEA Salary Survey: LINK

Structural Trivia:

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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 from Kramer Gehlen & Associates to dive into the world of post-tensioned (PT) concrete design. Ryan walks us through the fundamentals of PT systems, their advantages over conventional reinforced concrete, and what engineers should consider when designing and detailing these systems in the field. 

We discuss everything from tendon layout and serviceability checks to construction sequencing, stressing operations, and long-term deflection control. Ryan also shares some of the most common mistakes he sees in PT design and how clear communication between the engineer, detailer, and contractor can make or break a project.  

Whether you’re new to PT or have years of experience designing slabs and podium decks, this episode offers insights you can apply to your next project.  

Topics Covered:

- Basics of post-tensioned concrete and how it differs from mild-reinforced systems  

- Design considerations for slab geometry, tendon layout, and anchorage zones  

- Common field challenges during stressing and construction  

- Strategies for controlling cracking, camber, and long-term deflection  

About Our Guest:  

Ryan Musgrove, P.E., is a Senior Project Manager with Kramer Gehlen & Associates, where he focuses on building design across a range of materials, including post-tensioned concrete and steel systems. His experience bridges design and construction, bringing a practical approach to complex structural systems.  

Resources Mentioned: 

- PTI Design and Construction of Post-Tensioned Slabs  

- ACI 318 provisions for prestressed concrete  

- www.kramergehlen.com  

Structural Trivia:

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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 world of timber documentation.

We explore the challenges of designing with mass timber, navigating code compliance, coordinating across disciplines, and managing ever-evolving changes and how Spec Toolbox helps engineers stay ahead. Whether you're deep in the weeds of timber detailing or just curious about the future of structural tools, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at innovation in action.

Join our structural trivia! A quick email mid-week will keep you sharp (FYI - Survey Monkey is often re-directed to the spam folder)  Here 

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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 could transform how engineers work, build, and innovate. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or already experimenting with AI tools, this episode is your starting blueprint for what’s coming next.

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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? https://www.aisc.org/publications/design-guides/

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https://forms.gle/2JRqawfiGn1dWy3g9

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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 involves mistakes; they only become a complete loss when we fail to learn from them.

Structural Trivia:

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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 14

Mettalic Yield Damper - Wild

Sustainability meets High Seismic

Mast Frames

Structural Trivia:

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