The Structural Engineering Podcast

Structural engineering podcast by Max and Zach. Join in weekly as we discuss structural engineering topics and experiences.

Episode 89 - Building Understanding - Mola 09/04/2024

Episode 89 - Building Understanding - Mola Exciting news! We sat down with Marcio Sequeira, the founder of Mola, to discuss the latest innovations behind the Mola 4, and the roots of Mola as a learning tool in an academic setting and now as so much more. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on the future of integrating structural dynamics—listen till the end to learn about products in the pipeline. Check out Mola 4 here: /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/32889522

Episode 88 - Ultra High Performance Continues 05/21/2024

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, and reach out to if you have any questions at all. Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/31395847

Episode 87 - How strong is your understanding of UHPC? 05/07/2024

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 Performance! So sit back and let us ask the dumb questions while we learn about UHPC, the many advantrages, and where we might see it in the future. Fun Links: Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/31151813

Episode 86 - Succesfully Engineering A Career 04/23/2024

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 teaching Masonry design and finally wood elements, It seems Scott has seen it all, so join in, and I have a feeling you'll take some good lessons away from this conversation. Check out Louisiana Pacific products here: Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/30911473

Episode 85 - Long Spans - Short Timelines, Mr. Beasts Engineer 04/02/2024

Episode 85 - Long Spans - Short Timelines, Mr. Beasts Engineer 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 involved in, and don't hesitate to share any questions you have for him. Also, The structural Python Course is getting so close to launch. If you're interested in joining in or learning more, the course will only be available to those on the email list, so head to to check it out. And, Connor put together a great video highlighting some of the advantages of being able to create your own calculation software so take a look at that to spark some problem solving creativity. Mr. Beast Dominos (This is different knowing an engineer was involved): Python Link: Modern Steel Magazine: Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/30639868

Episode 84 - MF Vs BF, Pick Your Team 03/19/2024

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 closer to the launch of connors course (Episode 77), I'll certainly be joining in and I even get the chance to learn a little python for this episode to help team BF win. So check out his link below. Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/30438243

Episode 83 - Engineering Sales: Curiosity's Role 03/05/2024

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, offering essential insights for our professional journey. Check out more of Marks work at the link below. And I also wanted to link in Connor's (Episode 77) new Python course, I'll certainly be joining in since I see this as a beneficial future set of skills for our profession: Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/30238773

Episode 82 - Financial Engineering 02/20/2024

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. This is a great story for all the engineers with a pocket full of "numbers" questions, and we finally have the right person to ask. So join in while we learn how we should think about this critical, and engineering adjacent, decision framework for your work life. Ryan Website can be found here: https://www.obpfinancial.com/ And I also wanted to link in Connor's (Episode 77) new Python course, I'll certainly be joining in since I see this as a beneficial future set of skills for our profession: Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/30015543

Episode 81 - Keeping the Fire Out 02/06/2024

Episode 81 - Keeping the Fire Out This Episode we continue our series of conversations at Louisiana 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 design, where exactly the responsibilty falls, and how structural engineers can make better more efficient buildings with even a little understanding in this area. As always, reach out to us on the email below with any questions at all, If we dont know the answer we will happily pass it along to Scott. Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/29822163

Episode 80 - The future of Mass Timber - Countless Reasons To Learn 01/23/2024

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 find ourselves in a prime position to expand our knowledge and contribute to the advancement of structural engineering in this domain. Our guest for this episode is Mark Robertson, a trailblazer who has been at the forefront of the Mass Timber movement throughout his entire career. Join the conversation, and feel free to pose any questions you may have for him or for us. Let's explore the exciting developments in Mass Timber together! /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/29605163

Episode 79 - The Engineering of Building Science 01/09/2024

Episode 79 - The Engineering of Building Science This Episode will be the first part of our Louisiana Pacific Building Solutions series put together when Zach 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 absolute expert in building science and moisture and thermal control in a structure. We start with the intro of what exactly a building scientist does for the other Structural Engineers that can only guess, and move into some of the detailing items and questions we should be addressing in every design. Enjoy, and feel free to write in if you have any questions for us or Neil. Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/29379998

Episode 78 - Done with the podcast? 12/01/2023

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: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/28878138

Episode 77 - Open Source 11/05/2023

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 find, like I did, that understanding the programs we use at a deeper level will absolutely make us better in our field, and it's pretty dang fun to learn as well. Please take a look at all these links picked out of today's episode: Structural Python - Git Hub - Spyder - Pynite - Pycba - Pystra - python structural reliability analysis - Jupyter Lab - Spekle - Excel is evil (presentation) - selenium - ospgrillage - Bridge deck grillage analysis - OpenSeesPy - Why I left SE - Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/28516172

Episode 76 - Building Tall 10/19/2023

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 way's they're different than our normal office buildings. Below are some great links on the subject including many of the buildings we discussed: Park Tower: Tower in Amazon Campus: 150 North Riverside: SkyRise Miami: Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/28361945

Episode 75 - Equity, Education, and Growing in Your Career 08/16/2023

Episode 75 - Equity, Education, and Growing in Your Career This week we get to talk with Jordan Jarrett, an engineer with an impressive career that includes being a structural engineering consultant at a renowned firm and then teaching mechanics and structural design at a university. She has seen a broad spectrum of the resources that structural engineers have for education in and beyond college, and she shares tips on navigating your career. This talk covers numerous and varied topics, but common themes include the importance of inclusion in academia and industry, the necessity of being a life-long learner, and the benefit of professional organizations. Enjoy the talk and check out some of the links below. LinkedIn: SE3 Publications: Join SE3: STRUCTURE Magazine: A Case for Flexible Work: Black engineers disproportionately face barriers in states with licensing restrictions: NCSEA Membership: ASCE Membership: Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/27766068

Episode 74 - Starting with 2050 07/31/2023

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 embodied Carbon. Some Helpful Links: Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/27608730

Episode 73 - Negotiating Your Career 07/17/2023

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 have the chance to have Dan come help your team, listen to the end of the show for a special deal on the coaching Dan provides for podcas listeners. A couple links I reccomend checking out: /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/27481578

Episode 72 - Building With The Future in Mind 01/01/2023

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 usual but we think its valuable information to understand moving ahead in our careers and as an industry, enjoy! Some Helpful Links: Reach out to us: Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/25475784

Episode 71 - Dampers, How to Shake it up and Slow it Down 12/13/2022

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 on many of the largest and most interesting projects out there. 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 conversation while we learn a little more about the practical terms of a damper, weight and volume requirements, and the many systems available to the designer. Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/25307181

Episode 70 - School-Masters-Your First Job 11/14/2022

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 internship and why he chose a masters. If your either getting started in the working world yourself, or bringing on your first junior engineer, this will be a great episode for you. If you have any questions, feel free to send us an email, and otherwise it's great to be back. Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/24969234

Episode 69 - The Art of Mass Timber 11/01/2022

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 ones that have stood out to Robert throughout his career. If you have any questions, feel free to send us an email, and otherwise it's great to be back. (On sale till Nov 7th!) Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/24866850

Episode 68 - Should you be a sales Engineer? 03/14/2022

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 this year’s Steel Conference on March 23rd through the 25th swing by booth 2203 and meet Jason in person. Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/22452899

Episode 67 - Pultruded FRP 02/08/2022

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 first succesful FRP project. Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/22058480

Episode 66 - GC and SE walk into a bar... 02/02/2022

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! Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/21992096

Episode 65 - Concrete for Christmas 12/21/2021

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. /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/21553931

Episode 64 - Shingle It 10/28/2021

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 that they will. We hope you enjoy the episode, and check out their website below. /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/20965340

Episode 63 - Blast Design with Jon Schmidt 10/22/2021

Episode 63 - Blast Design with Jon Schmidt This week we are talking with Jon Schmidt a structural engineer with Burns and McDonnell about blast design and the loads of which are applied to structures. We enjoyed speaking with Jon and hope to discuss different topics in the future. Let us know what your thought are about the episode! Email: [email protected] /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/20900423

Episode 62 - How Do You S.O.G. 09/14/2021

Episode 62 - How Do You S.O.G. Welcome back to the structural engineering podcast! It's been a busy few months and we're finally getting around to editing some of the conversations we've had in that time. This episode Zach and Max discuss our take on Slab on Grade Design with added tips and tricks picked up at the World Of Concrete Convention. We hope you enjoy, and since this can be a hotly debated topic, if you disagree with anything we've brought up, we'd love to talk about it. /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/20463149

Episode 61 - Mighty Buildings 06/17/2021

Episode 61 - Mighty Buildings In this episode we talk with Sam Ruben, the Co-founder of Mighty Buildings, a company attempting to change the way we build residential and even commercial structures through 3D printing. At the SEP we believe the future of structures should, and will, look a lot different then our current practice. (Do you know how long we've been building houses with wood!?) If I were to place a bet, I think 3D printing will be a big portion of that, and these guys have a very cool system to help us get there. /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/19506428

Episode 60 - Sustainability with Holmes 06/03/2021

Episode 60 - Sustainability with Holmes This week we talk with Megan Stringer and Erik Kneer of Holmes Structures. Both Megan and Erik are committed advocates for more sustainable practices in structural design. I admittedly didn't know how much SE's could do to reduce the total carbon emissions of a building project, but I was happy to find not only do we have a role in this space, but it's truly crucial to a sustainable, low carbon future. /episode/index/show/structure3d/id/19343102

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