The Structural Engineering Podcast

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/StructurEd
Excellent 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 Engineers
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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, sightlines, and serviceability often control the design more than strength.
We break down how engineers think about vibration tolerance and human perception, how rigging grids are designed for unknown future shows, and why exposed structure can either elevate architecture or become a liability. The conversation also covers adaptive reuse of malls and anchor boxes, what engineers look for when evaluating existing buildings, common misconceptions about reuse and overbuilding, how structural testing and "detective work" inform decisions, and why early engineering involvement is critical when design intent is ambitious but budgets and sites are constrained.
Guest Profile:
Travis Corigliano, PE, SE, is a Principal at Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA) in Seattle, where he leads the firm's Retail & Entertainment market sector. His work focuses on designing spaces where people actively choose to go like concert venues, immersive entertainment, and redeveloped retail environments balancing strong architectural intent with structural performance, constructability, and long‑term flexibility.


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.
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TheEngineeringPodcast.com
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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 considered—especially for engineers who typically design in dry conditions.
We break down the difference between flood loads and wave impact, how elevated structures, piles, and breakaway walls behave under water-driven forces, and where standard structural intuition starts to fall apart. The conversation also covers how ASCE 7, ASCE 24, and FEMA guidance are used in practice, common misconceptions around seawalls and shoreline protection, how engineers communicate risk to clients, and what the future of coastal design may look like as conditions continue to evolve.

 
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
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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
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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
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Linkedin
 
Sponsor:

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