The Structural Engineering Podcast

In this episode, we explore what's next for the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and the future of structural steel. We discuss how AISC's role extends beyond the Steel Manual, how research makes its way into the codes and standards engineers use every day, and the trends shaping the steel industry over the next decade.
We also dive into AISC's 2033 Initiative and what it could mean for engineers, fabricators, and the broader steel industry. Finally, we look at the next generation of structural engineers where new graduates are excelling, where they need more development, and what young engineers should learn to become better steel designers.
Guest Profile:
Dr. Christopher Raebel, P.E., S.E., Ph.D., is Vice President of Engineering and Research at AISC, where he oversees technical activities including standards, research programs, and technical publications. Before joining AISC, Chris spent 12 years in structural engineering practice and later served as a professor, department chair, and director of the Architectural Engineering Program at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. His expertise includes structural steel design, connections, structural robustness, floor vibrations, and engineering education.
Links & Resources:
StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd
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In Episode 122, we explore a question that goes beyond how we design buildings: how do we make our communities more resilient before disaster strikes? We discuss the growing challenges of natural disasters, infrastructure risk, insurance, and the economic consequences of rebuilding after the fact — and why simply designing for the minimum code requirements may not be enough.
We also dive into what it means to "future proof" America, and how engineers can play a role in connecting technical solutions with government, finance, insurance, technology, and community investment. From disaster mitigation and resilience standards to finding new ways to fund projects before a disaster occurs, this episode challenges us to think about structural engineering as part of a much larger system of risk and resilience.
If you like learning about this side of Engineering check out the Disasters Expo conference in mid-October.
Guest Profile:
Richard S. Seline is the Chief Executive and Development Officer of ROAR Partners and Executive Director of the Future Proofing America Collaborative. With more than 40 years of experience connecting government, industry, academia, investment, and communities, Richard has worked on hundreds of projects focused on resilience, economic development, and disaster risk mitigation. His work with ROAR and Future Proofing America focuses on shifting the conversation from recovering from disasters to investing in communities before disasters happen — and developing the standards, resources, and financial mechanisms to make that possible.
Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by The Resilient Architecture and Structural Engineering Expo.
Links & Resources:
Richard Seline on YouTube: youtube.com/@rseline
Future Proofing America: futureproofingamerica.org — The initiative Richard leads, focused on building a more resilient and future-ready America.
Resilience Community Navigator: resiliencecommunitynavigator.org — Resources for navigating community resilience and disaster mitigation.
ROAR Partners: roarpartners.co/about — The "think tank-do tank" collaboration behind much of this work.
FEMA BRIC Program: FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities — Federal funding for projects designed to reduce disaster risk and increase community resilience.
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance: FEMA HMA Programs — Overview of federal hazard mitigation funding programs.
Fitch Ratings — Climate Vulnerability in Infrastructure Project Finance: Fitch Ratings — Proposed criteria for incorporating climate vulnerability into infrastructure project finance ratings.
Stimson Center — Climate-Responsive Resilient Building Codes: Stimson Center — Research on incorporating climate risk and resilience into building codes and standards.
World Bank Climate & Disaster Risk Screening Tools: climatescreeningtools.worldbank.org — Tools for assessing climate and disaster risk during project planning.
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In this episode, we explore the future of structural engineering and what it will take to continue pushing the profession forward. We discuss why innovation can be difficult in a risk-averse industry, how performance-based design is changing the way engineers approach complex structures, and whether our reliance on codes and software is beginning to replace first-principles thinking.
We also dive into the growing role of AI in structural engineering—where it could accelerate design and innovation, where it could create new risks, and what should always remain the responsibility of the engineer. Finally, we discuss the curiosity, judgment, and problem-solving skills that will define exceptional structural engineers over the next 50 years.
Guest Profile:
Ron Klemencic, P.E., S.E., Hon. AIA, is Chairman and CEO of Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA) and a recognized leader in structural engineering innovation. Throughout his career, Ron has helped advance performance-based design and pioneered new structural systems, including SpeedCore. His work on complex and high-rise structures around the world has earned him numerous industry honors and membership in the National Academy of Engineering.
Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored 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.
Links & Resources:
StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd
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In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Schultz, Ph.D., P.E., to explore the engineering behind grid shells and structural glass. We discuss how grid shells achieve remarkable long spans through efficient geometry, the role of form-finding and computational design, and the challenges of analysis, connections, and construction.
We also dive into structural glass, covering its behavior as a structural material, connection design, redundancy, code development, and the projects pushing the boundaries of transparent architecture.
Guest Profile:
Joshua Schultz, Ph.D., P.E., LEED AP, is a structural engineer, educator, and author specializing in lightweight structures, structural glass, mass timber, and long-span structural systems. He currently serves as a Professor of Civil Engineering at Gonzaga University while also leading Schultz Engineering as Principal Engineer and Chief Structures Nerd, where he helps architects and engineers develop innovative structural solutions. Earlier in his career, Joshua worked at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), contributing to the design of high-profile supertall buildings and advanced façade systems. He is also the author of Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture, a comprehensive guide to the analysis and design of lightweight structural systems. Through his work in practice, research, teaching, and writing, Joshua is helping advance the future of structural engineering by bridging innovative design with practical engineering.
Links & Resources:
Book - Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture
Routledge - https://shorturl.at/qe5Up
Amazon - https://shorturl.at/m9Jyb
Links of interesting projects
Transparent Shell Typology
Frei Otto and Gridshell
Taiyuan Botanical Garden
Transbay Transit Center
Grace Farms
Joshua's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaschultz
StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd
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In Episode 119, we sit down with Travis Slisher to discuss what great leadership looks like in the engineering profession and why technical expertise alone isn't enough to build successful teams.
Drawing from his own leadership journey, Travis shares the lessons he's learned about earning trust, communicating effectively, developing future leaders, and creating a culture where engineers feel empowered to grow and contribute. We explore the differences between managing projects and leading people, the common leadership mistakes engineers make as they advance in their careers, and how strong leadership influences everything from team morale to project outcomes.
We also discuss how leaders can navigate difficult conversations, maintain accountability during high-pressure projects, and motivate teams through challenging situations. Whether you're an emerging engineer looking to increase your influence or an experienced leader seeking to strengthen your team, this episode offers practical advice that can help you become a more intentional and effective leader.
Guest Profile:
Travis Slisher is a purpose-driven leader at Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC), where he focuses on developing people, improving processes, and building a culture that helps teams succeed. With extensive experience leading multidisciplinary engineering and construction teams, Travis is passionate about servant leadership, organizational culture, and empowering others to reach their full potential. He is also a Certified Small Giants Leader and an active contributor to workforce and industry development throughout Northern Colorado.
Links & Resources:
StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd
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