In a landmark decision for the construction industry, the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) approved code changes that permit mass timber as a structural system in buildings up to 18 stories tall. Washington became the first state in the nation to integrate tall mass timber provisions directly into its building code without requiring alternative […]
Structural steel embedded within masonry walls has served as a reliable load-bearing system for over a century, yet corrosion remains a persistent threat. When moisture contacts unprotected steel, oxidation produces rust scale occupying up to ten times the original metal volume, damaging both steel and masonry. Understanding corrosion mechanisms, assessing section loss, and implementing maintenance
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has released three new research reports on cold-formed steel specification for shear wall systems in mid-rise construction. These studies, conducted at McGill University, represent a significant step forward in understanding how cold-formed steel (CFS) framing behaves under lateral loads, enabling engineers to design taller, more efficient buildings with
Loadbearing masonry walls have been a foundational element of building construction for centuries, offering durability, fire resistance, and thermal mass that few modern systems can match. However, the structural behavior of these walls depends on continuous load paths and proper support conditions — factors that are easily compromised during renovations. When loadbearing masonry walls are
The Eads Bridge across the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri and East St. Louis, Illinois stands as one of the most significant engineering achievements of the 19th century. Designed by James B. Eads and opened on July 4, 1874, it was the first steel structure bridge in the United States and remains an iconic
Infrastructure construction demands materials and methods that balance structural integrity, cost efficiency, and long-term durability. Among the most widely used components in drainage and conveyance systems are precast concrete box culverts, which carry stormwater, sewage, and industrial waste beneath roads, railways, and developed sites. Until recently, designers and engineers lacked a dedicated standard for the
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has long been a cornerstone of structural engineering standards, providing the technical foundation that guides how concrete is specified, tested, and placed in construction projects worldwide. When the ACI Foundation launched a dedicated fellowship for the Carolinas chapter, it signaled something important about the future of the industry: professional development
The American Wood Council (AWC) has long served as a critical resource for engineers, architects, and builders working with wood-frame structures. One of its most valuable publications is the workbook titled Design of Wood Frame Buildings for High Wind, Snow, and Seismic Loads, which provides design examples and checklists for wood-frame structures in compliance with
A new report from Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty (AGCS) reveals a dramatic shift in the global landscape of supertall building construction. North America now accounts for only 16 percent of the world’s tallest buildings, while Southeast Asia holds 48 percent and the Middle East 30 percent. More than half of the planet’s highest-rising structures
When a builder or structural engineer takes on a renovation or retrofit of an existing steel-framed building, one of the first challenges is identifying exactly what steel sections were used in the original construction. Unlike modern construction where standardized shapes follow well-documented specifications, buildings erected between the late 19th century and the mid-20th century often
