Structural engineering

Recent structural collapses of exterior elevated elements (EEEs) such as balconies, walkways, and stairs have drawn increased attention to the inspection and maintenance of these building features. Stucco-clad EEEs exposed to weather present particular risks because the stucco assembly can trap moisture against structural wood members over extended periods. This sustained wetting accelerates decay of

The FIU Bridge Collapse: What Happened and Why It Matters On March 15, 2018, a pedestrian bridge under construction at Florida International University in Miami collapsed catastrophically, killing six people and injuring eight others. The 53-meter (174-foot) span crushed eight vehicles, seven of which were occupied. The bridge, designed as a signature accelerated bridge construction

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

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