In this episode, we dig into structural connection design and explore why connections are far more than just the final step of a project. We talk through how engineers approach connections as critical components that influence constructability, architectural expression, fabrication efficiency, and even the overall behavior of the structure itself.

We break down how engineers think about clean and efficient connection detailing, why exposed connections often require much earlier coordination in the design process, and how lessons from tension structures and "form follows force" design can shape the way engineers approach everyday projects. The conversation also covers the balance between engineering judgment and software automation, the risks of black-box design workflows, how digital tools can improve collaboration between engineers, fabricators, and detailers, and what AI and parametric design may mean for the future of connection engineering.

Guest Profile:

Andrea Castelo is a Technical Manager - Structural Engineer at IDEA StatiCa specializing in steel connection design, constructability, and engineering workflows that improve collaboration between engineers, detailers, and fabricators. Johan Lozada is a Product Engineer at IDEA StatiCa focused on structural steel connection design, BIM integration, and workflow automation for complex steel structures. Together, they work closely with the structural engineering industry to help engineers solve challenging connection problems and streamline real-world design workflows.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by IDEA StatiCa.

Links & Resources:

StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd

Reach out to us:

TheEngineeringPodcast.com

Instagram

Linkedin

Disclaimer: Here

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

Reach out to us:

TheEngineeringPodcast.com

Instagram

Linkedin

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.

Reach out to us:

TheEngineeringPodcast.com

Instagram

Linkedin

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

Instagram

Linkedin

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

Instagram

Linkedin

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

Instagram

Linkedin

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by CalcBook, the go-to calculation platform built specifically for structural engineers. Whether you're designing steel connections, concrete members, or timber framing, CalcBook helps you create transparent, organized, and code-referenced calculations in a fraction of the time.

Spend less time formatting spreadsheets and more time engineering. Check them out at CalcBook.com.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into mast frames a hybrid seismic system that challenges the traditional boundaries between elastic and energy‑dissipating components. Using the Samuel Merritt University project as a case study, we unpack why the design team stepped away from conventional BRB‑only frames and moment‑frame/dual systems, and instead embraced a BRBM (Buckling‑Restrained Brace + Mast) approach.

We explore how mast frames redistribute stiffness, improve drift control, and preserve architectural openness in ways that standard systems struggle to match. From nonlinear response history analysis to capacity design of mast members, we walk through the technical decisions that shaped the system. We also get into the practical realities detailing strategies that allow the mast to rock, base connections that handle massive overturning forces, and the construction challenges of erecting a tall, stiff truss inside a transparent building.

Finally, we zoom out to discuss where mast frames fit in the future of seismic design. Will hybrid systems like BRBM become more common in dense urban environments? How might codes evolve to better capture their behavior? And what lessons should engineers carry forward before attempting a similar system on their own project?

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

Instagram

Linkedin

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by NEXT Insurance; affordable, engineer-friendly liability coverage starting at just $29/month, designed to give structural engineers the protection they need with zero hassle. Go to NextInsurance.com/sepodcast and get a free quote today!

In this episode, we break down the landmark introduction of Chapter 32 in ASCE 7-22. For the first time, tornado-resistant design moves from a voluntary recommendation to a codified requirement for specific Risk Categories. We explore the probabilistic shift in how we view tornado hazards and the practical hurdles of implementing these loads in the 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 (FYI-Survey Monkey is often re-directed to the spam folder).

Reach out to us:

TheEngineeringPodcast.com

Instagram

Linkedin

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by NEXT Insurance; affordable, engineer-friendly liability coverage starting at just $29/month, designed to give structural engineers the protection they need with zero hassle. Go to NextInsurance.com/sepodcast and get a free quote today!