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The Structural Engineering Podcast

The Structural Engineering Podcast

Max and Zach 128 Episodes Sep 16, 2026

The Structural Engineering Podcast is hosted by Max and Zach and explores the practice of structural design and the engineering behind the built environment. Episodes cover real-world design challenges, the stories behind notable structures, and insights from working professionals in the field. The show features industry interviews and practical experiences aimed at practicing engineers, students, and anyone curious about how buildings stand up. It blends technical discussion with relatable career and project stories.

Episodes

Episode 125 - The Building Doesn't Match the Drawings
Episode 125 - The Building Doesn't Match the Drawings Sep 16, 2026 01:03:46 In this episode, we explore the unique challenges of structural engineering in existing buildings, where the drawings don't always match what's actually in the field. We discuss how engineers navigate unknown conditions, undocumented modifications, aging materials, and the constraints that can make seemingly simple projects incredibly complex. We also dive into creative problem solving how to avoi
Episode 124 - Your Concrete Numbers Are Wrong. Does It Matter?
Episode 124 - Your Concrete Numbers Are Wrong. Does It Matter? Sep 9, 2026 53:15 In this episode, we take a closer look at the concrete mixture requirements structural engineers encounter in ACI 318. We explore where the familiar values for water-to-cementitious-material ratio, air content, aggregate size, cement type, and durability requirements come from—and what they mean for the concrete we specify on our projects. We discuss how ACI durability exposure classes influence m
Episode 123 - What's Next for Structural Steel?
Episode 123 - What's Next for Structural Steel? Sep 2, 2026 01:27:46 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
Episode 122 - The Role of Structural Engineers in Resilience
Episode 122 - The Role of Structural Engineers in Resilience Aug 26, 2026 58:47 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
Episode 121 - Are Structural Engineers Too Dependent on Codes?
Episode 121 - Are Structural Engineers Too Dependent on Codes? Aug 19, 2026 01:19:45 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
Episode 120 – How Glass & Grid Shells Make the Impossible Possible
Episode 120 – How Glass & Grid Shells Make the Impossible Possible Aug 5, 2026 01:22:16 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 structu
Episode 119 - Can Great Engineers Be Bad Leaders?
Episode 119 - Can Great Engineers Be Bad Leaders? Jul 22, 2026 59:07 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 empow
Episode 118 - Do You Really Need Rebar?
Episode 118 - Do You Really Need Rebar? Jul 8, 2026 01:03:14 In this episode, we sit down with Claire Gandee from Bekaert to explore how steel fiber reinforced concrete is changing the way engineers design slab-on-grade and industrial floor systems. Using two comparable projects, one with conventional reinforcement and one with steel fibers, we discuss how the design process changes, what the fibers are actually doing after concrete cracks, and when steel f
Episode 117 - When Design Becomes Evidence
Episode 117 - When Design Becomes Evidence Jun 24, 2026 01:04:26 In this episode, we sit down with forensic structural engineer Mark Duckett, PE, SI, from Robson Forensic to explore what happens when engineering decisions are examined long after a project is complete. We discuss the role of expert witnesses, what the legal system means by "standard of care," and how forensic engineers use the scientific method to investigate failures, defects, and construction
Episode 116 - Nonlinear Twists: An Easy Path into Complex Structure
Episode 116 - Nonlinear Twists: An Easy Path into Complex Structure Jun 10, 2026 01:05:42 In Episode 116, we explore the world of nonlinear structural analysis and performance-based seismic design. We discuss when nonlinear methods become necessary, how pushover analysis helps engineers understand building behavior beyond elastic limits, and where these advanced tools fit within modern codes and standards. The conversation covers modeling challenges, common misconceptions, software wor
Episode 115 - The Gap That Saves Buildings
Episode 115 - The Gap That Saves Buildings Jun 3, 2026 53:57 In this episode, we dive into facade engineering and explore how building skins are designed to accommodate wind, seismic drift, thermal movement, construction tolerances, and long-term building behavior. We discuss the different types of facade systems, the loads they are designed for, and why movement joints are one of the most critical and often misunderstood parts of facade design. The convers
Episode 114 - Yielding for a Better Brace
Episode 114 - Yielding for a Better Brace May 27, 2026 01:00:03 In Episode 114, we dig into buckling restrained braced frames with Brandt Saxey, SE, of CoreBrace. We talk through how BRBFs work, what makes them different from traditional concentrically braced frames, and why yielding in both tension and compression without global buckling makes them such an effective seismic system. The conversation also covers brace behavior, energy dissipation, detailing con

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