The Structural Engineering Podcast

Max and Zach
  • 4.5 (2)
  • COURSES
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Hosted by Max and Zach, The Structural Engineering Podcast dives into the world of structural design, real-world engineering challenges, and the stories behind the structures that shape our world. Whether you're a practicing engineer, an aspiring student, or just curious about how buildings stand tall, tune in for expert insights, industry interviews, and relatable experiences from the field.

  1. 22 HR AGO

    Episode 106 - Mast Frame: Rethinking Seismic Systems

    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!

    49 min

  2. 4 FEB

    Episode 105 - Standardizing Tornado Resilience: Provisions of ASCE 7-22 Chapter 32

    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!

    32 min

  3. 21 JAN

    Episode 104 - What's Really Holding Up Your Building?

    In Episode 104, we dig into the world beneath our buildings, foundation systems. From shallow footings to deep foundations, we explore how engineers match soil behavior, structural demands, and constructability to choose the right system for the job. We break down the fundamentals of spread footings, mats, piles, drilled shafts, and ground‑improvement‑based systems. You'll hear how load paths shift depending on soil conditions, why "simple" footings aren't always simple, and what engineers should watch for when coordinating with geotechnical reports, contractors, and owners. Tune in to hear how foundation systems balance performance, risk, and practicality — and why the most important part of a building is often the part no one ever sees.   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!

    1h 20m

  4. 7 JAN

    Episode 103 - Space Frames, Cable Nets, and ETFE Systems

    In Episode 103, we dive into space frames, cable nets, and ETFE membrane systems. Joining us is Joshua Schultz, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at Gonzaga University, to discuss the lightweight structural forms that make some of today's most iconic buildings possible. From the geometry that drives space frame efficiency to the tension‑based behavior of cable nets and the surprising performance of ETFE, we break down how these systems work, where they shine, and what engineers need to consider when designing them. Tune in to hear how these structures balance form, efficiency, and constructability — and why "lightweight" doesn't mean simple. Links & Resources: Book - Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture Routledge - https://shorturl.at/qe5Up Amazon - https://shorturl.at/m9Jyb Joshua's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaschultz   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!

    1h 5m

  5. 23/12/2025

    Episode 102 - Navigating Emergency Response Engineering

    In Episode 102, we chat with Scott Collins and Mike Riccitiello about the role of structural engineers in emergency response. From the first phone call to on-site triage, we break down how engineers gather information, assess danger, and make judgment calls while coordinating with other emergency response officials. Tune in to hear real stories and learn how emergency response work changes the way you design long after the crisis is over. Links & Resources: Scott Colllins: scollins@collinsstructural.com Mike Riccitiello: mike@atlasnc.com Episode 85 - Long Spans - Short Timelines, Mr. Beast's Engineer 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!

    1h 13m

  6. 10/12/2025

    Episode 101 - Engineering Better Outcomes with Design Build

    In this episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we sit down with Matt Byrum of Hutton to explore the world of design-build delivery. Matt shares how his role connects architecture, engineering and construction, the types of projects where design-build shines, and the cultural shifts it takes for teams to thrive. Links & Resources: Hutton: huttonbuilds.com Structured (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd   Structural Trivia: Join our structural trivia! A quick email mid-week will keep you sharp (FYI-Survey Monkey is often re-directed to the spam folder) Here   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!

    1h 22m

  7. 25/11/2025

    Episode 100 - Candid Conversations with Max and Zach

    Celebrating a milestone! This week marks our 100th episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast. We're reflecting on the journey from our very first episode to where we are today. More importantly, we're thanking you, our incredible community of listeners, for your support. Join us for this lighthearted celebration as we dive into a special Q&A segment.   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

    56 min

  8. 11/11/2025

    Episode 99 - Engineering a Startup: The CalcBook Story

    In this episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we sit down with the founders of CalcBook, Nick and Peter, a tech startup that's rethinking how engineers document and share structural calculations. What started as a frustration with scattered spreadsheets and inconsistent workflows has grown into a powerful, cloud-based platform built by engineers for engineers. We dive into the full journey: How the idea for CalcBook was born The leap from side project to startup Challenges of building a technical product for a technical audience Lessons learned from launching and growing in a niche industry The future of digital tools in structural engineering Whether you're an engineer, entrepreneur, or just curious about how innovation happens in our field, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and inspiration. Links & Resources: Try CalcBook: calcbook.com. Use promo code SEPOD for 50% off your first three months! StructurEd (our free study tool): theengineeringpodcast.com/structured NCSEA Salary Survey: LINK Structural Trivia: Join our structural trivia! A quick email mid-week will keep you sharp (FYI - Survey Monkey is often re-directed to the spam folder)  Here  Reach out to us: Instagram LinkedIn

    1h 12m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hosted by Max and Zach, The Structural Engineering Podcast dives into the world of structural design, real-world engineering challenges, and the stories behind the structures that shape our world. Whether you're a practicing engineer, an aspiring student, or just curious about how buildings stand tall, tune in for expert insights, industry interviews, and relatable experiences from the field.

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