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).

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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 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

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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 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!