Current Kansas City Chapter Meetings

Topic: Mass Timber Structural Design: Engineering Modern Timber Structures

Presenter: Jason Bahr, PE

Time: Lunch starts at 11:30, presentation at noon.

Location:              KU Edwards Campus

                              12600 Quivera Rd

                              BEST 335 Conference Room

                              Overland Park, KS 66213

Parking: Park in Lot B, marked by blue banners, located off 125th Street. https://edwardscampus.ku.edu/event-space-campus-map

Abstract: This presentation will provide a detailed look at the structural design processes associated with a variety of mass timber products, including glued-laminated timber (glulam), cross-laminated timber (CLT), and nail-laminated timber (NLT). Applications for the use of these products in gravity force-resisting systems under modern building codes will be discussed. Other technical topics will include mass timber floor panel vibration criteria, connection options and design considerations, and an introduction to lateral systems common in mass timber buildings. Mass timber framing components are often left exposed to act as a finish while taking advantage of their aesthetics. As such, they are often required to provide a fire-resistance rating demonstrating their ability to maintain structural integrity in the event of a fire. This session will also discuss structural design of mass timber elements under fire conditions.

Learning objectives: Compare structural properties and performance characteristics of mass timber products and review their unique design considerations. Review structural design steps for members and connections in common mass timber framing systems. Highlight common connection systems in modern timber structures and resources for associated design values. Demonstrate design steps for calculated fire resistance of exposed structural timber elements.

Speaker Bio: Jason Bahr, PE is a Regional Director for Woodworks where he assists building designers, builders and owners on incorporating wood structure into their designs and educates them on the latest updates in the wood industry.  This feeds his goal of seeing more wood leveraged as a more sustainable material and bringing its natural aesthetic into the built environment. He has previously worked as a design structural engineer, a timber frame designer and contractor.  Jason holds combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Architectural Engineering from Kansas State University.

Lunch provided by Woodworks

Cost: 

$0 for SEAKM members

$20 for nonmembers

REGISTER HERE

Join fellow SEAKM Kansas City member for the January chapter meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

This presentation will be in the Community Room at the Lenexa Justice Center *17371 Prairie Star Pkwy, Lenexa) 

Lunch will be provided by BSE, and will start at 11:30 AM; presentation will begin at noon.

Topic: Lenexa Justice Center

Speaker: Travis Jenning

Abstract:  Structural engineering analysis, design and detailing of a new $73 million, 95,000 SF, two-story justice center building and a second 23,500 SF training building. Located on 36 acres in Lenexa, Kansas, these state-of-the-art buildings will be home to Lenexa’s Police headquarters, municipal court, community room, and police training facility. The main building consists of composite concrete floor systems, concrete basement walls, concrete shallow foundation system. The training facility building consists of pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) and concrete shallow foundation system. State-of-the-art features include 250 mph wind resistance (FEMA), 100 mph design missile rating, 24′-0″ main entrance cantilever, creative detailing for minimal roof profile of this non-orthogonal building shape, 36″ max beam depth.

Fee: 

SEAKM Member: $0.00

Non-Member $20.00

REGISTER HERE!

Date: Thursday, November 20

Time: Networking/lunch at 11:30 AM, presentation starts at noon

Location: CRB (1251 Briarcliff Pkwy Ste 500, Kansas City)

Title: Case Studies in Crafted Architectural Metalwork

Abstract:  

Since 1897, A. Zahner Company has produced highly crafted architectural metalwork for architects, owners, and artists worldwide. Notable collaborators include BIG, Foster & Partners, Gehry Partners, Heatherwick, HKS, KPF, Morphosis, and Zaha Hadid.  

A selection of recent projects will be reviewed including:

    -The Cadet Chapel at the Air Force Academy

    -Interior work on the Superdome

    -An art museum in Pennsylvania

    -A project under construction in California

Speakers:  

Shannon Cole, PE is the Director of Custom Solution Sales at Zahner.  

Audrey Freiberger, PE is a Project Engineering Manager at Zahner. 

Fee: 

SEAKM Member: $0.00

Non-Member $20.00

REGISTER HERE!

Presentation and lunch provided by Zahner.