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Title: Women in Structural Engineering; a Panel Discussion
Date: Wednesday, October 22
Time: Networking at 4:30 p, panel begins at 5:00p
Location: McCownGordon (850 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64105)
Parking:
Panelists:
Summary:
A panel discussion celebrating success for women in structural engineering and improvements still to be made.
Date/time: Wednesday, September 17, lunch at 11:30a, presentation at noon
Location: Thornton Tomasetti downtown KC office
2323 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108.
Conference room off first floor lobby near the parking garage elevator bank.
Parking: Use Grand Blvd entrance to parking garage, take ticket and turn left and follow signs to 2323 visitor parking. Bring ticket with you upstairs for validation.
Speaker Bio: Eric Grusenmeyer, P.E. is an Associate Principal in Structural Engineering at Thornton Tomasetti, specializing in high-profile sports and public assembly venues. He led the $560-million transformation of the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans and contributed to major projects including Lambeau Field, US Bank Stadium, University of Missouri – Memorial Stadium, and Penn State – Beaver Stadium. Eric holds an M.S. and B.S. in Architectural Engineering from Kansas State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Kansas.
Presentation Abstract: The Caesars Superdome’s recent $560-million, five-year renovation marked its 50th anniversary with a transformative, multi-phase modernization—all completed while the stadium remained operational for NFL seasons and major events, culminating with Super Bowl LIX. The project encompassed 17 mini-projects, including the installation of eight ADA-accessible “super-vom” viewing decks requiring the complex reconfiguration of 40 steel raker trusses, the creation of dramatic multi-story atria outfitted with new escalators and clad in a custom aluminum “veil,” and the addition of 16 elevators threading through the building’s constricted core. These structural interventions not only provided expansive new fan amenities and improved accessibility, but also demanded innovative design, meticulous planning, and close collaboration among engineering, fabrication, and construction teams—ensuring the Superdome remains both an architectural icon and a model for the resilient modernization of aging sports venues.
Fee:
SEAKM Members - $0.00
Non-members - $20.00
SAVE THE DATE
Date: Wednesday, October 22
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: McCown Gordon (850 Main St, Kansas City)
Topic: Women in Structural Engineering
Topic: Adoption of Steel Joists in Floor Systems
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Time: (Luncheon 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM) 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Location: TBD
Abstract:
The adoption of steel joists in floor systems was traditionally limited due to outdated misconceptions regarding capacity and serviceability. Multistory buildings commonly use wide flange beams, concrete, or mass timber. These material types limited the clear span possibilities due to cost or assumptions regarding system depth. The perceived reasons for using these products included concerns about load capacity, vibration, spacing, limited deck span capabilities, or increased floor-to-floor heights caused by joist depths.
Due to several developments, including additional research, new material testing, advanced design methods, connection details, and powerful design tools these obsolete concerns should no longer cause hesitation specifying a steel floor joist and deck system. As a result, steel joists and deck systems now stand as a viable and efficient choice for modern floor applications, offering enhanced performance and flexibility.
Speaker:
Dave Henley, PE, Product Manager – Vulcraft - Nebraska
Dave joined Vulcraft as a Sales Engineer and Regional Sales Manager at Vulcraft-Nebraska and then became the District Sales Manager in the Colorado office. He currently holds the position of Product Manager for the Nebraska Vulcraft division of Nucor.
Dave has served on the Board of Directors and as president of the Rocky Mountain Steel Construction Association (RMSCA) and as a director for the Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC). He has participated in the Steel Liaison Committee between these two organizations for several years and participated in the writing of several papers and given presentations for the committee. Dave has co-authored articles for Modern Steel Construction Magazine including “Composite Joist Advantage” and contributed to the 3rd Edition rewriting of the “Designing with Vulcraft Steel Joists, Joist Girders, and Steel Deck” book. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota School of Mines.
Dave has helped to introduce new innovations for engineered steel products from Vulcraft for building construction including Composite Joists, new deck profiles and web-based design tools for engineers. Along with assisting and educating practicing engineers, colleagues, and students, he promotes the environmental advantages, speed, flexibility, and economics of steel building construction.
Fees:
SEAKM Member - $0.00
Non-Member - $30.00
Thank you to Vulcraft for being the luncheon sponsor!
Topic: Case Study: Four Story Assisted Living Facility Alleges Unacceptable Design and Construction Defects. What Can We Learn?
Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | 12 - 1 PM
Lunch, networking and socialization from 11:30 am - Noon
Location:
KU Edwards Campus | Best Conference Center, Room 130
Abstract:
A four story, 22,200 m2 (239,000 ft2) wood light-framed assisted-living residential structure was examined for the causes of multiple alleged construction and design defects. The structure was framed using certain "advanced framing" techniques. Observed defects included uneven floors, window and door operation problems, misaligned I-joists and detailing problems with the building envelope. Alleged design defects related to structural engineering included wood shrinkage, uneven and excessive settlement and inadequate design documents.
We discuss our approach and methods towards the investigation, including steps taken to ensure fairness in our examination. We present the possible defects in design and construction that we discovered which were easily preventable. We will present recommendations for practicing design professionals and code officials including:
Conclusions and recommendations can be applied to any light-framed wood structure but are particularly applicable to buildings in North America. Designers and Code Officials should gain a better understanding of the problems and solutions for complex, light, wood-framed structures. Wood construction can be quality construction with the right approach!
Speaker:
William Kirkham, Ph.D., P.E.*, S.E.**, APT Engineering, LLC
I am a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in CA, CT, DC, FL, GA, KS, MD, MO, NC, NY, TX, VA, WA and Structural Engineer (S.E.) in AZ, HI, IL, OK, OR, UT. (Only 14 states presently have SE licensing. The remaining states license structural engineers as PEs.) I am a member of the ASCE Infrastructure Resilience Division/Risk And Resilience Measurements Committee, and the ASCE Infrastructure Resilience Division/Social Science, Policy, Economics, Education Decision Committee. My professional organizations include the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). In the past, I have been a member of the American Wood Council, the Structural Engineers Association of Oregon, the Forest Products Society and the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute. I have been chosen Outstanding Reviewer, ASCE Journal of Architectural Engineering. (2020) and Outstanding Reviewer, ASCE Practice Periodical for Design and Construction. (2022). My major conference presentations include: - The Statistical History of US Tornadoes. ASCE/SEI Structures Congress (2022) - How Levels of Fabrication Precision Can Lead to Improved Quality in Light Frame Wood Construction. ASCE/SEI Structures Congress (2019) - Reducing Construction Defects and Design Errors in Timber Buildings. ASCE/SEI Structures Congress (2018) - Case Study: Four Story Assisted Living Facility Alleges Unacceptable Design and Construction Defects; What Can We Learn?. ASCE/SEI Structures Congress Conference (2015) My research publications have been cited 101 times by other researchers, according to Google Scholar.
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