Wichita Chapter Meetings

Date: January 21, 2026

Time: 12:00 pm

Location: Scotch & Sirloin (5325 E Kellogg Dr., Wichita)

Presentation Title:

Wind Fundamentals: Understanding the “Why” Behind ASCE 7 Wind Provisions

Presenter:

John O’Brien, P.E., S.E., Senior Associate, Director of Engineering

*John will be joining us remotely to deliver a live virtual presentation.

Presenter Bio:

John O’Brien, P.E., S.E. is an Associate and Director of Engineering at PES Structural Engineers in Atlanta, GA, with 20 years of structural design experience.  He has extensive experience in building renovations and repairs in hurricane prone regions, in addition to design of new construction for high wind and tornado loads.  John is the current chair of NCSEA’s Wind Engineering Committee and Chair of the ASCE 7 Chapter 29 Task Committee for Building Appurtenances.

Presentation Description:

Engineers rely on ASCE 7 for wind design, but what happens when a structure doesn’t fit the standard provisions?  This session covers wind fundamentals; how wind flows around structures and creates pressures that inform ASCE 7 provisions.  With a better understanding of the science behind these pressures, engineers will gain the confidence and flexibility to apply the standard to non-standard building geometries in real-world design.

Fee:

SEAKM Member - $25.00

SEAKM Non-Member - $35.00

RSVP:

Please accept the calendar invitation or email Brent Perkins, SEAKM-WI Vice President, at bperkins@dwase.com

Date: December 10th, 2025

Time: 12:00 pm

Location: Scotch & Sirloin (5325 E Kellogg Dr., Wichita)

Presentation Title:

What Should We Do Now? Implementing Structural Engineering Judgement in Urgent Response to Localized Structural Failure - An Interactive Experience

Please bring your mobile device to allow for audience participation with the interactive presentation.

Presenter:

Ross J. Smith, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CDT, Principal, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

Presentation Description:

In the midst of structural emergencies, when buildings are collapsing, burning, or have otherwise sustained significant damage, the structural engineer is relied upon to make critical decisions with far reaching implications.  Participate in an interactive presentation choosing how you would handle each crisis and hear the experience of a seasoned investigative engineer.  This session is NCSEA Diamond Review Approved.

Presenter Bio:

Ross J. Smith, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CDT is a design and forensic structural engineer and a Principal with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. operating out of their office in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  He has over 25 years of experience investigating failures including fires, floods, collapses due to snow, the aftermath of tornados, construction incidents, and many other unique scenarios.

Fee:

SEAKM Member - $25.00

SEAKM Non-Member - $35.00

RSVP:

Please accept the calendar invitation or email Brent Perkins, SEAKM-WI Vice President, at bperkins@dwase.com