Wichita Chapter Meetings

Date: May 20, 2026

Time: 12:00 to 1:00 pm

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

Presentation Title:

Best Practices for Specifying ICC-500 Compliant Precast Concrete Storm Shelters in Construction Documents

Presentation Abstract:

The presentation will cover the benefits of using precast concrete components for constructing ICC-500 compliant storm shelters for schools.  Some case studies of storm shelters built for schools will also be presented.  The presentation will also provide recommended design criteria, and the "Do's and Don'ts" of designing such precast concrete structures.

Presenter:

Sean Morris, PE, SE (OK), Senior Structural Engineer, Wallace Design Collective

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

Presenter Bio:

Sean Morris, P.E., S.E. is a licensed structural engineer with over 25 years of experience in structural engineering and precast concrete specialty engineering. He is currently licensed as a Professional Engineer in Florida, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, and as a Structural Engineer in Oklahoma.

Sean’s career includes experience as both a Structural Engineer of Record and a Precast Concrete Specialty Structural Engineer. His expertise includes the engineering, design coordination, and management of complex precast concrete structures, including parking garages, commercial developments, educational facilities, retail developments, and specialty structures. Sean previously served as a Project Engineer at Coreslab Structures (Tampa), Inc. and later at Coreslab Structures (Oklahoma City), Inc., where he served as Senior Project Engineer and subsequently as Chief Engineer / Engineering Manager.  Sean is currently a Senior Structural Engineer with Wallace Design Collective, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Fee:

SEAKM Member - $25.00

SEAKM Non-Member - $35.00

RSVP/Questions:

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

Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Time: 12:00 to 1:00 pm

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

Presentation Title: Design of Connections Using Finite Element Analysis

Presenter: Yann Gueguen, Senior Reginal Engineer, IDEA StatiCa US

Presenter Bio:

Yann Gueguen is a Regional Engineer for IDEA StatiCa US, based in Chicago. Born and raised in France, he moved to Illinois for his M.S. in Structural Engineering at Northwestern University. After graduating, he worked for 6 years for DZSE (now Drucker Warner Associates) in Chicago where he focused on steel connection design. He joined IDEA StatiCa US in 2021 as the main point of contact for engineering firms in the Central region of the US, including the state of Kansas.

Presentation Abstract:

This session explores how finite element analysis (FEA) can be applied to steel connection and foundation design in a manner consistent with AISC 360 and delegated design requirements. As connection behavior becomes more complex, Engineers of Record need tools and workflows that move beyond simplified checks while maintaining transparency and code alignment. The presentation discusses how FEA results can be mapped to AISC limit states, how critical connections can be identified and reviewed, and how connection and anchorage behavior can be evaluated as part of a unified workflow. Examples will be demonstrated using IDEA StatiCa to illustrate practical implementation, including connection and foundation design considerations relevant to EOR review and approval.

Fee:

SEAKM Member - $25.00

SEAKM Non-Member - $35.00

RSVP/Questions:

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

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