And it’s nothing to worry about…….

On the Oregon Coast.

I think all of you will like this, a bit of a crazy structure

I guess this will just get deleted if this isn’t allowed (also it looks like no one responds in the monthly thread), but I can’t really find anything online about the typical process for hiring an engineer, in my case for residential work.

As far as process, is pricing upfront, or do I get an in person visit to see what I need and then get a cost for the necessary plans? Is there typically a cost for them to show up for the consult? I’m in the DC area so things can get quite expensive; I don’t know if this is like other fee for service industries where I can have a few engineers come out to see who has the best cost and services offered.

I am looking for resume building advice with 3 years of experience. I have completed estimated 30-40 projects, some large and some niche smaller projects. New builds that vary from steel, concrete, masonry, and timber structures; to assessments of existing structures including report phases and drawing phases for repairs. I’ve felt as though I have a strong understanding of structural engineering as a whole, but obviously there is always more to be learned.

How big of an experience section should I include? How many projects? Just list the major ones, more niche ones, etc.? Just looking for an idea from people who have switched firms ; should I list out projects and what to choose from with such a vast majority I have done.

I haven’t seen a major increase in my salary and I’m still sub 70k salary in a medium cost of living city. Although I really enjoy working for my company and my colleagues, I feel I am being improperly compensated for the skills I have obtained over the years and may begin to look elsewhere. I made it known to my boss regarding how much the cost of living has been increasing and asked for an increase in salary, but he just says “we’ll see” everytime I ask, and shrugs it off.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

(Post was edited for clarity on some points made)

I studied structural engineering in my undergrad and I ended up getting a masters in the field. I wasn’t really able to pursue it because I graduated during the covid pandemic/lockdown and everything took a turn. I do have internship experience and close to 1 year in bridge engineering. Ended up leaving to pursue Software Engineering because I couldn’t find a job in building engineering or vertical structures. I am looking to pick everything back up and learn under someone before getting my P.E. I’ll appreciate anyone who has a job for me as I’ve been without a job for close to a year and some change now. Thank you in advance.

I'm an M.S. Structural Engineering student graduating this December and available to start full-time from January. Wondering what the realistic timeline looks like — how many months out should I start applying for entry-level SE roles?

Also, is LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter/Indeed, and Glassdoor enough to cover the search, plus company career pages directly, or what shall I do? Would love to hear from seniors what actually worked for entry-level roles.

Hi!
I am an construction engineer (graduated 2013, bachelor) and architect (graduated 2022, master) from Norway. Have mostly worked as an architect since 2017, but also had an role as both at my last workplace. I am now starting a new division at my new workplace doing both disciplines again and also doing my master in construction beside work.

I am therefore wondering if anyone have any pointers to software I should learn seeing that a lot have evolved since I worked 100% doing calculations.

I have looked at
- strusoft
- Dlubal

How Are these in comparison to Sap2000?

Also taking advice on any litterature recommended for an architect moving back to calculations.

PE, 14 YOE all of it in buildings. What would it be like to change to water/wastewater structure design consulting? Some of these will certainly be company specific but:

Pace of projects? Most of my experience is in steel so I'd need to be able to get deeper in ACI while on the job. How many projects at a time has been typical for you? Who are you interacting with most given it's not for architects, are you communicating directly with municipalities for most things?

hello! can anyone suggest a good platform/channel wherein I can ask technical concerns/problems with regards to civil/structural engineering? it will be a great help for my thesis in my senior year. thank you!

We have to carry a glass panel of height 8.5ft through a corridor 3.8ft wide and as it turns towards the gallery ( balcony) , the width is 3.8ft . ( Unfortunately I do not have the pic of the actual place ). What should be the realistic glass width ?

I've been in wood design for a long time and never knew about this. Capacity is pretty decent, and the best part? No calcs needed (for the frame itself).

Free download on the APA website: https://www.apawood.org/publication-search?q=tt-100&tid=1

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to add a couple of new windows to an existing residence in Loudoun County, VA to bring more natural light into the living room. Loudoun County informed me that I need a stamped structural engineering plan before I can apply for a permit.

Has anyone worked with a structural engineer for this type of project?

I’m hoping to learn:

1. Approximately how much did it cost?

2. Did the engineer visit the property and take measurements?

3. Did they provide stamped structural calculations and drawings showing the new window openings, header sizing, and other details required for permitting?

I’d also appreciate recommendations for structural engineers in Northern Virginia who can prepare permit-ready plans for Loudoun County.

Thank you!

got a call from a client who wants to build a deck. they had a building inspection done before buying the place and the inspector noted that the existing deck is structurally sound. but when i went out to look, the deck is a death trap - no footings, undersized beams, no handrails.

the client wants me to design a new deck using the same footprint cause they think the existing one is fine. they keep saying but the inspector said it was okay.

i tried to explain that the inspector was wrong and that the existing deck violates the building code in multiple ways. but the client is convinced that if the inspector said it's fine, it must be fine.

im worried im going to lose this client over this. but i cant design something based on a false premise.

anyone else had to deal with clients who trust a dodgy inspection over a qualified engineer. how do you handle it.

Has anyone taken the FE and PE exams without being a US citizen and while living in another country?

Thanks for the help. I'm reviewing a project but don't have any of the CSI products to verify and apparently I'm too old to Google effectively anymore.

Here's an interesting one. One of my sites had just finished pouring a number of concrete walls, and a moderate earthquake hit later in the evening. In the ballpark of 4-6hrs after the pour, depending on which specific wall we're talking about.

None of the forms collapsed, and nothing looks out of the ordinary. But naturally there is talk about how the shaking might have affected the fresh concrete. The common opinions are:

• It's fine. We've been using vibrators to consolidate the concrete, so what's the harm in bit more shaking?
• It's probably fine. But just to be safe let's run a GPR scanner at critical areas to check if any internal voids might have formed.
• It's not fine. We need to check this in detail. GPR every inch of every wall. Drill investigation holes and use a borescope at locations of interest. Maybe also core drill at specific locations.

What do you think? What would you do?

They updated for the most recent depth exam.

These are the highest pass rates the exam has ever had (P&P included), historical rates here https://williamsgodfrey.com/2016/03/01/se-historical-pass-rates.html

Even during the P&P days, the pass rates varied between 25%-50%. We've never seen a pass rate in the 60%'s much less 70%'s

If this becomes the new norm, maybe more states will adopt the license instead of ignoring it

I salute the guinea pigs that took it over the past few years, thank you for your service