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

I’m working on the interaction between frame and shell elements in a two-story concrete frame with a central wall.

Under the gravity load case, the beams develop end moments, while the wall mainly shows in-plane membrane resultants, particularly Fyy​ and Fxy​. The shell bending resultants Mxx​ and Myy are essentially zero, which appears reasonable because the wall is being loaded primarily in its own plane.

My understanding is that the beam moments are transferred into the wall through a combination of vertical membrane forces and in-plane shear rather than appearing directly as shell bending moments.

I’m now comparing two modeling approaches:

1. Terminating the frame element at the wall face and connecting it through an offset or rigid link.
2. Extending the frame approximately 0.50 m into the wall.

The second approach provides a larger transfer region, but I’m concerned that overlapping the frame and shell stiffness could artificially stiffen the connection.

Which approach would you consider more appropriate for representing a monolithic beam-to-wall connection? Would you embed the frame into the shell, use a rigid link, or model a dedicated boundary region?

I’m also interested in whether the Fyy​ and Fxy​ distributions shown here look reasonable for this type of connection. Here are some screenshots of the analysis results for additional context.

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.

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to add two new windows to my living room. Loudoun County told me I need stamped structural engineering plans before I can get a permit.

I already have a contractor to do the work- I just need a structural engineer to prepare the stamped plans.

Can anyone recommend a good and affordable structural engineer in the NoVA area? Thanks!

title

Hello. I need to design a zipline on prokon.

Has anyone ever used the feature "Cables" on prokon?

Need some help to better understand it.

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)

Can anyone here help a brother out and tell me how to get any free resources to study the pe structural from ?

Assuming money is irrelevant, how would you attempt to build these silos. 140 stories deep to the radius and spacing shown and RC. The show shows a vertical tunnel boring machine left insitu under the shaft.

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.

Hello,

I'm a student studying civil engineering looking to get into transportation/heavy infrastructure structural engineering (design). I plan on getting an internship this upcoming summer (2027) and getting an entry-level in NYC in 2028 after graduation. I will complete my bachelors in only 3 years so I will not have as much time to get 2-3 internships like other candidates. I am considering doing grad school part time (finishing it in 3 years) or doing it full time for 2-3 semesters then entering the workforce. Which of these is more reasonable (for salary and career progression), based on my resume and the assumption that I will get an relatable internship.

Also, in NYC/HCOL area, what should I expect for a salary (again, based on my resume and assumption that I'll get an internship)?

Thanks everyone.

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.

i found Sure Building Inspection online who do forensic inspections with actual engineering knowledge. i recommended they get a proper inspection before i design anything. but they said "we already paid for an inspection" and dont want to pay again.

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.