Hot rolled structural steel is one of the most important construction materials in the world. Steel sections are utilized everywhere from single story structures to large landmark projects such as skyscrapers, stadiums, and hospitals. With the ongoing data center and industrial construction boom, the demand for larger, stronger and more sustainable steel sections will only increase moving forward. The steel industry has evolved in step with these demands, increasing the yield strength of structural sections to 80ksi, developing new shapes such as the W14x1000, and ditching coal-based processes for environmentally friendly alternatives. For this reason, it is imperative for engineers to understand and utilize the latest innovations in hot-rolled structural sections.

First, we will introduce the basics of hot rolled steel production, and cover specific advancements that have allowed structural steel shapes to evolve. Additionally, we will review the different methods of steelmaking, and how these different processes process affects project sustainability requirements

Next, the presentation will go deep on A913 high strength structural steel. Since the grade was codified over 30 years ago, A913 steel has rapidly increased the minimum yield and tensile strength that engineers can utilize in design of their steel structures. A913 steels can have a minimum yield strength of up to 80ksi, with welding properties that are comparable or superior to conventional 50ksi steels. This will provide an in-depth look at every consideration engineers should make to take advantage of A913.

We will close with a case study on the Henry Ford Health project in Detroit, which was the first structure in the world to utilize a W14x1000 column and was the first healthcare project to incorporate A913 Gr80 into the design. We will examine how these advances came about through careful collaboration between stakeholders to harness the benefits of modern steel.

Ashraf emphasizes the need for an education based on human engineering. He convincingly argues, with his usual enthusiasm and humor, why it is important to understand the power of human psychology and human behavior. He illustrates how we can leverage our human chemistry to develop lasting human connections and powerful communication skills that allow us to achieve a healthier, happier, and richer existence and empower us to lead, influence, and inspire!

As the strategic use of economic power translates into influence, recognition, and work-life balance, perhaps we should take a closer look at the need for an education involving human engineering. Structural engineers, after all, are the ones who are making life better for all of humanity on a daily basis. They preserve the past, build the future, and above all save lives – every time the wind blows or the earth shakes! They deserve it all!

The ASCE 7 Standard is the basis for load determination in US model building codes, but until recently, ASCE 7 specifically excluded tornado hazards. It should therefore come as no surprise that our buildings and infrastructure perform poorly in these severe storms. Tornadoes kill more people in the U.S. than hurricanes and earthquakes combined, and most tornado fatalities occur inside buildings. Tornadoes and tornadic storms also cause more insured catastrophe losses than hurricanes and tropical storms.

This presentation will provide a brief overview of tornado hazards, the rationale for consideration of tornadoes in conventional engineering design, a summary of tornado load requirements in ASCE 7-22 and the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), and the latest research on tornado hazards. The new code and standard provisions are based on the wind load framework in ASCE 7, with modifications to account for the unique wind and wind-structure interaction characteristics of tornadoes. The most significant impacts of the tornado load design requirements will occur in the central and southeast US, including Texas. The tornado load provisions of ASCE 7-22 are based on a decade of research led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The presentation will include a summary of the research underpinning the ASCE 7-22 tornado load chapter, as well as a look into the current state-of-the-art tornado research from Texas Tech University’s National Wind Institute and from NIST, which is informing potential revisions for ASCE 7-28. This includes physical simulation and wind-field measurements of tornado-like vortices, the characteristics of tornado loads on low-rise buildings, and an investigation of the very significant effects of strong updrafts on tornado loads’ roof uplift pressures (corresponding to the KvT factor in the tornado provision of ASCE 7-22).

Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing represents a fundamental component of exterior structural systems in most commercial buildings across the United States. Despite its prevalence, most U.S. universities do not incorporate CFS design courses into their structural engineering curricula. The few institutions that do, typically offer such courses only at the graduate level, and these are introductory in scope. Furthermore, CFS framing and detailing practices are heavily influenced by the preferences of local contractors executing the work. The limited integration of CFS design principles in engineering education, combined with its dependence on regional construction practices, has led many structural engineers of record (EORs) to adopt delegated CFS design approaches. However, the methods and scope of delegation vary widely among EORs, often resulting in inconsistencies. These discrepancies commonly manifest as scope gaps that must be resolved during the construction administration phase, requiring extensive coordination among the CFS engineer, the structural EOR, and the architect of record (AOR) to ensure constructability, and design intent alignment.

This presentation is intended to equip EORs who delegate CFS with professional insight and actionable recommendations drawn directly from the perspective of a practicing CFS engineer. These insights are designed to deepen the EOR’s understanding of common framing pitfalls and to empower them to maintain active engagement in the delegated design process without relinquishing their overarching responsibility or authority within the project. The content is derived from real-world examples, illustrating frequent coordination and detailing issues along with effective strategies to identify and resolve them before they escalate into costly construction administration challenges. The presentation also clarifies the typical contractual obligations and interrelationships among project stakeholders, offering a clearer framework for collaboration and accountability. In addition, it examines critical documentation and specification requirements, emphasizing how these elements significantly influence the constructability, efficiency, and overall quality of metal stud framing systems.

The New ACI-PTI 320-25 Post-Tensioned Structural Concrete Code marks a significant evolution and advancement for the design of post-tensioned concrete structures. This presentation will revisit the recently concluded six-year cycle of development for this new code, and outline the purpose for creating a code specific to post-tensioned structural concrete. Recommendations for how to use the code, and highlights of noteworthy code changes as compared to ACI 318-19 will be shared. Lastly, current cycle opportunities for change proposals associated with the planned 320-28 and 320-31 codes will be presented and promoted.

Structural Engineers are called upon to tackle tough analytical problems every day, and AISC has many resources available to make that job a little bit easier. This one-hour presentation will familiarize you with the great technical resources available in the AISC Design Guide Series. The session will include a general review of all the AISC Design Guides, paying particular attention to the newest Design Guides that cover: base connection design for steel structures (DG 1), Composite Column Design (DG 6), Assessment and Repair (DG 16), HSS connections (DG 24), SpeedCore systems for steel structures (DG 38), end-plate moment connections (DG 39), and rain loads and ponding (DG40).

Our team, comprised of architects, an earth retention systems engineer, a geotechnical engineer, and a structural engineer, will present the design and installation of the earth retention system for the New Pediatric Campus in Dallas, Texas, for PHMS (UTSW and Children’s Hospital). The presentation will focus on our collaboration during a truncated timeline to design and deliver construction documents for permitting a portion of the campus with below-grade programming. Earth retention systems are rarely the star of the show; however, on this project, without going down and holding back the earth, we would not be able to build up. We will focus on the ERS (or SOE – support of excavation) below the Diagnostic and Testing building, the Faculty & Clinical Support Building, and the two tunnels that connect to the campus parking garage. Our objective is to inform attendees on how to collaborate efficiently in design, leverage BIM to capture team knowledge, and produce clear construction documentation.