Zach and Max

The Structural Engineering Podcast

Science EN ↓ 116 episodes

Hosted by Max and Zach, The Structural Engineering Podcast dives into the world of structural design, real-world engineering challenges, and the stories behind the structures that shape our world. Whether you're a practicing engineer, an aspiring student, or just curious about how buildings stand tall, tune in for expert insights, industry interviews, and relatable experiences from the field.

Author

Zach and Max

Category

Science

Podcast website

castbox.fm

Latest episode

May 27, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 63 - Blast Design with Jon Schmidt 22.10.2021

This week we are talking with Jon Schmidt a structural engineer with Burns and McDonnell about blast design and the loads of which are applied to structures. We enjoyed speaking with Jon and hope to discuss different topics in the future. Let us know what your thought are about the episode! Website Instagram LinkedIn FaceBook YouTube Email: info@theengineeringpodcast.com  

Episode 62 - How do you S.O.G. 13.09.2021

Welcome back to the structural engineering podcast! It's been a busy few months and we're finally getting around to editing some of the conversations we've had in that time. This episode Zach and Max discuss our take on Slab on Grade Design with added tips and tricks picked up at the World Of Concrete Convention. We hope you enjoy, and since this can be a hotly debated topic, if you disagree with...

Episode 61 - Mighty Buildings 17.06.2021

In this episode we talk with Sam Ruben, the Co-founder of Mighty Buildings, a company attempting to change the way we build residential and even commercial structures through 3D printing. At the SEP we believe the future of structures should, and will, look a lot different then our current practice. (Do you know how long we've been building houses with wood!?) If I were to place a bet, I think 3D...

Episode 60 - Sustainability with Holmes 03.06.2021

This week we talk with Megan Stringer and Erik Kneer of Holmes Structures. Both Megan and Erik are committed advocates for more sustainable practices in structural design. I admittedly didn't know how much SE's could do to reduce the total carbon emissions of a building project, but I was happy to find not only do we have a role in this space, but it's truly crucial to a sustainable, low carbon fu...

Episode 59 - Mass Timber in High Seismic?! 20.05.2021

This week we talk with Ilana Danzig an associate with Aspect Structural Engineers . She brings a large knowledge of complex structures with a passion in timber. We hope you enjoy! Click here to see the connection.    Website Instagram LinkedIn FaceBook YouTube Email: info@theengineeringpodcast.com

Episode 58 - I'll See You in Court 06.05.2021

This week we hear from Sam Mcglamery, Executive VP of vertex engineering. Sam has been a structural engineer far longer than I've been alive. At this point in his career he often uses his knowledge and experience to serve as an expert witness and standard of care expert. We reached out to Sam because we wanted to know the reality behind lawsuits and engineering, how likely are they, and what actua...

Episode 57 - FRP, Bonding With Simpson 11.03.2021

This week we talked with Aniket Borwanker, a production manager at Simpson Strong Tie. Aniket it tasked with developing and testing new uses for FRP products. FRP includes fiberglass and carbon fiber wrap used in seismic retrofit's, bridges, wall strengthening, and many other possible applications. We learn all the places you can stick this stuff, how strong it is, and some tips on designing with...

Episode 56 - Present your science 25.02.2021

This week we talked with Melissa Marshall, an expert science communicator, and probably the only TED speaker we'll ever convince to join us on the show. Melissa shares tips for communicating science and engineering terms and how to give more effective presentations. We recommend checking out her company: https://www.presentyourscience.com/ and her ted talk https://www.ted.com/talks/melissa_marshal...

Episode 55 - A Primer on Forensics 12.02.2021

This weeks guest is a little different than usual. We're talking with Sarah Lazar, a very specific recruiter working for the firm LVI. Sarah recruits for forensic engineering firms and only in the Midwest, but we're not talking to Sarah because we're looking for a job. She is also passionate and knowledgeable about the field of forensics structural engineering and offered to share what she knows w...

Episode 54 - Misunderstood Seismic Principles Pt 2 28.01.2021

This is Part 2 of our interview with Emily Guglielmo, a principle at Martin and Martin, and a member of the ASCE 7 wind and seismic committees. We learned a ton talking with her over an hour and decided to split the episode up in to bite sized chunks. Also, we've started a little newsletter. Now I know more email is not what most people are looking for, but we're hoping you'll make an exception. E...

Episode 53 - Misunderstood Seismic Principles 14.01.2021

Gosh it's been a long time since we've put out an episode, but we're starting this season on a high note. Our first interview this year was with Emily Guglielmo, a principle at Martin and Martin, and a member of the ASCE 7 wind and seismic committees. We learned a ton talking with her over an hour and decided to split the episode up in to bite sized chunks. With that, enjoy part 1 of 2, and check...

Episode 52 - Totally Tubular 29.10.2020

This week we talked with Ted Goldstein PE of Tubular Connections and the inventor of the Shuriken nut keeper. We all know tubes generally make for more efficient and compact column shapes, but connections can be a challenge. Luckily Ted's got us covered. Check out his website at TubularConnect.com , or for a quick video of the product, check THIS out Finally, for a product data sheet, head over HE...

Episode 51 - Precast Concrete Design 18.10.2020

This week we talked with Nathan Krause PE a Precast Concrete engineer located in the mid-west. As season two of the SE Podcast comes to an end, we will have additional precast episodes next season including detailing and seismic design.  Reach out to SE Podcast via:   Website Instagram LinkedIn FaceBook YouTube Email: info@theengineeringpodcast.com

Episode 50 - Annie Kao 01.10.2020

This week we talked with Annie Kao, the Vice President of Engineering at Simpson Strong-Tie. Annie brings insight for both an engineering and management prospective. During the episode we discuss the culture of Simpson Strong-Tie, why Toyota is important, and how to be a successful engineer. If you want to learn more about the Toyota philosophy check out the book (link below). The Toyota Way to Le...

Episode 49 - Engineering the Chicago Skyline with Bob Johnson 20.09.2020

In this episode, we speak with Bob Johnson, a Chicago native and distinguished structural engineer that designed parts of the Chicago skyline.   Bob's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbrandtjohnson/   Video of Bob work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iTK9lizgLg Reach out to SE Podcast via:   Website Instagram LinkedIn FaceBook YouTube Email: info@theengineeringpodcast.c...

Episode 48 - Performance Based Structural Fire Design 25.08.2020

We're talking with Kevin Lamalva this week of Warrington Fire all about PBSFD. If you've never heard of this, in short, its using additional strength within the structure and rigorous analysis over a "blind" application of fireproofing material. There are a number of advantages here, from potential cost savings to a more defined level of performance. Traditional fire rating is terribly outdated, a...

Episode 47 - Intro to Fire 06.08.2020

Warning: This is not an episode we know all that much about! We talked with Kevin LaMalva who wrote the book (many of them) on performance based fire engineering. This is not that episode, that comes next. Before we get to the high level, Zach and I try to learn for ourselves what the IBC says about fire proofing, how it is applied, and what structural engineers should know.   Website: theeng...

Episdoe 46 - Fast+Epp, a lot more than mass timber 09.07.2020

Fast + Epp has become world renown for innovative and beautiful design in mass timber. As a fairly small firm with 35 years of experience behind them they have managed to work on some of the most exciting and structurally creative projects you're likely to see across the US, Canada, and Europe. We talk with Ian Boyle, one of the principals of Fast + Epp about not just mass timber, but the design p...

Episode 45 - Engineering Our Future 25.06.2020

We recently had the opportunity to chat with Luis Duque, a bridge engineer in Boulder Colorado and the host of the 'Engineering Our Future" podcast. Luis created began his podcast to share his experiences navigating the early stages of an engineering career. His episodes discuss everything from nailing a resume to managing work life balance.    Check out his podcast on any major pla...

Episode 44 - Skinny Braces 12.06.2020

This week we're talking with Thor Matteson, A structural engineer in California, and the inventor of Skinny Braces. These unique braces attach a ductile fuse to an old fashioned cantilever column system to create a chimera of unmatched R value. Or really, you get to use an R=6.5, just like a wood framed shear wall. This gives you all the benefits of a cantilever column system without the huge foot...

Episode 43 - Starting your own firm? 29.05.2020

This week we chat with Blake Larsen of Larsen structural Design. Blake has done something that many of us dream of, a few try, and very few do well. That's start his very own engineering company, and grow it to be a success. If you've ever considered going out on your own, this episode is for you.  Website: theengineeringpodcast.com Email: info@theengineeringpodcast.com Instagram: @structure_...

Episode 42 - Awesome Framers 22.05.2020

This week we have an awesome chat with awesome framers (Check em out on instagram) to answer questions live on Instagram with a group of contractors. It was a real blast sharing what we could and learning a lot about what we can do to make their job easier, and produce better structures together. We talked for two hours, so I cut it down to two parts. we hope to do it again some time (with better...

Episode 41 - Exciting news from Sideplate 14.05.2020

We are adding an unscheduled addition to our regular podcast line-up to squeeze in an extra episode with Ryan Smith of Sideplate . When we heard the Engineers over at Sideplate had developed a fully bolted moment frame with the existing sideplate technology we had to learn a little more. Please enjoy our conversation with Ryan, and feel free to reach out to us or Sideplate with any questions. http...

Episode 40 - High Rise Design 08.05.2020

This week Max and Zach sit down with the guys from Structuralengineeringbasics.com to discuss high rise design, and a little about the courses they provide. We hear some great stories about design in Dubai and an exciting project with some unique challenges in Canada. We recommend checking out their website at www.structuralengineeringbasics.com and If you'd like to check out their courses use cod...

Episode 39 - Tornado Shelters Pt. 2 16.04.2020

This is the second edition of tornado shelter design. This week we talk with Mark Kaiser of RLG to wrap up the story of tornado shelters, and talk about the future of shelter design. We're trying something new this year to help keep the podcast up and running and hopefully get even better. If you've learned something from our guests, consider becoming a patron of the show with the link https://www...

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