HAnkIng CEntEr— tHE DESIgn Of CHInA'S tAllESt StEEl BuIlDIng

SEAOI BULLETIN 1March 2017

March Dinner Meeting:

HAnkIng CEntEr— tHE DESIgn Of CHInA’S tAllESt StEEl BuIlDIng

date: 5:15—7:15 p.m., Tuesday, March 7venue: Cliff Dwellers

Rising from the ground at a majestic 350 meters tall, Hanking Center Tower will become China’s tallest all-steel building upon completion. Halvorson and Partners worked closely with design architect Morphosis to create a visually stunning tower that slices the sky with striking as-sertion. An innovative architectural form, including a detached core and folded angled exterior, result in a breakthrough structural system.

The core and core functions are located 10.5 meters from the main office floor plates. Sleek sky bridges connect the cores to these plates and allow full circulation. An all steel mega-braced tube connecting the two towers’ vertical planes comprises the tower’s main lateral system with secondary steel-braced cores located around the escape stairs and mechanical areas to supplement the main bracing. The mega-braces connect the columns on four faces of the tower closing the tube structure and allowing the structure to efficiently carry typhoon-level wind loads that are more than double those found in Chicago.

Eric fenske, S.E., P.E., Senior Associate

In his 12 years at Halvorson and Partners, Eric Fenske has served as a Senior Project Engineer for significant projects in all corners of the globe, and he spearheaded the engineering of the Hanking Center. Eric’s drive and abilities to innovate in the field were recognized by SEAOI when he was awarded the Outstanding Young Engineer, 2010. Eric continues to expand his project leadership efforts both internationally

and in the United States.

continued on page 14

SEAOI BULLETIN March 20172

A MESSAgE frOM …PrESIdEnT SAlvATOrE dI BErnArdO

The last week of February is National Engineers Week a time for the engineering community to celebrate achievements and reflect on the value that our community brings to society. national Engineers Week was initiated in 1951 by the national Society of Professional Engineers at a time of the year marked by President George

Washington’s birthday. President Washington learned math and sur-veying and did survey work himself; he was not an engineer, but he is considered the first to acknowledge the strategic importance of engineers in the Army. The history of the United States Army Corps of Engineers can be traced back to June 16, 1775, when Colonel Richard Gridley became General George Washington’s first Chief Engineer. This was before the United States’ independence, and it was only a few years later when Congress officially created what is now known as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1779.

A unique event this year, just prior to Engineers Week, was the premiere of the movie Dream Big: Engineering Our World—a heartfelt story of hu-man ingenuity. While all engineers should go see and enjoy the movie (http://www.dreambigfilm.com/) we should again reflect on the future of our profession and how we can attract to it some of the brightest minds for the years to come.

Like the Dream Big movie emphasizes, engineering sciences should foster ingenuity to carry basic science knowledge further toward creative application of engineering. I like to think of the root of the word engineer to be more the Latin word ingenium (intelligence, talent) rather than engine. Engineering in general includes the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics and basic sciences to problem-solving and the design of complex systems. Structural engineering, even more than other engineering disciplines, has deep roots in complex math-ematical modeling, solid mechanics, theory of elasticity and material sciences. What defines a curriculum in structural engineering like other engineering curricula according to ABET is “one year of a combination of college-level mathematics and basic sciences followed by one and one-half years of engineering topics, consisting of engineering sciences and engineering design appropriate to the student’s field of study.”

Good structural engineers do need some solid knowledge of basic subjects in science and technology as a foundation on which to de-velop their specific expertise and set of skills. I was recently serving in jury for a scholarship award open to new

engineering graduates. I was overall extremely impressed with the quality of the applicants. The ones who stood out were those more sensitive to the creative side of structural engineering and those able to make a connection between science and art who showed an understanding and appreciation of the value of aesthetics in structural design.

How can we stress the creative side of our profession to make it more attractive to those in the young generations who wants to nurture their talent and ingenuity during their college years and in their profession? How do we challenge the widespread perception that by choosing engineering you get yourself into a narrow path of education? SEAOI volunteers' work at events trying to engage high-school or younger kids on a more hands-on perception of structures through models and other visual media is certainly making that connection between engineering and ingenuity.

I also think that to broaden the horizon of structural engineering is important to move towards a more open curriculum in undergraduate and graduate programs that can bridge to other disciplines such as architecture, environmental and geology sciences, urban planning, and business management. Including design experience, such as cap-stone projects, co-ops or internship, in college

ExECUTIvE dIrECTOr STEPHAnIE A. CrAIn

February may be the shortest month of the year, but SEAOI packed a lot into it! We kicked off the month by basking in the glow of the incredible experience of the inaugural Young Engineers Symposium—all of the presenters were excellent, and they presented to a sold-out crowd on Jan. 31. We enjoyed an outstanding presentation on river Point tower by Dave Eckmann, S.E., P.E. AIA at the February Dinner Meeting, and Dan Doty of STv Inc. and farhad Pathaki of tranSystems traveled to Chicago to present the load rating for rail and Highway Bridges class to an in-person audience in Chicago and to many online attend-ees. SEAOI is proud to once again participate in the DuPage Area StEM fest at IIT’s Rice Campus at the end of February, and we have volunteers representing structural engineers at CAf E-fest as well. Our YEC, Membership, Technology and Bridge Symposium committees all met, as did the SEAOI Board, the SEF Board and SEPAC/GAC. We’re especially fortunate to have such dedicated, involved volunteers who enable SEAOI to offer a wide variety of programming and opportuni-ties to engage with peers, colleagues and the public. If you would like to become more involved in SEAOI committees or programing, please email me at [email protected]. We would love to have you!

Di Bernardo continued from first column

continued in next column continued on page 14


YOung EngInEErS SYMPOSIuM

Above: The Inaugural Young E ngine ers Symposium was held Jan. 31. Right: speak-ers and organizers

YOung EngInEErS COrnErThank you to everyone who participated in the duPage Area STEM Expo last month! All of your efforts and time spent volunteering were greatly appreciated to help showcase our profession!

We’re taking a bit of a break from events in March so those of you taking the PE or SE in April can focus through these last few weeks of studying. Be sure to stay tuned next month for information on our

Post Exam Celebration! We plan to do something fun for all of those who have recently taken the exam. All are welcome to the festivities and additional information will become available in the coming weeks on our website and in our YEC Wednesday emails.

�� Michelle Ryland and Michael Zelisko


PrAIrIE grASSrOOtS lEgISlAtIvE DAY IS HErE!If this past election season has taught us something, it should be that nothing in politics is guaranteed, and the future is decided by those who show up. Structural Engineers, we once again have a tremendous opportunity to show up!

SEAOI and GAC are delighted to participate in AIA Illinois Prairie Grassroots 2017 legislative day. The event is tuesday, March 28, 2017. SEAOI is sponsoring free participation for up to 20 of our members. Please register by March 17, 2016. A schedule will be forthcoming to registrants. SEAOI members can register by contacting the SEAOI office per below.

This is an opportunity to make our voices heard in Springfield, establish a relationship with our legislators and enhance our relationship with AIA Illinois, who has often been the source of important updates on pending legislation affecting all of us; not to mention many of their members are our clients.

AIA Illinois has made it exceedingly easy for us to participate. They have done all the hard legwork and have a very organized system in place. This is a full-day event, and we make extremely good use of the time. They even teach you how to talk to your legislator, providing a mock conversation! And you’re not alone. Others from your district will join you!

The March 28th Legislative Day expected program will be:

¾ Pre-Day conference call (choose the best time for you from multiple choices) to quickly get up to speed on the three to four issues we’ll lobby

¾ Don’t drive—network! Free, early morning bus/van pick-up at three locations: Chicago/Merchandise Mart, Joliet & Carbondale. (driving and meeting the group independently is an option.)

¾ luncheon includes a how-to-lobby lesson and guest speakers.

¾ Two hour window in the afternoon for coordinated visits with legislators and agency officials

¾ An afternoon reception for participants.

¾ You’re only out of the office protecting your business for one day

You will be encouraged to contact your legislator ahead of the trip to try to schedule a meeting. You will meet with the legislators from your district. AIA coordinates the meeting with legislators so that often multiple AIA and SEAOI members will be meeting with a particular legislator at once. You will be with like-minded colleagues advocating for your interests.

The whole program received rave reviews from SEAOI participants last year!

registration for SEAOI Members: Please See page 15 or contact the SEAOI office at 312.726.4165 or [email protected].

We look forward to your participation!

SEAOI Government Affairs Spring luncheon—April 21

See page 5 (opposite) for more information about the GAC Spring luncheon with Illinois Secretary of Transportation randy Blankenhorn speaking on Infrastructure Spending and Construction in Illinois. See page 15 to register or visit SEAOI.org.

GAC represents the interests of the structural engineering profession in the political and legislative arenas in Illinois as an independent, bipartisan government affairs committee dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety and welfare; the representation of Structural Engineers in relevant government activities; and the preservation and advancement of the Structural Engineering profession.

�� Jan Blok


IntrODuCIng tHE nEw SEAOI MISSIOn, vISIOn & COrE vAluESSEAOI is pleased to announce that as a part of the 2017 Strategic Plan, our organization has a re-vamped mission, vision & core values!

To date, SEAOI has been operating under the SEAOI bylaws and utilizing a set of core values to help guide the main focus for our organization. As a part of the Strategic Planning process, a governance workgroup was formed to study if the SEAOI Core values needed to be updated.

The governance workgroup surveyed numerous different organiza-tions and how they presented their organization’s purpose, goals and values. Based on our investigation and the guidance of our Strategic Planning Consultant, ESC, the Governance Committee set out to draft three main statements:

1.) Mission Statement—A statement of what our organization is and who our organization serves

2.) vision Statement—A statement of whERE we want to go to use as a guiding light to identify our mission.

3.) Statement of Core values—values that are integrally a part of the organization.

A key finding of the governance workgroup was that the three statements needed to be succinct and easy to remember by our members. After much debate, the draft statements were shared with the SEAOI Board of directors for approval in January 2017 and approved in February 2017.

Thank you to all of the SEAOI members who participated in this effort!

The SEAOI Board of directors is pleased to present the new SEAOI Mission, vision and Core values!

SEAOI Mission

SEAOI champions excellence for its members in the practice of Structural Engineering.

SEAOI vision

Structural Engineers will be leaders in innovation of the built environ-ment while advancing the prestige of the profession.

SEAOI Core values

¾ Encourage education to advance the art and science of Structural Engineering

¾ Support LegisLation to uphold and preserve the Illinois Structural Engineering Act to ensure the safeguarding of the lives and property of the public

¾ Promote PuBLic aWaReness to inspire confidence in the profession of Structural Engineering

¾ Work to uphold the honoR and integRity of the profession of Structural Engineering

�� David Nickell

SEAOI gOvErnMEnt AffAIrS SPrIng lunCHEOntime: 11:15 a.m.–1 p.m.date: April 21, 2017venue: University Club, 76 E. Monroe, Chicago, Ill.cost: $75

SEAOI’s Government Affairs Committee is proud to present randall S. Blankenhorn, Illinois Transportation Secretary, as the speaker at the SEAOI GAC Spring luncheon. Mr. Blankenhorn will discuss infrastructure spending and construction in Illinois—a timely and multi-faceted topic of interest to many in the engineering and construction industries. The luncheon will be held on

April 21, 2017, at the University Club, located at 76 E. Monroe in Chicago, Ill. The registration fee of $75 includes a plated lunch.

See page 15 for registration.


wHY CAn’t EvErY DAY BE Honor Women in tHe Built World day?Today I feel different than I did the day that I walked out of the Women in the Built World symposium. It was a whole day of exclamatory state-ments like: you can do it! and Women really do have super powers! and Be your authentic self! and Stand up for yourself! and ask for what you deserve! and do it your way!

Back in the real world, we aren’t getting that perfectly timed pep-talk, handing us fair-market value for our services and encouraging us to march into our boss’ office to negotiate that well-deserved raise or getting that supportive pat on the back for standing up for ourselves in that critical meeting to get the project back on track. We have to work for it. We have to stand up and ask for it.

It’s a battle. And it’s not just a battle for an hour out of your day, or a late afternoon getting out a deadline, or even just a grueling 24-hour stint. It’s all day, every day. The battle is a little different but mostly the same for everyone. As a young engineer, you are trying to prove that your lack of grey hair does not equate to project-botching inex-perience. As a female engineer, you are trying to prove that you do, in fact, know what you are talking about. You aren’t just there to take notes. As a structural engineer, you are trying to prove that while you can make a floor appear to float (we do have several super powers), that it isn’t in the client’s budget. You aren’t just trying to be difficult. You deserve to be a respected and fully compensated member of a project’s design and construction team. This list is far from exhaustive, but it is representative of battles I fight.

We all experience the battle of the structural engineer. We can all relate to that daily experience. For a young engineer, just getting your job done correctly and on-time is more stressful as you are also in constant battle for the trust of your client or even just your peers in the office. As a female engineer, or even worse, a young female engineer, you are taking on all that stress while battling ingrained social norms. What can we do for ourselves? What could we possibly do to help others?

learn and lead.

We need to learn, and boy are we ready (no pun intended). Over 100 women came together on January 27 to empower one another, share their knowledge and experiences; to learn from one another. Chicago’s community of women in structural engineering, architecture and construction took valuable time out of their busy work schedules to see how others make the industry work for them and, in turn, work successfully for the industry. Panel discussions, project and technical

presentations were punctuated with networking exercises, maximizing the impact of our time together.

Every presentation, every panel discussion, every moment of network-ing had at least one, but typically several, take-away ideas. Who can say they’ve attended a day of meetings and got something done at every single one of them? It was time well-spent learning from leaders in our industry. I want to relate to you the most encouraging sentiment of the day that resonated with me.

It came from the panel discussion shepherded by SEAOI’s Chris Freisinger, women in leadership: view from the top of the ladder. The discussion was lively, sarcastic, and no-nonsense all at the same time. Homa Ghaemi (Principal and COO of Klein and Hoffman), Mary Ann B. lukowicz (Project Executive with Power Construction Company llC) and rebekah Scheinfeld (Commissioner, Chicago department of Transportation), discussed their journeys to the top and the bumps along the way. The panelists in harmony promoted relying on characteristics typically attributed to women as some of a woman’s unparalleled strengths.

¾ Use your own intuition as a guide, as it is very often correct..

¾ Use your acute listening skills to make more balanced decisions and gain team investment.

¾ Use your unique capacity to care (sometimes a bit too much) about your work and your clients to excel.

¾ Use your innate stamina to power through tough situations and garner better outcomes for your clients and your team.

“Could be crazy—make it your own crazy.” The most emboldening sentiment that I hastily wrote down was to not shy away from re-sponsibility. rebekah recounted her experience being recruited to the Commissioner position for the Chicago Department of Transportation while simultaneously starting a family. What convinced her to go for it was the notion that it could be crazy, but she had the power to make it her own crazy. She put herself in the driver’s seat, and I think everyone can stand to learn from that philosophy. Many women feel tethered by the sheer weight of their everyday responsibilities so much so that it paralyzes them. rebekah told a story of personal and professional success through taking a risk that very much resonated with me.

With these positive stories of survival and success filling my head as I headed home for the day, I knew I wanted to continued on page 7


Above: Women in the Built World attendees. Right: Women in Leadership Panel.

share my experience with our group and, frankly, with anyone who would listen. However, I also don’t want that to be the end of it.

We need to lead, and we need to start now. not supporting the people in our industry is costing us. Young engineers work hard to establish themselves. Only a few years into their careers, they unexpectedly begin to feel a palpable tug from home countering the singular focus they developed so painstakingly for their work. A female engineer lan-guishes at the associate level, perceiving but not understanding why she keeps getting passed over for less experienced male colleagues. Is it because she’s not comfortable asking, or worse, does she not know to ask because she has no sense of her worth?

It’s costing us when all those years of technical training walk out the door because we, as an industry, aren’t planning to support our staff as they take on more responsibilities as engineers but also at home. And it’s not because we don’t care. We do care. This just isn’t the world we grew up in. Parental leave was staying at the office until you got the call that your wife was just about to start pushing, and you finally pulled yourself away from that project for the night, maybe even the whole next day. But that wasn’t right either.

We need to take a look at how we proactively support the people in our industry. Are we mentoring them? Are we giving them valuable benefits like Family Medical Leave and short-term disability? Are we reviewing our employees’ pay on

a gender and experience basis to ensure that there is equitable compensation? Are

we interviewing equal numbers of men and women for our open positions before making our final decisions? Are we setting examples of mutual respect at our meetings and in our offices, asking everyone to contribute to encourage balanced conversations? Are we supporting women’s ideas by restating them to decision makers and then attributing the source? Are we allowing our employees the flexibility to feel out the new challenges of parenthood after welcoming a new baby into their family?

What do these employees want from our industry? What do they need to be successful? What do we need from them to be successful? What can we realistically offer?

If we have leaders willing to ask questions like these and start writing down answers, right, wrong and otherwise, we will start heading in the right direction.

We need thought leaders. That’s where you, our esteemed and diverse membership, come in. But we don’t want to send you into battle without the right armor or fighting the wrong dragon. We all want to be on the same side, and we all need to be prepared. let’s start the discussion so that we can learn. It can’t just be the women

women continued from page 6



MOvErS AnD SHAkErS

Member News

Congratulations to Dave Eckmann, Managing Principal, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, on receiving the 2017 FAIA distinction! AIA Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society.

&

raths, raths & Johnson, Inc., Principal, robert kudder, Ph.d., S.E., F.ASTM, has been appointed to the Northwestern University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering External Advisory Board. The board provides strategic review and advice to the department on its edu-cational offerings, research activities and student recruitment plans which is part of the department’s accreditation process.

&

Bob Johnson, S.E., P.E., was interviewed on February 3, 2017, on radio station 105.5 FM Chicago for a one-hour program (Tech Scene)

discussing engineering and Engineers Week (February 19–25). You can listen to the interview/audio here! http://bit.ly/TechSceneChicago19.

Do you, or does your company, have significant news to share? Achievements, awards, recent promotions, or humanitarian efforts perhaps? Please email [email protected] so it can be recognized in the Bulletin.

New MembersSEAOI would like to welcome the following individuals who were approved for membership:

The following membership applications require approval:

Justin Brown, MEM Thomas Engineering Group, LLC lindenhurst, Ill.

John Dewald, AFI AxA Advisors llC Arlington Heights, Ill.

Sean Doumas, STU UIC Chicago, Ill.

Alwalid Dhaher, STU IIT Chicago, Ill.

Chen fang, STU University of Nebraska–Lincoln lincoln, nebr.

ryan freund, MEM virgilio & Associates, ltd. lake Zurich, Ill.

william godfrey, MEM diSimone Consulting Engineers Morton Grove, Ill.

ryan lezcano, MEM Epstein Architecture Chicago, Ill.

Scott nacheman, MEM deSimone Consulting Engineers Chicago, Ill.

James nowak, ASI Arlington Heights, Ill.

Indira Oraziman, STU IIT Houston, Tex.

Charu Puri, ASC Schaumburg, Ill.

Hamza Sekkak, STU IIT Chicago, Ill.

Membership code abbreviations: MEM = member in Chicago area; MEO = member outside Chicago metropoli-tan area; ASC = associate member receiving degree 8 or more years ago; ASI = associate member receiving degree within last 7 years; AFI = affiliate, working outside the structural engineering profession; STU = student.

CHICAgO trADE SHOw AnD SYMPOSIuMdate: March 3, 2017time: 7 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

The 25th Annual Chicago Trade Show and Symposium will take place on March 3, 2017, at the University Club in downtown Chicago. This half-day event will include five 25-minute presentations and includes ample time to interact with up to 20 vendors. The Trade Show and Symposium is limited to a single session, so attendees benefit from the information shared in every presentation, and presenters have access to a quality audience. Certifications for 2.0 Continuing Education hours will be granted.

The registration fee for the Trade Show & Symposium is just $25 for members, $35 for non-members through February 16. On February 17, prices increase to $35 and $50, respectively. Breakfast is included.



11 QuEStIOnSJeannette Pfeiffer is a Project Manager at deSimone. Joining deSimone’s Chicago office in the fall, Jeannie brings with her over 15 years’ experience as a structural engineer focusing in new design as well as the renovation of existing structures. With this experience, she will be working as a structural engineering consultant on new and renovated structures as well as helping to grow deSimone’s forensics and property loss service sectors. Jeannie is from Mount Greenwood on the Southside of Chicago. She attended Mother McAuley liberal Arts High School where she is active in its alumni organization and career fairs; her aim is to

expose more young women to engineering and STEM fields. Jeannie then went to the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) where she earned her B.S. degree in architectural engineering (emphasis in building structural systems) and master of structural engineering degree. during her career, she has worked on an exciting array of project types and sectors. She was project manager for the building renovation of Sowwah Square at Maryah Island, a four-story concrete retail galleria in Abu dhabi; a high-end resort, Baha Mar, in nassau; the renovation and vertical expansion of the Shedd Aquarium here in Chicago; and currently on the Half Moon Oleander in Montego Bay, Jamaica with deSimone. As a former coworker and fellow Southsider, I really enjoyed chatting with her about her new opportunity and her experiences in engineering. And now, Eleven Questions, with Jeannie Pfeiffer …

Michael Murphy (interviewer): Why did you choose engineering as a profession?

Jeannie Pfeiffer (Interviewee): My passion for the built environment and having an impact on it led me to architectural engineering …. Then the desire to ensure buildings stand up led me to choose structural engineering!

MM: What did you want to be before you grew up?

JP: Before I grew up? In grammar school I was going to be a social worker, then a police officer … I wanted to help people.

MM: What is the best professional lesson you have learned during your career?

JP: The best lesson I learned was to Listen … to the client, to the owner, to

the contractor … not only will it make your life easier (if the expectations are clear, the outcome has a better chance of being successful), but you can learn a lot from the other people’s experiences.

MM: What piece of advice do you wish you would have known at the beginning of your career?

JP: Work life balance is key. Spend time with the people you love now. Follow your passions in life and work.

MM: What is one of the favorite projects you have been involved with during your career? Why?

JP: The renovations of the Shedd Aquarium about 10 years ago. The focus on the project was to update

the oceanarium exhibits, focusing on the animal and trainer needs. It was amazing to be so close to the animals and the people who care for them!

MM: What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Why?

JP: Party Planner … I love seeing a plan come together.�:)

MM: I bet it is because you like to party. Regardless, what profession would you not like to do? Why not?

JP: Cake decorator … I would keep taking samples from the cake ….

MM: If you could have lunch with any individual (living or dead), who would it be?

JP: My Dad … we see each other often but we don’t talk enough, … and he has so many life experiences I want to know about ….

MM: If you had a jet waiting to take you anywhere in the world, what would your destination be?

JP: Um, Australia!!!

MM: What is the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning?

JP: Is the sun out??? OK, let’s do this!

MM: What is the last thing you think about before you go to bed?

JP: Did I accomplish everything I set out to? What is my focus, personal and professional, for tomorrow?

MM: (bonus) What is something you believe that most engineers do not?

JP: Live Life, Have fun and enjoy every moment!

�� Michael Murphy


StruCturAl EngInEErS fOunDAtIOnlast month we mentioned the special nature of the Structural Engineers Foundation as a separate organization under SEAOI’s umbrella. This month, we would like to provide a little of the history that made SEF what it is today.

Prior to the establishment of SEF, an “Endowment Fund Standing Committee” was established in 1993 to provide oversight of a recent gift earmarked for SEAOI to establish an endowment. Instrumental in this effort was one of our illustrious members and past SEAOI president, the late William (Bill) lavika. Shortly thereafter SEF was established in recognition of the 75th birthday of the Structural Engineering Act of Illinois. The procedures and paperwork for creating a new charitable organization are complex, but we were fortunate to have Jeanne vogelzang leading the effort. The first SEF Board of directors included: Ben Baer, Clyde Baker, Kul razdan, Mike Tylk and John Zils. John Zils was the first President of SEF. The mission established in 1993 is the same as today—to provide financial support for the educational and charitable activities of the structural engineering profession, including items like scholarships, honoraria for lectures and research grants.

The first SEF scholarships were awarded in April 1996. The recipients were Jennifer Soderstrom (underclass) and Gregory laver (upperclass), both students of the University of Minnesota. The number and value of the scholarships has changed over the years. Since then, up to four scholarships have been awarded yearly: one for an underclass student, one a graduate student, one for a student attending an Illinois university (Max Zar Scholarship), one for a student of Hispanic descent (rubinos–Mesia Scholarship).

The SEF lectures were intended to be by exceptional individuals on exceptional topics. The first SEF-sponsored lecture featured Mr. Charles Thornton in April 1996. The lecture was entitled “Technology Transfer to Inner Cities, large Cities, Foreign Cities: A Structural Engineer’s Perspective.” Approximately 200 people attended the lecture. The lecture was a part of the ASCE Structures Congress held in Chicago

that year. Then in november, 1996 we held the first stand-alone lecture at the Union league Club, Chicago. The speaker was Klaus Ostenfeld, the then-incoming President of the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering. His topic was “The Great Belt link,” one of the more significant infrastructure projects taking place in Europe. Approximately 100 people attended the lecture. SEF lectures have been free since their inception.

Thanks to the legacy of the founding members, SEF has continued in the same mission over the last 23 years. We wish to thank Ben Baer, Mike Tylk and John Zils for their recollections that helped in this article. looking forward to seeing all of you next month at our April 12, 2016. lecture by Glenn r. Bell of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger on “Structural Engineering at Mid-21st Century: reengineering Our roles.”

�� Bruce S. Kaskel

StruCturAl EngInEErS fOunDAtIOn SPrIng lECturEtime: 5 p.m. reception; 6 p.m. lecturedate: April 18, 2017venue: University Center, 525 S. State St., Chicago, Ill.cost: fREE

Please join us on April 18 as Gunnar Hubbard, FAIA, llEd Fellow Principal and Sustainability Practice leader, presents “The role of Sustainability in Structural Engineering.” This event is open to the public, and free of charge. reception begins at 5 p.m. and the lecture starts at 6 p.m. at the University Center at 525 S. State St. in Chicago, Ill.



SEISMIC DESIgn Of BrIDgEStime: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.date: March 10, 2017venue: HnTB, One South Wacker drive in Chicago, Ill. cost: $375 members; $475 non-members

We are pleased to present a full-day seminar on Seismic design of Bridges using AASHTO lrFd. Primary topics covered:

1.) AASHTO lrFd Approach to dynamic Analysis

2.) AASHTO lrFd Approach to Seismic loads

3.) Analysis and design Example using AASHTO lrFd Approach to dynamic Analysis

4.) Analysis and design Example using IdOT Bridge Manual Approach to Seismic design, (both 1000 years and 500 year EQ)

This popular class wil l be taught by Tony Shkurti, Ph.d., S.E., P.E. and Johann A ak re , S .E . , P.E . , from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. on March 10, 2017, at HNTB, located at One South Wacker

drive in Chicago, Ill. registration is just $375 for members, $475 for non-members.


fOunDAtIOn DESIgn PrIMErtime: 8 a.m.–5 p.mdate: March 16, 2017venue: 155 n. Wacker, Chicago, Ill.cost: $375 members; $475 non-members

This full-day seminar on Foundation Design is back by popular demand! Join Bill Walton and a team of world-renowned experts for 7.5 hours of CE credit on March 16, 2017, at 155 n. Wacker in Chicago, Ill. registration is $375 for members and $475 for non-mem-bers. Topics and speakers scheduled are:

Fundamentals of Foundation engineering Bill Walton

Foundations for Bridges—aasHto and idot Focus Bob Lukas

Lateral support models for tall Buildings Fernando Sarabia

drilled Foundations driven Pile Foundations and Load testing Mike Wysockey

updated Pile Foundation Requirements in chicago Building code Darren Diehm

international case History Tony Kiefer

Permanent and temporary earth Retention Sadfar Gill

non-destructive deep Foundation testing Risk and Rewards: a career Retrospective Clyde Baker

open discussion with our Legends Clyde Baker, Bob Lukas and Safdar Gill



USA Science and Engineering Festival— Call to Exhibitors!

date: 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. April 8, 2017venue: Oakton Community College, 1600 Golf rd., des Plaines, Ill.inFo: https://www.oakton.edu/academics/special_programs/

stem/events/Science%20Engineering %20Festival.phpregistration deadline for exhibitors is March 14, 2017.

ACI-Illinois 2017 Annual dinner

date: 6:30 p.m., May 6, 2017venue: Macy’s on State Street, Chicago, Ill.inFo: https://aciillinois.com/

Chicago Building Congress Merit Awards Call for Entries

date: 5:30 p.m., May 23, 2017venue: Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, Ill.inFo: http://www.chicagobuildingcongress.

org/meritawardsentrydetails/To list your organization’s events in the Bulletin, submit information by the 20th of the month prior to the month of issue to Mary Jane davis 312.726.4165.

For additional OUTrEACH opportunities, visit the link below for a summary of all outreach events seeking SE volunteers! https://seaoi.org/seaoi-outreach-events-and-volunteer-opportunities

2017 SEAOI ExCEllEnCE In StruCturAl EngInEErIng AwArDSEntries are now being accepted for the 2017 SEAOI Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards! Projects completed since January 1, 2014, are eligible for submission to the following categories:

¾ Juror’s Favorite/Most Innovative Structure

¾ Best Bridge

¾ Best renovation/retrofit Project

¾ Best Project—over $150 million

¾ Best Project—$50 million up to $150 million

¾ Best Project—$5 million up to $50 million

¾ Best Project—$1million up to $5 million

¾ lavicka Award—up to $1 million

These awards provide a unique opportunity by allowing members of SEAOI and the structural engineering community to recognize cre-ative achievement in structural engineering via innovative structural designs and individual contributions that advance the profession.

We are pleased to announce that entries may be submitted elec-tronically this year!

For more information about the awards, or to submit an entry, please visit SEAOI.org/excellence-structural-engineering-awards.


nEwS AnD AnnOunCEMEntS

Participants List Now Available!

Thanks to feedback from our members, we’re pleased to introduce Participants, which is a new feature on our events pages on the SEAOI website that allows you to see who has registered for an SEAOI event. If you’re curious about who you might encounter during an SEAOI event, simply click on the Participants link at the bottom of each event page to see all of the registrants who opted in to the list.

SEAOI Board Minutes

SEAOI Board Minutes are now available online to members! To access approved minutes, log in to your member account and click on the Member Info tab and select the Board of Directors Meeting Minutes link from the dropdown. You may also access directly at https://www.seaoi.org/board-directors-meeting-minutes.

Continuing Education—Your Suggestions Welcome

SEAOI prides itself on offering high-quality, affordable continuing edu-cation for the engineering community. The feedback we receive is very positive, yet we are always looking for ways to improve program offerings. The continuing education committee is in the process of scheduling classes for the 2015–16 programming year and always appreciates the suggestions it receives from SEAOI members. To that end, members are encouraged to call or email the SEAOI office with any ideas for programs that would foster professional development.

This organization typically offers more than a dozen continuing educa-tion programs each year. Most members prefer full-day classes, but we also offer half-day sessions. Classes are available in the Chicago area and also in Central Illinois. Where feasible, we offer classes via the Web for the convenience of those who cannot participate in person.

We also very much appreciate suggestions for speakers to lead programs. If you are interested in teaching a class, or would like to recom-mend a colleague, please contact the office or email [email protected].

IIT Dupage area STeM expo recapThe duPage Area STEM Expo was held on Feb. 25, 2017, at the IIT rice Campus in Wheaton, Ill. This Expo is a specialized event designed to promote awareness of professional and educational opportunities provided among engineering and STEM fields, open to all ages with a focus on school age children grades K-6.

SEAOI was well served by our volunteers, and we’ve heard the Expo attendance was 2,000! Brian Dekker held lectures throughout the day and provided a great introduction to structural engineering through a one family/one tower shake table activity. Families were challenged to build a 20-story tower to survive the shake table. Winners were eligible to enter a

raffle for a lEGO Architecture Burj Khalifa set, a hit with the audi-ence! In addition to the lectures, SEAOI held a large booth complete with bridge models, tall building models, a shake table with Legos, and an interactive bridge-design computer game. Bob Johnson and Carol Drucker provided models and roman vovchak donated a shake table that were all well-enjoyed by the children. Special thanks to Jan Blok for organizing the

SEAOI booth and volunteers. Our vol-unteers were: Carol Drucker, Pegah Farshadmanesh, Cathleen Jacinto, Bob Johnson, Mary lou Kutska, Enji (Paul) Papzisi, Jonathan Tavarez, Collin Tierney, and roman vovchak. Many thanks to all SEAOI volunteers who served this wonderful event!


robert A. Halvorson, S.E., P.E., fIStructE, Executive vice President

robert A. Halvorson leads the structural en-gineering practice in the Chicago Office. Over the past 30 years Bob has engineered tall and long-span buildings across the globe. Bob be-gan his career with Skidmore Owings & Merrill

(SOM), and founded Halvorson and Partners in 1996. Under Bob’s leadership the firm has designed projects in a number of countries including India, the United Arab Emirates, russia, Korea, vietnam and China. Bob is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and of the Institution of Structural Engineers in the United Kingdom and recently earned the Gold Medal Award from the Institution of Structural Engineers in london.


Hanking continued from page 1

curricula can put knowledge and skills acquired in engineering courses to work in a more open field that foster interaction with other disciplines.

Currently the minimum education requirements set by the State of Illinois as a base to obtain license to practice structural engineering indicate that a qualifying professional degree has to be a four-year engineering or architecture curriculum from an educational institution that is legally recognized and has to lead to the award of a baccalaure-ate degree. The Illinois Structural Engineering Act rules also state that such programs must provide integration of the educational experience with the ability to apply the knowledge gained to the identification and solution of practical problems. Each applicant shall have passed a minimum of 18 semester hours of courses in the analysis, behavior and design of structural elements and systems, with a minimum of nine

semester hours required in structural design courses that may include structural steel, reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, foundation, masonry and wood engineering.

That leaves room to integrate the engineering curriculum, which also includes basic subjects in science, with courses from other disci-plines that can broaden the horizons of structural engineers that are interested in design and in a fruitful interaction with other disciplines.

during Engineers Week and throughout the year SEAOI will continue to promote creativity in the structural engineering profession through events and initiatives that are true to our newly revamped Mission to champion excellence for its members in the practice of Structural Engineering and our vision that Structural Engineers will be leaders in innovation of the built environment while advancing the prestige of the profession.

Di Bernardo continued from page 2

learning and leading, battling for the rest of us. We’re outnumbered. We need you all to be leaders.

Want to arm yourself?

Resources shortlist:

¾ www.se3project.org

¾ www.feministfightclub.com

¾ www.leanin.org

Want to join the conversation and lead?

SEAOI Efforts:

¾ Women in Structural Engineering (WiSE)

¾ Dinner meeting mentorship

Always open to new ideas

�� Jennifer Traut-Todaro, S.E.–lEEd AP

women continued from page 7


Mail form and Payment to SEAOI, 134 n. laSalle St., Suite 1910, Chicago, Ill. 60603 or fax to 312.273.1991 or register Online at seaoi.org

SEAOI rEgIStrAtIOn fOrMname E-Mail Address daytime Phone

Company Name Cell Phone

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� Charge to Credit Card � Check Enclosed (payable to SEAOI)

$Credit Card number Expiration date CSC (back of card) Amount Enclosed

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STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS134 n. laSalle Street, Suite 1910Chicago, IL 60602

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March / April Calendar

� 25th Annual Chicago trade Show and Symposium 7 a.m.–11:00 a.m., March 3, University Club (Chicago, Ill.) See page 8.

� March Dinner Meeting 5:15–7:30 p.m., March 7, Cliff Dwellers Club (200 S. Michigan Ave, 22nd Floor, Chicago, Ill.) Hanking center—the design of china’s tallest steel Building See page 1.

� Seismic Design of Bridges 8 a.m.–5 p.m., March 10, HNTB, (1 S. Wacker dr., 9th Floor Chicago, Ill.) See page 11.

� foundation Design Primer 8 a.m.–5 p.m., March 16, 155 n. Wacker dr., (Conference room A, 9th Floor Chicago, Ill.) See page 11.

� legislative Day All day event—March 28, round trip transportation to Springfield provided See page 4.

� Structural Engineers foundation Spring lecture 5 p.m., April 18, University Center (525 S. State St. in Chicago, Ill.) the Role of sustainability in structural engineering See page 10.

� gAC Spring luncheon 11:15 a.m.–1 p.m., April 21, University Club, (76 E. Monroe St., Chicago, Ill.) See page 5.

SEAOI Officers and Directors President: salvatore di Bernardo President-Elect: tony F. shkurti Treasurer: david nickell Secretary: christine m. Freisinger

Directors to 2017: Jan i. Blok, carol drucker, William H. Walton

Directors to 2018: derek Boeldt,

Lawrence L. Kirchner, Joseph m. Lowrance

Directors to 2019: Kevin conroy, soliman Khudeira, José a. medero

Past Presidents—Directors: John F. duntemann,

terry R. mcdonnell, david R. Horos

Executive Director: stephanie a. crain Administrative and Financial Assistant: mary Jane davis Program and Technology Coordinator: marsha Harman

seaoi Bulletin Editor: cathleen Jacinto Advertising: stephanie a. crain

([email protected])

Address comments to: Bulletin Editor Structural Engineers Association of Illinois

134 n. laSalle St., Suite 1910, Chicago, Il 60602

312.726.4165 � www.seaoi.org e-mail: [email protected]

Published by the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois, to dis-seminate news to its members and to persons and groups interested in or involved in the profession of Structural Engineering. Except where noted, the opinions expressed in the Bulletin reflect those of the au-thor only and do not reflect or represent the position of SEAOI. Closing for the editorial and advertising is by the 15th of the preceding month of issue. Copy appearing in the SEAOI Bulletin is not to be construed as endorsement of any product, service, or company. Portions of this newsletter may be reproduced, provided credit is given and a copy

of the publication where excerpt appears is sent to the editor.

HAnkIng CEntEr— tHE DESIgn Of CHInA'S tAllESt StEEl BuIlDIng

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