Spotlight

Transforming the Fan Experience

A New Arena for the Yellow Jackets

By John M. Hann, P.E., LEED AP

KSi/Structural Engineers was an Award Winner for the McCamish Pavilion project in the 2013 NCSEA Annual Excellence in Structural Engineering awards program (Category – Forensic/Renovation/Retrofit/Rehabilitation Structures).

The McCamish Pavilion is the home of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket basketball program and has been a part of the Georgia Tech Community since 1956. The original facility included a 50-foot tall, 270-foot diameter, 32 rib structural steel Schwedler dome over a 25 foot deep, cast-in-place, circular concrete bowl. Several renovations and additions have been performed over the life of the facility. Georgia Tech’s goal for this renovation was simply to improve the fan experience in the arena. Desired improvements included better sight lines, increased seating row depth from front to back, a circulation concourse open to the court, modern audio visual equipment including a center hung scoreboard, an improved HVAC system, an enlarged circulation concourse and compliance with current building codes. To improve sight lines and address seating row depth issues, a new octagonal seating bowl design was developed. The original bowl was demolished and a new cast-in-place concrete bowl installed at grade. The new octagonal bowl design eliminated approximately 2,000 seats. To replace these lost seats, a new upper deck was installed within the existing Schwedler dome. The upper deck utilizes elevated flooring supported on structural steel raker beams which are in turn supported on curved structural steel struts. Traditional materials for elevated arena seating floors include precast concrete and folded steel plate, but neither of these materials was optimal due to the capacity of the existing structure. The precast concrete option was simply too heavy and overstressed the existing steel dome ribs. The layout of the upper deck made it desirable to span the upper deck riser system from existing rib to existing rib, on the order of 25 feet. Folded steel plate could not span this far without the addition of significant secondary framing. A new material, the Sandwich Plate System, SPS, was investigated and selected for the flooring system. This composite flooring system was originally developed for the offshore and shipbuilding industry. The SPS system includes two ¼-inch steel plates at the top and bottom of the assembly infilled with a polymer resin layer on the order of 1-inch thick. The McCamish Pavilion installation is the first onshore use of the SPS material in the western hemisphere. The SPS system cannot be field cut or welded; it has to fit perfectly the first time. Innovative point cloud technology was used in the design, fabrication and installation of the upper deck structural steel and SPS. A three dimensional map of the upper deck was developed by inserting a laser scanned point cloud survey of the existing steel into the 3D BIM model of the new structural steel components. All of the structural steel and SPS components were fabricated from this model. The method was so precise that all pieces fit without shimming, trimming or other modification upon installation. The raker beams supporting the SPS are attached to the existing Schwedler dome for lateral stability, and balanced on curved struts to limit the gravity load introduced to the existing framing. New foundation systems to support the struts were also challenging. The location of the facility over an abandoned landfill, and thrust loads from the new upper deck, required the use of battered deep foundations. These deep foundations were installed from the sloped side of the existing bowl underneath the existing steel ribs, resulting in a low headroom condition on a working platform sloped at 30 degrees. Because of the installation conditions, steel pipe micro piles were utilized for this application. The addition of the other fan amenities also posed structural challenges for the project. The audio visual, lighting, and HVAC components all added significant load to the Schwedler dome. A three dimensional analytical model of the facility was developed to study the effects of added loads from new audio, visual, lighting and HVAC components. The added load significantly overstressed the existing building ribs. To mitigate the effects, connections of existing secondary roof members were modified to resist increased tension loads, converting the secondary members into tension rings. In the review of the existing documentation, it became evident the existing facility had no discrete lateral load resisting system. To bring the existing structure into compliance with the current building code, a new lateral load resisting system within the existing dome structure was required. New structural steel V brace frames were selected because they were the least intrusive applicable system. The new frames were “woven” through existing steel, changing the planar angle of the brace at each level to reduce impacts to seating counts and sight lines. To limit lateral bracing locations, supporting the need for unobstructed site lines, all lateral loads were transferred from the new circulation concourse to the dome bracing through the use of roof diaphragms and collector elements. Conversely, the amount of gravity load the new concourse framing transferred to the existing structure had to be limited to avoid overstressed conditions in the existing dome ribs. The layout of the concourse framing was developed to achieve these goals. The look and feel of the arena was completely changed by the renovation, transforming an aging facility from the 1950s into a twentyfirst century arena. The renovation would not have been possible without the innovative structural materials, assemblies, and construction techniques developed by the project team.▪

John M. Hann, P.E., LEED AP, is a Principal at KSi/Structural Engineers in Atlanta, GA. John can be reached at jhann@ksise.com.

ASSOC I A T I O N S NATIONAL COUNCI L

NCSEA News

President’s Message Keeping Up

Last week, I was preparing to give a presentation on snow load design. In order to support one of the points I wanted to include, I was doing some research on how much the codes have changed over the past 15-20 years. Looking at this really made me stop and think. We understand so much more today about how drifting affects snow loads and about the amount of snow we should design our structures to support; and this is just one example of the myriad of changes that we as structural engineers have to keep up with, in order to provide our clients with safe structures. We must understand the codes, keep up with changes, and understand how materials perform. This highlights how important it is to make sure that all engineers who are practicing structural engineering are qualified to do so and are keeping up with the changes. NCSEA supports the following three efforts that I feel speak directly to this need and serve to raise the bar in our profession. The first is an ongoing effort by NCSEA’s Basic Education committee to determine and promote the core curriculum that should be offered to, and required of, structural engineering students. Integral parts of this committee’s mission include working with the Structural Engineering Certification Board (SECB) to achieve a common objective, working with educational institutions on curriculum content, and working with practitioner employers to ease students from the academic environment into the workplace. Although the committee has been successful in determining which universities offer the recommended coursework, a number of universities claim they are unable to do so. Most universities are being pushed to provide more economical degrees, which typically means requiring fewer hours, rather than adding to their programs. Recognizing this, the focus of the committee has turned to

NCSEA Webinars

January 23, 2014 ASCE 7-10 Ron Hamburger, S.E., SECB January 28, 2014 Prying Action in the AISC Manual of Steel Construction –Historical Development & Current Usage Dr. William Thornton, P.E. February 6, 2014 Understanding ASCE-7 Requirements for Seismic Design of Nonstructural Components Maryann Phipps, S.E.

These courses will award 1.5 hours of continuing education. Approved for CE credit in all 50 States through the NCSEA Diamond Review Program. Time: 10:00 AM Pacific, 11:00 AM Mountain, 12:00 PM Central, 1:00 PM Eastern. Register at www.ncsea.com.

NEW! Webinar Subscription Option!

NCSEA is offering a Webinar Subscription Plan. For an annual fee of $750, an individual can access all NCSEA live webinars over a one-year period. This option is only open to NCSEA members, i.e., members of NCSEA MO’s. Enrollment form available at www.ncsea.com. providing a framework for individuals to take courses outside of the traditional setting and to recognizing those individuals who do so. This is an important endeavor and a joint effort with SECB and NCSEA’s Young Member Group Support Committee. I look forward to seeing what their efforts produce. Second is an ongoing effort to promote Structural Licensure. All fields of engineering have become increasingly complex and specialized over time, but none more so than structural engineering. In addition, structural engineering has a unique responsibility to provide structures that protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for clients to retain an engineer who is not qualified to provide the services required, whether the client realizes it or not. Yet, of the 55 jurisdictions in the United States, only 12 of them have a Structural Engineering Title or Practice Act. Illinois recognized this as far back as 1915, but other jurisdictions have been slow getting on board. The mission of the Structural Licensure committee reads “The NCSEA Structural Licensure Committee works with the Member Organizations to influence states to adopt consistent licensing laws and rules in the interest of public safety, especially relating to the licensure of structural engineers”. Over the last year, NCSEA joined with SEI, CASE, and SECB to form the Structural Engineering Licensure Coalition (SELC), so that these four organizations can speak with one voice and combine their efforts in this endeavor. I am hopeful that we will have a new structural licensing act in several states over the next few years. The third effort involves required continuing education. NCEES has advocated for uniform laws regarding continuing education for many years. At this time, 40 states require continuing education, indicating that this concept has been embraced by the licensing boards in most of the country. Although the requirements vary, the most common requirement matches the NCEES recommendation of fifteen hours per year, which calculates to only 75 minutes per month. Opportunities for good continuing education are plentiful. Most of NCSEA’s member organizations offer monthly meetings that include a continuing education offering. Also, quite a few of the member organizations have day-long conferences with continuing education presentations. This is an excellent way to meet with colleagues and engage in discussion about our practice. For those unable to attend local meetings or interested in topics not offered locally, NCSEA offers webinars each month that have been thoughtfully discussed and reviewed for content by NCSEA’s Continuing Education committee. The NCSEA conference each Fall also offers two full days of continuing education opportunities. I would be remiss if I didn’t say that I’m also very excited about the upcoming Winter Leadership Forum (WLF), focusing on tools for business success, which is another critical aspect of our practices. The WLF format includes roundtable discussions that really give attendees a chance to learn from and about each other; and the location, in Napa, California on March 20-21, should only add to that opportunity.

Carrie Johnson, S.E., SECB, is the NCSEA President for 2014 and is a Principal at Wallace Engineering in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She can be reached at cjohnson@wallacesc.com.

Winter Leadership Forum

March 20 – 21,2014 e Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa, California

The second NCSEA Winter Leadership Forum will gather together structural engineering principals and leaders in an energetic and engaging environment, focused on key strategic issues vital to fi rm survival and success. Sessions include:

Thursday Friday

Get the Value You Deserve Without Ruining the Relationship – Steven Isaacs This interactive session includes a new approach to negotiations and will off er a variety of fi eld-tested ways to get the value and compensation you deserve, from current and future clients.

Steven Isaacs, P.E., Division Manager, FMI Corporation, assists fi rms in strategic planning, fi nancial controls, project performance/ profi tability, negotiation, ownership transition, joint ventures and partnering. Leadership is a Full-Contact Sport: Dealing with Confl ict in the Workplace – Jennifer Morrow Th is session will focus on eff ectively dealing with confl ict in the workplace and beyond.

Jennifer Morrow is the Executive Director of Commercial Services at ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) Systems of America, LLC, and consults with law fi rms and companies on the eff ective use of mediation, arbitration and all types of dispute resolution processes.

Baby Boomers Delay Retirements: Career Bottleneck at the Top – Steven Isaacs Professionals enjoy and count on on their work, salaries, and benefi ts, and, especially today, are less willing or able to retire. Determine how your fi rm should react to retain talented employees.

Ownership Transition Case Studies How does a fi rm transition ownership? Leaders of three engineering fi rms that have confronted these issues will tell how they did it.

Robert L. Miller Associates & Sound Structures, Inc. Brian Dekker, President 7 staff

PCS Structural Solutions Brian Phair, CEO 40 staff

DCI Engineers Mark Aden, President 185 staff Managing the Cost of Confl ict: Mediation, Arbitration or Litigation? – Jennifer Morrow and Kevin Sido Th is session will explore the full spectrum of dispute resolution processes available and provide tools for evaluating when to use which process. Learn the nomenclature, know your options and make more informed decisions to minimize the impact on your time, your business and your reputation. You’ve Been Sued – Now What? What Engineers Need to Know to Structure Their Defense – Kevin Sido Realizing that claims will inevitably be fi led against Structural Engineers regardless of merit, what should the Structural Engineer do when the summons is served and in the months that follow?

Kevin Sido, attorney, is a senior partner in the Chicago offi ce of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLC. He has represented design professionals for more than 38 years, is an author and speaker on construction law issues, and is the editor of Architects and Engineers Liability, Claims Against Design Professionals. Last year I gained some valuable insights into how to diff erentiate our fi rm from our competitors in a challenging economy. Th e speakers provided fresh and practical lessons that I have applied throughout this year in real project pursuits. I found the Winter Leadership Forum very relevant and I look forward to attending again in the future.

Bart Miller, P.E. Principal Walter P Moore

While in college, engineers typically have no courses in business management and typically learn management skills by trial and error while on the job. Th e 2013 Winter Leadership Forum was a great experience providing useful fundamental management insights for individuals running an engineering offi ce or thinking of starting their own fi rms. Th e structural engineering profession is evolving, just as are business management practices. I highly recommend the Winter Leadership Forum to anyone to help keep them abreast of currently developing management practices.

Michael Cochran, S.E., SECB Associate Principal Weidlinger Associates Inc.

Take Your Seat at the Table

Discuss and develop new strategies, and learn what other principals are doing and thinking.

e Winter Leadership Forum will take place at the beautiful Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa, California. e Resort is centrally located in idyllic Wine Country at the southern tip of Napa Valley and has an evening shuttle for guest transportation to Downtown Napa’s restaurants and tasting rooms. Register at www.ncsea.com

Major Corporate Platinum Sponsor:

NCSEA News

T R U C TURAL S

ASSOC I A T I O N S NATIONAL COUNCI L

The Newsletter of the Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE Structural Columns

Track STeel TopicS

Building caSe STudieS SeiSmic diSproporTionaTe collapSe BridgeS –

currenT pracTice BridgeS –

emerging TrendS Track Chair Cynthia Duncan Brian McElhatten Mustafa Mahamid Shalva Marjanishvili Bruce Peterson Cheng Lok “Caleb” Hing 8:00 AM – ST100 New AISC Design BB100 Integrated SE100 Seismic DC100 Disproportionate BP100 Expediting Project BT100 Dynamic Effects 9:30 AM Guides: 26-Design of Design of Tall Design in New Collapse Resistance of Floor Delivery in the MassDOT Blast Resistant Structures Buildings England Systems Accelerated Bridge and 28-Stability Design of Program Steel Buildings

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

ST110 Steel Connection Innovations BB110 The Boston School of Tall Buildings SE110 Low-Ductility Braced Frames in Moderate Seismic Regions DC110 Multi-Hazard Robustness Assessment of Building Structural Systems BP110 The MassDOT Accelerated Bridge Program

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

ST120 Steel Braced Frame Innovations BB120 Museum Projects in Boston SE120 Practical Considerations for Implementation of Self-Centering Seismic Systems DC120 Designing for Robustness to Resist Disproportionate Collapse BT110 Seismic Effects

BP120 Bridge Design BT120 Blast Protection for Bridges

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

ST130 Cold-Formed Steel Design: Advances through IndustryAcademic Collaboration BB130 Impact of Boston Geology on Foundation Development SE130 Seismic Analysis in Regions of Moderate Seismicity DC130 International Disproportionate Collapse Design Requirements and Research BP130 Construction and Performance BT130 Damage Detection and Evaluation

Friday April 4, 2014

7:00 AM – 8:15 AM CASE Breakfast

Track Special Building TopicS maSonry and Wood TopicS codeS and STandardS BlaST and impacT BridgeS –

currenT pracTice BridgeS –

emerging TrendS Track Chair Cynthia Duncan Brian McElhatten William Jacobs, V Shalva Marjanishvili Bruce Peterson Cheng Lok “Caleb” Hing 8:30 AM – BD200 Structural MW200 Design CO200 The State of BL200 Boston Marathon BP200 Rehabilitation of BT200 Case Studies of 10:00 AM System Innovations and Construction Design Loads – Bombing and West Fertilizer Historic Bridges Sensing for Structural of Masonry – A A discussion of Explosion Health Monitoring: Look towards New changes in the new Bridges Requirements and ASCE 7, ASCE 24, Recommendations & ASCE 37

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

BD210 Vibration Serviceability MW210 Evaluation and Repair of Masonry

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

BD220 Optimization in Tall Buildings MW220 Timber Structures and Bridges CO220 The 2014 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions – An Overview BL220 Blast Environment and Hazard Predictions BP220 Bridge Evaluation BT220 Evaluation and Assessment of Bridges Subject to Fire

CO210 Using the New ASCE 41 – Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings BL210 Blast Load Predictions BP210 Recent Advances in Bridge Inspection Practices BT210 Steel Orthotropic Bridge Decks – Recent Developments and Implementation

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

BD230 Composite Construction MW230 Investigation and Repair of Existing Wood and Timber Framed Buildings CO230 Snow Loads and Rain Loads – What’s New and Different BL230 Blast Protection: From R&D to Design/ Retrofit BP230 Rehabilitation and Strengthening BT230 Next-Generation Multihazard Resilient Bridge Systems

Saturday April 5, 2014

Track concreTe TopicS Wood TopicS progreSSive collapSe BlaST and impacT BridgeS –

currenT pracTice BridgeS –

emerging TrendS Track Chair Mustafa Mahamid Brian McElhatten William Jacobs, V Shalva Marjanishvili Bruce Peterson Cheng Lok “Caleb” Hing 8:30 AM – CT300 Modeling Shear WW300 Experimental PC300 Dispro- BL300 Analysis Methods for BP300 Designing BT300 High-Performance 10:00 AM and Bond in PCC and Modeling Studies portionate Collapse Blast Loads Concrete Bridges for Materials on Wood Frame Considerations Increased Durability and Buildings Resiliency

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

CT310 Concrete: Code Revisions and Innovations WW310 Application of Wood Frame Research to Design Practice PC310 Design and Detailing of Bearing Wall Systems to Resist Disproportionate Collapse BL310 Exterior Envelope BP310 Vehicle Impact and Barriers BT310 Recent Developments in Improving the Fatigue Life of Infrastructure

For more information about the Structures Congress 2014, including Registration and Housing, visit our website at www.structurescongress.org.

STrucTural opTimizaTion and moniToring non Building and Special STrucTureS naTural diSaSTer miTigaTion emerging TrendS in STrucTural eng. educaTion profeSSional pracTice

SuSTainaBle BuSineSS Colby Swan J. Gregory Soules John F. Silva Paul Mlakar John Tawresey Jeremy Isenberg

SM100 Integration of Construction Practice into Structural Optimization NB100 Design of Thermal Power Generating Facilities ND100 Modeling Coastal Hazards ED100 Emerging Trends in Education PP100 Codes After Failures: Changes in Structural Codes and Standards SB100 Exploding the Myth – Successful International Working is not just the Preserve of the Largest Businesses

SM110 Advanced Sensing for Infrastructure Monitoring NB110 Design and Analysis of Power Plants ND110 Hurricane Risk Assessment and Mitigation ED110 New Direction in Structural Eng. Education PP110 Professional Practice Topics SB110 The International Market: The Opportunities and the Challenges

SM120 Case Studies of Sensing for Structural Health Monitoring: Other Structures NB120 Design and Analysis of Tanks and Silos ND120 Advancing MultiHazard Analysis to Improve Emergency Response

SM130 Instrumentation for Monitoring and Assessment of Structures NB130 Modular Design of Petrochemical Structures ND130 Modeling Earthquake Risk and Damage ED120 Student Structural Design Competition

ED130 Classical Methods of Analysis – The Art and Feel of Structural Engineering – Work & Energy Methods of Analysis PP120 Practicing Engineers Trial Design Problems

PP130 The Structural Engineering License Exam-1 SB120 How to Leverage Various Alternative Delivery Methods to Solve our Infrastructure Problem in US

SB130 The Philosophy of Sustainability

CASE Breakfast

riSk reSilience and reliaBiliTy non STrucTural componenTS naTural diSaSTer miTigaTion

career developmenT applied BuSineSS mechanicS

caSe Colby Swan John F. Silva John F. Silva Paul Mlakar John Tawresey Jeremy Isenberg

RR200 Panel Discussion: From LRFD to Risk-based Design and Beyond NS200 Analytical Modeling of Nonstructural Components for Seismic Loading ND200 Lessons Learned from Recent Tornadoes CD200 The Cycle of a Structural Engineering Career: Learning and Leading AB200 How Technology is Changing our Business CS200 Mobile Technology for the Field

RR210 Incorporating Life-Cycle Concepts into Structural Design and Assessment NS210 Experimental Investigations of Nonstructural Components for Seismic Loading

RR220 Operationalizing Risk-informed Decisions for Sustainable and Resilient Civil Infrastructure NS220 Wind Loads on Solar Panels

RR230 Applications of Resilience Design Concepts in Structures NS230 Access Granted: Design and Evaluation of Exterior Building Maintenance Equipment ND210 Extreme Load Design: Tornado-Generated Missile Protection CD210 Life in Academia, Life in the Profession

ND220 ASCE Response to Natural Disasters – Hurricane Sandy and Moore, OK Tornado

ND230 Addressing Tornados and Hurricanes CD220 Mentoring and the Young Professional

CD230 Changing the Paradigm for Engineering Ethics AB210 Productivity Tools for the Structural Engineer CS210 Developing an Internal Culture to Manage a Firm’s Risk

AB220 The Case of Inadequate Factors of Safety – What Engineers Should Know CS220 SE Agreements and Lessons Learned

AB230 Meet the Press CS230 Key Components to Starting Your Own Successful Engineering Practice

duraBiliTy and maTerialS non Building and Special STrucTureS naTural diSaSTer miTigaTion innovaTionS in STrucTural TeSTing applied BuSineSS mechanicS

fire Colby Swan J. Gregory Soules John F. Silva Paul Mlakar John Tawresey Cynthia Duncan

DM300 Understanding Steel Corrosion in Civil Infrastructure NB300 Offshore Wind in the Northeast ND300 Security, Resiliency, and Sustainability IT300 Seismic Experiments for Structures with Ratedependent Behavior AB300 SEI BPC-Financial Monitoring FF300 Multi-Hazard Design of Structures Considering Earthquake and Fire

DM310 Novel Structural Materials NB310 Design and Analysis of Wind Turbine Support Towers ND310 Resilient and Sustainable Structures and Infrastructures IT310 Innovative Structures Testing Concepts AB310 Structural Deficiencies and Failure Investigations FF310 Innovations and Advances in Test Methods for Structural-Fire Safety

To view the interactive Technical Program, including all presenters and abstracts visit www.structurescongress.org

CASE in Point

A Guideline Addressing Coordination and Completeness of Structural Construction Documents

The guidelines presented in this document will assist not only the structural engineer of record (SER) but also everyone involved with building design and construction in improving the process by which the owner is provided with a successfully completed project. Their intent is to help the practicing structural engineer understand the importance of preparing coordinated and complete construction documents, and to provide guidance and direction toward achieving that goal. These guidelines focus on the degree of completeness required in the structural construction documents (“Documents”) to achieve a “successfully completed project,” and on the communication and coordination required to reach that goal. They do not attempt to encompass the details of engineering design; rather, they provide a framework for the SER to develop a quality management process.

**New for 2013 was a top to bottom comprehensive update that incorporated important added insights on coordination and completeness, including issues involving BIM and alternative project delivery.**

This update is available for purchase at www.booksforengineers.com.

CASE Risk Management Convocation in Boston

The CASE Risk Management Convocation will be held in conjunction with the Structures Congress at the Sheraton Boston Hotel and Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA, April 3-5, 2014. For more information and updates go to www.seinstitute.org. The following CASE Convocation sessions are scheduled to take place on Friday, April 4:

7:00 AM – 8:15 AM

CASE Breakfast: The Storms are Coming, the Storms are Coming: The Need for a Revolution in Engineering Approaches to Climate and Disaster Risk

Stephen Long, The Nature Conservancy

8:30 AM–10:00 AM

Mobile Technology for the Field

Speaker – Theron Peacock, Woods Peacock 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

SE Agreements and Lessons Learned

Speaker – Steven Schaefer, Schaefer Associates

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Key Components to Starting Your Own Successful Engineering Practice – Panel Discussion

Moderator – Chris Poland, Degenkolb Engineers

10:30 AM – 12 Noon

Developing an Internal Culture to Managing a Firm’s Risks

Speaker – Michael Strogoff, Strogoff Consulting

Follow ACEC Coalitions on Twitter – @ACECCoalitions.

Creating a Culture of Accountability within a Small Firm

The new normal is here, and even firms thriving in growing markets have been forced to adjust strategies as large or out of town competitors sweep in. For most firms, the competitive advantage lies not in a better plan, but in a much murkier area of organizational life: culture. Industry professionals are increasingly asked to do more with less, both resources and people. A/E firm leaders need employees to step up. But they know that accountability is an attitude, and it can’t be forced. This will be the main topic of discussion when ACEC’s Small Firm Council (SFC) holds its annual Winter Meeting Feb. 7-8, 2014, in New Orleans, LA. Facilitator Geordie Aitken of Aitken Leadership Group will lead a two-day discussion and exploration of how accountability – the personal “ownership” employees demonstrate in their work – is developed. This program will offer ways for firms to achieve competitive advantage and explore how to build a culture of accountability by recognizing and reinforcing industry best practices. SFC was established to protect and promote the interests of the smaller firms within ACEC. Its winter meeting provides an exclusive forum for small firm principals to attend seminars, network with peers, address key issues affecting their firms, and learn and share ideas. Attendees provide valuable input that helps SFC direct a business and legislative agenda for the coming year. To register for the SFC Winter Meeting, please visit www.acec.org/coalitions. For questions regarding the Small Firm Council Winter Meeting or ACEC’s Coalitions, please contact Heather Talbert, 202-682-4377 or htalbert@acec.org.

Foundation 3 – Planning

Plan to be Claims Free

Tool 3-1: A Risk Management Program Planning Structure (Updated in 2013) This tool is designed to help a Firm Principal design a Risk Management Program for his or her firm. The tool consists of a grid template that will help focus one’s thoughts on where risk may arise in various aspects of their engineering practice, and how to mitigate those risks. Once the risk factor is identified, then a policy and procedure for how to respond to that risk is developed. This tool contains 10 sample risk factors with accompanying policies and procedures to illustrate how one might get started. The tool is designed to insert custom risks and policies and tailor it to individual firms. Tool 3-2: Staffing and Revenue Projection Firms are provided a simple to use and easy to manipulate spreadsheet-based tool for predicting the staff that will be necessary to complete both “booked” and “potential” projects. The spreadsheet can be further utilized to track historical staffing demand to assist with future staffing and revenue projections. Tool 3-3: Website Resource Tool This tool lists website links that contain information that could be useful for a Structural Engineer. A brief description of the website is also included. For example, there is information about doing business across state lines, information regarding the responsibility of the Engineer of Record for each state, links to each State’s Licensing Board, etc. Tool 3-4: Project Work Plan Templates Preparing and maintaining a proper Project Work Plan is a fundamental responsibility of a project manager. Work Plans document project delivery strategies and communicate them to the team members. Project Managers will use this template to create a project Work Plan that will be stored with the project documents.

All of these tools and more are available at www.booksforengineers.com.

ACEC Business Insights

Upcoming ACEC Online Seminars

Ownership Transition 2.0

February 5, 2014; 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Eastern Learn how to establish value, design an ownership transition program, choose appropriate transfer mechanisms, and identify leaders. For more information and to register:

www.acec.org/education/eventDetails.cfm?eventID=1512

Are You Fighting Fires Instead of Managing Your Employees – 2014

February 11, 2014; 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Eastern Proper delegation techniques will get you out of the firefighting syndrome. For more information and to register,

www.acec.org/education/eventDetails.cfm?eventID=1515

Enabling Social Collaboration and Engagement in the Workplace

February 26, 2014; 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Eastern Social collaboration allows for one common space for individuals to get together, share ideas, share tasks, manage tasks, share files, share calendars and collaborate with the entire group to move your project to completion. For more information and to register,

www.acec.org/education/eventDetails.cfm?eventID=1521

Donate to the CASE Scholarship Fund!

The ACEC Council of American Structural Engineers (CASE) is currently seeking contributions to help make the structural engineering scholarship program a success. The CASE scholarship, administered by the ACEC College of Fellows, is awarded to a student seeking a Bachelor’s degree, at minimum, in an ABET-accredited engineering program. We have all witnessed the stiff competition from other disciplines and professions eager to obtain the best and brightest young talent from a dwindling pool of engineering graduates. One way to enhance the ability of students in pursuing their dreams to become professional engineers is to offer incentives in educational support. In addition, the CASE scholarship offers an excellent opportunity for your firm to recommend eligible candidates for our scholarship. If your firm already has a scholarship program, remember that potential candidates can also apply for the CASE Scholarship or any other ACEC scholarship currently available. Your monetary support is vital in helping CASE and ACEC increase scholarships to those students who are the future of our industry. All donations toward the program may be eligible for tax deduction and you don’t have to be an ACEC member to donate! Contact Heather Talbert at htalbert@acec.org to donate.