President's Message
The Times They Are A-'Changing'
The SEAOSC Board feels it is vital for new and younger members to become active in the Association. We want to incorporate them into our activities, committees and other events.
All members should be aware that today's society, as well as its younger member population (including an increasing percentage of women), has different demands and expectations. As the old Sixties song said, "The Times They Are A-Changin'". (Actually the times changed 20-30 years ago but now we must catch up.)
These younger members, including women of course, are capable and interested in participating in the Association's activities, but often are not taken seriously or are even assigned secretarial duties or other mundane duties as if they must "earn" the right to participate. HELLO! "The Times They Are A-Changin'"! Younger members responded in the recent SEAOC survey that the Association is not friendly to their participation. Members need to realize that the future of our organization is dependent on younger members' active participation in the Association's activities.
I'm proud to say that the SEAOSC Board, through the Nominating Committee, is committed to having a female structural engineer serve as a Board member in the near future. The SEAOSC Board has always had members of every race and creed and is working hard to balance its makeup on a gender basis. "The Times They Are A-Changin'".
In my last column, I discussed the changing seismic provisions and the IBC. I mentioned that there was a thought about California going its own way on seismic provisions if the NEHRP Provisions do not meet our needs. I recently received a letter mentioning the need for consistency in seismic provisions. It reminded me about the problems that occur when there are differing provisions for seismic design, and the difficulty the engineer and industry have in complying in such situations. I'm glad to be reminded of this other aspect of seismic provisions. (Of course, I knew this but I write this column late at night when I'm weary.) I guess that in seismic provisions too – "The Times They Are A-Changin'".
Thanks to Bob Dylan for the song.
Mel Green, President
Strong Motion Program To Hold Class
The California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program (CSMIP), Division of Mines and Geology of the California Department of Conservation, will hold a one-day seminar on "Utilization of Strong-Motion Data" Thursday, May 8 in Los Angeles.
The purpose of the seminar is to increase the utilization of strong-motion data in improving seismic design provisions and practices. Topics will include ground shaking spectra and near source factors in the building code, design implications of near fault data, soft-soil response, near-real-time data, data dissemination through the Internet, records for dynamic time-history analyses of structures, improvements of analytical models for structures, and post-earthquake response.
Members will receive registration forms via mail in early April.
SEAOSC Polo Shirts Available
Want to impress your co-workers? Be the first in your office to sport an official SEAOSC polo shirt on Casual Day. These top quality Country Cotton polo shirts by Cross Creek (nothing but the best for SEAOSC engineers!) are white and feature a blue SEAOSC logo on the right front. The cost is only $22.50 plus tax for sizes M, L, and XL and $24.75 plus tax for XXL. Order by faxing size request and credit card information to the SEAOSC office at 562-692-3425.
SEAOC President to Present Seismic Detailing Seminar April 2
A Practical Design and Detailing Seminar, "Seismic Detailing Examples for Engineered Light-Frame Timber Construction" will be presented by Scott Stedman, SEAOC President from San Diego, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 2 prior to the Dinner Meeting at Luminarias Restaurant in Monterey Park.
The cost if pre-registered is $20; $25 at the door and $35 for both the seminar and dinner (normally $22 for dinner alone). See the tan insert in this NEWSletter for registration and further details. Note: the $35 Package Deal is available only via pre-paid registration by fax or mail.
Popular SEAOSC Computer Expo Returns Wednesday, May 7
SEAOSC's Computer Applications Committee will hold its popular Computer Expo specially tailored for design professionals from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday May 7 at Luminarias, Monterey Park. This Expo is held only every other year.
The Expo will include seven half-hour seminars and approximately 20 software and hardware vendors including AutoCad, BillQuick, VisualCad, ETABS, SAP 90, RISA 2D, RISA 3D, Enercalc, DISPAR, DISPLOT, Qlat, DataCad, Stardyne, STRUDL, ROBOT V6, WoodCad, StruCAD 3D, LARSA, RAMSTEEL
Ten lucky attendees entering the show before 11 a.m. will win a free lunch at Luminarias. Free software will be given away throughout the day. Another 10 attendees will win a free dinner meeting ticket worth $22.
For a free admission ticket worth $10, call the SEAOSC office.
This event is a fund-raiser for the Computer Applications Committee's ongoing work including its seminars, the popular Online Newsletter, list server and updating the SEAOSC Office computers/software. Their efforts are important in these fast-changing times; please support them!
SEAOSC Members Help Habitat for Humanity
More Engineers Sought
SEAOSC members are famous worldwide for the number of volunteer hours they donate to the betterment of their profession. Habitat for Humanity, which has previously benefited from this largesse, is hoping it can once again call upon SEAOSC members for help.
SEAOSC Associate Member Vince Anderson will be one of several SEAOSC members aiding Habitat for Humanity when it builds nine homes in the San Fernando Valley for needy families, including those displaced by the Northridge Earthquake, beginning in April when the foundations will be poured.
Habitat for Humanity, made famous by the hands-on involvement of former President Jimmy Carter, is a nonprofit organization that builds homes in partnership with families in need using volunteer labor, donated materials and funds and donated or discounted land.
SEAOSC Member SE Ray Steinberg has already donated time to this project. Vince, who recently has worked on several projects designed the lateral resisting systems for a Habitat project and then installed the structural system and components in the same week.
SEAOSC members interested in assisting with construction and framing of the two-story single family dwellings at the Willis Avenue project should contact Volunteer Coordinator Nikki Johnson-Maxwell at 818-765-2073.
"This is a great opportunity for field experience in construction for those engineers who are in need of it," Nikki said.
Expert Witness Seminar May 9
"The Engineer as an Expert Witness", the second annual seminar sponsored by the Forensic Engineering Technical Group of the American Society of Civil Engineers Los Angeles Section will be held May 9 at the University of California, Irvine.
The cost is $85 if mailed before April 1 and $95 if paid after April or at the door. Space is limited to 140 attendees.
Topics include "Professional Engineer Ethics v. Expert Witness Requirements", Engineers Relate Their Experiences as Expert Witnesses, What a Lawyer Expects, a Humorist's View of the Expert Engineer Witness, a Lawyer's Experiences With Engineering Experts, Vulnerability of the Expert Witness, Preparation for Cross Examination, and a speaker panel answering questions.
For registration information contact Stephen Kent at 714-224-3808 or SEAOSC members Richard Foley or Henry Huang.
Northridge Earthquake Research Conference Aug. 20-22
The Northridge Earthquake Research Conference, funded by the National Science Foundation, will be held Aug. 20-22 in Los Angeles. It will highlight research results funded by NEHRP agencies and others.
A call for papers is being issued. Deadline for abstracts is April 2; deadline for papers is June 3. Papers will be eight pages maximum summaries of research findings. For submission information and conference registration call CUREe at 510-231-9557 or e-mail: curee@nisee.ce.berkeley.edu.
Structural Engineers Association of Southern California
Tri- Counties Dinner Meeting
Wednesday, April 9, 1997
Program: Retaining Wall Design and Exposition
In addition to the after dinner program, there will be a special exposition during the 5:00 social hour featuring display tables, handouts and more by:
Speaker: Fred Schott, SE, San Luis Obispo
Location: Colony Harbortown Marina Resort, 1050 Schooner Drive, Ventura
Time: Social Hour: 5:00pm, Dinner: 6:30pm
Program: 7:30pm
Menu: Beef, Chicken or Fish
(Vegetarian meal available if requested by Noon April 4).
Cost: $22 (Full-time undergraduate students $10)
Reservations: Make advance reservations by Noon Friday, April 4, by phone (24 hours) at 310-908-6131 OR fax 310-692-3425. SEAOSC is charged for "no-shows". Please notify the office by deadline if you must cancel. Sorry, no confirmations. Prepay and avoid the line by providing your VISA or Master Card credit card number and expiration date.
Golf: Those wishing to play golf at the adjacent course prior to meeting should call Dan Bayless at (805) 485-8072 by April 1.
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SEAOSC TRI-COUNTIES DINNER RESERVATION FORM
Reservations due by Noon Friday, April 4, 1997
Name: _________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________
Paying by VISA or Master Card ? (Circle one) Expiration: _______________________________
Card number: ___________________________________ Signature: ________________________________
April 1997 Newsletter Ads
Help Wanted
Structural position with established and growing 25-person firm for licensed P.E. Must have minimum five years experience in analysis, design and detailing of wood, reinforced concrete, structural steel and masonry structures. Should be familiar with office, AutoCAD, and analysis software. Excellent benefit package and professional growth for right individual. Send resume to Bradford Conrad Crow Engineering Co., 10180 SW Nimbus Ave., Ste. J-3, Portland, OR 97223 or fax: 503-639-6251.
Ehlen & Spiess, Inc., seeks civil or structural project design engineer for structural design of buildings in all materials of construction. Established firm designing schools, hospitals and commercial buildings. Minimum three years experience. Send resume to E&S, 1119 Garden St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
KPFF Consulting Engineers, Inc., San Diego office, seeks a project manager with a minimum of seven years structural design experience. S.E. required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and proven management ability required. Send resume to KPFF, 3131 Camino Del Rio North, Ste. 1620, San Diego, CA 92108.
Immediate career openings with growing consulting firm for experienced structural engineers. Two years minimum experience in structural design of buildings and/or parking structures required for structures in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Engineering license preferred but not mandatory. Outstanding pay and benefits with upward mobility depend on performance. Contact: Sheri Ehrgott, CKC, 155 108th Ave. N.E. #220, Bellevue, WA 98004; fax: 206-455-2091.
Ram Analysis, a leader in structural software, seeks a sales and support regional engineer for western U.S. Requires minimum of two years experience in structural design of buildings, regional travel, sales and public speaking ability. Excellent written and verbal skills and knowledge and experience with various structural engineering software is ideal. A dynamic and responsible position with competitive salary and benefits. Send resume to 5315 Avenida Encinas, Ste. 220, Carlsbad, CA 92008; fax: 619-431-5214.
Position offered for an engineer with five years of experience in wood, steel and tilt-ups. Knowledge of ETABS required. Civil license a plus. Send resume to Robert Boyens, Saunders/MNH, 3151 Airway Ave., Ste. N-1, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Principals only. No phone calls, please.
Creative Leadership Inc. seeks experienced engineer and strong communicator for L.A. office. Minimum six years experience with seismic analysis, design, and retrofit and M.S. in structural engineering required. Send narrative letter about yourself with current resume to 11777 Bernardo Plaza Ct., Ste. 101, San Diego, CA 92128. Position Code A193.
Hratch Kouyoumdjian & Associates seeks S.E. with design/project management experience with major buildings in Seismic Zone 4 interested in responsibility and leadership. Masters, California S.E. license, excellent communication skills desired. Compensation: salary, bonus, health/disability, company-paid profit sharing. Early ownership potential. Resume to Ms. Yin, HK&A, 221 Main, Ste. 760, San Francisco, CA 94105.
Position Wanted
California S.E. with over 15 years experience in commercial, industrial, institutional, water and waste water projects seeks consulting or regular employment. Copy of resume available at SEAOSC office. Call Nicholas at 602-614-1456.