Letters to the Editor by the Chair of the SEAOSC Ad Hoc Committee on Testing Standards for Structural Systems and Components were published in the September/October 1996 and March 1997 SEAOSC Newsletters regarding two papers published in the Proceedings 64th Annual Convention, Structural Engineers Association of California, 1995: "Laboratory Testing of As-Built Timber Diaphragm to Shear Wall Connections" and "Laboratory Testing to Investigate Pneumatically Driven Box Nails for the Edge Nailing of 3/8" Thick Plywood Shear Walls".
Because misunderstandings have arisen, the issue was brought to the SEAOSC Board of Directors. A committee was appointed by the Board to clarify the issues with respect to the publishing of research and letters to the editor.
A representative of the Board committee has met with one of the authors of the papers and the chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Testing Standards for Structural Systems and Components and obtained the following clarifications:
Practical Dynamic Analysis of Structures, a SEAOSC Macro Seminar, will be held July 26 at the Westin Hotel in Los Angeles. Ashraf Habibullah, Computers & Structures Inc., developers of SAP2000, ETABS and SAFE software, will present the program.
The seminar will focus on the logistics of executing a dynamic analysis demonstrating the practicality and ease offered by modern Windows-based technology. The dynamic requirements defined by the UBC and the SEAOC Blue Book will be addressed along with physical interpretations of theoretical aspects and how to avoid analytical pitfalls. The seminar will also preview new developments associated with topics of current interest such as procedures for static pushover analysis and elements for modeling interstory dampers and base isolators. See yellow insert for details.
Constructibility Review, a Practical design and Detailing Seminar, will be held Wednesday Sept. 3 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Luminarias Restaurant, Monterey Park. Four speakers will cover the perspectives of an owner, contractor, architect and structural engineer. An open discussion following the speakers' presentations will add further clarification. Mark your calendar.
The report on the IBC in the Seismology Committee minutes article in the April NEWSletter should be corrected to indicate that the structural subcommittee will adopt the codified NEHRP provisions as they see fit.
1997 SEAOC Annual Convention Final Call for Papers
SEAOC has issued its final Call for Papers to be presented at its 1997 Annual Convention at the Princess Resort in San Diego Sept. 25-27.
"Practical Based Deisgn" is the theme of the technical program. The goal of the convention is to provide attendees with practical structural engineer information and ideas which can be readily utilized. Papers are being sought on interesting and informative topics relating to structural analysis, design, construction and rehabilitation of building structures, bridges, wharfs and piers, reservoirs, tanks, towers, etc. Speakers with topics in other areas of structural engineering such as structural forensics or current professional practice issues are also encouraged to submit papers. See white insert for submittal details.
In Memoriam
The SEAOC Seismology Committee recently announced the death of former SEAOC President Ajit Virdee April 5. Although a member of SEAONC, Ajit was also well known in Southern California. He was a dedicated and valuable member of SEAOC who served on various committees over the last 25 years including Vision 2000, Strength Design and Blue Book Committees, and as Seismology Committee Chair.
Ali Sadre, current SEAOC Seismology Committee Chair, wrote: "Ajit was an important link between the Seismology Committee and the academic community. We will miss his genuine sense of humor and candor with which he often expressed his views. Our condolences to his close friends and colleagues and we wish them strength to cope with his loss."
Morley Promotes Muttillo to VP
Morley Builders announces the promotion of SEAOSC Industry Member Charles B. Muttillo to vice president. He will be responsible for the direction of all business development and marketing activity for the Santa Monica-based construction company.
New Members
Jason Davidson, Associate; J.F. Fakhoury, Member; Fard Fereshteh, Associate; Bret Foster, Member; Omar Jaradat, Associate; John F. Kurzeka, Associate; Patrick E. Lawrence, Member SE; James Lin, Member SE; Jean R. Spencer, Industry Member; William A. Wallace Jr., Member SE. New student members from Cal State Long Beach: Nabil Mallak, Hassan Aden, Jose Benavides, Elaine Camia, and Do Hak Kim. Avil Agrawal, UC Irvine.
SEAOSC Area Code Changed from 310 to 562. Notify SEAOSC office if your home or office area code has changed.
Next NEWSletter deadline is May 28.
Disclaimer:
SEAOSC NEWSletter is published 10 times per year by the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California, 5360 Workman Mill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601. News announcements welcomed free of charge by must be of particular interest to the membership. Ad rates: Help Wanted: $50 for 50 words or less. Position Wanted: $10 for 50 words or less; Display: ¼-page: $100; ½-page $150; full page: $300. Discounts for multiple runs. Inserts: 8 ½" by 11" flat: $300. Circulation: approximately 1900; foreign: 12-20; 1-2 % outside California; most in Southern California. Accepted advertising does not imply endorsement by SEAOSC. SEAOSC Board of Directors reserves the right to decline any advertising not in good taste or not related to structural engineering.
L. A. County Dinner Meeting:
Wednesday, June 4
Program: Design and construction of the Long Beach Aquarium. Speaker: Richard Niewiarowski. 5:30 p.m. at Luminarias Restaurant, 3500 Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park. Menu: Sliced top sirloin with bleu cheese sauce. (Vegetarian meal available if requested by Noon June 2. Sorry, no deadline extension or other special requests available.) Cost: $22. $10 for students. Reservations: Make advance reservation by Noon, Monday June 2 by phone (24 hours) at 310-908-6131 or fax: 310-692-3425. Walk-ins are not guaranteed a meal; please make your reservation early. SEAOSC is charged for no-shows. Please notify office by deadline if you must cancel. Sorry, no confirmations. Prepay and avoid the line by providing your credit card number and expiration date.
Tri-Counties Dinner Meeting
Wednesday, June 11, 1997
Program: Pushover Analysis. Speaker: Charles Kircher, Ph.D., P.E.
Location: The Big Yellow House, Summerland; Menu: Beef, chicken or fish. Vegetarian meal available. Cost: $22; Full-time undergraduate students, $10. Because of the limited seating at this location, please make reservations early. Only the first 50 people can be accommodated. Make advance reservations by Noon Friday, June 6 by phone (24 hours) at 562-908-6131 or fax 562-692-3425. 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, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit card number and expiration date. Golf: Those wishing to play golf prior to the meeting should call Paul Feather at 805-563-7574 by June 3.
From Experience:
(The intent of this publication is to disseminate information to SEAOSC members. The information presented reflects the thoughts of the con