You are reading the last, official issue of Structural Engineer. But not to worry, the magazine you have come to enjoy and depended upon since 2000 is being improved and will live on in Structural Engineering & Design. To kick off 2010, we will unveil an enhanced magazine and continue to serve all of the needs of practicing structural engineers.

Why the change? During our annual summer planning meetings, our staff had the realization that the practice of structural engineering has evolved. No longer are structural engineers operating in a silo to support the desires of architects as their primary client; they are valuable collaborators in the successful creation of safe, efficient, and effective structures serving facility owners, developers, and contractors. Practitioners’ needs have changed, as they require more information about the entire design and construction process to be successful. Structural designers are relying on new materials; engineered products; technology solutions; and processes, such as building information modeling (BIM) and integrated project delivery (IPD), to meet project goals — especially time and budget objectives. Savvy structural engineers understand that topics such as sustainability, exterior walls, blast, fire, and egress are no longer someone else’s concern — structural engineers have significant value to bring to clients on all of these issues, which are not traditionally thought of as structural engineering responsibilities. To this end, we want to grow the magazine to support our subscribers.

Building upon what we know practicing structural engineers want and use from Structural Engineer, we wanted to develop more comprehensive editorial content. Structural Engineering & Designwill continue to serve the core needs of structural engineers with coverage of the building codes, design techniques, new and relevant technology — including BIM — market trends, and structural products. In addition, it will cover examples of successful team collaboration, especially well-designed and coordinated project details, integrated design and project delivery, and sustainable design. It will also educate structural engineers on the architectural issues and products pertinent to their work such as cladding and exterior walls, fire protection, egress, and roofing systems. Look for the January 2010 issue of Structural Engineering & Designand let me know your thoughts. We are building on what we offer to serve you better.

Speaking of building on what works, this month’s cover story spotlights the world’s tallest building: The Burj Dubai. In speaking with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s Structural and Civil Engineering Partner William F. Baker, S.E., P.E., about the project, he told me that his team started with building shapes that they knew worked. From that point they began an iterative improvement process that resulted in the building’s ultimate form and height. Learning from each analysis, they designed the optimal shape for this 160-plus-story tower — whose final height is still not yet revealed. Baker also shared with me that he and his team were deeply involved with many of the traditionally non-structural aspects of the design in order to serve the client and add value to the project; read my interview with him as well as Baker’s article beginning on page 12.

This month’s technical feature educates on the next evolution of project delivery: IPD. Read how two structural engineering firms were successful with integrated project delivery in “IPD success stories: Tackling the next three-letter acronym,” beginning on page 24. Another area of huge potential for structural engineers to add value to clients is with connection design. “Value in steel design: If you don’t provide it, someone else will,” on page 28 is a call to action from the steel industry to practitioners and your opportunity to consider building on what your firm currently offers clients.

As is my annual wish for you and your family, have a happy, safe, and peaceful holiday season, I will see you in 2010!

Jennifer Goupil, P.E.,
jgoupil@stagnitomedia.com