You are reading the inaugural issue of Structural Engineering & Design — an evolution of the well-established Structural Engineer magazine — redesigned to be a more extensive and improved resource for practicing structural engineers.

Why the change? The practice of structural engineering has evolved. Structural engineers are valuable collaborators in the successful creation of safe, efficient, and effective structures serving facility owners, developers, and contractors. Consulting structural engineers are leaders who fulfill a more comprehensive standard of practice for more complex projects than ever before. 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 improved processes such as building information modeling (BIM) and integrated project delivery to meet project goals — especially time and budget objectives. Savvy structural engineers understand that design concerns regarding sustainability, blast, fire, and egress are no longer someone else’s concern — and have significant value to bring to clients on all of these issues even though they are not traditionally thought of as structural engineering responsibilities.

Coupled with this, the relationship between structural engineers and architects has also changed. Collaboration between these parties has always been central to successful projects, but current technologies and the market climate demand ever-increasing expectations for teamwork. Late last summer, as we were considering this expansion in coverage, we surveyed our subscribers and asked, “Would your collaboration with architects be even more valuable if you understood architectural issues better?” Seventy-five percent responded yes. We also asked, “Would architects perform their job better if they understood structural engineering issues better?” and 95 percent of those participating in the survey responded yes. Interestingly, the architects who responded to the survey overwhelmingly agreed. Ninety percent responded positively to the question, “Would your collaboration with structural engineers be even more valuable if you understood structural engineering issues better?”

Considering all of these factors, we broadened the scope to further serve structural engineers and added architects to the magazine’s circulation. As Structural Engineer did for the past decade, Structural Engineering & Design will 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, our robust coverage will include 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. Furthermore, Structural Engineering & Design will appeal to architects who work closely with structural engineers and want to better understand design and collaboration from their perspective.

Rest assured, the changes in the magazine are not a massive overhaul, but a strategic strengthening combined with targeted improvements. I look forward to continuing to serve the structural engineering community by providing useful and crucial content to help you perform your job better every day. As your world and responsibilities grow, so do mine.

Enjoy the inaugural issue of Structural Engineering & Design and let me know your thoughts.

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