Solving modern challenges will require modern solutions. As the A/E/C industry pushes the limits of design and construction, the current and traditional means, methods, and materials for building may not be able to keep up. In fact, I hope they cannot.

I hope that as current designers and builders push the industry forward, research and innovation will emerge and—more importantly—new products will be embraced to meet the building challenges on the horizon.

A recent survey of Structural Engineer subscribers revealed that 90 percent are interested or very interested in receiving news about research findings. Additionally, 72 percent responded that they were interested or very interested in news about specified products or manufacturers.

Structural Engineer strives to be your resource for design and specification by balancing technical editorial with product-related articles and listings. Regular and bi-monthly departments such as Manufacturer’s Turn (a case-study type of article that spotlights a particular product or service), Specifiers’ Guide, New & Noteworthy, and Innovative Products educate readers on the many existing and new products used to design and build structures.

Additionally, last year we launched our inaugural Buyers’ Guide; and we will publish the second annual Buyers’ Guide in May 2008. The guide is a comprehensive listing of products and services that are specified and used by structural engineers. The printed version will be complemented with an interactive, digital version on www.gostructural.com. The online submittal process will be available in December for all manufacturers and service providers that want to participate in the 2008 Buyers’ Guide; visit www.gostructural.com/buyersguide for details.

Research, innovation, and products are all covered in this issue. "Supplementary damping of buildings" by Scott L. Gamble, B.A.Sc., P.Eng., and Jamieson K. Robinson, P.Eng., from Motioneering Inc., and RWDI Group explains the current technology used in building damping, and the authors also discuss new methods and research behind the technology. This month’s cover story, "Rising to the occasion," discusses the unique structural challenges—and the cutting-edge solutions—employed by designers at Halvorson and Partners for the Torre Repsol high-rise in Madrid, Spain.

Author David Samuelson, P.E., of Nucor Research and Development is pleased to inform readers that the Steel Joist Institute has recently published a composite steel joists catalog. His article also provides examples on how to use the timely resource. This month’s Manufacturer’s Turn spotlights the successful use of a new and innovative concrete reinforcing product from Grace Construction Products.

If you are curious about a specific product, innovation, or research effort, please e-mail me at jgoupil@zweigwhite.com. The editorial coverage of industry trends in Structural Engineer is guided by subscriber interests!