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Over the course of more than 175,000 projects, WJE engineers, architects, and materials have worked to extend the life of countless structures, improve our understanding of why materials and structures fail, and contribute to a safer and more durable built world. We’re passionate about our work and believe it is our responsibility to share our experiences and lessons learned for the enrichment of our clients and the advancement of our industry.
We hope you learn something new that helps you better understand and address a challenge you face in your own work.
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Coated electroplated snow fences were undergoing installation on a ski resort when rust staining... MORE >The Case of the Rust-Stained Coated Snow Fences -
Engineers Terrence Paret, Hayley Proctor, Gwenyth Searer, and Prateek Shah discuss... MORE >Deflection and Cracking of Two-Way, Conventionally Reinforced Concrete Slabs -
The use of advanced NDE techniques and material sampling can provide more detailed and accurate... MORE >Data-Driven Approaches for Optimizing Concrete Bridge Deck Preservation -
Engineers Terrence Paret, Hayley Proctor, Gwenyth Searer, and Prateek Shah explore radial and... MORE >The Underlying Cause of Radial and Spiderweb Cracking in Two-Way Slabs -
The office building recently underwent facade sealant repairs to address water leakage and... MORE >Restoring An Iconic Part of the Fort Lauderdale Skyline: Broward Financial Centre, a 2022 Trinity Award Winner -
Multi-Award Winning Historic Restoration in Georgia MORE >Fulton County Courthouse Design/Build Restoration: Multi-Award Winning Historic Restoration in Georgia -
Vibrations from a variety of sources can have a detrimental impact on museum collections MORE >Vibrations and Museum Collections, Part 2 -
After the applied coatings of interior metal door frames of a school began blistering, field and... MORE >The Case of the Coating Blister Failures on Interior Steel Door Frames -
Discover the destructive potential of gypsum-containing grout as well as successful approaches... MORE >WJE Primer: Deleterious Expansion of Gypsum-Containing Grout -
Designers now have a new AISC specification focused on the seismic evaluation and retrofit of... MORE >Seismic Shift -
There are many considerations prior to starting any rooftop-amenity design project. MORE >Considerations for Installation of Amenity Spaces on Existing Roofs -
Adhered masonry veneer (AMV) systems are being constructed in all climates across the United... MORE >Peeling Back the Layers of Adhered Masonry Veneer Systems -
Examination of structural behavior of one-way composite steel floor beams under different fire... MORE >Standard Versus Natural Fire Resistance for Partially Restrained Composite Floor Beams -
New research into the "Vibratory Impacts of Music and Transport on Museum Collections" has been... MORE >Research: Vibratory Impacts of Music and Transport on Museum Collections -
Load tests were conducted on knee joint specimens subjected to closing moments to evaluate the... MORE >Effect of the Bar Bend Radius on the Performance of Knee Joints with Common Details -
Designers using the 2022 Edition of the ASCE/SEI standard Minimum Design Loads and Associated... MORE >Horizontal Diaphragm Seismic Design -
In this article, WJE structural engineers Arne Johnson (Northbrook) and Tanner Swenson... MORE >Concrete Rehabilitation Design for the Historic 3rd Avenue Bridge, Minneapolis, Minnesota -
Moderately alkaline pore solutions migrating through carbonated portland cement paste in contact... MORE >WJE Primer: Concrete Carbonation: Significance and Proper Testing -
While water infiltration at terrace doors can lead to significant in-service challenges, it is... MORE >Water Penetration Resistance at Terrace Doors Hinges on the Details -
How can educational institutions reevaluate or reimagine aging building assets? MORE >Reevaluating and Reimagining Building Assets -
Gates at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport were overhauled for the life safety, code... MORE >Case Study: Airport Fire Protection Design -
After several large concrete spalls fell from a catalytic reformer support structure at a... MORE >Asset Integrity Case Study: Catalytic Reformer Support Structure -
Over the past ten years, the terra cotta industry has made a resurgence as a modern cladding... MORE >The Terra Cotta Industry - The Future Is Bright -
The six basic components of typical light pole construction are examined MORE >WJE Primer: Maintaining Your Light Pole Inventory for Longer Service Life -
When an unexpected structural failure occurs, building owners imagine similar catastrophic... MORE >WJE Primer: Reacting Rationally to Unexpected Structural Failures -
Have codes kept up with the changes in the frequency and intensity of rainfalls? MORE >Rainfall Intensity Changes Over Time: Have the Codes Kept Pace? -
Lessons learned for planning a successful structural investigation MORE >Take Time to Save Time -
WJE research project used as basis for code changes to the 2022 edition of NFPA 13 MORE >Resolving ESFR Sprinkler Obstruction Challenges -
There are two phenomena associated with the root gap (or root opening) at the fillet weld root... MORE >Root Opening Considerations for Fillet Welds -
When reinforced concrete is exposed to fire, both the concrete and reinforcement may be altered,... MORE >Nondestructive Evaluation of Fire-Damaged Reinforced Concrete -
Not all facility-condition assessments are created equal MORE >Making the Case for Living, Breathing, Digital Facility-Condition Assessments -
Uncovering challenges and best practices to prevent failures caused by misalignment MORE >Circumference Weld Misalignment: Causes, Allowable Limits, and Mitigation -
Reliability-based durability design of reinforced concrete structures requires a probabilistic... MORE >Statistical Distributions for Chloride Thresholds of Reinforcing Bars -
Structural implications of several building code provisions are an important consideration when... MORE >WJE Primer: Structural Considerations for Reroofing Projects -
Over decades of time, exposure and weathering can reduce the strength of concrete on a pre-cast... MORE >Precast-Concrete Cladding: Patching -
Reconsidering seismic strengthening costs in areas of lower seismicity MORE >The Economics of Seismic Strengthening -
How to settle down your T-Rex before you take it out in public—vibration-mitigation design for... MORE >Vibration Mitigation and Sound Testing in SUE Hall at the Field Museum in Chicago -
Facade access equipment plays a critical role in facilitating safe and efficient... MORE >Design and Load Testing of Facade Access Equipment -
Crucial design limitations can significantly affect the performance of interior window sprinklers MORE >WJE Primer: Interior Window Sprinklers - Understanding the Risks and Rewards -
The CARES Act recently passed by Congress allows businesses to accelerate expensing of retrofit... MORE >WJE Primer: New Tax Law Provides Economic Benefits for Retrofit Fire System Installations -
When an existing structural steel floor framing system requires strengthening, consider adding... MORE >WJE Primer: Strengthening of Existing Structural Steel Floor Framing with Headed Shear Connectors -
Changes to the building, contents, operations and water supply often occur, affecting the... MORE >Existing Systems: Reviewing the Design -
Whether purchasing an existing building or preparing a capital improvement plan, understanding... MORE >WJE Primer: Property Condition Assessments - Fire Alarm and Emergency Communication Systems -
Wood treated with waterborne preservatives (such as that subjected to exterior conditions)... MORE >Discussion of Modified Wood -
The MRCA commissioned a research and testing program to investigate the effect on bond capacity... MORE >Findings of Low-Rise Foam Adhesive Test Program -
Learn the benefits of employing an optional strategy to evaluate flaws when welding to AWS D1.1 MORE >Recommendations for Developing Alternative Flaw Acceptance Criteria for Structural Steel Welds -
New building projects should consider the impacts of demolition, excavation, dewatering, and... MORE >WJE Primer: An Overview of Risks in Adjacent Demolition and Construction -
This study aims to detect spaces with potential problems that causes energy overconsumption,... MORE >BIM—Energy Simulation Approach for Detecting Building Spaces with Faults and Problematic Behavior -
Biogenic sulfuric acid attack is probably the most common and most severe biodegradation... MORE >Biogenic Sulfuric Acid Attack and Case Studies -
This article discusses the evaluation and possible retrofit of roof diaphragms when certain... MORE >The IEBC's Roof Diaphragm Evaluation Requirements -
Thermal movement in copper gutter liners and the incorporation of expansion joints MORE >WJE Primer: Copper's Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Varies, But to Little Effect -
Air-filled blisters are examined in this case-study of a tilt-up concrete warehouse that showed... MORE >Blistering Coating on Tilt-Up Concrete -
Hygrothermal performance of wall assemblies is exceptionally complex—a function of numerous... MORE >ASHRAE 90.1 and Cold-Weather Condensation -
This article explores the history of the weight classification and nomenclature of... MORE >When is No. 30 Asphalt Felt Not No. 30 Asphalt Felt? -
Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a common distress mechanism associated with certain aggregates... MORE >ASR-Related Distress in Floor Coatings -
Deterioration of older reinforced concrete structures is commonly caused by one or more of four... MORE >Lessons in Galvanic Cathodic Protection Technology from Soldier Field and the Franklin Avenue Bridge -
Managing water infiltration on mass masonry buildings and Owner's expectations is an iterative... MORE >Jackson Condominiums Water Infiltration: Understanding Expectations and Intent -
Technical brief for an FHWA-sponsored project that explores the use of small unmanned aerial... MORE >Use of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems for Bridge Inspection -
Steeple investigations of historic churches can expose unsuspected deterioration or impaired... MORE >Measuring Up to Steeple Remediation -
The effects of vibrations from human traffic and construction on museum collections are examined MORE >Vibrations and Museum Collections, Part 1 -
Should facade access equipment be load tested to full strength or half strength? MORE >WJE Primer: Load Testing of Facade Access Equipment -
Steepness counts when it comes to the longevity of slate roofing. MORE >WJE Primer: Never Too Steep -
As designers and stewards of our built environment, the public trust is safeguarded when we take... MORE >Conservation and Fire Science: A Delicate Balance -
A common misconception is that historical building styles and articulation were mere aesthetic... MORE >When Form Really Does Follow Function: Aesthetics Informed by Environmental Conditions -
Long-term repair approaches and techniques are discussed using various project examples from... MORE >Terra Cotta Skyscrapers -
Terra cotta has been used as a building material for thousands of years. The use of terra cotta... MORE >Architectural Terra Cotta -
Gain insights into how UHPC can provide numerous benefits to the structural precast concrete... MORE >Non-Proprietary Ultra-High-Performance Concrete for Structural Precast Applications -
Take a closer look at the causes of metal roof and gutter deficiencies. MORE >WJE Primer: Metal Roofing and Gutters -
Changing atmospheric pollutants can discolor lead-tin-alloy-coated stainless steel roofing. MORE >WJE Primer: Red Lead Oxide Staining -
The durability of wood in construction is examined MORE >Wood Serviceability and the Unexpected -
Earthquake engineering professionals generally recognize that unreinforced masonry buildings of... MORE >The Seismic Strengthening of Temple Sherith Israel -
In this article, WJE fire protection experts examine three standardized tests that are relied... MORE >Fire Protection Tests and Building Enclosure Systems: A Brief History -
Learn about the history of Pennsylvania Hard-Vein slate. MORE >WJE Primer: Pennsylvania Hard-Vein Slate -
In this article, WJE roofing experts share five steps that can help building owners and facility... MORE >5 Steps to Longer Roof Life -
In this WJE Primer article, Ross Smith suggests that when that dubious "leak" occurs,... MORE >WJE Primer: "The Window is Leaking!" -
There are circumstances when it may be appropriate to consider alternatives to copper nails. MORE >WJE Primer: Slating Nail Selection -
A synopsis of important actions and dates that California building owners should know MORE >A WJE Advisory: Summary of California Senate Bill No. 721 for Inspection of Exterior Elevated Elements -
Critical dimensions for slate headlap and offset MORE >WJE Primer: Slate Headlap and Offset -
In this article, WJE examines providing a new ceiling for a historic Chicago Basilica MORE >A New Ceiling for Queen of All Saints -
Accommodation of thermal movement is a big design consideration with flat seam metal roofs. MORE >WJE Primer: Flat Seam Roof Pans -
Take a closer look at plywood’s bond classification. MORE >WJE Primer: Exterior or Exposure 1 Plywood -
A better batten end cap solution MORE >WJE Primer: A Better Batten End Cap -
Materials, detailing, and historic construction techniques for designing appropriate repairs MORE >Evaluation and Repair of 100-Year-Old Concrete Structures -
Effective advance planning offsets possible effects of construction vibrations. MORE >Targeted Vibration Control During Internal Construction - The Neue Galerie New York -
Post-earthquake assessment, stabilization, and repair design of the Washington Monument MORE >Monumental Challenge -
Soldering prevents moisture infiltration into seams in metal roofing. MORE >WJE Primer: Soldering Stainless Steel -
Environmental conditions can help illustrate roof problems during investigations. MORE >WJE Primer: Frost Patterns—Survey Aid -
Unique approach used to assess the concrete superstructure and timber pile foundations MORE >Revitalization of a Historic Concrete Train Depot -
Why is it called galvanizing? MORE >WJE Primer: Galvanized Nails -
Pyritic shale fill materials can result in significant damages and repair costs. MORE >The Disruptive Potential of Pyritic Shale Fill -
Framework for remediation and restoration of limestone assemblies MORE >Assessment and Repair Considerations with Indiana Limestone -
What is rosin paper? That is a surprisingly difficult question to answer. MORE >WJE Primer: Red Rosin Paper -
This article shares the advantages and disadvantages of using rope access techniques to access... MORE >A WJE Advisory: Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Rope Access Techniques -
Fire protection design in high-rise structures MORE >Exterior Cladding and Fire Protection: More Than Skin Deep -
Historical background, basis for design, and seismic retrofit techniques MORE >Hibernia Bank Building: Historic Renovation and Seismic Retrofit -
Adaptive reuse project also known as "The 606" MORE >Innovative Erection Procedures for Chicago's Bloomingdale Trail -
Renovation and restoration of existing structures MORE >Timber Truss Bolted Connection Repair and Full-Scale Load Testing -
Detailed investigation and analysis of assemblies and materials MORE >Teak Window Restoration: Material Issues at the Salk Institute -
Advantages and disadvantages for subgrade waterproofing membrane systems MORE >Redundancy in Subgrade Waterproofing -
During repair and restoration projects, it is not uncommon to encounter lead paint. MORE >Dealing with Lead Paint Removal -
Investigation and rehabilitation design of this historic Minneapolis bridge (part 2 of 2) MORE >The Franklin Avenue Bridge—Part 2: Structural Analysis and Accelerated Bridge Construction -
Grenfell Tower fire raises concerns about exterior wall materials that facilitate combustion. MORE >Fire Resistance of Exterior Cladding Materials -
Performing upgrades without properly diagnosing the issues can lead to significant costs. MORE >The New Roof Is Still Leaking? -
Investigation and rehabilitation design of this historic Minneapolis bridge (part 1 of 2) MORE >The Franklin Avenue Bridge—Part 1: History, Investigation, and Rehabilitation -
Degradation and changing usage led to the full replacement of the deck and spandrel cap beams. MORE >Franklin Avenue Bridge: Analysis, Design, and Accelerated Bridge Construction -
The roof is the workhorse of the whole building envelope. MORE >Planning a Roof Replacement: A Consultant's Guide to Reroofing Evaluation and Design -
When structural deficiencies affect the architecture aesthetic, additional challenges arise. MORE >Second Chances: Maintaining Architectural Aesthetics with Timber Repairs -
Learn about common open web steel joists in this WJE Primer article MORE >WJE Primer: An Overview of Open Web Steel Joists -
In the context of historic preservation, the use of coatings presents unique challenges. MORE >A Preservation Perspective on Coatings -
Maintaining and repairing existing buildings represents an efficient use of resources that... MORE >Current Code and Repair of Damaged Buildings -
In this WJE Primer article, Ross Smith examines five keys to understanding the value of BECx MORE >WJE Primer: 5 Keys to Understanding the Value of Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) -
Exploration of critical design considerations and workmanship issues MORE >Adhered Stone Veneer: Understanding a Sticky Situation -
Vibrations from a variety of sources can have a detrimental impact on museum collections.... MORE >U.S. Practice in Vibration Control During Museum Construction Projects -
Case studies examine two different plaster remediation projects (part 2 of 2). MORE >Assessment and Repair of Historic Plaster Systems (Part 2) -
Case studies examine two different plaster remediation projects (part 1 of 2). MORE >Assessment and Repair of Historic Plaster Systems (Part 1) -
Elise Love explores a phenomenon known as galvanic corrosion in this WJE primer. MORE >WJE Primer: Galvanic Corrosion -
Stone durability can vary, so analyzing composition is one approach discussed in this WJE primer. MORE >WJE Primer: Evaluating Stone Durability -
Understanding changes in aluminum-framed fenestration systems MORE >Retrofitting with High-Performance Aluminum-Framed Window Systems -
In this WJE Primer article, Logan Cook shares five common winter challenges to consider while... MORE >WJE Primer: Addressing Your Building's Winter Blahs -
In this WJE Primer article, the use of deicers on concrete roadways and walkways is examined. MORE >WJE Primer: Deicers
We regularly host webinars on interesting topics and challenges related to the built world. You’re encouraged to search through our library for subjects of interest to you. Watch, listen, and share these recordings with others, and join our webinar mailing list to receive invitations to upcoming live webinars. Attendees are eligible for American Institute of Architects Learning Units, which count toward licensing requirements for professional engineers in most states.
Whether you join us live or view a recording, we hope you'll learn something new that will help you in your work.
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Experience our capabilities, project work, laboratories, and company culture as told by our staff and clients in this selection of videos.
Our professionals are leaders in key industry organizations and technical committees and regularly contribute to the ongoing dialogue of the built world at conferences and other educational forums. Check back soon to see where our experts will be speaking next.
DATE
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February 6, 2025
9:40 AM - 10:30 AM CT
9:40 AM - 10:30 AM CT
What's Coming in the Current NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
NEED A SPEAKER?
If you’re planning your next meeting or conference and need a knowledgeable and experienced speaker to address industry challenges and solutions related to structural, architectural, and materials problems in new and existing structures, please contact us today.FacadeOrdinance.com contains general information regarding facade ordinances in various cities throughout the United States. The site contains information, deadlines, and timelines on facade ordinances for Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Jersey City, Milwaukee, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and St. Louis.
SeismicOrdinances.com serves as a knowledge base for information regarding seismic assessment and retrofit requirements and relevant deadlines that pertain to seismic ordinances in various cities throughout California. The site covers both wood-frame soft-story structures and non-ductile concrete structures in the following cities: Alameda, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Carpinteria, Culver City, Fremont, Hayward, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Mountain View, Oakland, Pasadena, Richmond, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Monica, Torrance, and West Hollywood.
SustainableConcrete.com provides information about the many considerations that need to be made when specifying, evaluating, and constructing sustainable concrete. We are intimately knowledgeable of the industry trend towards sustainable concrete and ready to help our clients navigate these changes through comprehensive and innovative problem-solving.
