How do you stay informed about Structural Engineering industry developments?

As a structural engineer, you need to keep up with the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in your field. The structural engineering industry is constantly evolving, and you don't want to miss out on any opportunities or insights that could help you improve your skills, projects, and career. But how do you stay informed about structural engineering industry developments? Here are some tips to help you find and access relevant and reliable sources of information.

1 Read journals and magazines

One of the most common and effective ways to stay informed about structural engineering industry developments is to read journals and magazines that publish peer-reviewed research, case studies, best practices, and news. Journals and magazines can provide you with in-depth and up-to-date knowledge on various topics, such as design, analysis, materials, sustainability, and performance. Some of the popular and reputable journals and magazines for structural engineers include Structural Engineering International, Journal of Structural Engineering, Engineering Structures, and Structure Magazine. You can subscribe to these publications online or in print, or access them through your professional association or library.

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Frank B.

National Structural Engineer - Building Products Expert - Technology & Media Creator - Multi-Company CEO
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I would take reading journals and magazines further. Those are static documents that are dated by the time they get to you. What I do is create bookmark folders in my browser (Chrome, but they all do the same). Put them in my bookmarks bar, and catalog them with informative websites, podcasts, and videos of interest. YouTube is great for this, Ted Talks, Structural Engineering newsfeeds, industry podcasts, and especially LinkedIn when you curate just the right feed link of experts. Check in with those links regularly instead of starting your day with other social platforms and you’ll be up to the day informed.

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2 Join professional associations and networks

Another way to stay informed about structural engineering industry developments is to join professional associations and networks that connect you with other structural engineers, experts, and organizations. Professional associations and networks can offer you various benefits, such as access to events, webinars, podcasts, newsletters, blogs, forums, and mentoring programs. These can help you learn from the experiences and insights of your peers, exchange ideas and feedback, and discover new opportunities and collaborations. Some of the well-known and respected professional associations and networks for structural engineers include the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), and the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI).

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Frank B.

National Structural Engineer - Building Products Expert - Technology & Media Creator - Multi-Company CEO
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Many professional associations moved to online meetings during COVID and either remained there or still offer online links to live meetings. Organizations like Florida Structural Engineer’s Association as well as other states (check out the Structural Engineer’s Association in Massachusetts) have monthly speakers you can log in during lunch and watch for free or a nominal fee. Students are usually allowed in at no cost. Connect with other online attendees to ask about other upcoming events and you’ll have a calendar full of educational seminars, many of which provide continuing education credits for licensed professional engineers.

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3 Attend conferences and workshops

A third way to stay informed about structural engineering industry developments is to attend conferences and workshops that showcase the latest research, innovations, and solutions in your field. Conferences and workshops can give you the chance to interact with leading researchers, practitioners, and vendors, as well as to network with potential partners, clients, and employers. You can also gain practical skills and knowledge by participating in hands-on sessions, demonstrations, and case studies. Some of the notable and relevant conferences and workshops for structural engineers include the World Congress on Advances in Structural Engineering and Mechanics (ASEM), the International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation (SEMC), the International Conference on Bridge Engineering and Technology (BET), and the Workshop on Performance-Based Seismic Design of Structures (PBSD).

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4 Follow online platforms and resources

A fourth way to stay informed about structural engineering industry developments is to follow online platforms and resources that provide timely and accessible information on your field. Online platforms and resources can include websites, blogs, podcasts, videos, newsletters, social media accounts, and online courses. These can help you stay updated on the latest news, trends, opinions, and tips on structural engineering, as well as to learn new skills and techniques. Some of the useful and popular online platforms and resources for structural engineers include the Structural Engineering Blog, the Engineering Matters Podcast, the Structural Engineering Channel, the Civil Engineering Academy, and the Coursera Structural Engineering Courses.

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5 Seek feedback and advice

A fifth way to stay informed about structural engineering industry developments is to seek feedback and advice from your colleagues, mentors, clients, and stakeholders. Feedback and advice can help you improve your work quality, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and address any gaps or challenges in your knowledge and skills. You can also gain valuable insights and perspectives from different sources and backgrounds, as well as to build trust and rapport with your professional network. You can seek feedback and advice by asking questions, requesting reviews, conducting surveys, or engaging in discussions. You can also use tools and platforms, such as Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, Slack, or LinkedIn, to facilitate and streamline the feedback and advice process.

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6 Experiment and innovate

A sixth and final way to stay informed about structural engineering industry developments is to experiment and innovate in your own projects and practices. Experimenting and innovating can help you apply your existing knowledge and skills in new and creative ways, as well as to discover new possibilities and solutions. You can also challenge yourself, test your assumptions, and learn from your failures and successes. You can experiment and innovate by using new tools, methods, materials, or technologies, or by collaborating with other disciplines or sectors. You can also use frameworks and models, such as the design thinking process, the lean startup method, or the innovation cycle, to guide and support your experimentation and innovation efforts.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you stay informed about Structural Engineering industry developments?

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1 Read journals and magazines

2 Join professional associations and networks

3 Attend conferences and workshops

4 Follow online platforms and resources

5 Seek feedback and advice

6 Experiment and innovate

7 Here’s what else to consider

Structural Engineering

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How do you stay informed about Structural Engineering industry developments?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Read journals and magazines

2 Join professional associations and networks

3 Attend conferences and workshops

4 Follow online platforms and resources

5 Seek feedback and advice

6 Experiment and innovate

7 Here’s what else to consider

Structural Engineering

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