Writing this message makes me feel connected to the long list of Structural Engineers that have preceded me as President of this organization, many of whom are legends.  In 2010, the Structural Engineer’s Association of California (SEAOC) Convention will be held in Indian Wells, California, September 22 through 25, 2010, and I invite anyone interested to attend for the technical and social opportunities.

The last several years have seen a transition to use of the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) as California’s model code and the 2009 edition will soon supersede the present edition.  Development of the 2012 IBC is wrapping up and many of our members have yet to get comfortable with the use of reference documents in the IBC.  The use of references in the IBC not only provides challenges, but also stability to the structural provisions of the code.

The Board of Directors is working to continue the legacy of developing Structural Design Manuals (SDMs) for our membership and the general Structural Engineering Profession nationwide.  We are also working to develop online seminars or webinars based on our publications, the bluebook and committee efforts.  SEAOC is committed to being a leader in online or web educational opportunities for Structural Engineers worldwide.  Currently an Existing Building Design Manual is in development and a Special Inspection Manual has been completed with seminars being prepared.  The Board is investigating other publication opportunities including “Submittal Development, Plans Examination and Construction Inspection” manual series for different building and construction types.  These manuals would provide structural engineers an outline for development of construction documents for easier plan review and field supervision of construction, and provide an outline to plans examiners in the review of submittals as well as an outline for inspectors in the field.

The National Council of Engineering Associations (NCSEA) and International Code Council Evaluation Services (ICC ES) are entering into an agreement whereby NCSEA and its member organizations including SEAOC would provide technical review assistance for Acceptance Criteria and Evaluation Report development.  SEAOC and NCSEA will assist ICC ES to maintain the highest level of engineering principles and objectivity of the premanufactured components the ES process represents.  This will not only benefit the community of practicing Structural Engineers, but the Building Officials and the Contractors that are involved in the construction of buildings containing these types of products.

SEAOC has launched new statewide committees, one on Sustainable Design and another on Wind Forces on Buildings.  The other standing committees are continuing their work plans that include review code review proposals, review of building department policies for structural design and assisting local building departments to provide the code provisions they desire for their communities.  SEAOC Committees are committed not only to providing leadership to other organizations in the IBC code development process but to also lead in the development of the California Building Code (CBC) and amendments to the IBC that makes up the CBC.  This includes identifying elements of the IBC and referenced standards that are applicable to the high seismic region we inhabit, California.

The world has always looked to SEAOC to providing state of the art seismic insight into the effects of recent earthquakes around the world and how it affects construction and most importantly, public safety.  This includes the support of organizations such as the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI), the Applied Technology Council (ATC) and the Building Seismic Safety Council (BSSC) among just a few.

This is an example of the direction that SEAOC is committed to and moving forward with.  Please consider becoming a part of this effort by being involved in SEAOC and our local member organizations as we strive to contribute to the noble field of Structural Engineering and, most of all, Saving Lives.