The University of Texas SEAoT Student Chapter saw three fantastically insightful presentations in October. Our thanks to Walter P Moore, Exponent, and Datum for showing us some incredible projects and lessons. 

Brian Caudle, Anna Peterson, and Matt Heringer of Walter P Moore took us on a tour of stadium construction and maintenance. Brian gave told us the history of construction projects on UT's football stadium including the details of the North End Zone expansion. Anna discussed the design challenges for the Texas Rangers stadium in Arlington. Matt expanded on the difficulties faced by existing stadium retractable roof systems with a focus on the iconic Toronto Blue Jays stadium. 

John Osteraas of Exponent showed us the magnitude of impact we can have as engineers, from structure-wide seismic design down to a single nail. Weaving the story of his career in structural investigations with well known engineering disasters impressed upon us the need to ask questions and not settle for shortcuts. 

Luke Nelson from Datum Engineers virtually led us around the Austin Central Library before detailing its construction from the ground up. From its foundation through intricate stairways up to the roof, the masterful architecture was made possible by structural ingenuity.