Swartz Engineering Structural Engineering Blog
Commercial • Multifamily • Hurricane & Seismic Structures

Structural Engineering Insights,
Innovation & Modern Building Design

Explore the evolving world of structural engineering through expert PE insights, advanced construction systems, building safety strategies, and modern engineering technologies.

Driving Innovation in Construction

Modern structural engineering goes beyond building support systems — it drives innovation, life safety, efficiency, and the future of intelligent construction across Florida, Oregon, and 9 licensed states.

Our platform delivers professional engineering insights, technical resources, and emerging trends for architects, developers, and contractors.

04 / SUSTAINABLE STRUCTURES • CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER (CLT) & GLULAM

Why Mass Timber is the Future of Commercial Structural Engineering

Mass timber (CLT, glulam, and NLT) is transforming commercial and multifamily architecture across Oregon and nationwide—offering low-carbon sustainability, high seismic strength-to-weight ratios, predictable char fire resistance, and rapid CNC prefabrication.

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07 / CLIENT & PERMITTING GUIDE • PE DRAWINGS & INSPECTIONS

What Does a Structural Engineer Actually Do?

Learn how licensed Professional Structural Engineers (PE) serve as the Engineer of Record (EOR)—delivering PE-stamped permit drawings, wind and seismic calculations, 24-hour contractor RFI support, and 48-hour structural inspections.

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08 / STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS • AISC STEEL VS. ACI REINFORCED CONCRETE

Steel vs Concrete Structures: Pros, Cons & Applications

Compare structural steel framing, cast-in-place and tilt-up reinforced concrete, CMU masonry, and composite steel-concrete hybrid systems across commercial, multifamily, seismic, and coastal hurricane applications.

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10 / ALTERNATIVE CONSTRUCTION • SHIPPING CONTAINER ENGINEERING

Cargotecture – Engineering Shipping Container Structures

Corten steel shipping containers have found a second life in modern commercial venues, restaurants, and custom homes—requiring specialized PE reinforcement around wall cut-outs, multi-story stacking connections, and high-wind/seismic foundations.

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11 / SEISMIC ENGINEERING • OSSC, ASCE 7 SDC D–E & RETROFITS

Modern Earthquake-Resistant Building Techniques

An engineering exploration of ductile shear walls, special moment frames, base isolation bearings, and supplemental seismic dampers used to protect structures in Oregon's Cascadia Subduction Zone and active fault regions worldwide.

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SPECIAL TECH ANALYSIS

Cold-Formed Steel &
Fire-Resistant Alternatives

As wildfires and urban fires increase, structural engineers are prioritizing fire-resistant construction over traditional wood framing.
Alternatives like cold-formed steel (CFS), concrete, and hybrid systems provide superior fire performance, code advantages, and long-term economic benefits.
SYSTEM INTEGRITY: FIRE RESISTANCE COMPARISON
IBC / ASCE 7
Traditional Wood FramingHigh Risk
Combustibility Index90% (High Fuel)
CFS & Fire-Resistant SystemsClass A1
Combustibility Index0% (Non-Combustible)

Advanced Building Engineering Concepts

Structural Design

Advanced structural analysis, framing systems, reinforced concrete, steel structures, load calculations, and engineering methodologies used in modern commercial and residential building development.

Construction Engineering

Construction workflows, project coordination, structural reinforcement, site engineering, and alternative construction systems for commercial and industrial applications.

Building Safety

Explore engineering practices focused on structural integrity, inspection procedures, Florida Product Approvals & HVHZ wind resistance, Oregon seismic design, and long-term durability.

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