First and Second Responding Structural Engineers: What You Need to Know – Ep 089

In this episode, we talk to Scott A. Collins, P.E., SE, Principal at Collins Structural Consulting, PLLC, about first- and second-responding structural engineers (STS) and some of the large-scale disaster projects he worked on. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Scott: Can you please tell our listeners more about yourself and the work you do? What does a first- and second-responding structural engineer (STS) do? Are first- and second-responder engineers sourced? Can you talk to us about some of the large-scale disaster projects you worked on and what that entailed? What are your process and mindset when going into natural disaster areas? What safety procedures do you follow when working on these projects? Most of your firm's work is to repair damaged structures. Can you briefly talk to us about how you would assess fire-damaged structures when called out as an STS? When repairing buildings, do you update the entire building to the new codes and regulations or only the parts that are being repaired? How do you ensure effective team communication when working on projects? Do you have any advice for engineers when working on large-scale disaster projects? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About First and Second Responding Structural Engineers: What You Need to Know: There are three stages in a disaster. The first stage is human life issues, where saving human lives is the main goal. Two engineers, who are the first responders, are assigned to an 80-person rescue team. When possible, they are located near where a disaster event will occur so that they can enter the disaster zone directly after the disaster event has happened to help the rescue workers save lives. Second-responder engineers are focused on getting the people back into their structures safely. The third stage is the recovery stage where the engineers release structures to be repaired. The SCA SEAR program offers an online training course to volunteer engineers that allows them to enter the structures with the building department and determine if the building is habitable or not. When working on large-scale disaster projects, you must be prepared to join a task force and head straight into the natural disaster zone after it passes. First responders are immediately needed to help assess the infrastructure and buildings for life-threatening damage, how it can be avoided, and how the team can safely enter collapsed buildings. Second responders help everyone else because their expertise is not needed immediately. First responders get two training courses in California. The first course involves the navy, firefighters, and engineers assessing if a collapsed building is safe to enter. The second course is about finding ways to get you and your team into a collapsed building safely. You must be able to make a decision immediately in the face of a life-threatening situation. When second responders assess a building with fire damage, it is better to first look from a distance at the outside of the building to see if it could be safe to enter. A camera with a zoom lens can help to get a closer look at areas of interest. If you can enter the building, look at the condition of the load-bearing walls and the roof trusses before going further into the building for further inspection. Always assess the risk and reward benefits during your inspections. There is a section in the building codes that states that if the repairs to the building cost less than 50% of the tax value, all you must do is repair it. If they are above 50% of the tax value, then all repairs will be done subject to the new and updated building codes. The image behind Scott is of a school that was directly hit by an EF4 tornado. Luckily,