Sustainable Concrete: Building a Greener Future

By Fortunato Orlando, PE

NYC Climate Week, September 22 – 26, 2024 was filled with many events, seminars, presentations, and documentaries and brought together leaders from business, government, academia, and civil society to discuss and implement climate action. The goal is to reach carbon neutrality with a 50% reduction by 2030 and 100% neutrality by 2050.

I have been asked by many; “What can a structural engineer bring to the table to lower the carbon footprint?” Ah! The one-trillion-dollar question! Concrete has been a worldwide commodity since the ancient Roman Empire and a product of convenience that cannot be eliminated. Concrete in its plastic state can be shaped and formed in almost infinite ways and when hardened will provide shelter and use for everyday life.

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Stephen Reichwein – BD+C 40 Under 40 Class of 2024

Severud Associates is pleased to announce that Stephen Reichwein, PE has been inducted into the BD+C 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.

Each year since 2006, the editors of Building Design+Construction have honored 40 individuals in the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) community as the next generation of rising stars. These AEC professionals are recognized for their career achievements, passion for the AEC profession, involvement with AEC industry organizations, and service to their communities.

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Notre Dame Alumni Insights with Ed DePaola

Notre Dame alum, Ed DePaola PE, is President and CEO of Severud Associates Consulting Engineers PC, New York. He is licensed in 21 states, and a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Concrete Institute (ACI), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). He is a past President and Founding Member of the Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY) and is currently a member of the Board of Governors of the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), and the Board of Directors of the Structural Engineering Certification Board (SECB).

Over the past 35 years, he has designed numerous projects including high-rise buildings, long-span facilities and special structures requiring innovative structural solutions. 

Ed was interviewed by the Notre Dame College of Engineering; you can view the interview here.

NYU John A. Paulson Center and Moynihan Train Hall get the spotlight!

Open House New York (OHNY) is hosting its annual festival that opens many New York City locations across the five boroughs for tours and special activities.  On October 18 – 20, 2024, get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the new buildings reshaping the NYC skyline.

Severud is honored to have two projects spotlighted in the OHNY Weekend 2024.  The John A. Paulson Center at NYU and Moynihan Train Hall were both selected by SEAoNY (Structural Engineering Association of New York) as structures worthy of distinction.

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9-11 Memorial Video – Engineers at Ground Zero

As we mark the 23rd anniversary of the attacks of 9/11, Severud Associates mourns the loss of those who perished, extends continued condolences to their family and friends, and salutes the first responders—and the many others following—who assisted in the search, rescue, and recovery efforts in the days and months afterward.

In commemoration of the important role played by structural engineers, the Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY) has produced a documentary, Engineers at Ground Zero, that captures their contributions and dedication to securing the site and helping prepare for its rebuilding.  Working in coordination with the City of New York, SEAoNY members—led by then-president Ed DePaola—consulted on structural issues, assisted with interim repairs, and performed damage assessments of many nearby buildings.  We feel honored to have participated in this monumental effort.

An excerpt from the documentary appeared in the online edition of Time magazine on September 11, 2024.  It can be viewed at Engineers at Ground Zero.

John J. Cryan, PE – in Memoriam

Not all days in history are happy ones.  Today, Severud Associates is sad to announce the passing in July of John J. Cryan, PE, a former principal, long-time president and CEO, mentor to many, and dear friend.

Born in 1931, John grew up in New York City and attended Manhattan College, where in 1952 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.  After graduating, he served in the military during the Korean War and after his discharge worked in Wilmington, Delaware.  In 1957—67 years ago last winter—he returned home and began his career as an engineer at Severud.  In the early years, he also attended classes at New York University and received a Master of Science in civil engineering in 1960.
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How Parametric Analysis Powered Severud’s Engineering of Sphere

Often, structural engineering projects involve a variety of challenges surrounding complex geometries, unconventional materials, and a whole lot of other variabilities, risks and uncertainties. All these factors and more affect the behavior and performance of structures. Moreover, apart from turning designs into tangible structures, structural engineers must ensure their strength and stability, while also optimizing time, costs, and aesthetic design. One of the best methods to achieve these objectives, and tackle all the challenges along the way, is with Parametric Analysis and Design. Here’s a look at what Parametric Analysis means, and how Severud leveraged this in engineering the iconic Sphere, located at the Venetian Resort, in Las Vegas, Nevada.                  (more…)

Fred N. Severud Birth Celebration – June 8, 1899

125 years ago this June, Fred N. Severud (above, at left) was born in Bergen, Norway, June 8, 1899—125 years ago this month—one of 12 children in what he called a very religious and very musical family.  Although he considered himself artistic, Severud wound up at the Norwegian Institute of Technology in Trondheim.  He had originally intended to study for the military but fate, or perhaps providence, intervened and he switched to engineering.  Severud graduated with a degree in civil and structural engineering in 1923 and shortly thereafter, married and immigrated to the United States.

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Cawsie Jijina Honored – June 6, 2024

Most people who know Cawsie Jijina would agree that he is an inspirational leader with an upbeat spirit.  The more challenging a project, the more enthusiastic he is about conquering it.  Cawsie is also a fierce proponent of the structural engineering profession and a tireless promoter of its contributions to the built environment.  His enthusiasm is infectious and he has “converted” many people to appreciate the value of engineering, to the great benefit of clients, the profession, and the firm.

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Recent Promotions at Severud

The experienced and expert engineering staff at Severud Associates is our most important asset. Therefore, we are proud to announce that Jack Gainey has been elevated to Senior Associate; Andrew J.  Aumiller, William Cheng, and Timothy N. Culligan have advanced to Associate; and Carlos E. Abreu, Edward E. DePaola, and Anastasia Shekhter have progressed to Senior Engineer. All of them have demonstrated a deep commitment to their profession and the firm.

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