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

By Steve Reichwein

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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Steve Reichwein – Associate Principal

The experienced and expert engineering staff at Severud Associates is our most important asset. Therefore, we are proud to announce that Stephen Reichwein has been promoted to Associate Principal. Steve has demonstrated a deep commitment to his profession and the firm.

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Fortunato Orlando – Senior Associate Principal

The experienced and expert engineering staff at Severud Associates is our most important asset. Therefore, we are proud to announce that Fortunato Orlando has been promoted to Senior Associate Principal. Fortunato has demonstrated a deep commitment to his profession and the firm.

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Sphere

Sphere, the next-generation entertainment venue located on Sands Avenue east of the Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada, officially opened at the end of September.  A 516-ft-diameter semi-spherical building rising 366 ft above ground, Sphere encloses a bowl-shaped theater for 17,600 guests, seated beneath a domed roof and suspended media plane.  Severud Associates has been involved as the structural engineer of Sphere—since the project’s inception—and the venue is now the largest spherical structure in the world.

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Brian A. Falconer, PE Honored – September 13, 2023

When Brian Falconer first moved to New York City in 1990, he was full of dreams, ambition, and confidence. Having successfully completed his college education—first earning a Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering from the University of Kansas in Lawrence and then a Master of Science in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin—Brian enthusiastically aspired to obtain every commission, design every building, and draw every detail. He set out to become the favorite engineer of every architect, owner, and professional and trade organization and to achieve, in short, every recognition possible.

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