Episode 5 There Used To Be Buildings Right There

Profile of Elaina Sutley(https://ceae.ku.edu/elaina-j-sutley), structural engineer and assistant professor of civil engineering at the University of Kansas. In her research, she focuses on multiple aspects of designing hazard-proof wood structures, including seismic safety in low-income housing. Sutley relates her “origin story” about becoming a structural engineer — with a public policy bent. She relates the influence of the noted wood-frame researcher John van de Lindt, the principal investigator on the NEESwood (https://www.nsf.gov/news/newsmedia/neeswood/resources3.jsp) project, a watershed study that demonstrated the resilience of tall, wood-framed structures (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoXl6-8UUrM). Studying under van de Lindt at the University of Alabama inspired Sutley to enter the field of hazard engineering. (van de Lindt now teaches at Colorado State University: http://www.engr.colostate.edu/~jwv) Sutley discusses current topics in wood-frame research: rocking wall panels, light frames, CLT (cross-laminated timber), and seismic retrofitting of “soft story” buildings. Although wood is a strong and sustainable construction material, she says architects and construction companies often do not understand the benefits of wood construction. Researchers in her field like to say the biggest challenges to wood-frame construction are “fire, water, and ignorance.” As an early career faculty member, Sutley is eager to get involved in the NHERI community. She attended NHERI’s inaugural Summer Institute program (https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2017/nheri-summer-institute) in San Antonio this summer. She also is a member of the NHERI User Forum (https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/nco/governance/user-forum), which helps ensure engineering researchers are able to find the resources they need from NHERI’s experimental facilities. Sutley also is active in the ASCE community and is chair of wood structures division. Lastly, Sutley relates a dramatic story of getting caught in tornado. Be sure to tune in!