NCI Building Systems will host a one-day conference in Houston to unveil the latest in engineering best practices. The annual event, taking place Oct. 17, 2014, at the Sheraton North Houston Hotel, will offer presentations from leading researchers and experts in a range of construction design disciplines, also satisfying 7.0 hours of continuing education credit for engineers.

“This seminar provides a wide array of knowledge on the latest trends and best practices for those involved with engineering, construction and design,” said Jerry Hatch, manager of engineering development for NCI Building Systems. “Professionals will have the opportunity to not only hear from top researchers in the different fields, but also discuss the topics and trends in a group setting, and even ask questions of the presenters one-on-one following each lecture.”

The 2014 seminar will feature topics including counsel on effective design for steel and concrete structures, AISC design guide 16 connections, FEMA P695 analysis, project descriptions of buildings used in the nuclear power industry, as well as hard wall connections and building code updates. Hatch, who serves as the chairman of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) Seismic Subcommittee, said that professionals in the construction, engineering, oil and gas, design and metal industries can all benefit from the research presented in this seminar.

The conference’s keynote speaker is Mike West, P.E., F.ASCE, an architect, professional engineer, seasoned lecturer, and author of AISC Design Guides. His keynote “Reading Hardy Cross,” will present the timeless teachings of legendary author and engineer, Hardy Cross. West will explore Cross’ enduring approaches to problem solving, with an emphasis on sound judgment as an essential supplement to calculations and science. Examples will be provided from Cross’ book, Engineers and Ivory Towers.

“Hardy Cross’s principles, specifically the moment distribution method, played an immeasurable role in the engineering profession before computers were able to easily do calculations,” West said. “Today, however, it is Cross’ more abstract teachings that still make a considerable impression on engineers across many fields. Cross continually challenged his students to think in a more ‘big-picture’ way when approaching problems. The goal of my presentation is to reintroduce Cross’ name to the next generation of engineers and encourage them to seek out and use his wisdom in their own careers.”

Given Houston’s population size and concentration of the construction industry, it has become a top market for metal buildings. According to the MBMA, Houston and Texas far outpace every city and state in the nation related to dollars spent for steel buildings. Further, MBMA member companies have historically supplied nearly 40 percent of the low-rise, non-residential market in the U.S., according to McGraw Hill Construction Research.

The 2014 Continuing Education Seminar for Professional Engineers will be held at the Sheraton North Houston (15700 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Houston, TX 77032). The conference begins at 7 a.m. For more information: .