SEI NO History & Purpose Statement
Structures Committee & Structural Engineering Institute, New Orleans Chapter
ASCE SEI-NO
HISTORY
ASCE Structural Engineering Institute, New Orleans Chapter, (ASCE SEI-NO)
started in 1989 as a Structural Committee of ASCE New Orleans Branch. In 2002 ASCE SEI
NO also became the New Orleans Chapter of ASCE Structural Engineering Institute. It was
founded by Om P. Dixit, First Chairman and the original Executive Committee members were
Robert Bruce, James Danner Michael Folse, David Hunter, Subhash Kulkarni, and Herbert
Roussel.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The purpose of ASCE SEI-NO is to foster the exchange of the professional and technical
knowledge and enhance structural engineering practice and the professional interaction
between structural engineers, architects, and other related technical disciplines. ASCE SEI-NO
shall also interface with the general public on matters relating to industry practice and public
safety where applicable. The objective of ASCE SEI-NO shall be to serve and promote the
structural engineering professional locally within the State of Louisiana in a manner consistent
with the purpose of the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) of the American Society of Civil
Engineers (ASCE). The actions of ASCE SEI-NO shall be consistent with the provisions as
set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws of the New Orleans Branch of ASCE.
FUNCTION
The primary function of ASCE SEI-NO will be the organization and presentation of technical
sessions and programs. ASCE SEI-NO will arrange meetings, seminars and workshops dealing
with the analysis, design and construction of structures. Sub-committees may be formed to deal
with specific material such as steel, concrete or timber.
ASCE SEI-NO may review Structural Engineering practice related to current events,
regulations, policies and proposals set forth by governmental, educational and regulatory
bodies, and policies being developed by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The purpose
of such review would be to identify the consensus opinion of practitioners and formally
communicate such opinions with appropriate recommendations to the ASCE New Orleans
Branch Board of Directors.
An ASCE SEI-NO goal is to raise the awareness of the general public to the role and
accomplishments of the Civil/Structural Engineer.