American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has formed a partnership with www.PDHonline.org to promote the use of steel through online education. According to this new partnership, PDHonline.org will develop, host and promote the online courses for AISI in the areas of transportation and infrastructures. AISI plans to convert several of its bridge, pipe and utility pole seminars to this web-based format over the next several months.


"This move enables AISI stay at the forefront of educating design engineers about the use of steel," said Dr. John Huang, President of PDHonline.org based in Herndon, VA. "Web-based marketing and training through online education is more efficient and cost-effective compared to the traditional methods."

AISI is a non-profit association of North American companies engaged in the iron and steel industry. The Institute is comprised of 45 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 158 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.

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The Steel Network, Inc., Launches Online Course for Engineers to Earn PDH Units

The Steel Network, Inc., launched its first online course, "Vertical Deflection Solutions for Light Gauge Steel Framing", which is available through a partnership with www.PDHonline.org.

The online course presents the common deflection problems faced by design professionals, and offers innovative solution to accommodate the vertical deflection in building structures. It also introduces the use of its popular Verticlip® in fire-rated wall assemblies.

The online course allows busy structural engineers and architects to update their knowledge about light gauge steel framing design via the Internet, on their own time. Those who complete the course and pass the exam will receive Professional Development Hours (PDH's) or Learning Units (LU's).

"Moving to a web-based format is the most efficient and cost-effective method of reaching design professionals with the information they need to stay current in light gauge steel design," said Edward di Girolamo, P.E. President of The Steel Network, "This partnership will enable us to reach thousands of engineers and architects worldwide, 24 hours each day. The STEEL Network has committed to developing four online courses with PDHonline.org before the end of year 2000".

The Steel Network (TSN) manufactures engineered clips and connectors used in the construction of light gauge steel framing. TSN brings the building trades a highly innovative and results oriented team of professionals. By developing a working environment that fosters problem-solving synergy with clients, TSN's team tackles the manufacturing hurdles that designers and installers face today.

^The Vertical Deflection Solution …VertiClip^TM

Prevents building forces from stressing finishes …	Designed and field tested for construction tolerances ...
Specify : SL or SLD series & Stud Depth	HEAD SLIDE CONDITION Exterior {SL} & interior {SLD} - underside slab and, - primary structure. 3 connection clips available
Specify : SLB series & Stud Depth	BY- PASS SLIDE CONDITION Exterior walls - By-pass floor slab and, - primary structure. 3 connection clips available
Specify: SLS series & Stud Depth	OFFSET SLIDE CONDITION Exterior walls offset - By-pass primary structure 3 connection clips available

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Six Industry Experts Join PDHonline as Instructors

Helen H. Chen, Ph.D., PE
Senior Cold-Formed Steel Engineer
American Iron and Steel Institute, Washington, DC

Edward di Girolamo, PE
President
The Steel Network, Inc., Raleigh, NC

John C. Huang, Ph.D., PE
President
CHC Engineering, LLC, Herndon, VA

Sam Kassegne, Ph.D., PE
Manager of FE Applications Department
RAM International, Carlsbad, CA

Clement Rajendra, PE
Project Engineer
Carolina Power and Light Co., Southport, NC

Russell W. Faust, PE
Project Engineer
Abiqua Engineering, Inc., Salem, OR

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Do You Have Enough PDH Units for Year 2000?

For those of you who have not met Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) requirements for year 2000, you can still obtain free online PDH units at www.PDHonline.org.

In the state of North Carolina, professional engineers need 15 PDH units to renew their license for next year. All current PE licenses will expire on December 31, 2000. However, an additional thirty days is allowed for completion of the renewal application. The North Carolina board will determine compliance through a random audit of engineers. If an engineer is audited and found not in compliance, his/her license will not be renewed.

In the state of Georgia, engineers must have 30 PDH units completed by December 31st, 2000, the day their biennial license renewal is due. The Georgia board will randomly audit certain renewal applications. An engineer will be given 180 days to comply with the CPC requirements if he/she is audited and found not in compliance.

All licensed professional engineers are encouraged to select meaningful CPC activities that will be of benefit in the pursuit of their chosen fields. The definition of CPC Course/Activity is: "Any qualifying course or activity with a clear purpose and objective which will maintain, improve, or expand skills and knowledge relevant to the registrant's field of practice."

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