David Webster

Ph.D., P.E., S.E.

Senior Managing Engineer

Biography

David Webster is a versatile structural engineer with more than 30 years of experience in new design, retrofits, field testing, and analytical and mathematical modeling. David is a valued member of the engineering consulting team at YA Group.

He is familiar with a wide range of materials, construction methods, codes, design standards, and analytical techniques, and he is comfortable working from first principles. He has employed a variety of strategies to solve complex problems and is adept at using statistical methods and experimental design as needed. Over the last 20 years, he has undertaken dozens of structural vibration evaluations and has instrumented buildings to collect noise and vibration data.

David has focused on providing clients with cost‑effective, implementable solutions designed to meet or exceed expectations throughout his career.

Credentials

  • Ph.D.
  • P.E. | Professional Engineer
  • S.E. | Structural Engineer

Professional Experience

  • 2006 - Current | Senior Managing Engineer | YA Group
  • 2020 - 2026 | Principal Engineer | Jensen Hughes
  • 2014 - 2020 | Senior Associate II | Thornton Tomasetti
  • 2013 - 2014 | Senior Engineer | Sargent & Lundy
  • 2009 - 2013 | Research Assistant | Univ. of WA
  • 2001 - 2010 | Structural Engineer | KPFF
  • 2000 - 2001 | Student | Univ. of MN
  • 1999 - 2000 | Structural Engineer (contract) | Sinclair Knight Merz, Sydney, AUS
  • 1998 - 1999 | Structural Engineer | Price & Myers, London, UK
  • 1997 - 1998 | Structural Engineer | Connell Wagner, Sydney, AUS
  • 1996 - 1997 | Structural Engineer | Price & Myers, London, UK
  • 19995 - 1996 | Structural Engineer | Atelier One, London, UK
  • 1994 - 1995 | Engineer | Neil McKenzie & Associates, Brisbane, AUS

Area of Practice

  • Damage Assessment
  • Repair and Rehabilitation Design
  • Seismic Risk Assessment
  • Structural Analysis

Publications and Presentations

  • Webster, D., J. “Lessons Learned from a Former Design Engineer”, Oral Presentation, Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association, Seattle WA, January 2025.
  • Webster, D., J. “Forensic Structural Engineering – An Introduction”, Oral Presentation, Construction Lawyers Society of America, Los Angeles CA, July 2024.
  • Webster, D., J. “Dynamics in Earthquake Engineering”, Oral Presentation, George Mason University, Fairfax County VA; 2021.
  • Designed and instructed class in Advanced Steel Design (CESG-524) at the University of Washington in winter quarter; Seattle WA, 2019-2020.
  • Webster D., J., Berman J., W. & Lowes L., N. “Experimental Investigation of SPSW Web Plate Stress Field Development and Vertical Boundary Element Demand,” Journal of Structural Engineering, 2014 140(6).
  • Webster D., J. “The Inelastic Seismic Response of Steel Plate Shear Wall Web Plates and Their Interaction with the Vertical Boundary Members,” Ph.D. Dissertation, 2013.
  • Webster, D., J. “Alternative SPSW Web Plate Model Through Analytical and Experimental Investigations,” Oral Presentation, 44th Annual Structures Congress, Pittsburgh PA, March 2013.
  • Webster, D., J. “The Elastic and Inelastic Post-Buckling Behavior of Steel Plate Shear Wall Web Plates and Their Interaction with Vertical Boundary Elements,” Oral Presentation, Structural Stability Research Council Annual Stability Conference, Grapevine TX, April 2012.
  • Webster, D., J. “Design of Multi-tuned Mass Damper for Ridgefield Footbridge,” Oral Presentation, 43rd Annual Structures Congress, Chicago, IL, March 2012.
  • Webster, D., J. “Overview of Design, Analysis and Control of Building & Footbridge Vibration”, Oral Presentation, University of Washington. May 2010.

Education

  • Univ. of Washington - Ph.D. - Structural Engineering - Washington
  • Univ. of Minnesota - Master of Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering - Minnesota
  • Queensland Univ. of Technology - Bachelor of Engineering - (Civil), Structural Engineering - Brisbane

Affiliations

  • ASCE Professional Member
  • Affiliate Assistant Professor - Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Washington.

Licenses

  • 38848 - Washington - Structural Engineer
  • 96260SE - Oregon - Structural Engineer
  • 11737691-2203 - Utah - Structural Engineer
  • PE-19325 - Hawaii - Structural Engineer
  • 61028 - Colorado - Professional Engineer
  • 19339 - Idaho - Professional Engineer
  • PEL-PE-LIC-63227 - Montana - Professional Engineer