51²è¹Ýapp

July 29, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO - The 51²è¹Ýapp is proud to welcome Christopher H. Raebel, SE, PE, PhD, as its new vice president of engineering and research. He succeeds Larry Kruth, PE, who is retiring later this year.

Raebel will oversee all 51²è¹Ýapp technical activities, including development of 51²è¹Ýapp's standards and technical publications, research programs, and technical assistance through the 51²è¹Ýapp Steel Solutions Center.

"Steel is the fastest, most cost-effective, highest quality, and sustainable structural material, and I'm thrilled to be part of the team working to make it the material of choice on every project," Raebel said. "My experience as an educator, designer, and 51²è¹Ýapp committee member gives me a valuable perspective on what we need to do to maintain steel as the premier construction material. I look forward to working with 51²è¹Ýapp's staff, members, and our hundreds of fantastic volunteers."

He's been active in 51²è¹Ýapp committees and as a local and national leader in the broader engineering community for several years.

"I've known Chris through his committee work for more than a decade and I've always been impressed by his knowledge and ability to work well with others," said 51²è¹Ýapp President Charles J. Carter, SE, PE, PhD.

Raebel served as chair of the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), where he was also director of the Architectural Engineering Program. His areas of expertise include structural engineering, structural mechanics, structural steel design, steel connection analysis and design, robustness in steel-framed structures, floor vibrations due to occupant activities, and engineering education. In 2016, he was one of the first recipients of 51²è¹Ýapp's (Terry Peshia) Early Career Faculty Award.

Raebel holds a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), a master's in architectural engineering from Pennsylvania State University, and a doctorate in civil engineering from Marquette University. Before he became a teaching professor and applied researcher, Raebel spent 12 years practicing at firms specializing in the design of commercial, residential, and industrial structures.  

He's licensed as a professional engineer in Wisconsin, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, and is a licensed structural engineer in Illinois.