Engineering Management Institute

TGEP 090: Harnessing the Power of Geotechnical Engineering for Effective Pavement Design

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Effective Pavement DesignIn this episode, we talk with Prashant Patil, M.S., P.E., a Geotechnical Engineer at Gessner Engineering, LLC, about the intricate factors that shape effective pavement design recommendations.  We also dive deep into geotechnical investigation, and discuss some of the challenges geotechnical engineers encounter on projects.

Engineering Quotes:

Effective Pavement Design

Effective Pavement Design

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Prashant:

  • Could you provide some details about the projects or activities your company is currently involved in?
  • Can you guide us through the crucial steps and methodologies in geotechnical explorations or investigations?
  • What specific challenges do geotechnical engineers commonly face when conducting investigations for pavement design?
  • With all the challenges and opportunities in geotechnical engineering, why wouldn’t everyone want to pursue a career in it, given its importance and the intriguing challenges it presents?
  • Can you explain how things like soil composition, geological conditions, and environmental factors affect the results of investigations and how they influence recommendations for pavement design?
  • What strategies and conditions are effective in places with extreme weather?
  • When working on pavement design projects that involve diverse structures like highways, parking lots, and airport runways, how do you adjust your approach to accommodate different load-bearing requirements?
  • How vital is it to collect crucial information from your client early on, rather than solely relying on assumptions?
  • How does sustainability factor into pavement design, and what role do geotechnical recommendations play in promoting environmentally responsible infrastructure development?
  • What upcoming trends and innovations do you foresee in geotechnical engineering pavement design that could significantly influence the industry in the future?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Harnessing the Power of Geotechnical Engineering for Effective Pavement Design:

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WIE 006: Embracing Challenges and Shaping the Future as Women in Engineering

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Embracing ChallengesIn this episode, I talk with Lisa A. DiGerolamo, P.E., a Senior Vice President at Paulus Sokolowski and Sartor, LLC (PS&S), who is known for her outstanding expertise in civil engineering and land development, about her incredible journey navigating the landscape of engineering as a woman, embracing challenges with resilience and wisdom.

Engineering Quotes:

Embracing Challenges

Embracing Challenges

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Lisa:

  • In male-dominated fields, what specific challenges have you faced in your career as a woman, and can you share some of your personal experiences in embracing challenges and overcoming these obstacles?
  • What are some advantages of being a woman in engineering?
  • Can you share insights about mentors or role models who have had an impact on your career in engineering?
  • Have you ever had a mentor who provided advice, but also acted as a sponsor and spoke on your behalf?
  • Could you talk about a specific project in your career that you’re proud of and what made it stand out?
  • How does your involvement in this project showcase your contributions to the field and highlight the broader impact of women in engineering?
  • What can organizations do to make engineering more inclusive and diverse for women?
  • Can you share strategies or insights for women aiming to excel in engineering?
  • What is your vision for the future of women in engineering?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Embracing Challenges and Shaping the Future as Women in Engineering:

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Mastering Career Balance: A Blueprint for Engineers

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This is a guest blog by Gina Covarrubias

Career BalanceAn unbalanced engineering career can materialize in several ways, and none of us are immune. Whether we experience too much overwhelm or not enough motivation, here are a few ways we can preserve more career balance.

Adjust Your Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivations

We have many motivations for working, which is a great thing! On a high level, we can categorize these motivations as extrinsic and intrinsic.

Extrinsic motivations are driven by things outside of yourself. For example, most of us are motivated to work for money and benefits. Sometimes we’re motivated by new titles or additional respect. These are examples of behaviors fueled by external paybacks or rewards.

It’s a wonderful system; we love getting paid to perform meaningful work that serves the world.

However, there is a danger of implementing too many extrinsic motivations. They can only carry a career so far because emphasis on external paybacks and rewards dismisses its complement—internal paybacks and rewards. How do we generate internal paybacks and rewards? By creating intrinsic motivations.

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TEPM 032: Navigating the Complexities of Project Management in Engineering

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Project Management in EngineeringIn this episode, I talk with Pedro Constanzo, PE, Vice President at Burns & McDonnell, about his expertise related to project management in engineering, infrastructure design, and specifically military base development.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Project Management in Engineering

Project Management in Engineering

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Pedro:

  • How can stress be managed in multidisciplinary projects while ensuring project success and maintaining motivation, while also managing the stress of team members, both visible and invisible?
  • In your experience with military design, including facilities, infrastructure, and weapon systems, what key challenges have you encountered, and how did you overcome them in these respective fields?
  • In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and AI, can you talk about the latest trends or innovations in military-based development and infrastructure?
  • Do you have a preferred brand for the equipment you use, like the Apple goggles seen on YouTube, or are there specific household brands or names you typically rely on?
  • As a project manager, can you delve into the habits and techniques you incorporate into your project management approach, including any practices you pass on to your team members?
  • Can you share brief insights on how you effectively communicate and encourage collaboration within your team?
  • How do you keep up with new technologies in your industry and decide which ones are beneficial for your projects and team?
  • Reflecting on your journey as a project manager, what advice would you give your younger self when starting in this role?
  • What advice do you have for aspiring engineers or project managers looking to pursue a career like yours and enter the space you’re currently in?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Navigating the Complexities of Project Management in Engineering:

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TSEC 117: Top Tips for Building Your Structural Engineering Network

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Structural Engineering NetworkIn this episode, Rachel and Mat provide you with the top three lessons they have learned throughout their career journey in the hope of inspiring and guiding you on your path to success in the world of structural engineering. Whether you’re at the beginning of your career, in the midst of it, or simply curious about the inner workings of the structural engineering field or building a structural engineering network, this episode is designed to equip you with practical knowledge and inspire you to reach new heights in your professional endeavors.

Engineering Quotes:

Structural Engineering Network

Structural Engineering Network

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Top Tips for Building Your Structural Engineering Network:

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TCEP 250: The Role of Civil Engineering in Promoting Child Wellness

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Promoting Child WellnessIn this episode, I talk with William Spencer, P.E., president and professional engineer at MHS Planning & Design, about the profound impact of civil engineering on promoting child wellness in parks and playgrounds. We tackle topics like funding challenges, the significance of outdoor play in child wellness, pioneering solutions, and the crucial role of collaboration.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Promoting Child Wellness

Promoting Child Wellness

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask William:

  • Could you describe your civil engineering work on parks and playgrounds and its impact on promoting child wellness?
  • How can we find funding and plans to create and care for public spaces like parks?
  • How does outdoor play contribute to children’s overall well-being, and what role does civil engineering play in supporting this?
  • How does the necessity for maintenance impact the initial design and planning of a play space?
  • How can we find creative and effective solutions to address the issue of insufficient green space for children?
  • How do civil engineers team up with local communities, governments, and other organizations to make things happen?
  • What do you think are the most promising developments and opportunities in civil engineering for parks and playgrounds?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Role of Civil Engineering in Promoting Child Wellness:

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Planning and Execution: One Isn’t Enough

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Planning and ExecutionThrough my work at the Engineering Management Institute, I have worked with many engineering companies with a focus on helping them grow their business. One of the biggest pitfalls that I have observed among these companies is the failure to be able to plan AND execute. Most companies can do one of these really well, but they typically fall short with the other complementary action.

For example, they might have a sound recruiting strategy that includes visits to top colleges where they would speak in front of the engineering students, but they don’t employ anyone who can execute on that task effectively. Planning, but poor execution.

I’ve helped engineers who are looking for employment. They prepare a list of 10 companies that they would like to work for. However, rather than preparing 10 different customized resumes (one for each company), they send out a generic resume to all ten. Planning, but poor execution.

On the flip side, think about a sports team that has the most skilled players on the field. They are faster and stronger than their opponent, but their coaching staff fails to put together a game plan that ensures their talent is used effectively across the team and game. Execution, but poor planning.

I’ve talked to leaders in at least five engineering companies this year who told me their firm went through an elaborate strategic planning process, but they are too busy to implement their plan. Planning, but poor (or no) execution.

I’d like to offer some actions you can take to try to ensure your company is able to both plan and execute effectively.

1: When Planning, Consider Execution

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Getting Involved in the Community: How Mentorship Shapes Future Industry Leaders

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This is a guest post by Craig E. Bryson, PLA

InvolvedHow can we get involved in influencing communities and help grow the next generation of STEM professionals?

Exposure significantly affects many students’ future education and career goals. Initiatives such as mentorship programs, internships, and collaborative educational projects invest in students’ growth and cultivate a pipeline of diverse, skilled individuals poised to make meaningful contributions to the workforce and Pennoni.

Active participation in local events, career fairs, and workshops like ACE exposes us to various perspectives and experiences. It helps staff expand how we think and approach challenges, and allows students to work and learn more about their interests and future goals and how to achieve them.

Pennoni has participated in the Greater Philadelphia ACE Mentor Program for years. In addition to our staff-run project group, Pennoni staff holds two seats on the ACE board and volunteers as student mentors throughout the year.

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AECT 031: Unraveling the Complexities of the Construction Technology Ecosystem

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Construction Technology EcosystemIn this episode, I talk with Nate Fuller, the founding director at Placer Solutions, about the current state of the information ecosystem in construction technology and the need for high-quality and actionable information for professionals.

Engineering Quotes:

Construction Technology Ecosystem

Construction Technology Ecosystem

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Nate:

  • What is the current state of the information ecosystem?
  • Is there a lack of industry expertise influencing the development of this technology, and is this leading to outsiders claiming they can disrupt the entire AEC ecosystem?
  • Can you explain why there is a significant need for high-quality, actionable information for both construction professionals and technology providers?
  • Does the construction technology sector lack established best practices compared to other trades or professional organizations in the AEC industry?
  • How is your company addressing the need for a resource that provides highly actionable and accurate content?
  • Why do you think implementing new technologies in the field is often the most challenging part of any rollout in the construction industry?
  • How does providing solutions that don’t work add to the workload of already busy individuals?
  • How can one balance using cost-effective technologies while maintaining the quality of information provided, considering that high-cost technology may not be within everyone’s budget?
  • What final insights or thoughts would you like to share that are related to our discussion or any other topic we haven’t covered yet?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Unraveling the Complexities of the Construction Technology Ecosystem:

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TGEP 089: A Comprehensive Guide to Working Platforms for Drill Rigs and Cranes

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working platforms for drill rigsIn this episode, we talk with Thomas D. Richards, Jr., P.E., D.GE, a consultant at Nicholson Construction Company, about working platforms for drill rigs and cranes. We delve into what working platforms are, why they are essential for geotechnical engineers, their utilization challenges, and how they can contribute to their effective use.

Engineering Quotes:

working platforms for drill rigs

working platforms for drill rigs

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Thomas:

  • What is the role of working platforms in geotechnical engineering and why are they essential for diverse construction projects?
  • Can you provide examples of construction projects where the use of working platforms significantly improved project safety, and what factors contribute to their effectiveness in such cases?
  • What are some of the common challenges and misconceptions that geotechnical engineers face when designing and implementing effective working platforms for drill rigs, cranes, and other large pieces of equipment?
  • What are the cost and logistical considerations when bringing material onto a site for ground improvement?
  • Could you elaborate on your role in committees and how it has influenced the development of guidelines and best practices for working platforms?
  • For those listening to this podcast and wanting to do the right thing, where can they find existing or upcoming resources to guide them?
  • What is the most challenging aspect of effectively utilizing a working platform, and what would be the correct approach to overcome it?
  • How is the modification of a constructed working platform managed, particularly when drilling through or alongside it?
  • How do you envision the future of working platforms in geotechnical engineering design, and are there any emerging technologies or trends that could significantly impact their design and usage?
  • Could you share some key insights or memorable moments from your travels and interactions within the geotechnical community?
  • What advice would you give to aspiring geotechnical engineers, particularly those interested in working platforms and enhancing safety on drill rigs and cranes?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Working Platforms for Drill Rigs and Cranes:

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