Engineering Management Institute

TGEP - The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast

TGEP 56: Consultant vs Contractor in Geotechnical Engineering: What’s the Difference?

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ContractorIn this episode, we talk to Ryan Coggins, P.E., Senior Geotechnical Engineer at Kiewit Infrastructure Engineers, about his career journey and the difference between a consultant and a contractor in geotechnical engineering. He also talks about the importance of field experience and how it can help grow your engineering career.

Engineering Quotes:

Contractor

Contractor

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Ryan:

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TGEP 55: The Design of Sustainable Deep Foundation Systems in Dubai Sedimentary Rock

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Deep Foundation SystemsIn this episode, we talk to Dr. Marwan Alzaylaie about the design of sustainable deep foundation systems and some of the challenges he has experienced with designing in Dubai sedimentary rock.

Engineering Quotes:

Deep Foundation Systems

Deep Foundation Systems

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Marwan:

  • What is a deep foundation system?
  • What types of deep foundation systems do you work with?
  • What are the design considerations of a good foundation?
  • What are the advantages of a deep foundation?
  • What are some of the challenges you have experienced with designing in Dubai sedimentary rock?
  • What is it like being a part-time lecturer at Heriot-Watt University Dubai and Abu Dhabi University, and how did it benefit your engineering career?
  • What advice would you like to give to our young engineers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Design of Sustainable Deep Foundation Systems in Dubai Sedimentary Rock:

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TGEP 54: The Future of Geotechnical Engineering: Building a Brighter Tomorrow

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Future of Geotechnical EngineeringIn this episode, we talk to Keithe Merl, P.E., Northeast Area Manager at Hobas Pipe USA, Inc about the different aspects of geotechnical engineering, geotechnical education, and what he thinks the future of geotechnical engineering holds.

Engineering Quotes:


Future of Geotechnical Engineering

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Keithe:

  • What is one specific project that stood out to you in your career and what did you learn from it?
  • What are some of the different aspects of geotechnical engineering?
  • Why is geotechnical engineering is important, and why should it be studied?
  • How has education in engineering helped shape your career to where you are today?
  • What do you think the future holds for the geotechnical and civil engineering professions?
  • What advice would you give to young engineers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Future of Geotechnical Engineering:

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TGEP 53: Wick Drains for Ground Improvement in Geotechnical Engineering

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In this episode, we talk to Martin (Marty) Taube, P.E., P.G., about wick drains, what they are, how they work, and some of the challenges associated with installing wick drains.

Wick Drains

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Martin:

  • What are wick drains and how do they work?
  • How are wick drains designed and who is typically responsible for the design?
  • How long have they been used in the US?
  • What types of soils are they installed in and what types of structures are they installed for?
  • When shouldn’t wick drains be installed?
  • What ground improvement techniques would you go to for soft clays if wick drains aren’t appropriate?
  • What are the biggest challenges with installing wick drains?
  • Are there any specific safety concerns when working with wick drains?
  • What advice would you like to give to engineers that are specifying wick drains?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Wick Drains for Ground Improvement in Geotechnical Engineering:

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TGEP 52: Designing Engineered Solutions to Optimize Performance

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Tensar+In this episode, we talk to Andres F. Peralta, MSCE, MBA, P.E., product manager at Tensar International Corporation, about a newly enhanced, free, web-based software called Tensar+, which allows engineers, contractors, and owners to design engineered solutions for a variety of applications.

Engineering Quotes:

Tensar+

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Andres:

  • What is Tensar+ and how was it developed?
  • What makes Tensar+ different from other civil engineering design software out there?
  • What kind of feedback have you gotten from engineers about the software?
  • What is the future of Tensar+ and how can it benefit engineers and engineering firms?
  • What final piece of advice would you like to give to our young engineers out there when dealing with uncertainty in their careers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Designing Engineered Solutions:
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TGEP 51: How Engineers Can Help Improve the Safety of Mine Tailing Dams

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Mine Tailing DamsIn this episode, we talk to Roy Mayfield, Ph.D., P.E., about mine tailing dams, how we can help improve the safety of these dams, and why having sound engineering judgment and expertise is crucial in your engineering career.

Engineering Quotes:

Mine Tailing Dams

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Roy:

  • What are mine tailing dams, and what are they used for?
  • When mine tailing dams fail, the results can be catastrophic. Should we be worried about it, and what are some of the consequences of a collapse?
  • What can be done to improve tailing dam safety?
  • Can you talk to us about one project that stood out to you in your career, and what you learned from it?
  • How can engineers develop sound engineering judgment and expertise?
  • What final piece of advice would you like to give young engineers when dealing with uncertainty in their careers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Mine Tailing Dams:

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TGEP 50: InSAR and Finite Element Analysis in Geotechnical Engineering

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Finite Element AnalysisIn this episode, we talk to Andrew Lees, Ph.D., MICE CEng, Director of Geofem, Global Application Technology Manager at Tensar International, as well as Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Southampton about Finite Element Analysis, Geogrid Stabilization, InSAR, and what the future looks like for geotechnical engineering.

Engineering Quotes:

Finite Element Analysis

Finite Element Analysis

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Andrew:

  • What is FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and what are its benefits to construction?
  • What’s your advice to young engineers starting in FEA in geotechnical engineering?
  • What’s the biggest revolution in recent years in geogrid reinforcement?
  • InSAR is growing fast in the geotechnical field. Can you explain to our listeners, who might not be too familiar with it, what InSAR is and how it works?
  • What does the future look like for geotechnical engineering, in your opinion?
  • What advice would you like to give young engineers considering getting involved in these fields of geotechnical engineering?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About InSAR and Finite Element Analysis in Geotechnical Engineering:

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TGEP 49: Geohazard Monitoring and Mitigation in Geotechnical Engineering

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Geohazard MonitoringIn this episode, we talk to Ben Haugen, Director of Business Development for Remote Sensing at GeoStabilization International, about geohazard monitoring and mitigation, how it benefits the community, and some of the things that engineers can do to prioritize the mitigation of geohazards.

Engineering Quotes:

Geohazard Monitoring
Geohazard Monitoring

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Ben:

  • What is geohazards monitoring and mitigation, and why is it important in engineering?
  • What are some of the main causes of geohazards?
  • In what way does geohazard monitoring benefit the community?
  • What are some of the types of geospatial data that are collected, what collection techniques are used, and how important is it to accurately interpret these critical geospatial data monitors in at-risk areas?
  • How can analysis of natural hazards in real time provide a better understanding of risk and preparation for geohazard potentials?
  • What are some of the things that engineers can do to prioritize the mitigation of geohazards?
  • What advice would you like to give to our young engineers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Geohazard Monitoring and Mitigation:

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TGEP 48: Engineering in the Bay Area: Exploring Variable Site Conditions

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Bay AreaIn this episode, we talk to Tom W. Porter, P.E., Principal Engineer at Romig Engineers, Inc., and Christina Tipp, PG, CEG, a professional geologist from SHN, about variable site conditions in the Bay Area. We also talk about what it is like to work for a small engineering firm and discuss some of the best methods of training entry-level staff.

Engineering Quotes:

Bay Area

Bay Area

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Tom and Christina:

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TGEP 47: Recent Developments in Cast-in-Place Piles and Ground Improvement Techniques

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Cast-in-Place PilesIn this episode, I talk to Morgan NeSmith, P.E., D.GE, award-winning Director of Engineering at Berkel & Company Contractors, Inc., about some of the recent developments in cast-in-place piles and ground improvement.

Engineering Quotes:

Cast-in-Place Piles

Cast-in-Place Piles

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Morgan:

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