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TSEC 21: Structural Analysis Using Finite Element Modeling and Hydropower Dam Inspections

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Finite Element ModelingIn episode 21 of The Structural Engineering Channel podcast, we talk to Aimee Corn, PE, who is a civil and structural engineer at Gannett Fleming. Aimee will be talking to us about structural analysis using finite element modeling and hydropower dam inspections. She also talks about her career journey and shares some great tips on communication and overcoming failure in your engineering career.

Engineering Quotes:

Finite Element Modeling

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Aimee in This Episode:

  • Your technical work has focused a lot on dams. You’ve developed non-linear models of 40- to 300-foot-tall arch dams. Can you talk to us about the structural engineering that goes into that?
  • What are some of the places where you use finite element modeling or where you find it most helpful?
  • What goes into a hydropower dam inspection?
  • How important are written communication (e.g., email, technical reports, memoranda) and verbal communication (e.g., presentations, phone calls) skills on these projects and in the workplace in general?
  • What is the Potential Failure Mode Analysis (PFMA) process and how it is used?
  • What are some of the resources and ways that students can get into the dam industry?
  • How can a person evolve their professional association participation beyond just joining as a member?
  • Do you have an overall life or career philosophy you can share with us?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Finite Element Modeling and Hydropower Dam Inspections:

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TSEC 20: 5 Tips for Structural Engineers: Become the Best Version of Yourself

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Tips for Structural Engineers

The photo features Stan Caldwell with one of his projects – The Ponte Avenue Bridge in Addison, Texas

In episode 20 of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we talk with Stan R. Caldwell, P.E., SECB, a structural engineering consultant who primarily consults on construction litigation. After almost 50 years of managing and mentoring dozens of young structural engineers, Stan has seen firsthand the various struggles that engineers face in building successful careers. This is the first of a two-episode series in which Stan provides 5 tips for structural engineers that will help them to succeed in this high-liability profession. The next episode with Stan will focus on five tips for structural engineering managers.

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Stan in This Episode:

  • What led to the development of your Five Tips for Young Engineers?
  • What do you mean by “Mind the Gap”?
  • Your second tip for young structural engineers is to “Ensure Stability.” What does that mean?
  • You mention that one should deliberately avoid their computer until after they have manually designed their structure. How can this be? 
  • What do you mean by “Be a Sponge”? Is that related to learning?
  • What do you mean by “Own Your Work”?

Here Are Your Top 5 Tips for Structural Engineers:

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TSEC 19: Engineers Week — Not Just a Week, but a Way of Life

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Engineers WeekIn this episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we talk to Reed Brockman, Associate Vice President and Bridge and Tunnel Inspection Leader at AECOM. We discuss National Engineers Week (EWeek) and, more specifically, the importance of inspiring the youth of today to become more aware of engineering and the state of the infrastructure in our world. 

Engineering Quotes:

Engineers Week

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Reed in This Episode:

  • What is your favorite project that you have worked on to date and why?
  • What does a tunnel inspection entail?
  • Why is Engineers Week important to our profession?
  • Can you tell us about your TV show?
  • You currently serve as the Chair of the Pre-College Outreach Committee of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers. What made you become so active in association work?
  • What impact has your organizational involvement had on your career or you personally?
  • Based on what you’ve seen in your career, what excites you most about the structural engineering industry? What worries you most?
  • How can events like EWeek be utilized to strengthen the future of our profession?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Engineers Week:

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TSEC 18: Blast Protection and Active Shooter Mitigation in Structural Engineering

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Blast ProtectionIn this episode of The Structural Engineering Channel Podcast, we talk to Sharon Gallant PE, SE, managing principal at KPFF Consulting Engineers. Sharon talks about blast protection and shares some interesting insights about active shooter and hostile vehicle mitigation related to structural engineering design.

Engineering Quotes:

Blast Protection

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Sharon in This Episode:

  • Could you give our listeners an idea about your career journey to date and what you focus on today as a structural engineer?
  • Can you tell us about your involvement in the ASCE SEI Structures Congress?
  • Can you tell us about the history of blast engineering?
  • How have you seen the threat of terrorism most impact the job of structural engineers?
  • What type of people would benefit the most from going to the panel you are presenting at the Congress?
  • Can you give us a sneak peek into the session entitled Active Shooter Mitigation: Ballistic Hardening and Other Ideas, which you will be presenting at the SEI Congress?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Blast Protection and Active Shooter Mitigation in Structural Engineering:

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TSEC 17: Mentoring for Structural Engineers and a Special Introduction

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In episode 17 of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we will introduce a new co-host for the podcast and we will also cover a special topic in honor of January being National Mentorship Month. We are going to talk all about mentoring in general: how to find a mentor as a structural engineer, how to become a great mentor, and how mentorship programs can help structural engineering companies grow.

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Mentoring for Structural Engineers:

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TSEC 16: BIM and Collaboration Between Structural Engineers and Drafters

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Structural Engineers and DraftersIn this episode of The Structural Engineering Channel podcast, we talk to Marcello Sgambelluri, PE,SE., the Director of Advanced Technology at John A. Martin & Associates. He talks about BIM(Building Information Modeling) and how it is evolving, and also shares his thoughts on the roles that structural engineers and drafters will play during this exciting technological time in structural engineering.

Engineering Quotes:

Structural Engineers and Drafters

Structural Engineers and Drafters

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Marcello in This Episode:

  • Why is BIM so ever-evolving in the structural engineering industry?
  • Do you think engineers of the future will need to keep up with all the technologies, coding, and scripting?
  • How can structural engineers learn more about BIM? 
  • What is the role of structural engineers and drafters in the future?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

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TSEC 15: Integrating Sustainability and Resilience into Structural Engineering

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Sustainability and ResilienceIn episode 15 of The Structural Engineering Channel Podcast, we talk with Professor Jerome Hajjar, CDM Smith Professor and Chair at the Northeastern University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering about how we can integrate sustainability and resilience into structural engineering. This is something that can change the way we look at structural engineering and change our community for the better. 

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Professor Hajjar in This Episode:

  • What is sustainability and resilience?
  • Could you highlight some of the research initiatives that relate to sustainability and resilience in structural engineering?
  • Are the topics of sustainability and resilience becoming more common in the engineering curriculum?
  • How is data being used when designing deformations?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Sustainability and Resilience:

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TSEC 14: Key Takeaways from the 2019 NCSEA Summit

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NCSEAIn episode 14 of The Structural Engineering Channel Podcast, I interview my co-host Matthew Picardal, P.E. about his recent attendance at the 2019 NCSEA Summit. The NCSEA (National Council of Structural Engineers Associations) Summit is a structural engineering summit that brings together the best structural engineering professionals in the field for education and networking. Mat outlines some of his key takeaways from this conference including SE3, retention and recruiting and the role of drafters in engineering. 

Engineering Quotes:

NCSEA

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Mat in This Episode About the 2019 NCSEA Summit:

  • What is the NCSEA Summit?
  • What are some of the sessions that you attended at this conference?
  • In terms of the Implementation session, what did you take away from that?
  • What does “advocate for yourself” involve?
  • What was the discussion about a 30-hour workweek in reference to?
  • Tell us more about the present and future role of drafters and engineers.

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the 2020 NCSEA Summit:

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TSEC 13: Twelve Firsts in Structural Engineering on the Halls River Bridge

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Halls River BridgeIn this episode of The Structural Engineering Channel podcast, we talk to Steven Nolan, P.E., a bridge engineer at the Florida Department of Transportation. Steven talks about the Halls River Bridge project (HRB project), which is a project that was recently constructed in Florida that displayed 12 items that were the first of a kind for a bridge. Many of these firsts were related to new and innovative materials and technology.

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Steven in This Episode:

  • Can you provide us with an overview of the Halls River Bridge project?
  • Could you please tell us about the funding of the project?
  • Was it mostly the Hybrid-Composite Beams (HCB) that were used during the replacement, or were carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and stirrups also used?
  • What are the advantages of using CFRP and GFRP instead of the epoxy coating rebar?
  • From a design perspective, what does using a new material entail?
  • Are you expecting maintenance on this type of bridge?
  • What were the construction challenges you had on this project?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Halls River Bridge Project:

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TSEC 12: Structural Engineering Career Fair Tips for Students

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Structural Engineering Career FairIn this episode of The Structural Engineering Channel podcast, we will provide some tips for students as they prepare to visit structural engineering career fairs. We ask that you please share this episode with structural engineering students you know, to help them prepare for what could be, one of the most important points in their careers!

Engineering Quotes:

Structural Engineering Career Fair

Here Are 7 Actions That Students Can Take to Prepare for a Structural Engineering Career Fair:

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