Engineering Management Institute

TSEC-The Structural Engineering Channel

TSEC 91: Renovation and Restoration of Existing Buildings (And the Importance of Teamwork)

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Existing BuildingsIn this episode, we talk to Geoff Smith, PE, LEED AP, a Senior Associate at Silman, about the process of existing buildings renovations, and how teamwork plays a major role in these types of projects.

Engineering Quotes:

Existing Buildings

Existing Buildings

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Geoff:

  • What is meant by the words “existing building” and how can an existing building be sustainable?
  • Retrofitting an existing building can oftentimes be more cost-effective than building a new facility. How do you determine if the investment is worthwhile?
  • What is a probe campaign and how does it affect the renovation process?
  • Why are reviews of existing documents important when retrofitting a building?
  • What about the existing building history? Do you also have to review that?
  • What were some of the pros and cons of working with government agencies?
  • What makes a good collaborative team and how does it affect the projects they work on?
  • When working on renovations over a long time, how do you manage and improve team dynamics?
  • Do you have any career advice for structural engineers when working on building projects?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Renovation and Restoration of Existing Buildings:

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TSEC 90: A New Vision and Goal for the Structural Engineering Channel Podcast

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Structural Engineering ChannelIn this episode,  Mathew Picardal. PE, SE introduces our new co-host for the Structural Engineering Channel podcast, Rachel Holland, P.E., an engineering supervisor for the south-western region at Simpson Strong-Tie. They discuss the kind of work she does and how she plans to serve you as the new co-host of the show.

Engineering Quotes:

Structural Engineering Channel

Structural Engineering Channel

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Rachel:

  • Tell the listeners more about yourself and what you do daily at Simpson Strong-Tie.
  • What attracted you to Simpson Strong-Tie, and how did you decide to move from design work to manufacturing?
  • What are some of the qualities of Simpson Strong-Tie that make you want to stay working for them?
  • The R&D side of engineering is always interesting, can you tell us more about what you did as an R&D engineer?
  • Can you tell us more about the work you do that relates to deck design and building code-compliant decks?
  • What excited you about the opportunity to become a co-host, and what is your goal of being a co-host of The Structural Engineering Channel Podcast?
  • To end off here, do you have any career advice for structural engineers based on your journey?

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

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TSEC 89: First and Second Responding Structural Engineers: What You Need to Know

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Responding Structural EngineersIn this episode, we talk to Scott A. Collins, P.E., SE, Principal at Collins Structural Consulting, PLLC, about first- and second-responding structural engineers (STS) and some of the large-scale disaster projects he worked on.

Engineering Quotes:

Responding Structural Engineers

Responding Structural Engineers

Responding Structural Engineers

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Scott:

  • Can you please tell our listeners more about yourself and the work you do?
  • What does a first- and second-responding structural engineer (STS) do?
  • Are first- and second-responder engineers sourced?
  • Can you talk to us about some of the large-scale disaster projects you worked on and what that entailed?
  • What are your process and mindset when going into natural disaster areas?
  • What safety procedures do you follow when working on these projects?
  • Most of your firm’s work is to repair damaged structures. Can you briefly talk to us about how you would assess fire-damaged structures when called out as an STS?
  • When repairing buildings, do you update the entire building to the new codes and regulations or only the parts that are being repaired?
  • How do you ensure effective team communication when working on projects?
  • Do you have any advice for engineers when working on large-scale disaster projects?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About First and Second Responding Structural Engineers: What You Need to Know:

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TSEC 88: Structural Bolting Methodology, Standards, and Specifications

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Structural BoltingIn this episode, we talk to Chris Curven and Mike Howerin from Applied Bolting Technology about structural bolting methodology, standards, and specifications, and more specifically how to torque different bolts to get the desired tension needed. You can view the video version of this episode here.

Engineering Quotes:

Structural Bolting

Structural Bolting

Structural Bolting

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Chris and Mike:

  • What Is Structural Bolting Methodology?
  • What is the difference between torque and tension?
  • The United States construction code (AISC/RCSC) has not allowed a standardized torque value for a structural bolt since 1953. However, you believe that there is still a predominant way to install structural bolts. What is that way?
  • What are some of the structural bolting standards and specifications that engineers should be aware of?
  • Where can structural engineers learn more about how to tighten a bolt properly, according to code, to assure a structure’s design integrity and purpose?
  • Do you have any advice for engineers when working on projects?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Structural Bolting Methodology, Standards, and Specifications:

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TSEC 87: How to Make the Most of Engineering Conferences (to Help Grow Your Career)

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Engineering ConferencesIn this episode, I share my experience of attending the 2022 SEAOC Convention and some of the great lessons I learned at the convention, and explain how attending engineering conferences can help you in your career.

Engineering Quotes:

Engineering Conferences

Engineering Conferences

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Make the Most of Engineering Conferences:

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TSEC 86: How a Strong Online Presence Can Help You in Your Engineering Career

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Online PresenceIn this episode, we talk to Luis Duque, PE, M. ASCE, SEI, a Bridge Engineer at Foothills Bridge, about what it is like working as a structural engineer while having a strong online presence.

Engineering Quotes:

Online Presence

Online Presence

Online Presence

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Luis:

  • What is it like working as a structural engineer while having a strong online presence?
  • How has having a strong online presence helped you in your engineering career?
  • What made you decide to summarize everything you have learned for the PE Structural Exam and give it away for free?
  • How do you manage work-life balance, and what advice do you have on planning your day for maximum productivity?
  • Do you have any advice on how engineers can interact with their supervisors during reviews, whether they are doing weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual reviews?
  • Do you have advice for engineers who are considering broadening their online presence?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How a Strong Online Presence Can Help You in Your Engineering Career:

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TSEC 85: Automation and Communication in Structural Engineering: Shaping the Future of the Industry

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automationIn this episode, we talk to Michael J. Bolduc, P.E., Senior Project Manager at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH), about automation and communication in structural engineering, and how engineers can help avoid the increasing pressure on structural designers to respond to major architectural changes or coordination issues late in the design process.

Engineering Quotes:

automation

automation

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Michael:

  • You co-authored an article in the March 2021 Structure Magazine, called Communicating in a BIM World. Can you please explain why effective communication between architects and engineers is so important and how it affects the success of a project?
  • In the article you said, and I quote, “The development of sophisticated ‘truly integrated’ design tools has been limited to high-profile design projects, whereas the more widely adopted tools have not lived up to the hype.” Can you explain what you mean by that?
  • What strategies can structural engineers adopt to help designers minimize the rework penalty, stay efficient in a slowing economy, and prepare for a future where BIM is the deliverable?
  • In another article you co-authored in the March 2022 Structure magazine called Automation and the Future of Structural Engineering, you talked about how tech allows us to automate responses. Can you please talk about that?
  • In the article, you mentioned that “… as daily work processes become more model-driven, and less time is spent looking at the drawings, the potential to miss critical details that are not modeled is introduced.” Do you worry that it will lead to structural failures?
  • Do you have any advice for engineers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Automation and Communication in Structural Engineering: Shaping the Future of the Industry:

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TSEC 84: CROSS Contributions to Structural and Fire Safety

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CROSSIn this episode, we talk to Alastair Soane, BSc, Ph.D., CEng, FICE, FIStructE, Principal Consultant at Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS), about some of the latest developments of CROSS, including its expansion into fire safety.  

Engineering Quotes:

CROSS
CROSS

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Alastair:

  • What is CROSS and what motivated you to get involved with the CROSS program?
  • Is CROSS now fully operational in the US?
  • CROSS has recently expanded into fire safety. What are some of the benefits that this will bring to the fire safety sector?
  • What does the future hold for CROSS and building safety?
  • How can CROSS help prevent structural failures?
  • Do you have any advice for engineers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About CROSS Contributions to Structural and Fire Safety:

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TSEC 83: Innovative Ways to Design and Build With Concrete

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Build With Concrete

In this episode, we talk to Luke Pinkerton, PE (ME), who is the President, Chief Technology Officer, and founder of Helix Steel about better ways to design and build with concrete by using advanced analysis, materials, and methods to design plain concrete in structural ground-supported slabs.

Engineering Quotes:

Build With Concrete

Build With Concrete

Build With Concrete

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Luke:

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TSEC 82: How Peer Review Can Help Move the Structural Engineering Industry Forward

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peer reviewIn this episode, we talk to James (Jim) O. Malley, S.E., about what peer review is and how it can help move the structural engineering industry forward. He also talks about the building code requirements for seismic design and how these codes allow for the implementation of new concepts and technologies.

Engineering Quotes:

peer review

peer review

peer review

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask James:

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