Engineering Management Institute

TSEC-The Structural Engineering Channel

TSEC 099: Ensuring Safety and Regulatory Standards in Structural Development

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Regulatory StandardsIn this episode, we talks to John Lazier P.Eng., MBA, structural engineer, and developer at Lazier Engineering Partners, about his journey into structural engineering and development. He shares insights on his role in ensuring the safety and adherence to regulatory standards in drawings and also offers some valuable tips for those interested in pursuing a career in this field.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Regulatory Standards

Regulatory Standards

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask John:

  • What motivated you to start your business as a developer, and what services do you provide to architects? Can you explain how the developer part works?
  • How do you ensure that your drawings comply with safety and regulatory standards?
  • As a structural engineer and developer, what are some of the significant challenges you face, and how do you overcome them?
  • In what ways do you see your work contributing to job creation in Canada, and what impact do you hope to make in your industry?
  • Could you share a project that you are particularly proud of, and what sets it apart for you?
  • What strategies do you use to stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in your field, and how do you continue to grow and learn as a professional?
  • Did your MBA contribute to your success as an entrepreneur, or was it mostly about figuring out your path, being creative, and networking?
  • What advice would you offer someone interested in pursuing a career in structural engineering and development?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Ensuring Safety and Regulatory Standards in Structural Development:

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TSEC 098: Exploring Mass Timber Construction: The Benefits, Origins, and Opportunities

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Mass Timber ConstructionIn this episode, we talk to Paul Kremer, an influential figure in Mass Timber Construction and host of the Mass Timber Construction Podcast. He discusses the origin and benefits of mass timber construction, its connection to Building 4.0, and how to get involved in the field.

Engineering Quotes:

Mass Timber Construction

Mass Timber Construction

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Paul:

  • What is mass timber construction and how did it came about?
  • What are the benefits of using mass timber besides its quick construction time?
  • Could you go into the growth of mass timber, e.g., its adoption rates and how it’s progressing in North America, Australia, and other parts of the world?
  • Can you explain what the Building 4.0 concept is and how mass timber construction fits into it?
  • From the engineering side, what does that look like for the structural engineer if they have a mass timber project?
  • Could you go into some of the more notable mass timber construction projects around the world?
  • For engineers who are trying to get into mass timber, do you have any advice or resources that they can go to learn more about it and to get into it?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Exploring Mass Timber Construction: The Benefits, Origins, and Opportunities:

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TSEC 097: The Fundamentals of Post-Tensioned Concrete Design and Implementation

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Post-Tensioned ConcreteIn this episode, we talk to Dirk Bondy, a lecturer at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and the University of California, Los Angeles, and co-author of the book “Post-Tensioned Concrete: Principles and Practice”, who shares his insights on using post-tensioned concrete in projects and the importance of foundational knowledge in education.

*** View the video version of the episode here ***

Post-Tensioned Concrete

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Dirk:

  • Could you explain the concept of post-tensioned concrete?
  • You co-authored a book titled “Post-Tensioned Concrete: Principles and Practice.” Could you provide an overview of the book and its practical applications for structural engineers?
  • What advantages does post-tensioned concrete offer in engineering projects?
  • What motivates you to continue teaching post-tensioned concrete at two universities?
  • Is your YouTube channel featuring your lectures still accessible online?
  • What is the current status of structural engineering education?
  • Do you have any advice for aspiring engineers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About The Fundamentals of Post-Tensioned Concrete Design and Implementation:

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TSEC 96: Designing with Mass Timber: What You Need to Know

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Mass TimberIn this episode, we talk to Tanya Luthi, P.E., a structural engineer and Vice President at Entuitive, talks about the unique aspects of designing with mass timber and what she thinks makes a successful timber engineer. She also touches on the link between mass timber and sustainability and how tall we can build in mass timber projects.

***You can view the video version of this podcast episode on YouTube here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Mass Timber

Mass Timber

Mass Timber

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Tanya:

  • What are some of the unique aspects of designing with mass timber?
  • How does the process of mass timber design differ from the more traditional steel and concrete structures?
  • What would you say makes a successful timber engineer?
  • What is the link between mass timber and sustainability?
  • How tall can/should we go in mass timber?
  • What are some of the things you should mention to the clients about the use of mass timber?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Designing with Mass Timber: What You Need to Know:

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TSEC 95: Why Mass Timber Is Gaining in Popularity in the Engineering Industry

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Mass TimberIn this episode, we talk to Eric McDonnell, P.E., the Principal at Holmes, about why mass timber is gaining popularity and how it can help you in your engineering projects. He also talks about how his time working abroad has helped grow his engineering career.

Engineering Quotes:

mass timber

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Eric:

  • How has volunteering helped to grow your career?
  • What was it like working in Christchurch, NZ to help with the rebuild after the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, and what did you learn from it?
  • As an early adopter of mass timber, how have you seen the industry evolve?
  • Talks to us about your research on Mass Timber in the United States, including participating in the NSF/NHERI Collaborative Research project to develop a Resilience-Based Seismic Design Methodology for Tall Wood Buildings.
  • Why do you think mass timber is gaining in popularity in the construction industry?
  • What is your opinion on the cost of mass timber, its long-term sustainability and applications in different environments, and what do you think the future holds for mass timber?
  • Do you have any final piece of career advice for structural engineers out there?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Why Mass Timber Is Gaining in Popularity in the Engineering Industry:

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TSEC 094: How Getting an MBA Can Help You Elevate Your Engineering Career

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Getting an MBAIn this episode, we talk to Damon Ho, MBA, a segment market manager at Simpson Strong-Tie, about how getting an MBA can help you in your engineering career and the type of careers that engineers with an MBA can pursue.

Engineering Quotes:

Getting an MBA

Getting an MBA

Getting an MBA

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Damon:

  • Why did you decide to pursue a career in engineering and how did you identify and find your niche in the industry?
  • What made you decide to go for an MBA and how has it helped you in your engineering career?
  • What are some of the benefits of getting an MBA after you graduate as an engineer?
  • How do you know which engineering discipline is right for you and what career can engineers with an MBA pursue?
  • Why do you think saying yes to opportunities in your career is important?
  • Why is it important for engineers to have a mentor or a role model in their careers?
  • Do you have any career advice for structural engineers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How Getting an MBA Can Help You Elevate Your Engineering Career:

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TSEC 93: Why All Engineers Should Get Involved in Professional Associations

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Get Involved in Professional AssociationsIn this episode, we talk to Krista Looza, S.E., a licensed structural engineer and principal at Buehler, about how her involvement in the Structural Engineering Association of California (aka SEAOC) has supported her career path and professional development, and why she think all engineers should get involved in professional associations.

Engineering Quotes:

Get Involved in Professional Associations

Get Involved in Professional Associations

Get Involved in Professional Associations

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Krista:

  • What is SEAOC and what can it offer for structural engineers?
  • What roles have you filled at SEAOC through the years and how have those experiences supported your professional development?
  • Should ALL engineers get involved in professional associations?
  • What was your experience like being a female engineering leader in SEAOC?
  • What made you decide to get involved in the ACE Mentor Program, and how has it helped you in your engineering career?
  • How do you decide what to work on each day while maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
  • What is your philosophy on mentorship and training?
  • How did you implement a mentorship program in Buehler?
  • Do you have any career advice for structural engineers out there?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Why All Engineers Should Get Involved in Professional Associations:

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TSEC 092: Significant Changes to the Wind Load Provisions of ASCE 7-22

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wind load provisions
In this episode, we talk to William (Bill) Coulbourne, P.E., F. ASCE, F. SEI, a structural engineering consultant and owner of Coulbourne Consulting, about the key changes in ASCE 7-22 wind load provisions that will impact the design of buildings for wind.

Engineering Quotes:

wind load provisions

wind load provisions

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Bill:

  • How will the new changes impact the design of buildings for wind loads?
  • Talk to us about the first change, which is the added wind load provisions for tornado wind loads.
  • What does the second change to the wind load provision, that was to remove tabular methods of wind pressures from chapters 27, 28, and 30, involve?
  • The third change was to revise the Component and Cladding charts of pressure coefficients and simplified processes. Can you please talk to us more about that?
  • There were also provisions made for ground-mounted solar arrays. Why were these changes needed and what are some of the potential benefits of ground-mounted solar arrays?
  • Another change was the added wind load provisions for elevated buildings. How will this impact the design process for structural engineers going forward?
  • The last change was the added provisions for rooftop pavers. How will this change affect structural engineers in the field?
  • Do you have any career advice for structural engineers on how they can avoid making costly errors during the design process?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Significant Changes to the Wind Load Provisions of ASCE 7-22:

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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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