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TSEC-The Structural Engineering Channel

TSEC 70: Lessons Learned From Our Top 10 Structural Engineering Episodes

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In this episode, we review our Top 10 Structural Engineering Episodes since this podcast started and talk about some of the great lessons we learned from those podcast episodes.

Here Are Our Top 10 Structural Engineering Episodes:

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TSEC 69: Fastening to Steel in Corrosive Environments: Proven Technologies That Work

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In this episode, we talk to Christopher Gill, a senior product manager at Hilti, Inc, about fastening in corrosive environments and how structural engineers can help to decrease the corrosion of metals used in construction.

Engineering Quotes:

corrosive environments

corrosive environments

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Chris:

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TSEC 68: Structural Thermal Breaks: Benefits and Considerations for Engineers

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In this episode, we talk to Alyson Hallander, a product engineer at Schöck, about structural thermal breaks, what it is, as well as some of the benefits and structural design considerations when working with it.

Engineering Quotes:

structural thermal breaks

structural thermal breaks
structural thermal breaks

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Alyson:

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TSEC 67: What Structural Engineers Should Know About the Evolving Construction Economy

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In this episode, we talk to Joseph (Joe) Dardis, P.E., a Senior Structural Steel Specialist with the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) in Chicago, about what structural engineers should know about the evolving construction economy.

Engineering Quotes:

Construction Economy
Construction Economy

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Joe About the Evolving Construction Economy:

  • Can you provide more insights about what the building construction economy is looking like right now, the types of projects being built, and how it has evolved?
  • Do you think any project types will bounce back to the level of growth they were in 2019?
  • How did the sizes of projects evolve over the past few years?
  • What forces in the overall economy drive the evolution of what we build and how can a structural engineer prepare and adapt to these changes?
  • What do you predict the building market will look like in the future?
  • How are building materials used to address the evolving building market?
  • What can structural engineers do to help improve the construction industry?
  • How do you measure US economic health and how does this relate to the construction economy?
  • Are there any resources available that can help engineers understand more about the evolving building market?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Evolving Construction Economy:

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TSEC 66: Reducing Embodied Carbon in Construction: How Structural Engineers Can Help

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In this episode, we talk to Megan Stringer, SE, LEED, AP, BD+C, Associate Principal at Holmes, about embodied carbon reduction and how engineers can help reduce embodied carbon in construction.

Engineering Quotes:

Embodied Carbon in Construction
Embodied Carbon in Construction

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Megan:

  • What is embodied carbon and why is it important?
  • How can structural engineers help reduce embodied carbon in construction?
  • What is the Structural Engineers 2050 Commitment Program, and how does it aim to help embodied carbon reductions?
  • What is the most creative thing that you have seen in an Embodied Carbon Action Plan (ECAP) regarding how an engineering firm has reduced their embodied carbon?
  • What is a Life Cycle Assessment?
  • What was your involvement in the largest mass timber building in North America — a Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) structure?
  • What career advice would you give to young engineers who would like to achieve success similar to yours?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Reducing Embodied Carbon in Construction:

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TSEC 65: Performance-Based Multi-Hazard Design of Buildings

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In this episode, we talk to Anastasia Athanasiou, a Postdoc fellow in Structural and Wind Engineering at Concordia University about the performance-based multi-hazard design of buildings, and more specifically, the effects, similarities and differences of wind and earthquakes loads on buildings and how engineers can enhance the inherent resilience and improve the robustness of buildings.

Engineering Quotes:


Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Anastasia:

  • In 2017 you were invited to present your work to the ‘1st Japan-Greece International Workshop by Young Researchers on Advanced Materials and Technology for Applications to Steel and Composite Steel/Concrete Structures’, in DPRI Kyoto University. Can you tell us what you presented there, and how that experience has benefited your engineering career?
  • What are some of the similarities, as well as differences of wind and earthquake loads and how they act on buildings?
  • What are some of the latest challenges you have seen in the wind design practice?
  • Why is it so important to do an earthquake risk assessment, and what does that involve?
  • You often hear engineers talk about a multi-hazard design. What that involves?
  • In your opinion, what kind of multi-hazard engineering strategies can be incorporated into the design to enhance the inherent resilience and improve the robustness of buildings?
  • What career advice would you give to young engineers who would like to achieve similar success as you did?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Performance-Based Multi-Hazard Design of Buildings:

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TSEC 64: What Newly Graduated Structural Engineers Can Expect After College

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In this episode, we talk to Trina A. Agnello, P.E., a Structural Assistant Manager at Stewart. We take a deeper look into what newly graduated structural engineers can expect after the first five years of college when working at a firm.

Engineering Quotes:

Graduated Structural Engineers

Graduated Structural Engineers

Graduated Structural Engineers

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Trina:

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TSEC 63: Buckling Restrained Braces in Structural Engineering

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In this episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we talk to Maria Eugenia Chumbita, P.E., Vice President of CoreBrace, about the use of buckling restrained braces (BRB) in structural engineering, what they are, how they work, and the process involved in going from the design to the construction phase of projects. Maria also talks about the importance of communication and human connection and how that can improve the productivity of your team.

Engineering Quotes:


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

  • What are buckling restrained braces are and how do they work?
  • What are some of the requirements for designing with buckling restrained braces?
  • Can you please explain the process involved in going from the design to the bidding to the construction phase of projects?
  • How important do you deem personal development and human connection in the design world?
  • What are some of the lessons you learned from past projects you’ve worked on?
  • What piece of final advice can you give young engineering students who are considering a career like yours?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Buckling Restrained Braces:

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TSEC 62: All You Need to Know About Modular Construction

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In this episode of The Structural Engineering Podcast, we talk to Aaron Miller, P.E. who is a senior project manager at DCI Engineers. We will be talking about modular construction, what it is, and how it fits into the construction environment.  

Engineering Quotes:


Modular Construction

Modular Construction

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

  • What is modular construction?
  • What is the comparison between the speed of typical constructions and modular constructions?
  • How does your experience with modular construction shape your approach to structural design?
  • How do offsite construction techniques fit into the construction environment?
  • What are some of the lessons you learned from past modular projects you’ve worked on?
  • How important is training and experience for modular design?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Modular Construction:

  • The modular construction referred to here is volumetric modular that is an offsite construction technique that incorporates all the building systems (or as many as you can) that consist of all the MEP’s, structures, and interior finishes to minimize work in the field.
  • The modules are predominately mostly made from wood, structural steel, and shipping containers.
  • An eight-story podium, like a five-story wood over three concrete, would take about six to eight months to complete. The preparation and schedule for volumetric modular buildings take the same time, however once delivered on-site and after placing the concrete, it can be completed in as little as 7 days.
  • Working with modular constructions shapes helps you to think ahead when it comes to working on other structural design projects.
  • Modular construction is still very new and is not an established design methodology yet, therefore schools have not yet started teaching it to their students. It all comes down to understanding the sequence and accessibility and how to incorporate components into the structures.
  • Some entities are attempting to produce a codified code for modular construction like the Modular Building Institute (MBI) and manufacturers are also trying to get some information to the IBC (International Building Code).
  • One of the advantages of modular construction is better collaboration between people as it necessitates it right from the start of the project.

More Details in This Episode…

About Aaron Miller, P.E.

Modular ConstructionAaron Miller has more than a decade’s worth of experience providing quality engineering design to a variety of materials in factory-built (modular) construction, residential, mixed-use, light industrial, and commercial projects. His responsibilities include project management, client relationships, and developing structural processes for off-site construction techniques.

Aaron is adept at collaborating with multiple disciplines to provide his projects with cost-effective, efficient designs. His experience with multi-story podium projects and factory-built design has provided cost-effective structural solutions for the growing housing industry in California, Washington, and beyond. Aaron co-chairs the in-house modular technical committee and conducts informational presentations about the topic to AEC professionals.

 Sources/References:

Connect with Aaron via LinkedIn
Modular Design Makes for Quick Construction
International Building Code
Offsite Construction Expo

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To your success,

Matthew Picardal P.E. & Cara Green, EIT
Hosts of The Structural Engineering Podcast

TSEC 61: How to Choose the Right Structural Framing System for a Building

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In this episode, we talk to Jim Amundson, P.E., SE, Vice President, and Principal at Coffman Engineers, about important aspects you need to know about when selecting the appropriate structural framing system for a building.

Engineering Quotes:

Structural Framing System

Structural Framing System

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Jim:

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