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TCEP 183: The Importance of Geological Engineering in Civil Engineering Projects

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geological engineeringIn this episode of The Civil Engineering Podcast, I talk to Christina Tipp, PG, CEG, a professional geologist, and Jason Island, P.E., QSP/D, a senior civil engineer, both from SHN, about the crossover between geological engineering and civil engineering, and how and when you need to get geological engineers involved in your civil engineering projects.

Engineering Quotes:

geological engineering

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Jason and Christina:

  • What is geological engineering and what do geological engineers do?
  • Why is it important for engineers to have a good understanding of the different disciplines involved in a civil engineering project?
  • Tell us about some of the civil engineering projects you have worked on in the past where you needed to get geological engineering involved on the civil engineering project?
  • How do civil engineers know when to involve a geological engineer in their projects?
  • Tell us about a civil engineering project that you both have worked on together that had a geological component to it?
  • What advice can you give engineers considering pursuing a career in geological engineering?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Geological Engineering:

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7 Mistakes to Avoid As an Engineering Mentor

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This is a guest blog by Lauren Groff

The mentor/mentee relationship is one that needs to be defined early on to ensure that engineers get what they need out of it. Most of the time it goes great, and everyone is happy. Sometimes though, things go wrong and that’s how relationships get damaged. Because of this, you need to ensure you’re not making the following mistakes as an engineering mentor. Review the mistakes listed below to ensure everyone is on the same page.  

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Meet Cara Green, EIT – The New Co-Host for the Structural Engineering Channel Podcast

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The Engineering Management Institute recently invited Cara Green, EIT to become one of the The Structural Engineering Channel podcast. The show serves to bring important industry information, including technical and non-technical news, to practicing structural engineers worldwide.

“My number one goal with being the host of the Structural Engineering Channel podcast is to help engineers succeed in their profession, in the way they choose to succeed. The Structural Engineering Channel is a very interesting channel that addresses a lot of topics, and my hope is to continue that message to engineers out there. ” ~ Cara Green, EIT, Structural Engineering Trade Manager, HILTI North America

Cara will host The Structural Engineering Channel alongside Mathew Picardal, P.E. She is the Structural Engineering Trade Manager at Hilti North America.  [Read more…] about Meet Cara Green, EIT – The New Co-Host for the Structural Engineering Channel Podcast

Why You Need a Coach

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This is a guest blog by Mickey Addison, MSCE, PMP

Need a CoachI need a coach. Anyone can trudge through a task or lesson on their own, but if I truly want to get better, I’m in need of a coach. 

I’ve been an athlete all my life. I started soccer at age 6, baseball at age 8, and I lettered in both football and track in high school. Attending a senior military college and then entering the Air Force afterward meant intramural sports, physical training, and annual physical fitness tests from the age of 18 until my retirement from the service in 2017. Of course, we lead active lives in our house as well: hiking, cycling, CrossFit, surfing. Well, you get the idea. I’m not a couch potato. 

The reason for that self-absorbed preamble is to establish that at 55 years, I’m not a novice to physical fitness or the gym — and despite all that experience, I STILL need a coach! 

Successful People Are Lifelong Learners 

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Be a Better You

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This is a guest blog by Pamela A. Scott

Better YouThe people who read this blog are educated, experienced problem-solving professionals, and, I’m assuming, really smart. That is what my 15+ years of working with engineers has taught me.  

However, for many of those engineers, their confidence wanes when it comes to non-technical knowledge, skills, and abilities.  

Does the idea of public speaking give you the shakes? Do you dread having to go to network events, even virtual ones? How much do you enjoy managing people, especially the difficult ones? Are you excited about business development and finding new work?

If you aren’t as confident about those skills as you are about technical knowledge and skills, read on. Here are two steps you can take to conquer your fears and become a better you.

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TWiCE 13: This Week in Civil Engineering – Alternative Materials Could Reduce Carbon Footprint

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Carbon Footprint

Welcome to This Week in Civil Engineering (TWiCE), the first weekly audio and video podcast covering weekly news stories and events related to civil engineering and its sub-disciplines. In this week’s episode, we provide you with the latest news in the Civil Engineering industry including covering how manufacturers are tackling concrete’s carbon footprint problems by reformulating cement with similar-behaving materials that inherently generate less carbon dioxide than the ones used in traditional manufacturing methods.

Breaking News in Civil Engineering:

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TSEC 32: Structural Redundancy in Steel Bridges: What You Need to Know

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Redundancy in Steel BridgesIn this episode, we talk with Jason B. Lloyd, Ph.D., P.E., a Bridge Steel Specialist at NSBA. We found Jason through an article he wrote in the AISC magazine on redundancy in steel and, in this episode, we talk to him about redundancy in steel bridges, steel, and failure critical members.

Engineering Quotes:

Redundancy in Steel Bridges

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Jason B. Lloyd, Ph.D., P.E. in This Episode:

  • Tell us about your time spent at the Navy Civil Engineering Corps.
  • Talk a bit about what full-scale testing looks like.
  • Do you have anything to do with sourcing funding?
  • From the time you were doing research, can you give an example of a finding that you found to be interesting?
  • Talk to us about your opinion on historical consideration of redundancy in steel bridges, and why you think engineers should think of other modes of redundancy in steel bridges.
  • In your second article, Load Carrying Potential, there is a guide that you mentioned on how engineers can use finite information analysis to classify a redundant structure. Can you talk a bit about this?
  • Can you go over some of the lessons learned or some of the best advice you can give to new or active engineers?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Redundancy in Steel Bridges:

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Engineers Quit Managers Not Companies – Dear Manager, We Need to Talk!

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This is a guest blog by Manny De La Cruz

Engineers Quit Managers Not Companies - Dear Manager, We Need to Talk!

I am writing you this note because I think we need to talk, but quite frankly, I am a bit intimidated to bring this up. I have been working for you for quite some time and feel like things may have dwindled a bit between us. But to be honest, I think that there is still hope and I am optimistic that we can work through this. First of all, I want to come clean about a few things.

  1. I am actively looking for other opportunities outside of this company. Technology and sites like LinkedIn make it really easy. Ironically, having this company on my resume gives me a lot of street credibility out there, where talent is really strapped.
  2. I have sought the counsel of mentors and friends outside of work, and not one is telling me that I may be the problem. They are all great to me and I value their great opinions of me.
  3. I still remember the good times we have had.

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Work From Home Productivity Tips for Engineers

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Work From Home Productivity TipsDue to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, many engineering companies across the United States and beyond are implementing travel restrictions and work from home directives.

I have had the opportunity to work from home, on and off, over the last ten years, and as nice as it sounds, one of the biggest challenges with doing it effectively is staying focused and productive.  I’ve accumulated some of my own work from home productivity tips over the years and thought this would be a good time to share them.

Please leave comments or questions below and I will respond to them.

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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 Channel 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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