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In this episode, we talk with Ishwarya Srikanth, Ph.D., P.E., A.M.ASCE, structural engineer at EXP, about innovative advancements in bridge monitoring systems, the integration of machine learning in asset management, and the unique challenges faced in offshore structural engineering.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Ishwarya:
- What motivated you to pursue a Ph.D. knowing it would be a lengthy process, and how did you decide between pursuing a Ph.D. versus entering the industry?
- How was the transition from academia to industry for you, considering it can be tough for many people, and how did your academic experience impact this change?
- Was your research based on offshore topics, or did that come later?
- Could you please elaborate on your Ph.D. research and its potential benefits or advantages for the industry?
- Was pursuing your Ph.D. a daunting experience, and what were your thoughts as you approached it?
- When starting your research for the Ph.D., you can explore a broad scope, but how do you condense it effectively to complete the Ph.D.?
- Does the process of obtaining your Ph.D. feel like you’re proving yourself or more like a confirmation that you’re fully prepared and ready?
- What aspects of offshore structures interested you during your master’s program, and why did you choose this field of study?
- Are offshore structures primarily oil platforms located in the middle of the ocean, or are there other main types of structures involved?
- Did you study machine learning during your Ph.D., and what can newcomers learn from artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning?
- Does the prediction of a specific bridge’s deterioration based on similar parameters from various bridge data involve using machine learning rather than a specific equation?
- How difficult is it for an engineer to learn machine learning, and can it be picked up mainly through online courses without extensive programming skills?
- Could you share how you balance your Indian classical vocal training and education pursuits with other activities?
- Do you have any final advice for structural engineers in their careers?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How Technology Is Revolutionizing Bridge Monitoring Systems:
- Ishwarya was driven to pursue a Ph.D. after her master’s because of the fulfilling experience she had during her thesis research. She excelled in her chosen topic and enjoyed the process of solving complex problems. When deciding between a Ph.D. and entering the industry, Ishwarya was drawn to the academic path due to her passion for research and knowledge advancement. She chose to pursue a Ph.D., prioritizing her interest in academia over potential industry opportunities.
- The transition from academia to industry posed challenges for Ishwarya, particularly in adapting her problem-solving style. Academic work emphasizes detailed research, whereas industry demands practical, results-oriented approaches. Ishwarya’s academic background equipped her with a strong foundation in theory and concepts, which was instrumental in her adaptation to the industry environment.
- Ishwarya’s research during her Ph.D. was centered on bridge monitoring systems with a focus on deterioration modeling, which focused on infrastructure management and maintenance, rather than offshore topics.
- Ishwarya’s Ph.D. research on bridge deterioration modeling aims to help the industry by developing predictive models for bridge condition changes over time. These models assist infrastructure managers in prioritizing maintenance and allocating resources efficiently, ultimately reducing costs associated with reactive maintenance. Her work enhances infrastructure management decision-making by improving the reliability of deterioration models.
- Navigating a Ph.D. journey can be challenging initially without a clear direction. Regular interactions with advisers are essential for progress. Once the focus is set, the journey involves exploring ideas, reading papers, and refining approaches based on new insights. Transitioning from uncertainty to clarity marks a significant milestone in achieving focused problem-solving and successful research completion.
- Starting Ph.D. research involves exploring many ideas broadly. To focus and complete the Ph.D. effectively, regular interactions with advisers and committee members are key. Through discussions and feedback, the researcher refines their focus on specific research questions and objectives that can be realistically addressed within the Ph.D. timeline. Casual conversations with peers and family members also contribute by offering fresh perspectives. This process ensures a manageable and impactful research project aligned with earning a Ph.D.
- Obtaining a Ph.D. can feel like a mix of proving oneself and confirming readiness. Through years of research and publication, the researcher gains expertise and contributes to their field. The defense stage validates their preparedness and showcases their knowledge, confirming they are ready to contribute meaningfully to academia.
- Ishwarya became interested in offshore structures during her master’s program because of their unique challenges compared to traditional engineering. She was particularly intrigued by offshore oil and gas platforms, including their design and specialized construction methods. Choosing this field allowed Ishwarya to expand her skills in a less-explored area of civil engineering, driven by a passion for tackling complex engineering problems.
- Offshore structures go beyond traditional oil platforms in the ocean. They also include platforms adapted for renewable energy, like housing wind turbines on jacket platforms. These structures face challenges in harsh marine environments with uncertain loads, requiring efficient design solutions. The field of offshore structures spans diverse applications in civil engineering.
- During her Ph.D., Ishwarya used machine learning, like artificial neural networks, to model bridge deterioration with data from the National Bridge Inventory. Newcomers can learn to apply AI and machine learning in civil engineering for analyzing large datasets and uncovering insights traditional methods might miss. Focus on understanding statistics and probability basics, gain practical experience through projects, and prioritize transparent model interpretation for wider engineering adoption.
- Using bridge monitoring systems for predicting a specific bridge’s deterioration based on similar parameters from various bridge data typically involves using machine learning instead of specific equations. Machine learning is adept at analyzing complex data relationships, providing more accurate predictions than traditional methods. This approach allows engineers to understand and manage bridge deterioration effectively through probabilistic assessments.
- Engineers can learn machine learning through online courses, even without extensive programming skills. Many beginner-friendly courses use platforms like Python. Practice and hands-on projects are essential for mastering machine learning concepts and applying them in engineering.
- With her Indian classical vocal training, Ishwarya effortlessly balances music with her engineering pursuits. Rather than struggling to allocate time, she finds that her passions naturally complement each other, providing a refreshing break and renewed motivation when switching between music and engineering. This balanced approach allows Ishwarya to allocate time based on her interests and energy levels, ensuring both areas continue to inspire her.
- Structural engineers should maintain a balanced and calm approach to challenges, focusing on both the big picture and key details aligned with their goals. Learn from mistakes by keeping a record and striving for excellence in current tasks, trusting that the right approach will lead to future success.
More Details in This Episode…
About the Guest: Ishwarya Srikanth, Ph.D., P.E., A.M.ASCE
Dr. Srikanth is a licensed Professional (Civil-Structural) Engineer in the State of Florida. She has seven years of engineering and R&D experience in the area of transportation structures and offshore structures, including detailed design and load rating of composite plate girder bridges, finite element analysis and load rating of timber trestle railroad bridges, development of non-contact deflection monitoring system for bridges, development of deterioration models for bridge asset management using statistical and machine learning techniques, analysis and design of offshore oil & gas platform jacket-type support structure, development of simplified design procedure for monopile foundation using surrogate models, development of maintenance models for offshore jacket-type platforms, development of NASA-STEM content, and community engagement. She is also a trained Indian classical vocalist, performer, and educator, and the founder of Rajeshwari School of Indian Classical Music.
About the Host: Mathew Picardal, P.E., SE
Mathew is a licensed engineer, practicing on structural projects in California, with an undergraduate degree from Cal Poly Pomona and an M.S. in Structural Engineering from UC San Diego. He has designed and managed various types of building structures, including residential wood apartment buildings, commercial steel buildings, and concrete parking structures and towers. He also hosts the new YouTube channel “Structural Engineering Life,” through which he promotes the structural engineering profession to engineering students who are not familiar with the industry perspective.
Sources/References:
EXP Services
Ecole Centrale de Nantes
FAU (Florida Atlantic University)
NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology)
ASCE Report Card
National Bridge Inventory
Python
Connect with Ishwarya Srikanth, Ph.D., P.E., A.M.ASCE, on LinkedIn
This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI
PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, on-demand courses, and digital study tools, to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam. Check out PPI today at ppi2pass.com to see all the options available for FE and PE exam prep.
Please leave your comments or questions in the section below on how technology is revolutionizing bridge monitoring systems.
To your success,
Mathew Picardal, P.E., SE, and Rachel Holland, P.E.
Hosts of The Structural Engineering Podcast
