In this episode, I talk with James Fisher, Ph.D., P.E., Dist.M.ASCE, consulting engineer at SJI and vice president of CSD Structural Engineers, about the core principles of structural engineering—showing how simple designs, precision, and collaboration can cut costs, meet deadlines, and deliver lasting quality.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked James:
- What have been the most rewarding parts of your involvement in organizations like the Steel Joyce Institute and the American Institute of Steel Construction?
- Why is it important to focus on constructability early in the design process, and how does it help avoid costly mistakes?
- As a professor, did you emphasize constructability, or was it a focus you developed more in your industry work, and can you share examples of how it helps prevent costly mistakes?
- What do you mean by creating ‘Flintstone designs,’ and how does keeping designs simple and robust make structures better?
- How can engineers decide when to stick with proven methods and when to try new ideas?
- Why is paying attention to detail so important in design, and how can small mistakes lead to bigger problems?
- How can engineers use technology effectively while still relying on their own judgment and critical thinking?
- What trends or challenges do you see in structural engineering, and what advice would you give to young engineers starting out?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Why Simple Designs Lead to Better Engineering Outcomes:
- Engaging with organizations like the Steel Joyce Institute and the American Institute of Steel Construction encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among industry leaders. This involvement not only influences building codes but also strengthens the engineering community by cultivating professional relationships and lifelong friendships.
- Focusing on constructability early ensures designs remain practical and straightforward, reducing issues during construction. While minimizing material weight may seem cost-effective, it often leads to higher labor costs for detailing, fabrication, and assembly, making constructability a priority for streamlining processes and preventing costly errors.
- In industry work, constructability becomes a critical focus, as practical applications demand simplified designs to avoid unnecessary complexity. Clear and precise plans reduce construction errors, save time, and lower labor costs on-site, demonstrating the importance of constructability.
- The “Flintstone philosophy” emphasizes keeping designs simple and robust, making structures easier to build and less prone to errors. This approach prioritizes practical solutions that address real-world construction challenges, resulting in more effective and resilient structures.
- Balancing efficiency and simplicity requires engineers to focus on the big picture and avoid unnecessary innovations. Proven methods offer reliability, while new ideas should be explored only when they provide clear advantages and are grounded in sound principles to ensure successful project outcomes.
- Attention to detail is essential, as small design errors can cascade into larger issues during construction, leading to costly corrections. Clear, practical designs help engineers prevent such problems and maintain the integrity of their projects.
- Technology serves as a tool to enhance and refine designs, but it cannot replace human judgment. Engineers must apply their experience, foundational principles, and critical thinking to validate outputs from design tools, ensuring results are both practical and safe.
- Emerging trends like AI and advanced technologies challenge engineers to use these tools correctly and responsibly. Young engineers benefit from focusing on foundational knowledge, critical thinking, and sound judgment, enabling them to adapt to trends while maintaining effective and practical designs.
More Details in This Episode…
About James Fisher, Ph.D., P.E, Dist.M.ASCE
Dr. James Fisher is a renowned figure in structural engineering, especially known for his work in steel construction. He is the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Golden Joist Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Steel Joist Institute. This award recognizes his unparalleled contributions to the field and places him among an elite group of only 13 individuals to receive this accolade in the organization’s nearly 100-year history.
Dr. Fisher has been a driving force in the industry, serving as the consulting engineer for SJI and contributing significantly to the advancement of steel joist construction. His commitment to education and knowledge sharing is evident in the 16 books and numerous technical publications he has authored and co-authored. He has also played a vital role in shaping industry standards through his leadership as chairman of the AISC Specification Committee from 2003 until 2010.
His work has earned him numerous awards, including the T.R. Higgins Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, J. Lloyd Kimbrough Award from AISC, and the Industry Leadership Award from the American Iron and Steel Institute. He is also the recipient of the 2024 Dr. Duane S. Ellifritt Research Award from the Metal Building Manufacturers Association, highlighting his dedication to research and innovation.
About the Host
Rachel Holland, P.E.
Rachel is an experienced R&D engineer, developing and patenting multiple new structural connectors. She also offers her expertise to both the end user and specifiers as a branch engineering supervisor. She represents Simpson Strong-Tie as a deck expert, educating others how to properly build code-compliant decks. Before her career working for a manufacturing company, she spent many years working for engineering consulting companies. She earned her Architectural Engineering undergrad degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from California State University, Monterey Bay. Rachel is a licensed P.E. in California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Sources/References:
Steel Joist Institute
American Institute of Steel Construction
International Building Code
Connect with James Fisher, Ph.D., P.E, Dist.M.ASCE, on LinkedIn
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