In this episode, we talk with Shane Brown, PE, SE, a senior engineer at Parametrix, about the essential skills and material choices needed to balance safety, aesthetics, and cost in bridge design. He shares key insights on building resilient structures that stand the test of time.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Shane :
- What do you think is the most underrated skill an engineer needs to succeed in bridge design?
- Can you describe a bridge project you worked on and the challenges you faced?
- How do you select the type of bridge to design, and what factors do you consider in the process?
- Can you share a memorable experience where teamwork was crucial to solving a major challenge?
- How does Parametrix’s employee-owned model impact project management and client service?
- Can you share an example of a tough decision you made to balance safety, cost, and aesthetics in bridge design?
- What advice would you give to structural engineers who want to specialize in bridge design and make a lasting impact in the field?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Essential Skills to Secure Better Bridge Designs:
- Understanding how bridges are built is a critical but often overlooked skill for structural engineers. Real-world experience, such as visiting construction sites, allows engineers to design practical solutions that can be efficiently constructed.
- In a recent project, the team designs a system-to-system interchange to connect two highways, allowing free-flowing traffic. The project involves braided ramps and flyover bridges, with challenges such as maintaining clearance, coordinating with the roadway team, staying within right-of-way limits, and protecting wetlands, all of which are addressed through collaborative efforts.
- Designing a bridge requires careful consideration of factors like geography, soil conditions, traffic demands, and environmental impacts. Coordinating with roadway design teams and ensuring clearances are met is essential to creating a safe, functional, and sustainable structure.
- Establishing a clear work plan as a team upfront ensures everyone understands their role, deadlines, and responsibilities. Collaborative planning keeps the project organized, engages the team, and leads to a successful outcome without sacrificing quality.
- Engineers who stay with Parametrix long-term often highlight a positive work culture and strong mentorship opportunities. This type of environment builds ownership, accountability, and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service.
- Safety is always the top priority in structural engineering, and it is never compromised, regardless of project constraints. While cost and aesthetics can influence decisions, safety remains the foundation of every design.
- Understanding how bridges are built and gaining hands-on experience is essential for structural engineers. Real-world learning and mentorship provide the foundation for designing practical, impactful, and efficient bridge solutions.
More Details in This Episode…
About Shane Brown, P.E., S.E.
Shane Brown, PE, SE, is a senior structural engineer with 25 years of experience, specializing in the design and evaluation of bridges and retaining walls. His expertise spans the analysis and design of single- and multi-span bridges using materials such as cast-in-place concrete, precast/prestressed concrete, post-tensioned concrete, built-up steel, rolled steel, and timber.
Since joining the Bridge & Structures group at Parametrix in 2007, Shane has made impactful contributions to high-profile projects, including pedestrian bridges, complex retaining walls, and landmark structures like the West Connection Bridge in Seattle, WA. Based in Portland, Oregon, Shane is celebrated not only for his technical proficiency but also for his dedication to mentorship, collaborative approach, and consistent excellence in project delivery, earning him the 2024 Employee-Owner of the Year award.
Shane holds a BS in civil engineering from Oregon State University and an AAS in Technical Drafting from Lane Community College, merging practical field expertise with academic knowledge to drive innovative and resilient engineering solutions.
About the Hosts
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.
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:
Parametrix
Oregon State University
Purdue University
Oregon DOT
Connect with Shane Brown, P.E., S.E., on LinkedIn
This Episode Is Brought to You by Parametrix
Parametrix helps their clients imagine what’s possible. Whether it’s resilient infrastructure, livable communities, or habitat restoration, they partner with clients to create vibrant, sustainable communities and restore the health of the planet for generations to come. As a 100% employee-owned company, their people have a vested interest in strong performance and exceptional client service. Interested in becoming an employee-owner at Parametrix? Learn more at www.parametrix.com. Let’s create tomorrow, together.
Please leave your comments or questions in the section below on the essential skills to secure better bridge designs.
