The Structural Engineering Podcast

Episode 77 - Open Source

Nov 6, 2023

This podcast delves into the world of open source programming in structural engineering, discussing Python, AI, and the benefits of using open source tools. Topics covered include the accessibility and collaboration opportunities of open source software, advantages of using Python over Excel in education, and the integration of AI in structural engineering. The episode emphasizes the importance of technical expertise, collaboration, and creativity in the field.

01:10:32

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Open source software enhances collaboration and allows public access to source code.

Rigorous testing and user contributions ensure reliability in open source engineering tools.

AI complements human engineering skills and requires validation in design processes.

Deep dives

Understanding Open Source Engineering Software

Open source engineering software is software that is publicly available on platforms like GitHub, allowing users to download packages in various languages. These software packages typically come with specific licenses, granting access to the source code for personal use, fostering collaboration among users to enhance and build upon existing software. Commercial use may have restrictions, but understanding the license terms is crucial. The level of contribution and maintenance varies per project, with some having few maintainers and others having multiple contributors actively engaged in developing and enhancing the software.

Intro

2min

Exploring Open Source Engineering Software

16min

Advantages of Using Python in Engineering Education

4min

Exploring Open Source Tools and AI Adoption in Structural Engineering

3min

Impacts of AI in Structural Engineering and Integration of AI in Structural Engineering

16min

Open Source Software in Structural Engineering

24min

Exploring the Benefits of Python for Engineering and Learning

3min

Exploring the Benefits of Open Source for Structural Engineers

3min

In todays episode we get to talk with a group of people that are each doing amazing things in the computer programming space as it relates to structural engineering and sharing their work in an open source platform. Listen in to learn about Python, open source, a bit of AI, and much more. You may find, like I did, that understanding the programs we use at a deeper level will absolutely make us better in our field, and it's pretty dang fun to learn as well.

Please take a look at all these links picked out of today's episode:

Structural Python - https://www.structuralpython.com/

Git Hub - github.com

Spyder - https://www.spyder-ide.org/

Pynite - https://github.com/JWock82/PyNite

Pycba - https://pypi.org/project/PyCBA/

pystra - python structural reliability analysis - https://pystra.github.io/

Jupyter Lab - https://jupyter.org/

Spekle - https://speckle.systems/

Excel is evil (presentation) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NuTlczV72Q

selenium - https://www.selenium.dev/

ospgrillage - Bridge deck grillage analysis - https://monashsmartstructures.github.io/ospgrillage/