

The Structural Engineering Channel
Mathew Picardal, PE, SE & Alex Daddow
The Structural Engineering Channel (TSEC) focuses on helping structural engineering professionals stay up to date on technical trends in the field. Our hosts for the show, Mathew Picardal, PE, and Alexander Daddow, PE, CDT, interviews engineers ranging from recent engineering graduates to professionals from top engineering organizations on professional development topics for structural engineers to facilitate career advancement. Topics covered include but are not limited to performance-based design, fasteners and connections, post-tensioned structures, smart structures, tsunami modelling, earthquake engineering, software solutions, seismic design, blast resistant design, wood, business issues and professional development for structural engineers, how to specify things effectively, and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 21, 2024 • 44min
The Surprising Secrets to Successful Engineering Talent Retention – Ep 140
In this episode, I talk with Mark Riffey, CEO of ENERCALC, about his valuable insights on engineering talent retention, implementing strategies to prevent burnout, and successfully navigating the ever-evolving landscape of remote work within the engineering industry. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Mark: How does your team integrate the expertise […]
The post The Surprising Secrets to Successful Engineering Talent Retention – Ep 140 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

Oct 7, 2024 • 38min
How to Utilize Steel Castings in Modern Construction – Ep 139
In this episode, we talk with Carlos de Oliveira, MASc., P. Eng., president and CEO of Cast Connex, and Michael Gray, Ph.D., P. Eng., executive vice president at Cast Connex, about their journey in revolutionizing connection design engineering through custom steel castings. They discuss key projects like the MSG Sphere and NASA’s Mobile Launcher 2, […]
The post How to Utilize Steel Castings in Modern Construction – Ep 139 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

Sep 17, 2024 • 40min
How to Build Better Connections in Your Early Engineering Career – Ep 138
In this episode, we speak with Tsandi Chen, EIT, structural engineer at HDR, about the value of in-person work, building better connections, leveraging LinkedIn to engage with senior engineers, and balancing technical details with big-picture thinking through smart questions. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Tsandi: What was your experience like […]
The post How to Build Better Connections in Your Early Engineering Career – Ep 138 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

Sep 5, 2024 • 44min
How Mentorship Can Better Your Engineering Career – Ep 137
In this episode, I talk with Brian Falconer, P.E., SE, principal at Severud Associates Consulting Engineers P.C., about the impact of mentorship on career growth, the value of strong relationships, and the importance of continuous learning, which are all essential topics. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some […]
The post How Mentorship Can Better Your Engineering Career – Ep 137 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

Aug 22, 2024 • 49min
How Skyscrapers Excel in Surging Urban Density Areas – Ep 136
In this episode, I talk with Phillip Quach, BASc, MASc, P.Eng., a structural engineer at RJC Engineers, about how tall buildings are transforming our approach to urban density. We also dive into why it’s crucial to validate design material standards through research and real-world testing to ensure they perform as intended. ***The video version of […]
The post How Skyscrapers Excel in Surging Urban Density Areas – Ep 136 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

Aug 8, 2024 • 56min
The Best Practices for Hiring Structural Engineers – Ep 135
Discover the key to building an exceptional structural engineering team in today’s competitive market. In this post, we tackle the hiring challenges that firms face, examine the root causes behind the engineering labor shortage, and share proven strategies to retain top talent. Learn how to strengthen your team and reduce turnover with actionable insights that drive results.
The post The Best Practices for Hiring Structural Engineers – Ep 135 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

Jul 25, 2024 • 29min
How to Successfully Overcome Obstacles in Bridge Design Projects – Ep 134
In this episode, we talk with Brianne Kliphardt, EIT, a bridge design engineer at AECOM, about the world of bridge design engineering. From discussing the difference between superstructure and substructure to offering advice for engineers on overcoming obstacles in bridge design projects, this conversation covers it all. ***The video version of this episode can be […]
The post How to Successfully Overcome Obstacles in Bridge Design Projects – Ep 134 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

Jul 11, 2024 • 31min
Networking Skills That Will Contribute to Engineering Career Growth – Ep 133
Matthew Cristi, a talented design engineer and Air Force First Lieutenant, shares professional insights on networking and career growth in engineering. He discusses the importance of education, scholarships, leadership, and networking. Cristi emphasizes building connections through golf, self-care, and balancing military service with engineering.

Jun 27, 2024 • 30min
How Breakthrough Programming Tech Is Shaping Structural Engineering – Ep 132
Santosh Vangala, a structural engineer at AECOM, discusses how programming tech is revolutionizing structural design, the importance of mastering engineering software early in one's career, and the future of the industry. Topics include coding automation in structural engineering, integrating programming languages like Python, and the significance of community involvement and mentorship in the field.

Jun 13, 2024 • 40min
Powerful Ways to Address the Hidden Gaps in Engineering Education – Ep 131
In this episode, we talk with Bill Woodburn, founder and chairman of the board at Engineering Tomorrow, about the creation and impact of Engineering Tomorrow and the significant talent gaps in engineering education. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Bill: What made […]
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