The Structural Engineering Channel

Hosted by Mathew Picardal, PE, SE & Alex Daddow

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Episodes

171

Latest episode

Dec 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

December 18, 202531 min

Innovation in Temporary Works Engineering – Ep 171

Temporary works engineering requires creative problem solving to manage construction challenges in bridges and infrastructure projects. This episode explores practical strategies and emerging technologies shaping this dynamic field. Listeners will gain valuable insights for engineering smarter temporary structures. The post Innovation in Temporary Works Engineering – Ep 171 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

December 4, 202557 min

Innovations in IRC Wind Bracing Residential Design – Ep 170

In this episode, I talk with Jim Collins, Ph.D., P.E., Director of Structural Engineering at Keystone Custom Homes, about IRC wind bracing and how it streamlines residential structural design. We explore the prescriptive methods within the International Residential Code, innovative software solutions that simplify complex calculations, and improved detailing techniques that enhance construction efficiency. This […] The post Innovations in IRC Wind Bracing Residential Design – Ep 170 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

November 20, 202524 min

Enhance Earthquake Safety with Seismic Retrofit Strategies – Ep 169

In this episode, I talk with Joe Demers, P.E., a civil engineer at Alpha Structural, about seismic retrofit strategies to enhance building safety. Despite decades of warnings, many cities remain dangerously unprepared for major earthquakes, often relying solely on outdated building codes. Joe shares his extensive experience in structural repair and design, offering insights into […] The post Enhance Earthquake Safety with Seismic Retrofit Strategies – Ep 169 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

November 6, 202547 min

Designing Monorail Systems to Solve Real Engineering Challenges – Ep 168

In this episode, I talk with Carlos Banchik, P.E., CEO and Chairperson of the Board at Innova Technologies Inc., about tackling global monorail engineering challenges with creative solutions. We explore what it takes to design monorail systems that combine structural precision, complex geometry and multidisciplinary integration, including seismic retrofits and sustainable transit infrastructure. You’ll also […] The post Designing Monorail Systems to Solve Real Engineering Challenges – Ep 168 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

October 23, 202540 min

Automation for Structural Engineers to Improve Design Workflows – Ep 167

In this episode, I talk with Stijn Jansen, Chief Product Officer at VIKTOR, about automation for structural engineers and how advanced digital tools are changing the design process in the AEC industry. From building high-performance automation workflows to using AI and parametric design for structural optimization, this conversation explores how engineers can save time, increase […] The post Automation for Structural Engineers to Improve Design Workflows – Ep 167 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

October 9, 202527 min

How Parametric Insurance Transforms Structural Engineering Resilience – Ep 166

In this episode, we talk with Kate Stillwell, PE, SE, MBA, president of parametric insurance at Neptune Flood about parametric insurance in structural engineering and how it empowers communities with faster, more accessible recovery after disasters. We explore her journey from engineering to entrepreneurship and the innovative models driving resilience. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some […] The post How Parametric Insurance Transforms Structural Engineering Resilience – Ep 166 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

September 25, 202543 min

Mastering Aquatics Structural Engineering: From Design Challenges to Client Trust – Ep 165

In this episode, we talk with Daniel McCaulley, P.E., founder and principal of Ultimus Engineering, LLC, about building a niche in aquatics structural engineering and why communication is just as critical as technical skill. We explore how pool design presents unique structural challenges, how soft skills turn clients into long-term partners, and why asking for […] The post Mastering Aquatics Structural Engineering: From Design Challenges to Client Trust – Ep 165 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

September 11, 202541 min

How Custom Engineering Solutions Transform Research and Development Workflows – Ep 164

In this episode, we talk with Joshua Tarbutton, PhD, PE, founder and chairman of Bravo Team Engineering Design & Fabrication, about custom engineering solutions that push beyond off-the-shelf tools to deliver innovative automation systems and advanced manufacturing solutions. We discuss how bold engineering innovation, scalable R&D workflows, and high-performance engineering teams turn uncertainty into opportunity. […] The post How Custom Engineering Solutions Transform Research and Development Workflows – Ep 164 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

August 28, 202546 min

How AI in Smart Building Design Is Helping Engineers Build Adaptive Data-Driven Structures – Ep 163

In this episode, we talk with Fabio Zaniboni, founder and CEO of BubblyNet and chief vision officer at Zaniboni Lighting, about AI in smart building design and redefining buildings as intelligent, adaptive systems with AI and smart technologies. We discuss innovations that are breaking down engineering silos, boosting efficiency, and advancing sustainability. Engineering Quotes: Here […] The post How AI in Smart Building Design Is Helping Engineers Build Adaptive Data-Driven Structures – Ep 163 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

August 14, 202547 min

How Structural Engineers Strengthen Construction Safety Culture – Ep 162

In this episode, we talk with Shawn Galloway, CEO of ProAct Safety, about how leadership drives construction safety culture across teams and why that can determine structural success or failure. We cover insights from major builds, how military values shape site safety leadership, and ways structural engineers lead safety—even remotely. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some […] The post How Structural Engineers Strengthen Construction Safety Culture – Ep 162 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.