We Talk Structures

We Talk Structures

By Maithili GhadgeEducation
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We Talk Structures episodes

  • How we Can Participate in Solving Homelessness Problem from Civil Engineering Perspective!!
    In this episode, Maithili Ghadge, podcast host, talks with Ahmed Taha, He is an experienced Chairperson with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. He is Skilled in AutoCAD, Highways, Microsoft Word, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and Construction. He is Strong business development professional with a Higher National Diploma focused on earthquake engineering from a Higher institute for an earthquake.
    Ahmed talks about how Engineers can solve homelessness, cooperate with Real Estate companies, and make them part of the solution, and the best way to make the homeless community be part of the ordinary community. He also shares some insights on the give and take concept. Tune in to learn how Engineers can participate in solving the problem of homelessness.
    Timestamps
    [00:52] How Engineers can participate in solving homelessness
    [03:56] How to cooperate with Real Estate companies and make them part of the solution
    [05:49] The best way to make the homeless community be part of the ordinary community
    [07:12] The give and take concept
    [10:48] Is homelessness a domestic solution or an international solution?
    [11:28] Final words
    Quotes
    ● Reducing the cost of buildings by Engineers can help in solving the homelessness problem.
    ● There is a lot of homeless nowadays all over the world.
    ● We are all human beings. Seeing homeless people here and there affects our humanity and feelings.
    ● By solving the homelessness problem, we will also have solved many issues related to this problem.
    Resource links
    https://borgenproject.org/homelessness-in-the-syrian-arab-republic/
    Useful links
    RECORD A CONVERSATION WITH ANYONE, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, AND HAVE IT SOUND LIKE YOU’RE IN THE SAME ROOM. (http://ringr.com/maithili_ghadge)
    14 min
  • The Flip Side of Structural Engineers!!!
    In this episode, Maithili Ghadge, podcast host, talks with Rudi Vermaak, a Professional Structural Technologist specializing in the design of the water retaining structure's team in the Water Unit at Zutari (Formerly known as Aurecon). He is responsible for structural analysis, design, and coordination. He has done the structural design (including reinforcement detailing and supervision) of numerous structures including three hydro-power stations, settlement analysis of a reservoir, pump stations, biological reactors and even a tiny pre-cast slab for a chamber.
    Rudi talks about the stigma around structural Engineers, agility, and adaptation of structural engineers to the environment and why structural engineers are underappreciated and misunderstood. He also shares some insights on how modern structural engineers fit into an organization. Tune in to learn more about the soft sides of Structural Engineers.
    Timestamps
    [01:06] Stereotypical structural Engineers
    [02:40] The stigma around structural Engineers
    [02:40] Structural Engineering generational changes
    [05:23] Are structural Engineers technical dinosaurs or specialist’s analysts?
    [08:51] Why structural Engineers are underappreciated and misunderstood
    [11:43] The agility and adaptation of Structural Engineers to the environment
    [16:29] How the modern structural Engineers fit into an organization
    [22:42] Rudi’s conclusion
    Quotes
    ● Structural Engineers are good technical, analogical thinkers but have weak intrapersonal skills.
    ● The new generation is willing to work more as long as there is a tangible benefit.
    ● Structural Engineers are difficult. They are not the easiest people to work with. They are always asking questions.
    ● Don’t stop talking. You need to make sure that people are aware of your feelings and needs.
    ● As Structural Engineers, we need to be part of the bigger picture. We need to be involved in every component of a project.
    28 min
  • Reinforced Concrete and Its Interesting Facts!!!
    In this episode, Maithili Ghadge, podcast host, talks with Robert, a Civil Engineer with over 12 years of experience in the Design and Construction Management of Civil and Structural Engineering projects. He endeavours to enhance his engineering knowledge through attending continuous professional development courses and workshops. Over the years, he has attained skills to manage, control and direct Engineering projects from start to completion while communicating effectively at all levels during the projects cycle.
    Robert talks about what is reinforced concrete, how concrete is placed and finished, the best concrete setting time, and what can be done before setting. He also talks about the design of concrete and why it is necessary, the importance of cover, concrete curing, and its different methods. Tune in to learn more about reinforced concrete and why we need joints in concrete.
    Timestamps
    [00:52] The definition of concrete
    [02:00] What is reinforced concrete?
    [05:18] How concrete is placed and finished
    [07:47] The best setting time of concrete and what can be done before setting
    [09:37] The design of concrete and why it is necessary
    [11:47] The importance of cover in reinforced concrete
    [13:54] Concrete curing and its different methods
    [17:03] Why do we need joints in concrete and the different types of joints
    [20:31] Final words
    Quotes
    ● Concrete is a construction material made up of a chemical substance called aggregate, which can be sand, or gravel bonded together by cement and water to make a hard substance.
    ● Concrete is the most widely used substance after water.
    ● Concrete is used to make almost everything in construction.
    ● It is necessary to have a concrete design because when exerted to the forces during its use, it will not fail.
    Resource links
    https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete-joints/
    https://www.structuralguide.com/curing-of-concrete/
    23 min
  • Structural Analysis Calculations from Manual to Software-Based!!!
    In this episode, Maithili Ghadge, podcast host, talks with Jestine, a master’s degree holder in Structural Engineering and Assistant Professor at one of the best universities in India. He likes challenging work with learning new skills. Jestine has also published several research papers and journals.
    Jestine talks about the basics of structural analysis, the importance of structural analysis, manual analysis versus software analysis, and why students face difficulties in learning structural analysis. He also talked about the future of structural analysis and advised those graduates who want to venture into the field. Tune in to learn more about the benefits of using both manual and software structural analysis.
    Timestamps
    [00:40] Basics of structural analysis
    [05:50] The importance of structural analysis
    [08:59] Manual analysis versus software analysis
    [13:19] The future of structural analysis using software
    [16:35] Jestine’s final words
    Quotes
    ● Most students face difficulties in learning structural analysis because of the grasping of concepts.
    ● Both manual analysis and software analysis is essential.
    ● It is easier to complete a task with software analysis, and the results are always accurate since it is already programed.
    ● If you are using software, the workload will be lesser and more accurate than the manual analysis.
    ● If you are planning to go to the structural field, in the case of design and analysis, you have to be very confident to use any of the software.
    Resource links
    https://eng.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Civil_Engineering/Book%3A_Structural_Analysis_(Udoeyo)/01%3A_Chapters/1.01%3A_Introduction_to_Structural_Analysis
    19 min
  • Why Concrete is so Human?
    In this episode, Maithili Ghadge, podcast host, talks with Prasad, a graduate of Civil Engineer from India. Upon graduating, he started working with R & G, as Assistant Manager Civil. He is so motivated and ignited to add new skills by learning new things.
    Prasad talks about concrete technology and why we should know it, the relationship between cement concrete and water, the definition of plastic concrete and how hardened concrete is formed from plastic concrete. He also shares some insights on the analogy between humans and concrete and the benefits and future of concrete. Tune in to learn more about the features of concrete that relate to humans.
    Timestamps
    [00:45] Concrete technology and why we should know it
    [03:59] The relationship between cement concrete and water
    [06:35] The definition of plastic concrete
    [08:46] How hardened concrete is formed from plastic concrete
    [10:43] The analogy between humans and concrete
    [14:47] The benefits and future of concrete
    [19:04] Prasad’s final words
    Quotes
    ● Concrete is the most versatile material in the construction industry.
    ● The human attributes and the concrete attributes are mostly similar to compatibility.
    ● Concrete has to be maintained appropriately, just like how we maintain ourselves.
    ● With available materials like geopolymers, we can have an excellent sustainable and developmental future in the concrete industry.
    ● Concrete is a wonderful material in the construction industry, and it should be taken care of.
    Resource links
    Properties of concrete in plastic and hardened state (civilengineering.blog)
    21 min
  • A New Way to Build Mass Timber Structures!!!
    In this episode, Maithili Ghadge, podcast host, talks with Adam Jones, an enthusiastic and proactive Technical Manager, passionate about contributing to the trends of sustainability, DfMA and, healthy buildings through the uses of mass timber. At XLam, Adam provides market support for designing buildings that optimize and enable the unique benefits of mass timber. He advises projects on topics that range from structures, fire, acoustics, sustainability, and DfMA principles. He regularly presents at conferences across Australia and participates in regular committees advocating for mass timber.
    Adams talks about mass timber and why developers chose mass timber instead of concrete, the difference in designing buildings with mass timber and concrete, and the essential elements to get right in mass timber design. He also talks about the trends in construction that mass timber is benefiting from. Tune in to learn more about mass timber and why it is important to use them in the design of buildings.
    Timestamps
    [01:33] The definition of mass timber
    [03:12] Why developers choose mass timber instead of concrete
    [06:55] The difference in designing buildings with mass timber and concrete
    [10:29] How the project delivery model is different from the traditional construction
    [12:27] The most important element to get right in the design of mass timber.
    [16:27] The trends in construction that mass timber is benefiting from
    [21:16] Conclusion
    Quotes
    ● In designing for mass timber, you need to use the right material in the right place.
    ● Sustainability is one of the reasons why developers are going for mass timber instead of concrete.
    ● There has never been a better time to be a structural engineer. Things are going to change a lot. If you are on the right side of change and want to learn new skills, you are good to go.
    ● There is a relative shortage of skills when it comes to mass timber.
    ● When it comes to construction, the product utilization of buildings is the most exciting thing around the corner.
    Resource links
    https://www.naturallywood.com/topics/mass-timber/
    https://seagatestructures.com/benefits-mass-timber-construction/
    24 min
  • Seismic Response of Electrical Equipment in Nuclear Power Plant!!!
    In this episode, Maithili Ghadge, podcast host talks with Sugandha Singh, Assistant Professor at Jaypee University of Information and Technology. She was the Guest Faculty at the National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra and a Graduate Research Assistant at North Carolina University, working on the research titled “Seismic Response of Electrical Equipment in Nuclear Power Plant.” She was also the Project Engineer at Shapoorji Pallonji Group, coordinating all workers between site and head office, vendor billing, and certification, reviewing daily progress reports, project scheduling and, material management.
    Sugandha talks about earthquakes and how earthquakes affect structures, why she focused on studying electrical equipment response in Nuclear Power Plants, and the research’s findings and results. She also shares some insights on how structures behave when subjected to earthquakes and other areas the search can be applicable apart from Nuclear Power Plants. Tune in to learn more about the effects of earthquakes on buildings and how we can reduce them.
    Timestamps
    [00:44] Earthquakes and how they affect structures
    [01:42] Why Sugandha focused on studying electrical equipment response Nuclear Power Plants
    [04:39] Sugandha’s findings and results after studying
    [04:49] How structures behave when subjected to earthquakes
    [09:36] Other areas apart from Nuclear Power Plants where this research is applicable
    [15:43] Sugandha’s recommendations after conducting the research
    Quotes
    ● If an earthquake exceeds the designed earthquake for a nuclear power plant, the electrical equipment will automatically shut it down and maintain a safe operation.
    ● When we analyze a building cabinet and equipment system for an earthquake, we ignore the effect of an impact within the cabinet which happens when it moves under the earthquake with the building.
    ● Many people don’t focus on what they should do to keep a building safe.
    ● The supreme objective of the nuclear power plant industry is not to let it fail. They have to keep an eye on every little part of the plant.
    ● We need to model our buildings and non-structure components such as cabinets more carefully to understand their actual behaviour.
    Resource links
    https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/newtlaws/Lesson-1/Newton-s-First-Law
    https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2009/06/nist-processes-help-build-next-generation-nuclear-power-plants
    22 min
  • Thank you for being Loyal Subscriber

    "We Talk Structures"

    Welcome to "We Talk Structures", the only podcast that will focus on helping structural engineering students and professionals stay up to date on technical trends in the field of Structural Engineering

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    We’re actively looking for guests that can speak on Structural Engineering topics. If that is you or know of someone, please message us on https://www.linkedin.com/in/maithilighadge/ or email us at [email protected]

    1 min
  • Introduction to Podcast

    Welcome to the “We Talk Structures” Podcast. Helping Engineers, Professionals, Engineering Students, Educators like you to unlock opportunities for more growth through great podcasts on Structural and Civil Engineering.

    Are you ready to learn, get more insights, build technical know-how and scale your knowledge to the next level?

    For your weekly dose of “We Talk Structures”, here’s your host, Maithili Ghadge.

    If you’ve made it this far, we’ll take it that you enjoyed the show. In return, we’d love it if you would leave us an awesome rating and review on iTunes. We really appreciate your feedback and support.

    Subscribe Now so you don’t miss any future episodes or shows, if you enjoyed listening to today’s podcast then Please don’t forget to share the episode. Until then Goodbye and We’ll catch you in the next episode.

    1 min

About We Talk Structures

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"We Talk Structures"