The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast

Anthony Fasano, PE and Jared M. Green, PE
The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast

The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast (TGEP) provides engineering career advice and success stories specifically for geotechnical engineers. Jared M. Green, PE, D. GE, F.ASCE, NOMA, Principle at Langan Engineering and Award-Winning Geotechnical Practice Leader hosts the show and showcase geotechnical engineering projects and professionals. Topics covered include but are not limited to large diameter foundations, design-build, energy foundations, ground anchor systems, career planning tips, unsaturated soil mechanics, geosynthetics, soil erosion, dynamic compaction, earthquake engineering and more.

  1. -6 J

    Top Qualities of a Successful Leader in Geotechnical Engineering – Ep 115

    In this episode, I talk with Kow Eshun, PE, PMP, vice president at Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., about how being a successful leader involves balancing the technical demands of geotechnical engineering with leadership and project management responsibilities to achieve successful project outcomes. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Kow: What qualities make a successful leader in the geotechnical engineering field? How do you balance the technical responsibilities of geotechnical engineering with your leadership role? What are the key challenges geotechnical engineers face when collaborating with project managers? What strategies do you use to ensure both technical quality and project timelines are maintained on large-scale projects? How do you navigate complex geotechnical issues while keeping stakeholders and project timelines in mind? What role does innovation play in geotechnical engineering today, and how can we encourage teams to embrace new solutions? What final piece of advice would you give to engineers stepping into leadership roles, especially those managing both technical and project management tasks? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Top Qualities of a Successful Leader in Geotechnical Engineering: A great leader in geotechnical engineering demonstrates empathy, understands cultural differences, and actively supports their team. Effective leadership involves mentoring others to ensure continuity and growth beyond the leader's tenure. Gaining leadership experience outside of traditional engineering roles is highly beneficial, as management skills are transferable across industries. Engineers who broaden their experiences beyond technical work are better prepared to lead effectively when the opportunity arises. Effective collaboration between geotechnical engineers and project managers relies heavily on clear and consistent communication. Establishing communication protocols, setting regular check-ins, and defining shared goals from the outset helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures project alignment. Advances in technology, including AI and 3D modeling, transform geotechnical engineering by improving efficiency and enhancing decision-making. Embracing these innovations is essential for staying at the forefront of the industry and delivering better project outcomes. Embracing new technologies, like AI and 3D modeling, is crucial for improving geotechnical engineering efficiency and decision-making. By leveraging advanced tools, engineers solve complex problems more effectively and make better-informed recommendations. Encouraging teams to embrace advances in technology, including AI and 3D modeling, is essential for transforming geotechnical engineering, improving efficiency, and enhancing decision-making. Staying at the forefront of the industry requires continuous innovation and adaptation. For engineers stepping into leadership roles, focusing on mentoring and actively supporting the team while balancing technical responsibilities is key. Effective leadership empowers the next generation to take on leadership roles with confidence. More Details in This Episode… About Kow Eshun, PE, PMP Kow Eshun is the vice president at Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., with over nine years of experience in leadership roles at the company. He is an accomplished engineer and project manager, specializing in civil, construction, and logistics industries. Kow holds a Master of Science in civil engineering with a focus on geotechnical engineering from The University of Akron, where he also served as the president of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the finan...

    18 min
  2. 7 NOV.

    How Innovative Sustainability Is Remarkably Changing Geotech – Ep 114

    In this episode, I talk with Izabelle McGarvey, EIT, a design engineer at Menard USA, on how innovative sustainability is reshaping geotechnical engineering to meet the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity in foundational projects like tunnels and infrastructure. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Izabelle: How did Menard’s focus on sustainability begin, and how has the program evolved over time? Why is sustainability essential for the future of geotechnical engineering? How does Menard reduce carbon emissions, and what innovative methods are you using to lower CO2 in projects? What role does ground improvement play in reducing carbon emissions, and how does it compare to traditional methods? What are the main challenges you face in promoting sustainability while balancing cost and practicality? What steps can engineers and the industry take to contribute more effectively to environmental sustainability? What final piece of advice would you offer engineers looking to make a meaningful impact on sustainability in geotechnical engineering? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How Innovative Sustainability Is Remarkably Changing Geotech: Menard’s focus on sustainability stems from the environmental goals set by its parent company, which drives a structured approach to reducing carbon emissions across the organization. Menard USA continuously improves emission tracking and operational efficiency, establishing regional environmental ambassadors to expand sustainability initiatives across various locations. Sustainability supports the long-term success of all industries, ensuring practices that can be maintained indefinitely. In geotechnical engineering, where construction contributes significantly to carbon emissions, there is substantial opportunity for innovation to reduce a project’s environmental impact. Menard’s carbon reduction strategy includes ambitious goals to lower both direct and indirect emissions by 2030, with a focus on fuel use and material sourcing. By categorizing emissions, Menard identifies concrete as a key area for reduction and employs proprietary installation techniques to effectively lower CO2 Ground improvement methods, including innovative installation techniques for rigid inclusions, reduce material usage and carbon footprints while effectively strengthening geotechnical capacity. Alternative solutions such as aggregate piers and dynamic compaction offer more sustainable, lower-carbon options compared to traditional, concrete-heavy methods. A primary challenge in promoting sustainability involves shifting the perception that green solutions are costly. Often, reducing material usage can lead to both cost and carbon savings, and by applying a “reduce, reuse, recycle” approach, organizations can achieve effective, sustainable results with a practical focus. Engineers make meaningful impacts by taking small, proactive steps, such as initiating sustainability conversations, tracking emissions, and identifying areas for improvement. These actions, along with mindful consumption practices, drive change and help guide teams toward achievable sustainability goals. Early field experience proves invaluable for engineers, enhancing practical judgment and communication with field teams. This hands-on exposure builds a solid foundation for problem-solving and resilience, equipping engineers to implement sustainable practices effectively in their careers. More Details in This Episode… About Izabelle McGarvey, EIT Izzy started in the summer of 2019 as an intern with Menard before joining full time as a project engineer in 2020. Currently,

    17 min
  3. 31 OCT.

    How to Tackle Climate Challenges With Embedded Temperature Sensors – Ep 113

    In this episode, I dive into how embedded temperature sensors in concrete are revolutionizing the way engineers address climate challenges, enabling early issue detection and fortifying infrastructure to withstand extreme weather. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Tackle Climate Challenges With Embedded Temperature Sensors: Temperature fluctuations cause construction materials like concrete, steel, and asphalt to expand and contract, weakening infrastructure over time and leading to cracks, deterioration, or structural failures. This issue worsens with changes in soil stability, especially in areas affected by permafrost and climate change. Temperature sensors play a crucial role in maintaining infrastructure health by continuously monitoring materials and soil, providing real-time data that helps engineers identify potential issues early. This enables timely repairs, reduces costs, and extends the lifespan of structures like bridges, tunnels, and roads. In a real-world application, temperature sensors on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge monitor the foundation, allowing engineers to detect design weaknesses early and make adjustments, saving millions of dollars. These sensors also optimize maintenance timing, reducing costs and minimizing disruptions by scheduling repairs during low-usage periods. Temperature sensors revolutionize infrastructure resilience by providing critical data that prevents failures, optimizes maintenance, and extends the lifespan of structures. With climate change increasing temperature fluctuations, these sensors are essential for creating more efficient, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. More Details in This Episode… About the Host: Jared M. Green, P.E., BC.GE, F.ASCE Jared, originally from southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduated from Syracuse University’s College of Engineering in 2001 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He later went on to attain his M.S. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Focus) from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Campaign, in 2002. In 2003, he began working in the New York City office of Langan. He has since become a principal / vice president and is one of the owners of this international land development engineering consulting firm. After 15 years at Langan, Jared moved to the Philadelphia office and is one of the geotechnical practice leaders in that office. Jared is a consultant and team leader who also enjoys mentoring young engineers and first-generation college students. He has been instrumental in increasing the number of pre-college students who are interested in STEAM majors and fields. He strives to make complex engineering topics relatable and understandable to people new to the field and to people who are completely unfamiliar with engineering. Jared and his family currently reside in Flemington, New Jersey. He and his wife have three energetic, inquisitive, and awesome children. You can connect with Jared here. Sources/References: Concrete Temperature Sensors San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge This Episode Is Brought to You by PPI PPI has helped engineers achieve their licensing goals since 1975. Passing the FE and PE exams can open doors to career advancement and new opportunities. Check out PPI’s wide range of prep options, including Live Online courses, OnDemand courses, and digital study tools to help prepare you to pass your licensing exam here. Please leave your comments or questions in the section below on how to tackle climate challenges with embedded temperature sensors.

    8 min
  4. 21 OCT.

    How to Overcome Engineering Challenges in Billion-Dollar Projects – Ep 112

    In this episode, I talk with Michael Reader, CEO, and principal geotechnical engineer at Group Delta Consultants, about overcoming engineering challenges in billion-dollar projects, from unexpected surprises to managing budgets and navigating regulations on California’s most complex infrastructure developments. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Michael: How does your independent approach set you apart from larger firms that have grown through acquisitions? What unique challenges do you face when working on multi-billion-dollar geotechnical projects, and how do you manage them? What leadership strategies have helped you overcome challenges in complex projects? How important is collaboration in the success of managing large-scale geotechnical projects? What challenges has your team faced on a major project, and how did you overcome them? What are the advantages of staying independent, and how has that helped your clients and your company? What advice would you give to geotechnical engineers looking to lead large projects or firms like yours? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Overcome Engineering Challenges in Billion-Dollar Projects: Independent firms excel by taking a hands-on approach, allowing teams to handle everything from simple tasks to highly complex challenges. This adaptability helps them stay more responsive and closely involved with clients, unlike larger firms that often rely on more rigid structures. Multi-billion-dollar projects come with tight deadlines and intricate technical demands. These challenges are effectively managed by dedicated teams focused on quickly solving problems and thoroughly addressing all technical aspects. Successful leadership starts with hiring passionate and adaptable people who are eager to get hands-on with every project. The best results come from teams that are dynamic, problem-solving learners who understand projects deeply and tackle challenges in real-time. Collaboration is essential for the success of large projects. Teams that work together solve problems more efficiently, producing better results because every member contributes to finding the best solution. Complex projects like SoFi Stadium come with major challenges, including tight deadlines and technical hurdles like seismic design and deep excavations. These obstacles are overcome through commitment, teamwork, and technical expertise to ensure the project is completed successfully. Independence gives firms the flexibility to be more agile, delivering faster and more personalized solutions to clients. This ability to adapt quickly is a huge advantage when managing large, complex projects. Engineers should seek out companies that work on a variety of challenging projects where they can get involved at every level. Avoiding repetitive tasks and building a team of passionate, dynamic learners leads to better problem-solving and greater project success. More Details in This Episode… About Michael Reader: Michael Reader is the CEO and principal geotechnical engineer at Group Delta Consultants, where he has been instrumental in leading the firm to become a market leader in geotechnical engineering, particularly in California's transportation design/build sector. With over 26 years of experience, Michael has overseen numerous high-profile projects, including the LAX Automated People Mover, RAMS Stadium at Hollywood Park, and major infrastructure developments like the 405 Freeway and the Gerald Desmond Bridge. Michael’s expertise extends across a diverse range of geotechnical projects, including educational facilities, hospitals, mid-rise structures, and seismic analyses. His leadership has helped position Group Delta as one of the fastest-gr...

    30 min
  5. 26 SEPT.

    How to Overcome Challenges in Mega-Engineering Projects – Ep 111

    In this episode, we talk with Eddie Chiarelli, vice president at New York Concrete Corp. & Strata Industries Corp, about tackling mega engineering projects like the Gateway Tunnel. Discover how innovative strategies, strong teamwork, and a focus on how sustainability can help overcome the challenges of large-scale construction. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Asked Eddie: As a key member of the NYCC team working on Phase 3 of the Gateway Tunnel project, which has been compared to major feats like the Hoover Dam and Golden Gate Bridge, what makes this phase both challenging and exciting? How do you plan to speed up the schedule of the Gateway Tunnel project, and what innovative geotechnical solutions will your team use to accomplish this? What unique challenges do you encounter when working on large-scale construction projects in a crowded city like New York? What are the key factors that lead to the successful completion of a high-rise building project? As sustainability becomes increasingly important in construction, how do you incorporate sustainable practices into your projects? How important are teamwork and communication among stakeholders, especially geotechnical engineers, in your large construction projects? What final piece of advice can you share with geotechnical engineers to help them succeed and make a positive impact in their careers? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How to Overcome Challenges in Mega-Engineering Projects: The Gateway Tunnel project is a significant engineering challenge due to its location in New York City, involving numerous stakeholders and complex technical conditions. The excavation through soft clays and hard rock, combined with the task of supporting an active elevated park, adds layers of complexity, making this phase both difficult and exciting. To expedite the schedule of the Gateway Tunnel project, the steel beams were replaced with concrete to reduce lead times and switched to larger diameter secant piles to minimize the number of piles required. These innovations, along with other time-saving strategies, helped streamline the project and cut costs effectively. In large-scale construction projects in New York, one of the biggest challenges is securing agency approvals, managing relationships with neighbors, and navigating the city’s traffic logistics. Successfully handling these factors is crucial to keeping the project on track and avoiding costly delays. Key factors for the successful completion of high-rise building projects include effective planning, solid communication among all stakeholders, and a clear understanding of the technical challenges. Additionally, addressing site-specific constraints such as traffic and neighboring structures is essential to keeping the project moving smoothly. Engineers can reduce environmental impact by recycling concrete and steel, reusing excavated soil, and using low-emission or electric equipment. Investing in new technologies and sourcing materials locally also boosts project efficiency and supports sustainability. Embracing these practices leads to more responsible engineering overall. Teamwork and communication are crucial in large construction projects. Good collaboration leads to faster schedules, fewer errors, and higher morale, while poor communication can result in delays, increased costs, and lower project success rates. Having a well-connected team ensures the project runs smoothly and efficiently. Geotechnical engineers should gain hands-on field experience, as it helps in understanding how projects are built and enhances problem-solving skills. Continually learning new techniques, questioning traditional methods, and thinking critically will help you pivot and add value throughout your...

    34 min

À propos

The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast (TGEP) provides engineering career advice and success stories specifically for geotechnical engineers. Jared M. Green, PE, D. GE, F.ASCE, NOMA, Principle at Langan Engineering and Award-Winning Geotechnical Practice Leader hosts the show and showcase geotechnical engineering projects and professionals. Topics covered include but are not limited to large diameter foundations, design-build, energy foundations, ground anchor systems, career planning tips, unsaturated soil mechanics, geosynthetics, soil erosion, dynamic compaction, earthquake engineering and more.

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