The Structural Engineering Podcast

In Episode 119, we sit down with Travis Slisher to discuss what great leadership looks like in the engineering profession and why technical expertise alone isn't enough to build successful teams.
Drawing from his own leadership journey, Travis shares the lessons he's learned about earning trust, communicating effectively, developing future leaders, and creating a culture where engineers feel empowered to grow and contribute. We explore the differences between managing projects and leading people, the common leadership mistakes engineers make as they advance in their careers, and how strong leadership influences everything from team morale to project outcomes.
We also discuss how leaders can navigate difficult conversations, maintain accountability during high-pressure projects, and motivate teams through challenging situations. Whether you're an emerging engineer looking to increase your influence or an experienced leader seeking to strengthen your team, this episode offers practical advice that can help you become a more intentional and effective leader.
Guest Profile:
Travis Slisher is a purpose-driven leader at Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC), where he focuses on developing people, improving processes, and building a culture that helps teams succeed. With extensive experience leading multidisciplinary engineering and construction teams, Travis is passionate about servant leadership, organizational culture, and empowering others to reach their full potential. He is also a Certified Small Giants Leader and an active contributor to workforce and industry development throughout Northern Colorado.
Links & Resources:
StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd
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In this episode, we sit down with Claire Gandee from Bekaert to explore how steel fiber reinforced concrete is changing the way engineers design slab-on-grade and industrial floor systems.
Using two comparable projects, one with conventional reinforcement and one with steel fibers, we discuss how the design process changes, what the fibers are actually doing after concrete cracks, and when steel fibers can replace traditional reinforcing steel. Claire explains how fibers influence crack control, joint spacing, durability, constructability, and long-term performance, while also addressing common misconceptions and practical considerations for specifying fiber reinforced concrete.
We also dive into the real-world impacts on cost, schedule, sustainability, and field construction, highlighting where engineers can unlock the greatest value and where conventional reinforcement still has an important role. Whether you design warehouses, data centers, manufacturing facilities, or other concrete slabs, this episode provides practical guidance to help you confidently evaluate when steel fiber reinforced concrete is the right solution.
Guest Profile:
Claire Gandee, ME, is a senior technical manager at Bekaert, where she works with engineers, owners, and contractors to optimize slab-on-ground and industrial floor systems using steel fiber reinforced concrete. Drawing on her background in concrete design software and structural applications, Claire helps project teams improve constructability, performance, and sustainability through innovative reinforcement solutions. She is a frequent speaker and educator on industrial concrete floors, steel fiber reinforcement, and practical design methodologies.
Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Bekaert Corporation. 
Links & Resources:
StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd
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In this episode, we sit down with forensic structural engineer Mark Duckett, PE, SI, from Robson Forensic to explore what happens when engineering decisions are examined long after a project is complete.
We discuss the role of expert witnesses, what the legal system means by "standard of care," and how forensic engineers use the scientific method to investigate failures, defects, and construction disputes. Mark explains the difference between simply disagreeing with a design approach and identifying a true breach of professional responsibility, while sharing insights into how root causes are uncovered in complex structural cases.
We also explore the skills required to succeed in forensic engineering, the value of technical writing and communication, and what practicing engineers can do today to reduce future risk. Whether you're interested in forensic investigations, expert witness work, or simply becoming a better structural engineer, this episode offers a unique look at our profession through the lens of evidence, accountability, and lessons learned.
Guest Profile:
Mark Duckett, P.E., S.I., is a forensic structural engineer with nearly 40 years of experience in structural design, inspection, failure analysis, and professional liability investigations. He has designed and inspected everything from custom homes and high-rises to industrial facilities, marine structures, and specialty projects. As an Associate with Robson Forensic, Mark investigates structural failures, construction defects, code compliance issues, and standard-of-care matters, bringing decades of real-world engineering experience to complex disputes and litigation.
Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Robson Forensic.
Links & Resources:
StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd
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TheEngineeringPodcast.com
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In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Schultz, Ph.D., P.E., to explore the engineering behind grid shells and structural glass. We discuss how grid shells achieve remarkable long spans through efficient geometry, the role of form-finding and computational design, and the challenges of analysis, connections, and construction.
We also dive into structural glass, covering its behavior as a structural material, connection design, redundancy, code development, and the projects pushing the boundaries of transparent architecture. Whether you're interested in innovative structural systems or the future of building design, this episode is packed with practical insights for structural engineers.
Guest Profile:
Joshua Schultz, Ph.D., P.E., LEED AP, is a structural engineer, educator, and author specializing in lightweight structures, structural glass, mass timber, and long-span structural systems. He currently serves as a Professor of Civil Engineering at Gonzaga University while also leading Schultz Engineering as Principal Engineer and Chief Structures Nerd, where he helps architects and engineers develop innovative structural solutions. Earlier in his career, Joshua worked at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), contributing to the design of high-profile supertall buildings and advanced façade systems. He is also the author of Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture, a comprehensive guide to the analysis and design of lightweight structural systems. Through his work in practice, research, teaching, and writing, Joshua is helping advance the future of structural engineering by bridging innovative design with practical engineering.
Links & Resources:
Book - Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture
Routledge - https://shorturl.at/qe5Up
Amazon - https://shorturl.at/m9Jyb
Links of interesting projects
Transparent Shell Typology
Frei Otto and Gridshell
Taiyuan Botanical Garden
Transbay Transit Center
Grace Farms
Joshua's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaschultz
StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd
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In Episode 116, we explore the world of nonlinear structural analysis and performance-based seismic design. We discuss when nonlinear methods become necessary, how pushover analysis helps engineers understand building behavior beyond elastic limits, and where these advanced tools fit within modern codes and standards.
The conversation covers modeling challenges, common misconceptions, software workflows, seismic performance objectives, and real-world applications where nonlinear analysis can fundamentally change design decisions. We also look ahead to how increased computing power, AI, and evolving design practices may make advanced analysis more accessible to the next generation of structural engineers.
Guest Profile:
Anurag Upadhyay, Ph.D., is a freelance technology consultant who specializes in performance-based seismic design, nonlinear analysis, and advanced computational modeling. His work has focused on helping engineers better understand structural behavior beyond elastic limits through tools such as pushover analysis and nonlinear response history analysis. Anurag is also an active educator and developer of open-source resources that make advanced seismic analysis more accessible to practicing engineers.
Links & Resources:
StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd
Reach out to us:
TheEngineeringPodcast.com
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