E35: The Difference Between Geotechnical Monitoring in Mining and Infrastructure is Huge With André Silva
02/21/25 • 57 min
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, Michael Taylor sits down with André Silva, a seasoned geotechnical engineer with over 14 years of experience. André shares his journey into geotechnical engineering, highlighting his passion for instrumentation and monitoring. The conversation delves into the advancements in geotechnical monitoring, particularly the role of automation and wireless technologies, and how these innovations enhance project effectiveness. André also discusses the comparative challenges and approaches in landslide monitoring between Brazil and the UK, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making in geotechnical projects. In this conversation, André Silva discusses the advancements in geotechnical monitoring, emphasizing the importance of automated data collection and the need for knowledge sharing within the industry. He highlights the expertise gap and the role of podcasts in disseminating information. The discussion also covers emerging technologies such as wireless loggers and AI, and offers career advice for newcomers in the field.
Key Topics Discussed✅André's journey into geotechnical engineering was influenced by his family's background
✅Automation and wireless technologies are transforming geotechnical monitoring.
✅High-frequency readings from automated systems enhance project safety.
✅The observational method allows for real-time data analysis and decision-making.
✅Geotechnical instrumentation can lead to significant cost savings in projects.
✅Brazil's mining sector has mandated automation following recent accidents.
✅The regulatory environment for mining is stricter than for infrastructure projects.
✅Landslide monitoring in Brazil and the UK reveals different geological challenges.
✅Data-driven insights from instrumentation can optimize project designs. Automated data collection allows for detailed monitoring.
✅Knowledge sharing is essential for industry growth.
✅There is a significant expertise gap in geotechnical monitoring.
✅Emerging technologies like wireless loggers and AI are shaping the industry.
✅Networking at conferences is crucial for knowledge sharing.
✅Language barriers can hinder communication in the industry.
Memorable Quotes from Andre Silva🗣️"There's a huge gap that you can fill."
🗣️"You need to manage our risks."
🗣️"It tells you that something is up."
🗣️"It's fantastic for health and safety."
🗣️"You can get these small details."
🗣️"AI will affect the industry significantly."
🗣️"You need to explore and find your niche."
🗣️"It's an eternal learning curve."
Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://geoexpertsearch.com
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, Michael Taylor sits down with André Silva, a seasoned geotechnical engineer with over 14 years of experience. André shares his journey into geotechnical engineering, highlighting his passion for instrumentation and monitoring. The conversation delves into the advancements in geotechnical monitoring, particularly the role of automation and wireless technologies, and how these innovations enhance project effectiveness. André also discusses the comparative challenges and approaches in landslide monitoring between Brazil and the UK, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making in geotechnical projects. In this conversation, André Silva discusses the advancements in geotechnical monitoring, emphasizing the importance of automated data collection and the need for knowledge sharing within the industry. He highlights the expertise gap and the role of podcasts in disseminating information. The discussion also covers emerging technologies such as wireless loggers and AI, and offers career advice for newcomers in the field.
Key Topics Discussed✅André's journey into geotechnical engineering was influenced by his family's background
✅Automation and wireless technologies are transforming geotechnical monitoring.
✅High-frequency readings from automated systems enhance project safety.
✅The observational method allows for real-time data analysis and decision-making.
✅Geotechnical instrumentation can lead to significant cost savings in projects.
✅Brazil's mining sector has mandated automation following recent accidents.
✅The regulatory environment for mining is stricter than for infrastructure projects.
✅Landslide monitoring in Brazil and the UK reveals different geological challenges.
✅Data-driven insights from instrumentation can optimize project designs. Automated data collection allows for detailed monitoring.
✅Knowledge sharing is essential for industry growth.
✅There is a significant expertise gap in geotechnical monitoring.
✅Emerging technologies like wireless loggers and AI are shaping the industry.
✅Networking at conferences is crucial for knowledge sharing.
✅Language barriers can hinder communication in the industry.
Memorable Quotes from Andre Silva🗣️"There's a huge gap that you can fill."
🗣️"You need to manage our risks."
🗣️"It tells you that something is up."
🗣️"It's fantastic for health and safety."
🗣️"You can get these small details."
🗣️"AI will affect the industry significantly."
🗣️"You need to explore and find your niche."
🗣️"It's an eternal learning curve."
Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://geoexpertsearch.com
Previous Episode
E34: Geotechnical Project Expert Sebastian Lobo-Guerrero Reveals Local Conditions Are Key
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, Michael Taylor sits down with Dr. Sebastian Lobo Guerrero as he shares his journey into geotechnical engineering, highlighting the influence of his family background and his passion for soil mechanics. He discusses rewarding projects, including significant bridge designs and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. Dr. Lobo Guerrero reflects on his achievements, including prestigious awards, and emphasizes the importance of deep foundations in infrastructure. He also talks about advancements in materials and technology, co-authoring the Delaware Bridge Design Manual, and offers advice for aspiring engineers on the importance of early involvement in professional societies. Finally, he shares insights on balancing his roles as a project manager, lecturer, and contributor to professional organizations. In this conversation, Sebastian Lobo-Guerrero shares his extensive experiences in geotechnical engineering, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge, communication, and the balance between passion and professionalism. He reflects on personal challenges that shaped his approach to problem-solving and highlights the evolving landscape of recruitment and sustainability in the field. The discussion also touches on innovations that are driving the future of geotechnical engineering, as well as the need for effective communication within multidisciplinary teams. In this conversation, Sebastian Lobo-Guerrero shares his insights on innovations in geotechnical engineering, the importance of hard work and passion in one's career, and the necessity of self-advocacy in professional settings. He discusses his personal goals, the legacy he hopes to leave in the field, and his current projects, emphasizing the significance of finding and pursuing one's passion in life.
Key Topics Discussed✅The Path to Geotechnical Mastery
✅Lessons from the Field: Projects and Mistakes
✅Celebrating Achievements in Engineering
✅Deep Foundations: The Backbone of Infrastructure
✅Innovations in Geotechnical Engineering
✅Crafting the Future: The Delaware Bridge Manual
✅Empowering Young Engineers for Leadership
✅Juggling Roles: A Geotechnical Engineer's Life
Memorable Quotes from Sebastian Lobo-Guerrero🗣️"I absolutely fell in love with soil mechanics."
🗣️"The most impactful learning is with mistakes."
🗣️"It changed the way that the drill shafts are done."
🗣️"I started collecting design manuals as a hobby."
🗣️"Communication is everything."
🗣️"The more that you plan ahead, the better."
🗣️"We only have one planet."
🗣️"You need to be passionate and love what you do."
🗣️"Success is preparation plus opportunity."
Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://geoexpertsearch.com
Next Episode
E36: Life of a Geotechnical Engineer: Explore Engineering Across the Globe with Jay Doddaballapur
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, Michael Taylor interviews Jay Doddaballapur, an experienced geotechnical engineer with a global career spanning the UK, New Zealand, and the US. They discuss Jay's transitions between countries, the differences in geotechnical engineering practices, the challenges of relocating, and the contrasting mindsets in contracting versus consulting. Jay shares insights into technical challenges faced in major projects, his expertise in seismic design, and the complexities of dynamic modeling in geotechnical engineering. In this conversation, Jay Doddaballapur shares his insights on the importance of mentorship in engineering, the challenges of applying theoretical knowledge in practice, and the common pitfalls faced by engineers pursuing chartership. He discusses the process of converting international engineering qualifications to meet US standards and offers advice for engineers navigating this journey. Additionally, Jay highlights emerging trends in geotechnical engineering, particularly the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and emphasizes the importance of learning to say no to avoid project overload.
Key Topics Discussed✅Jay transitioned from the UK to New Zealand for seismic experience.
✅Differences in geotechnical practices are influenced by local codes and standards.
✅New Zealand emphasizes work-life balance compared to the US.
✅Relocating can be challenging for families, especially with children.
✅Converting between metric and imperial units poses professional challenges.
✅Contracting requires a fast-paced design approach compared to consulting.
✅Understanding both contracting and consulting is essential for engineers.
✅Technical challenges often arise from a lack of data in projects.
✅Seismic design in the US incorporates research from New Zealand and Japan.
✅Dynamic modeling requires educating teams on complex analysis techniques. Mentorship is a moral responsibility in engineering.
✅Bridging theory and practice is crucial for young engineers.
✅Attention to detail is vital in engineering work.
✅Peer pressure can lead to premature chartership attempts.
✅Health and safety should always be prioritized in reports.
✅Independent judgment is essential for engineers.
✅The process of obtaining a PE can be complex but rewarding.
✅International engineers should understand state-specific requirements.
✅Emerging technologies like AI will shape the future of engineering.
✅Learning programming languages is increasingly important for engineers.
Memorable Quotes from Jay Doddaballapur🗣️"Uprooting yourself is going to be hard."
🗣️"You need to rewire your whole brain."
🗣️"You do need both parts of the puzzle."
🗣️"Each project has its own sort of challenges."
🗣️"The whole project is based on about 400 piles."
🗣️"Learning when to say no."
Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://geoexpertsearch.com
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