Summary
In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Dr. Jon Belkowitz discusses the lack of accountability among civil engineers in the concrete industry. He highlights the disconnect between the design and implementation of concrete structures, with civil engineers often not present on job sites and lacking knowledge of concrete mix design.
Dr. Belkowitz emphasizes the need for engineers to take responsibility for their designs and be held accountable for failures. He suggests that insurance companies and lawsuits may be the catalyst for change in the industry. Dr. Belkowitz proposes a new PE exam focused on concrete to ensure engineers have the necessary knowledge and understanding of the material.
Takeaways
- Civil engineers in the concrete industry often
lack accountability for their designs and are rarely present on job sites.
- Many civil engineers have limited knowledge of
concrete mix design and rely on ready mix providers for expertise.
- The lack of concrete education in civil
engineering programs contributes to engineers' insufficient understanding of the material.
- Copying and pasting solutions without fully
understanding the underlying principles is a common practice among civil engineers.
- Insurance companies and lawsuits may be the
driving force for holding engineers accountable in the future.
- A new PE exam focused on concrete could help ensure that engineers have the necessary knowledge and understanding of the material.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction and Call to Action
02:00 ACI 132 and Responsibility in Concrete Construction
03:33 Civil Engineers' Lack of Accountability
06:16 Lack of Concrete Mix Design Knowledge
08:51 Insufficient Concrete Education in Civil Engineering Programs
11:37 Copying and Pasting Solutions
13:33 The PE Exam and Lack of Concrete Questions
15:23 Engineers' Lack of Understanding of Concrete Tests
18:04 Lack of Accountability in Concrete Failures
19:03 Engineers' Absence on Job Sites
23:21 The Need for Engineers to Be Held Accountable
26:09 The Role of Insurance Companies in Holding Engineers Accountable
28:25 The Future of Engineer Accountability
31:15 Proposed Changes to the PE Exam
32:08 Conclusion
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Episode References
Guest: Dr. Jon Belkowitz | Intelligent Concrete | jon@intelligent-concrete.com
Guest Website: https://www.intelligent-concrete.com/
Producers: Jodi Tandett, Jace Stocker
Donate & Become a Producer: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/
Host: Seth Tandett, seth@concretelogicpodcast.com
Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/
Website: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concrete-logic-podcast
