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.