Episode 34: Preventing Structural Failure

Technology Today

Southwest Research Institute

Technology

4.8 • 19 Ratings

🗓️ 23 August 2021

⏱️ 33 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Structures like bridges, dams, underwater vessels and aircraft are expected to hold up and remain safe under a range of forces. SwRI’s Structural Engineering Department is equipped to design and test structures, their components and materials to ensure high performance through the toughest conditions. Using sensors, software and robots, the team analyzes structure strength and predicts when repairs will be needed, information that, in many instances, can save lives. Listen now as SwRI Engineer and Director Tim Fey discusses recent structure collapses making headlines and the tools and techniques used to prevent a failure.

Transcript

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0:00.0	They decreased the risk of catastrophic failure for bridges, dams, aircraft, and much more.
0:06.9	With recent structure collapses making headlines, we're putting the critical work of SWRI's structural engineering team in the spotlight.
0:16.0	That's next on this episode of Technology Today.
0:22.6	We live with technology, science, engineering, and the results of innovative research every day.
0:28.6	Now let's understand it better. You're listening to the Technology Today podcast,
0:32.6	presented by Southwest Research Institute.
0:36.6	Hello and welcome to technology today.
0:39.3	I'm Lisa Pena.
0:40.5	Our guest today is SWRI engineer and director Tim Fye.
0:45.3	His team of structural engineering specialists have a critical job.
0:49.5	They assess infrastructure to identify problem areas and shore up weak spots. And all of us are safer because of
0:57.1	their detailed inspections. Thank you for joining us, Tim. Thank you, Lisa. And hello. So we want to get
1:03.5	your perspective on the recent condo collapse in Florida and other recent structure collapses in a
1:09.2	moment. But first, let's talk about the important
1:11.5	work you do. Here at SWRI, we have an entire department, your department, making sure structures
1:17.4	and their components hold up and withstand all types of forces. We test everything from underwater
1:23.8	vessels to aircraft. How do you describe what you do in the structural engineering department?
1:31.3	Our department services a very broad client base, both government and commercial.
1:38.2	We follow very detailed engineering practice to help clients at various stages of their programs all the way from design
1:49.3	to analyzing, analysis, manufacture, testing, and inspections so that we are completing a really a cradle to grave type solution.
2:05.1	And we can come in at various stages of a client's program depending on their needs.
2:11.2	What's the goal that you have in mind for each client?
	...

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