How Geotechnical Engineers Can Leverage Emerging Technologies and Approach Challenging Problems – Ep 072

In this episode, we speak with Shawna Munn, P.Eng., a senior engineer at Isherwood Geostructural Engineers and a pioneering figure in geotechnical engineering who shares her expertise on tackling difficult problems and discovering innovative solutions, the importance of thinking outside the box, creative strategies for problem-solving, and how geotechnical engineers, especially women, can use emerging technologies to make a meaningful impact in the industry. ***You can view the video version for this episode here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Shawna: To address challenging problems in geotechnical engineering, why is thinking outside the box important? Can you provide examples of situations where unconventional solutions were necessary and explain the significance of thinking outside the box in these cases? What strategies do you use as a geotechnical engineer to find innovative solutions and think creatively outside of conventional approaches? Could you describe a geotechnical project you worked on where conventional solutions were not feasible, and how you applied an unconventional approach to finding a solution? Emerging technologies have altered the way we tackle complex problems. As a geotechnical engineer, how can you utilize these technologies to approach challenging issues in innovative ways and think outside the box? What are some typical obstacles that prevent engineers from thinking creatively, and how can these obstacles be overcome? As a woman in geotechnical engineering, how can you use your past successes and failures as a foundation for thinking outside the box and developing innovative solutions for future projects? What final advice do you have for women in engineering? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How Geotechnical Engineers Can Leverage Emerging Technologies and Approach Challenging Problems: When facing problems in geotechnical engineering, it is important to maintain an open-mind mentality as there are often multiple solutions available. To make challenging problems more manageable, it is helpful to approach them from different angles and explore different perspectives. This may involve identifying the foundation of the problem and gathering information from similar projects. Once all parameters are defined, the creative process can begin, and various options can be explored. By adopting this approach, it becomes easier to find innovative solutions to complex problems. There is often a misconception about the creative element of geotechnical engineering. In school, young engineers are taught to follow established processes and procedures to obtain accurate results, which is crucial in building a foundational understanding. However, it is important to recognize that the application of these tools can take on a different perspective and lead to innovative solutions. It is vital to approach geotechnical engineering with an open and creative mindset, even when using established methods, to find new and better ways of solving problems. Using Socratic dialogues is a helpful strategy to find puzzle pieces in geotechnical engineering. By asking questions like what the risks, obstacles, and constraints are, a clearer understanding of soil parameters and available information can be gained, leading to a more informed design approach. Rather than assuming a problem is unsolvable, it can be helpful to approach it from a different perspective. Don't be afraid to consider unconventional or "crazy" ideas, as they may ultimately prove to be effective solutions. Emerging technologies in geotechnical engineering, such as modeling and instrumentation, offer powerful tools for validating assumptions and monitoring solutions.