TGEP 108: The Challenges of Entering Into the Competitive Geotechnical Engineering Industry

In this episode, I speak with Frank DiSalvo, P.E., the dynamic regional manager of American Pile and Foundation, LLC, about the ongoing talent shortage in the geotechnical engineering industry and explore his innovative solutions to address this pressing challenge. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Frank: When you first started in the industry, did you encounter any significant challenges or memorable experiences? Which aspects of geotechnical engineering do you find most enjoyable, and what drives your passion and motivation in your work? What are the biggest challenges you face in project management and design? How has the talent shortage impacted your work and the industry, and what steps do you think could help address this challenge? Can you share an interesting experience you've had with ground improvement and groundwater techniques? What strategies do you think could help attract and retain more professionals in the field of geotechnical engineering? What advancements or changes do you believe are necessary for the geotechnical industry to meet the demands of modern infrastructure? What final piece of advice would you give to those just starting out in engineering or geotechnical engineering? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Challenges of Entering into the Competitive Geotechnical Engineering Industry: During his early days on the job, Frank faced unexpected challenges and learning experiences that came with being new to the geotechnical engineering industry. He emphasizes the importance of understanding roles and responsibilities to effectively fit into the bigger picture. The variety and complexity of geotechnical engineering projects, with no two jobs being the same, are particularly enjoyable. Continuous learning opportunities and the creative problem-solving involved in addressing unique soil conditions and technical challenges keep him motivated and enthusiastic. The challenges of relying on remote meetings and the importance of in-person site visits to effectively address issues are significant. Ensuring clear communication and thorough site inspections can greatly enhance project efficiency and quality. The industry is facing challenges with talent shortages, leading to delays and inefficiencies due to less experienced third-party inspectors. Increasing compensation and investing in better training could help attract and retain skilled professionals. Frank experienced a dramatic failure when a groundwater control system malfunctioned after drilling through a slurry wall, causing a powerful surge of water to erupt through a six-inch access hole. This incident highlights the unpredictable challenges often faced in ground improvement and groundwater techniques. Better compensation and training are crucial to attract and retain talent in the geotechnical field. Increasing investment in these areas can help address the current talent shortage and improve overall project outcomes. There is a need for reassessing and updating outdated industry codes to adopt innovative technologies and improve efficiency. Modernizing these standards is crucial for addressing the talent shortage and meeting current industry demands. Adapting to innovative technologies and modernizing outdated codes are essential to keep up with the evolving demands of modern infrastructure. These changes are necessary to ensure the industry remains efficient and effective. For those starting their careers in geotechnical engineering, it's important to focus on learning and embracing challenges rather than expecting everything to match their initial expectations. Embracing these challenges helps build experience and s...