Jan 02 2025 34 mins 6
In this episode, we talk with Shane Brown, PE, SE, a senior engineer at Parametrix, about the essential skills and material choices needed to balance safety, aesthetics, and cost in bridge design. He shares key insights on building resilient structures that stand the test of time.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Shane :
What do you think is the most underrated skill an engineer needs to succeed in bridge design?
Can you describe a bridge project you worked on and the challenges you faced?
How do you select the type of bridge to design, and what factors do you consider in the process?
Can you share a memorable experience where teamwork was crucial to solving a major challenge?
How does Parametrix’s employee-owned model impact project management and client service?
Can you share an example of a tough decision you made to balance safety, cost, and aesthetics in bridge design?
What advice would you give to structural engineers who want to specialize in bridge design and make a lasting impact in the field?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Essential Skills to Secure Better Bridge Designs:
Understanding how bridges are built is a critical but often overlooked skill for structural engineers. Real-world experience, such as visiting construction sites, allows engineers to design practical solutions that can be efficiently constructed.
In a recent project, the team designs a system-to-system interchange to connect two highways, allowing free-flowing traffic. The project involves braided ramps and flyover bridges, with challenges such as maintaining clearance, coordinating with the roadway team, staying within right-of-way limits, and protecting wetlands, all of which are addressed through collaborative efforts.
Designing a bridge requires careful consideration of factors like geography, soil conditions, traffic demands, and environmental impacts. Coordinating with roadway design teams and ensuring clearances are met is essential to creating a safe, functional, and sustainable structure.
Establishing a clear work plan as a team upfront ensures everyone understands their role, deadlines, and responsibilities. Collaborative planning keeps the project organized, engages the team, and leads to a successful outcome without sacrificing quality.
Engineers who stay with Parametrix long-term often highlight a positive work culture and strong mentorship opportunities. This type of environment builds ownership, accountability, and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service.
Safety is always the top priority in structural engineering, and it is never compromised, regardless of project constraints. While cost and aesthetics can influence decisions, safety remains the foundation of every design.
Understanding how bridges are built and gaining hands-on experience is essential for structural engineers. Real-world learning and mentorship provide the foundation for designing practical, impactful, and efficient bridge solutions.
More Details in This Episode…
About Shane Brown, P.E., S.E.
Shane Brown, PE, SE, is a senior structural engineer with 25 years of experience, specializing in the design and evaluation of bridges and retaining walls. His expertise spans the analysis and design of single- and multi-span bridges using materials such as cast-in-place concrete, precast/prestressed concrete, post-tensioned concrete, built-up steel, rolled steel, and timber.
Since joining the Bridge & Structures group at Parametrix in 2007, Shane has made impactful contributions to high-profile projects, including pedestrian bridges, complex retaining walls,
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Shane :
What do you think is the most underrated skill an engineer needs to succeed in bridge design?
Can you describe a bridge project you worked on and the challenges you faced?
How do you select the type of bridge to design, and what factors do you consider in the process?
Can you share a memorable experience where teamwork was crucial to solving a major challenge?
How does Parametrix’s employee-owned model impact project management and client service?
Can you share an example of a tough decision you made to balance safety, cost, and aesthetics in bridge design?
What advice would you give to structural engineers who want to specialize in bridge design and make a lasting impact in the field?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Essential Skills to Secure Better Bridge Designs:
Understanding how bridges are built is a critical but often overlooked skill for structural engineers. Real-world experience, such as visiting construction sites, allows engineers to design practical solutions that can be efficiently constructed.
In a recent project, the team designs a system-to-system interchange to connect two highways, allowing free-flowing traffic. The project involves braided ramps and flyover bridges, with challenges such as maintaining clearance, coordinating with the roadway team, staying within right-of-way limits, and protecting wetlands, all of which are addressed through collaborative efforts.
Designing a bridge requires careful consideration of factors like geography, soil conditions, traffic demands, and environmental impacts. Coordinating with roadway design teams and ensuring clearances are met is essential to creating a safe, functional, and sustainable structure.
Establishing a clear work plan as a team upfront ensures everyone understands their role, deadlines, and responsibilities. Collaborative planning keeps the project organized, engages the team, and leads to a successful outcome without sacrificing quality.
Engineers who stay with Parametrix long-term often highlight a positive work culture and strong mentorship opportunities. This type of environment builds ownership, accountability, and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service.
Safety is always the top priority in structural engineering, and it is never compromised, regardless of project constraints. While cost and aesthetics can influence decisions, safety remains the foundation of every design.
Understanding how bridges are built and gaining hands-on experience is essential for structural engineers. Real-world learning and mentorship provide the foundation for designing practical, impactful, and efficient bridge solutions.
More Details in This Episode…
About Shane Brown, P.E., S.E.
Shane Brown, PE, SE, is a senior structural engineer with 25 years of experience, specializing in the design and evaluation of bridges and retaining walls. His expertise spans the analysis and design of single- and multi-span bridges using materials such as cast-in-place concrete, precast/prestressed concrete, post-tensioned concrete, built-up steel, rolled steel, and timber.
Since joining the Bridge & Structures group at Parametrix in 2007, Shane has made impactful contributions to high-profile projects, including pedestrian bridges, complex retaining walls,
