Join hosts Andre Silva, Ritvick Bhalla, and Sebastian Lobo-Guerrero as they kick off this special six-episode series exploring the Latin American geotechnical and mining sectors. In Episode 1, we dive into the heart of mining in LATAM, examining how cutting-edge technologies—InSAR, electronic sensors, UAVs, and integrated software platforms—are shaping operations from underground tunnels in Chile to open-pit mines in Brazil. Our guests, Daniela Pollak, Hylltton Bazan and Mauro Codevolla, share f...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode of #GroundBreakers, we are excited to welcome Phillipe Matias, a seasoned civil engineer and geotechnical consultant with extensive experience in dam safety, instrumentation, and automation. Phillipe brings a wealth of knowledge from his work with industry leaders like Santiago e Cintra Geotecnologias and CTG Brasil, offering a unique perspective on how innovative technologies are enhancing safety and efficiency in dam projects. We dive into the transformative impact of advanced ...
Mar 10, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this episode of #GroundBreakers, we are thrilled to welcome Nathan McGee, an expert at the intersection of AI, machine learning (ML), and IoT in the geotechnical and infrastructure industries. Nathan takes us on a journey through the evolving landscape of technology, offering his unique perspective on how AI and ML are transforming our field. We discuss the future of critical technologies, such as data loggers, communication systems, and advanced monitoring tools, exploring where they’re head...
Jan 14, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this episode of Groundbreakers: Transforming Geotech , we’re excited to welcome Francisco Navarrete Mandly, CEO of APLITOP, a leading innovator in surveying and civil engineering software. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Francisco has dedicated his career to applying cutting-edge technology to optimize projects and boost productivity. In this conversation, Francisco shares his insights on the latest advancements in surveying software, including how innovative tools like APLI...
Dec 05, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode of Groundbreakers: Transforming Geotech , we’re thrilled to host Pavel Chumakou, an expert in tunneling and surveying with an extensive international career across Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and beyond. Pavel shares his insights on the evolution of survey technology, from Total Stations to gyroscopes, and his experiences managing major projects like the Chennai Metro and the Dubai Deep Tunnel Storm Water System. Join us for an inspiring and educational conversation that dives ...
Oct 27, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In the eleventh episode of #GroundBreakers, we are excited to welcome Mike Davis, a dynamic and passionate leader in civil engineering and mining. Mike takes us through his remarkable career journey, from his consulting work at Stantec to his current role at TransAlta Mining, where he is at the forefront of digitizing mines and assets. He shares pivotal moments and key innovations that have transformed the mining industry through technology over recent years. Our conversation delves into the int...
Sep 04, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In the tenth episode of #GroundBreakers, we are thrilled to welcome Todd Roberts, a distinguished leader in geotechnical engineering. Todd takes us through his impressive career journey, highlighting his transition from product development to strategic project management consulting. He shares pivotal moments and key milestones in the evolution of technology within geotechnical engineering over the past two decades. Our discussion delves into the integration of IoT and traditional methods in civi...
Jul 26, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In the ninth episode of #GroundBreakers, we are excited to welcome Jordan Keeney, a visionary entrepreneur in the field of dam safety and technology. Jordan discusses his transition from a consulting role to launching a startup dedicated to enhancing dam safety. He shares insights into the motivations and challenges encountered in the pursuit of safeguarding critical infrastructure in the United States, highlighting the significant gaps in applying advanced technologies for asset protection. Our...
May 23, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In the eighth episode of #GroundBreakers, we're thrilled to host Brendan Bradley, a distinguished leader in the transportation and geotechnical design sector. Currently serving as the Rail Business Lead at Arup in Denmark, Brendan brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive involvement in tunneling projects across London, Denmark, and Europe. In this episode, Brendan shares his in-depth experiences and challenges faced in complex underground construction and the innovative solutions implemen...
Apr 26, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In the seventh episode of #GroundBreakers, we are excited to feature John Metzger, a renowned expert in the mining and tailings industry. With an illustrious career dedicated to enhancing mine safety and operational efficiency, John delves into the critical aspects of mining operations and tailings management. This episode sheds light on the pivotal role of engineering in the mining sector, emphasizing the integration of technologies such as TIRI, Radar, Proqio, and remote sensing for comprehens...
Mar 19, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In the sixth episode of #GroundBreakers, we are thrilled to welcome Hamzah M. B. Al-Hashemi, a distinguished figure in geotechnical engineering. Hamzah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the application of remote sensing technologies, including InSAR, to geotechnical monitoring and design. Throughout this episode, we explored the unique nature of the ground beneath our feet, highlighting the critical role of geotechnical engineering in understanding and interacting with the diverse c...
Feb 18, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In the fifth episode of #GroundBreakers , we are excited to feature J Andres Chacvarria, an enthusiast about fiber optic monitoring and seismology. He is the technical director at Luna Optasense and has immense experience using fiber optic technologies across industries. Join us as we delve into seismic monitoring, infrastructure health monitoring, and more using fiber optic technology. This episode is full of experiences and examples of this groundbreaking technology. Don't miss out on this enr...
Jan 12, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In the fourth episode of #GroundBreakers, we are excited to feature an exceptional guest, Professor Kenichi Soga, a luminary in Civil Engineering. Professor Soga's extensive work at Cambridge and UC Berkeley has solidified his reputation as a pioneering force in the field. Join us as we delve into the intriguing realms of civil engineering research, shedding light on revolutionary advancements like fiber optic sensing and wireless monitoring systems. This episode is a treasure trove for those en...
Dec 04, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this captivating third episode of #Groundbreakers , we dive into the pioneering spirit of innovation that shapes the backbone of Encardio Rite. Mr. Amod Gujral, an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, joins us to share his inspiring journey of establishing and growing the beacon of excellence in geotechnical and infrastructure health monitoring. Discover the story of how Encardio Rite rose to international prominence under his visionary leadership, pushing t...
Nov 06, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this enlightening second episode of #Groundbreakers, we embark on a technological journey exploring the vast world of GNSS and its revolutionary impact on geodetic and geotechnical engineering. Dr. Joel, a pioneering figure in GNSS development and the mastermind behind maintaining the Burj Khalifa's verticality, joins us to unravel the intricate tapestry of its history and progressive evolution over the decades. Join us as we uncover the history of GNSS and its developments over the past few ...
Oct 03, 2023•34 min
I'm excited to have the privilege of chatting with Sebastian in our inaugural episode of #Groundbreakers: Transforming Geotech. Join us as we uncover the deep-rooted history of our industry, journey through Sebastian's unique experiences, and emphasize the unparalleled value of instrumentation and monitoring in geotechnical endeavors. Dive into these insightful conversations with us. #TransformingGeotech #Instrumentation #Monitoring #GeotechnicalEngineering #podcastjourney
Aug 28, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 1
