From Rock Mechanics to Real-World Impact: David Oliveira on Curiosity and Engineering Excellence

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Full Send Engineering

Matthew Macelli

4 episodes

3 days ago

Welcome to Full Send Engineering, where we ditch the corporate polish and talk about what really happens on site, in design meetings, and on the frontlines of big projects. Hosted by Matt Macelli, this show dives into the stories, lessons, and laughs from the people who keep the industry moving, from engineers and project managers to designers and site crews. If you’ve ever tried to bridge the gap between theory and the real world, this podcast is for you. Grab a coffee (or a hard hat) and join us for unfiltered conversations about the work, the people, and the mindset behind building things

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From Rock Mechanics to Real-World Impact: David Oliveira on Curiosity and Engineering Excellence

Full Send Engineering

1 hour 7 minutes 29 seconds

1 month ago

From Rock Mechanics to Real-World Impact: David Oliveira on Curiosity and Engineering Excellence

In Episode 3, Matt sits down with Dr David Oliveira, a respected geotechnical and rock mechanics specialist known for translating complex theory into practical engineering outcomes.

With more than 25 years in academia and major project delivery, David has helped teams understand ground behaviour, improve modelling, validate assumptions and challenge the thinking behind “we’ve always done it this way.” This episode is packed with lessons for geotechs, tunnellers, designers and modellers who want to think deeper, work smarter and deliver engineering they are proud of.

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Timestamps

[00:00:00] Introduction to DavidHow Matt and David met at University of Wollongong (UOW)Bridging theory with real-world engineering

[00:01:00] Early InspirationWhy he once disliked geotechTwo mentors who changed everything[

00:02:00] Working Through UniversityIntern years in BrazilThe moment geotech finally clicked

[00:14:00] Pivot to Rock MechanicsUnexpected PhD shiftAdapting to challenging new topics

[00:15:00] First Job After PhDMoving to AustraliaLearning a new environmentChoosing growth over comfort

[00:23:00] Challenging Old MethodsWhy “we’ve always done it this way” is dangerousMindset behind innovation

[00:24:00] Shotcrete and Rock BoltsDesigning tunnel supportBalancing sustainability with performance

[00:27:00] 3x to 5x Capacity BreakthroughThe modelling insight that changed tunnel support behaviour

[00:28:00] Field Testing and ValidationBuilding real tunnel sectionsTesting to failureSetting new support standards

[00:29:00] New Materials Becoming StandardFibre improvementsBetter performance across Sydney tunnels

[00:30:00] Principles for Complex ModelsBeing approximately rightAligning modelling goals with real questions

[00:31:00] Deformation vs Structural PerformanceWhy these two modelling goals need different approaches

[00:34:00] Proving Your Model WrongThe discipline behind great modellingCommon mistakes to avoid

[00:35:00] How to Document a Model ProperlyRecording assumptionsTracking changesProducing reproducible work

[00:37:00] Structural Elements and Capacity ChecksElastic elementsExternal capacity checksEngineering judgement

[00:39:00] Reviewing a ModelStarting with the reportSpotting major issues fast

[00:42:00] Learning Through MistakesHow errors build intuitionDeveloping engineering judgement

[00:43:00] Innovation and FailureBolt deformation limitsControlled failureAlways having a plan B

[00:57:00] AI, TBM Data and AutomationSensors, face pressure and data overloadUsing scripting to understand complex tunnel data

[00:59:00] AI and Scripting in Daily EngineeringPython, automation and building tools that save days of work

[01:01:00] Machine Learning and Smarter DesignExtracting value from large datasetsTurning complexity into clarity

[01:04:00] Curiosity and PassionWhy these traits build long-term career success

[01:05:00] Pride in EngineeringSeeing your work builtUnderstanding the impact of good engineering

[01:06:00] Final ThoughtsThe conversation that changes your pathMatt closes the episode