James

Summary: Electrical Engineering Design Errors That Caused Construction Problems and Deaths While Engineers like to think that their designs are not only technically correct but perfect, the truth is that errors are often made because the engineers either don’t understand construction practices or just haven’t thought through the design. James will cover many examples of actual design errors that resulted in danger to maintenance personnel and the public. Some errors merely resulted in poorly functioning roadway illumination systems; others simply created unnecessary construction difficulties. Engineers have an obligation to assure that their designs are reasonable and safe.

Biography:

James Mercier is licensed as a professional engineer in Texas and five other states, and a Texas licensed Master Electrician.  He is an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Life Member and an IEEE Life Senior Member, having joined both in college.  In the Central Texas Section, his past duties included Membership Development Chair, Sr. Member Upgrade Coordinator, and Treasurer.  He also is a Past-Chair of the IEEE joint chapter (PI)² (PES/PELS/IES/IAS/PSES).  His nickname is “Honeybadger”.  James was a 2020 George F. McClure Citation of Honor recipient for his dedication to IEEE and his Chapter. 

James has an eclectic history.  After serving 4-years in the Air Force, he worked and completed a four-year Apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1979, making him a qualified construction electrician.  The training specialized in industrial and commercial wiring.  Then, in 1986, he graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BS in Civil Engineering and worked as an Environmental Engineer in the private sector.  In 1994, James was hired into the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to work in the Roadway Illumination and Traffic Signals Sections where he specialized in reviewing electrical plans, specifying grounding practices, inspecting installations for code compliance, improving design practices, and lightning protection.

In 2001, James transferred to the TxDOT Bridge Division Hydraulics where he specialized in river and stream flows through culverts and bridges.  James used his multiple and varied experiences to design a collapse detection and motorist warning system for the Queen Isabella Causeway Bridge in south Texas.  James also was a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) and an instructor for the Texas Floodplain Management Association.  

He retired from TxDOT in 2015 so that he can enjoy doing what he wants to do!

Email:

Address:Austin, Texas, United States