IEEE CTS CTCN/LMAG InPerson Meeting, 5-21-2026, "Electrical Engineering Design Errors That Caused Construction Problems and Deaths"
This is an In Person meeting starting at 6:30 PM Central Std. Time.
Engineers have an ethical obligation to assure that their designs are reasonable and safe. 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 didn’t understand construction practices, hadn’t
thought through the design, got sloppy, or were lazy. James will cover some examples of actual design
errors that created unnecessary but costly construction difficulties, put innocent people at risk, or caused
deadly, life-altering injuries. Some of these stories are from James’ own experience; others have been
related by engineers who were involved.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
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- 8401 Cameron Rd
- Austin, Texas
- United States 78754
- Building: Asian American Resource Center
- Room Number: Community Room 8
- Starts 06 May 2026 05:00 PM UTC
- Ends 21 May 2026 05:00 AM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
James Mercier
Electrical Engineering Design Errors That Caused Construction Problems and Deaths
Engineers have an ethical obligation to assure that their designs are reasonable and safe. 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 didn’t understand construction practices, hadn’t
thought through the design, got sloppy, or were lazy. This topic will cover some examples of actual design
errors that created unnecessary but costly construction difficulties, put innocent people at risk, or caused
deadly, life-altering injuries. Some of these stories are from James’ own experience; others have been
related by engineers who were involved.
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:United States
Agenda
The Life Members Affinity Group and the Austin Consultants Network Affinity Group (CTCN) meet monthly. Except when meeting jointly with other groups, the CTCN meet on the third Thursday each month. Meetings usually begin with informal networking from 6:25 to 6:40 p.m., followed by presentations from 6:40 to 7:55 p.m. by experts in topics of interest to IEEE Members. Our meetings are open to the public.
Light refreshments may be available during in person meetings.