The Engineers Collective

How dialogue and collaboration delivered the Bank Station Capacity Upgrade on budget

Almost 20 years of planning and work came together at the end of February when Transport for London opened the final parts of the £655M Bank Station Capacity Upgrade project.

The station now boast 40% more capacity, new entrances and step free access and in this new episode NCE editor Claire Smith explores the story behind this outcome.

Claire is joined by University College London associate professor of project management Simon Addyman, Dragados operations director Stephen Holmes and HS2 Euston Station project director Andy Swift to do a deep dive on the planning, procurement and delivery of the project.

While each of the guests have now moved onto other roles, they talk about how the “Bank Station family” was brought together by taking a different approach to project delivery.

Andy, Simon and Stephen explain why that approach was needed to create a workable project and the benefits that brought when it came to dealing with the technical challenges of the work too.

Simon emphasises the dialogue and collaboration environment that the set up created to allow innovation to be fostered and “give people working on the project a real voice” too. Andy also points to Dragados’ focus on the outcome of the project right from the outset as a real enabler as well.

While all three believe that every infrastructure project is different, they each believe that there is much for the civil engineering industry to learn from the successes of the project.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

How technology uptake is the key to delivering work faster with fewer people

Many firms working in construction are reporting increasing workloads but the challenge of finding skilled staff to deliver that work is not becoming easier.

Bentley Systems chief information officer champion Claire Rutkowski joins NCE editor Claire Smith to talk about the problem and the role technology will play in addressing it.

Claire also spends much of her time out working with architecture, engineering and construction firms to understand their challenges first hand to ensure Bentley’s products meet their needs. However, this also means she has a good understanding of emerging trends from the sector and what those could mean for future business and both Claires explore her insight during the conversation.

On the back of NCE having just concluded its 50th anniversary celebrations, the discussion around emerging trends turns to look much further into the future and the pair consider what infrastructure projects might look like in the 2070s.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

Lessons to be learned 10 years on from completion of the Shard

As the London’s iconic Shard skyscraper, which is the UK’s tallest building at 309.6m, gets ready to mark the 10th anniversary of its opening on 1 February, this episode catches up with Flan McNamara who led the construction project for Sellar Property Group.

As well as exploring the logistical challenges of bringing the architectural design of Renzo Piano and the engineering work of WSP to life, Flan and NCE editor Claire Smith talk about lessons learned during the life of the project.

Flan talks about how digital technology evolved during the lifespan of the Shard Quarter project, which transformed both the skyline around London Bridge station and was integral to the modernisation of the station itself. He talks about BIM being in its infancy when the Shard itself was conceived and the potential benefits such technology could bring to the project if it was starting today.

Flan also discusses the pace of change that saw a huge leap forward in the technology used to deliver the buildings surrounding the Shard that came later in the programme. However, he believes that the industry needs to go further and faster with adopting digital twin technology to really drive construction efficiency and productivity.

Flan and Claire conclude the conversation by considering what the tall buildings sector might look like in another 10 years when the Shard marks its 20th anniversary. Flan believes that it is only airport flight paths holding London back from another building taking the Shard’s record but whatever the height of future tall buildings, he thinks that mixed use developments are the key to success both for the climate and commercially.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

 

2022 recap featuring HS2 costs, Norway bridge collapse and imperial measurements backlash

NCE editor Claire Smith is joined by deputy editor Rob Horgan and acting news editor Catherine Moore, for the final episode of the year.

The trio cast their minds back over the past 12 months, recapping the biggest and most popular news stories of 2022.

Taking a look at the top five most read stories on NCE’s website, the trio start their recap by re-exploring the proposed switch to imperial measurements so heavily opposed by NCE readers and engineers earlier this year.

Other popular stories discussed on the podcast include a proposed £2bn tidal barrage, the collapse of a timber bridge in Norway and rising costs on HS2’s Euston station proposal.

The trio then recap their favourite site visits of the year with trips to Germany and Scotland to see major infrastructure projects fondly remembered as well as a trip to the Silvertown Tunnel site in London.

Before wrapping for the last time this year, the Engineers Collective team looks forward to 2023 and discusses the important milestones coming in the next year.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

Why civil engineers and financiers need to build better relationships to deliver on net zero

With the ink barely dried on the agreements drawn up at COP27 in Egypt, this episode looks at the need for civil engineers to work more closely with the financial industry to delivery on the commitments made at COP.

NCE editor Claire Smith is joined by Mott MacDonald decarbonisation discipline lead Mark Crouch to talk through the challenge and the drivers behind a report published by the Institution of Civil Engineers at COP27 on Financing Low Carbon Infrastructure.

After exploring what was agreed at COP27 and what it means for civil engineers, Mark and Claire talk about what civil engineers need to know about low-carbon financing models in order to get funding for their schemes. The pair look at the current relationship between the two sectors and the obstacles that exist to building better understanding, as well as the opportunities that exist if these barriers can be overcome.

Listen in to learn more about the report, the industry reaction to it and what Mark and his co-authors plan to do next in order to improve funding for low carbon, resilient infrastructure.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

Barriers to adopting digital technology in construction

This episode of The Engineers Collective podcast explores the barriers to adopting digital technology in construction and how they can be overcome.

Joining NCE deputy editor Rob Horgan is Helen Samuels from EKFB and Alex Wraight from Allies and Morrison.

Helen is a chartered civil engineer with a masters in environmental management and a fellow of the ICE. She has served as industry advisor for Plymouth, Cardiff and UCL universities, and was working group chair and report author of a review of infrastructure governance, as part of a wider review of asset safety post Grenfell. She is currently Managing Director for EKFB, delivery an 80km stretch of the HS2 civils programme, with former roles including Managing Director at CH2M Hill (now part of Jacobs), and Engineering Director for United Utilities and Network Rail.

Meanwhile, Alex is an experienced architect. Alex has been at Allies and Morrison for 22 years and a Partner since 2015, leading on a variety of complex projects in the public eye. A champion for technical excellence, Alex is also an active member of the British Council of Offices (BCO) and sat on the Technical Affairs Committee that produced the 2009 Guide to Specification. He is also a board member for Better Bankside and sits on the St Albans and Watford Design Review Panels.

Alex and Helen were recently involved in judging the British Construction Industry Awards and during the podcast, they look at the common problems and issues that they saw during the judging process in terms of adoption and implementation of digital technology in construction.

While celebrating innovation within the industry, the pair highlight barriers around data sharing and explore how the industry can move away from working in siloes and towards a common set of goals.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

 

Designing to create space rather than a building is key to regeneration

Concept design of a timber high rise building in Oslo is attracting both awards and attention globally for its sustainable regeneration potential, even without firm plans to put the proposal into construction.

 

The masterminds behind the Regenerative Highrise scheme are Haptic Architects director Tomas Stokke and Ramboll director Ollie Wildman who join NCE editor Claire Smith to talk through the new approach and how other projects are looking to copy the idea.

Both Tomas and Ollie call for greater consideration of the ability of tall buildings – in the right place – as a means to meet urbanisation without creating urban sprawl. They both suggest that cities need to consider vertical masterplanning in the same way they create horizontal masterplans but they also believe new buildings need to more carefully plan for future use.

 

The Oslo project, which recently won the Tall Building category at NCE’s sister title Architectural Review’s Future Projects Awards, is a concept to regenerate a socially challenging site in central Oslo. Ollie describes it as a concept to create conversation. As well as addressing the site’s existing issues, the future-proofed design aims to create a building that can be adapted to meet future needs rather than being demolished and rebuilt after a few decades. The structure also features a range of materials, including major use of timber.

Tomas talks about the need to focus on the ground floor interaction with the surrounding area in order to deliver on regeneration, explaining that we can’t look at buildings in isolation and calls for them to be considered in context of the local environment. The Oslo design features three “ground floor levels” – one facing onto a road viaduct, another onto a river frontage and the third connects with public transport links.

 

Ollie then goes onto explain the structural design that allows for floor heights and layouts to be changed in the future to adapt to changing needs over the building’s lifespan. In doing so he calls for more focus on creating space and less on designing buildings. “Without a single end use in mind, it becomes about creating space,” he said.

How flexible working on construction sites could be a ‘win-win’

Pandemic restrictions brought working from home to the lives of many, which worked well for office-based roles, but what about those on site? This episode of The Engineers Collective podcast explores a major industry trial of flexible working practices by leading contractors in the UK.

“During the first lockdown many sites shut down for a few weeks but workers soon returned with social distancing precautions in place,” said NCE editor Claire Smith, who hosts the latest episode. “That could have meant back to business as usual for contractors, however, there were a group of businesses – Bam, Skanska and Willmott Dixon – that used the situation as an opportunity to try to do things differently and worked with flexible working consultancy Timewise and Build UK, with the support of the Construction Industry Training Board and Barclays Life Skills, to explore how that might work.”

Claire is joined by Timewise co-founder and development director Emma Stewart and Skanska project director Shaun Sheppard to discuss how the Construction Pioneers Programme came about and what has been learned over the last 12 months.

Emma discusses knowledge her business brought to the project from other sectors, while Shaun talks about the practicalities of applying a more flexible approach to work on site on High Speed 2  and the benefits that has brought.

Both Emma and Shaun use the phrase “win-win” when talking about the outcome of the programme as the research has shown the approach has no negative impact on construction costs or programmes but a huge positive impact on staff wellbeing.

To listen to the podcast click here and then read the Construction Pioneers Programme report to learn how you could bring the same benefits to your sites.

Arup’s role in levelling up the Humber

With the UK’s ‘levelling up’ agenda in full swing, the latest episode of The Engineers Collective looks at how one region is taking a different approach to regeneration.

Joining NCE head of content and engagement Rob Horgan on the episode is Krishanthi Carfrae, Arup’s lead Cities Advisory and Economics associate across the North West and Yorkshire.

The episode focusses on Opportunity Humber; a new cross-Humber private sector-led partnership established to drive greater investment in the region which benefits all areas along the Humber.

Krishanthi explains how Opportunity Humber was devised and runs listeners through the scheme’s objectives.

She gives an insight into the particular challenges and opportunities in the region and explains why other regions are looking closely at emulating the Opportunity Humber model.

Still in its early days, Krishanthi looks forward to the types of schemes that the Opportunity Humber backers will be looking to support, with energy identified as a key area of growth.

How evolution of sensor technology has empowered complex engineering projects

Fast paced development of electronics technology over the last decade has enable wireless sensors to go from being unproven but innovative solutions for monitoring complex engineering projects to become the go-to option for many schemes.

The benefits for project delivery and reduced risk that this evolution in sensor technology is explored in this episode, which is sponsored by Farnell Electronics.

NCE editor Claire Smith is joined by Bryn Smith, who is chief technical officer with wireless condition monitoring systems and technology firm Senceive, to discuss the change and look ahead to what technology advancements are expected in the future.

Bryn starts by using one of Senceive’s first projects, which involved work on Bond Steet tube station for Costain and Laing O’Rourke, to demonstrate how the technology has changed in the last 10 years. He explains how the limitations of the solutions used on that scheme have been overcome and the benefits the technology can now deliver on current projects.

While advances in electronics has enabled more rapid reporting and longer battery life to improve the quality of the data collected, Bryn said that there are still misconceptions about sensor technology.

As NCE marks it’s 50^th anniversary this year, Claire asks Bryn to make some predictions about what sensor technology will look like in another 50 years from now. Listen to the podcast to find out what he thinks is in store for the industry and the opportunities this will present to major project delivery in 2072.

This episode is sponsored by Farnell.

Farnell is a global electronics and industrial solution provider, part of the Avnet group. We deliver products, services, and solutions to thousands of customers around the world who focus on electronic system design, manufacturing, industrial environments, as well as across maintenance and repair sectors. We offer a portfolio of close to 1 million products from thousands of world-leading supplier brands. Engineers come to us at any and every stage of their process, as we are well equipped to offer support with the products they need as well as adding value.

Farnell carry a vast product portfolio of around 80,000 industrial products to support customers in their Industrial Automation journey – all available for fast delivery. We are well placed to offer support across multiple leading supplier brands such as Omega, Schneider, Eaton, ABB, Omron, Siemens, Festo, Mitsubishi, and Phoenix Contact. Our Industrial Automation & Control Hub provides access to a wide range of technical resources to facilitate factory floor design and upgrade of existing systems.

Find out more at uk.farnell.com

Speaking out about opportunities for women is critical to solving the skills crisis

Making more women aware of the opportunities a career in construction can offer is critical to attracting more people into the sector and resolving the ongoing skills crisis the industry faces.

In this episode of The Engineers Collective, NCE editor Claire Smith speaks to Willmott Dixon construction manager Lianne Lawson and Mott MacDonald development manager for energy Clare Rhodes James about their experiences coming into the sector as women as the industry prepared to mark International Women in Engineering Day last week.

The three start by discussing how they each came to study engineering and construction and the issues they experienced with people either being firmly behind them or trying to discourage them from that career path.

The group consider how the sector has changed for young women coming into it now compared to when they were early in their careers. They mostly see positive change but believe that more needs to be done to ensure school children understand the opportunities and have the chance to choose construction rather than being guided down other career paths.

Claire referenced her recent interview with Women’s Engineering Society CEO Elizabeth Donnelly on the need for more engineering role models in society. Elizabeth told Claire that the general public still don’t see engineers in the way they do doctors or lawyers. “Elizabeth said that you see doctors and lawyers portrayed on television and in fiction, but engineering only has visibility in documentary formats,” explained Claire. “As a result she says that most women who come into the engineering profession already have family or a family friend in the industry, which is why International Women in Engineering Day is so important.”

Clare and Lianne agreed that greater outreach was needed and that gender parity in the construction sector was possible, in time, particularly with an emphasis that working in construction does not always mean being on site and wearing PPE.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

How is 3D printing changing construction techniques?

Growing use of 3D printing for concrete structures, metal bridges and composite forms by the construction industry is discussed in this episode, which is sponsored by Farnell Electronics.

NCE editor Claire Smith and senior reporter Catherine Kennedy are joined by Bam Nuttall head of innovation Colin Evison to chart how 3D printing first started to influence the civil engineering sector, where the industry is now and what opportunities lie ahead.

Colin shares his experience of working with 3D printed concrete structures on projects with clients like the Environment Agency and talks about the opportunity it presents for engineers to tap into their creative side as they work outside of existing design codes.

Claire and Catherine discuss the construction risks that come with using innovative technology with Colin, along with the potential 3D printing offers to reaching carbon net zero. Colin also shares some lessons learned around where 3D printing techniques work best and some considerations when planning to use such methods.

While Colin doesn’t believe 3D printing will solve every construction problem, he does expect its used to grow in the next decade.

This episode is sponsored by Farnell.

Farnell is a global electronics and industrial solution provider, part of the Avnet group. We deliver products, services, and solutions to thousands of customers around the world who focus on electronic system design, manufacturing, industrial environments, as well as across maintenance and repair sectors. We offer a portfolio of close to 1 million products from thousands of world-leading supplier brands. Engineers come to us at any and every stage of their process, as we are well equipped to offer support with the products they need as well as adding value.

Farnell carry a vast product portfolio of around 80,000 industrial products to support customers in their Industrial Automation journey – all available for fast delivery. We are well placed to offer support across multiple leading supplier brands such as Omega, Schneider, Eaton, ABB, Omron, Siemens, Festo, Mitsubishi, and Phoenix Contact. Our Industrial Automation & Control Hub provides access to a wide range of technical resources to facilitate factory floor design and upgrade of existing systems.

Find out more at uk.farnell.com

The role of digital twins in influencing infrastructure investment

Think of digital twins in a construction setting and what usually comes to mind is a digital representation of physical asset that aids planning, design, delivery and operation of the infrastructure but what if they were used to help drive informed investment decisions too?

The investment opportunity is subject of the latest episode of The Engineers Collective. At the start of the episode NCE editor Claire Smith is joined by former executive director of the Centre for Digital Built Britain, Alexandra Bolton who discusses the findings of some work with the finance industry to look at the broader role of digital twins. Later on Claire looks at how the Cross River Rail project in Brisbane is putting the financial planning aspect of digital twins into action and speaks to the project’s CEO Graeme Newton and digital delivery manager Andrew Curthoys.

Before looking at the project case study, Claire and Alexandra explore the background behind the How finance and digital twins shape a better future for the planet report and look at the recommendations from the report that aim to drive greater use of digital twins for broader benefits and better outcomes.

In Brisbane, Claire discovers from Graeme and Andrew that Cross River Rail is already helping to drive investment decisions beyond the new rail route, even though it is not due to open for several years. According to Graeme, the data generated by the project’s digital twin - as well as the infrastructure itself - was a key part of the city winning the bid to host the 2032 Olympic Games.

One of the key messages from Alexandra, Graeme and Andrew is that infrastructure clients need to be bold when making the decision to use digital twins and take a leap of faith around the use of data that they can bring together, rather than trying to predict how it will be used in the future.

 

Did you enjoy this episode? Get involved and complete our Digital Twin Adoption and Deployment Survey:

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What does intelligent infrastructure mean for future design, maintenance and operation?

The role of Internet of Things to empower fully intelligent infrastructure comes under the spotlight with a look at what it means for the future of civil engineering in this episode, which is sponsored by Farnell Electronics.

NCE editor Claire Smith is joined by Arup associate director Rory McCully to look back at the evolution embedded sensor technology has brought to infrastructure over the last 25 years and consider what the next 25 years might bring.

Claire starts off with some predictions that were made at NCE’s 25th anniversary in 1997 where it was anticipated by 2022 that there would be self-monitoring, self-policing bridges. These were expected to have their own repair robots and be able to forecast when they had reached their design life.

Rory and Claire conclude that the industry hasn’t quite reached that point yet and that it is still some way off but look at what has been achieved and consider the benefits that Internet of Things and intelligent infrastructure could bring in the future.

Rory also outlines some of the barriers that the industry faces in terms of reaching these benefits, as well as the need for such technology to look at systems rather than infrastructure on a structure by structure level to gain the maximum advantages.

 

This episode is sponsored by Farnell.

Farnell is a global electronics and industrial solution provider, part of the Avnet group. We deliver products, services, and solutions to thousands of customers around the world who focus on electronic system design, manufacturing, industrial environments, as well as across maintenance and repair sectors. We offer a portfolio of close to 1 million products from thousands of world-leading supplier brands. Engineers come to us at any and every stage of their process, as we are well equipped to offer support with the products they need as well as adding value.

 

Farnell carry a vast product portfolio of around 80,000 industrial products to support customers in their Industrial Automation journey – all available for fast delivery. We are well placed to offer support across multiple leading supplier brands such as Omega, Schneider, Eaton, ABB, Omron, Siemens, Festo, Mitsubishi, and Phoenix Contact. Our Industrial Automation & Control Hub provides access to a wide range of technical resources to facilitate factory floor design and upgrade of existing systems.

 

Find out more at uk.farnell.com

Addressing the greater cancer risk faced by construction workers

Research by Cancer Research UK has shown that one in two people born after 1960 will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and only half of those diagnosed will survive for 10 years or more. However, the charity’s evidence suggests that people working in the construction industry are more likely to get cancer and die from the disease compared to the national population.

To look at the factors that raise the risk for employees in the sector and work underway to address those, NCE editor Claire Smith is joined by Cancer Research UK senior cancer awareness nurse Jackie Kelly, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) national civil engineering director Peter Crosland and Amey managing director for transport infrastructure Peter Anderson.

Together they discuss both lifestyle factors and work-related risks that workers in the construction industry face that increase the potential for them to be diagnosed with cancer.

Jackie talks about how Cancer Research UK works with industry to address cancer risk and the work it is undertaken with Amey and the Stop make a change programme with CECA.

Peter from Amey explains how the firm’s partnership with Cancer Research UK came about and the positive change the workers driving through the business. Meanwhile Peter from CECA explains how his organisation has also been working with Cancer Research UK to create broader industry awareness.

The group discuss lessons they’ve learnt along the way by working in partnership and share those to help other companies looking to emulate the work that Amey and CECA have done.

Finally, Jackie shares some resources for people whose companies have not yet engaged at a corporate level and are looking for better information about cancer and support if they have been diagnosed with cancer. Jackie urged people to use current, credible, research-based information rather than general Internet searches and urge people to visit the Cancer Research UK website at CRUK.org or the NHS website at NHS.uk

Cancer Research UK also has a free helpline staffed by specialist nurses open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm that anyone can call to get advice. To access that resource please call 0808 800 4040.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Reflecting on the lessons from the Stonehaven derailment tragedy

Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) chief inspector Simon French joins NCE senior reporter Catherine Kennedy to discuss the final report into the fatal Carmont derailment in August 2020.

 

The accident occurred after a passenger train collided with debris washed from a drain onto the track following very heavy rainfall. Tragically three people died and the remaining six people on the train were injured.

 

French reflects on the key learnings from the report, which found that a drainage system and associated earthworks constructed by Carillion had not been built in accordance with the original design and so were not able to safely accommodate the water flows on the morning of the derailment.

 

He considers the importance of change management and the challenges posed by extreme weather, before reflecting back on how the rail industry has changed and improved since the RAIB was first set up.

 

He also reflects on what the industry still needs to address in terms of improving safety and fully embracing a safety culture going forward.

 

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

 

Considering carbon as a currency will drive circularity in civil engineering

Introducing circular economies into construction projects has been discussed as a concept for a number of years but this episode of the podcast looks at some projects that have actually put it into action.

 

Following some discussion on the main news stories of the month, NCE’s editor Claire Smith and head of content and engagement Rob Horgan are joined by Sweco Architects head of sustainability Elise Grosse and Sweco’s UK Buildings Division digital manager Andrew Krebs to explore the practicalities of using circular economies.

 

The group set out by defining what a circular economy is and the drivers for the construction sector to adopt them.

 

Elise explains that the industry must start to consider carbon as a currency in order for circular economies to become central to projects. Nonetheless, both she and Andrew believe that data digital tools are also critical to the success of a circular economy, particularly when it comes to using material passports to track and plan reuse of demolition waste.

 

The pair tell Claire and Rob that civil engineering is increasingly coming under the spotlight when it comes to material use and must take big steps to ensure it is focusing on achieving net zero rather than greenwashing. Elise added that recycling is often driven from an economic position rather than a moral one and urged the industry to consider whether the value and cost delivered by decisions today are at the expense of tomorrow.

 

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

What does the future of hybrid working in civil engineering look like?

With the work from home guidance being relaxed in the UK following the latest wave of Covid, many civil engineers are now starting to return to some office-based working or more site-based activities. But after two years of working through a pandemic and embracing new ways of working, has the industry’s approach to how work is undertaken changed forever?

 

To talk through the learnings since March 2020 and the opportunities and challenges a new approach presents, NCE editor Claire Smith is joined by Aecom chief operating officer for Europe and India Andy Barker and Ferrovial strategy and preconstruction director Grant Mobbs to discuss the changing dynamic from the consultants’ and contractors’ perspective.

 

All three are agreed that the end of working from home guidance does not mean that the industry will revert to exactly how it was two years ago and that hybrid working is here to stay.

 

Andy and Grant started by talking about the policies and approaches their firms had in place in early 2020 before discussing how their approach to work changed dramatically in March 2020. While the changes were challenging both employees and employers learned a lot along the way and both Grant and Andy add some detail to the positives and negatives the change brought.

 

The trio acknowledge that the change to home working, and now hybrid working, is not felt in the same way for everyone and they look at the impact it has had for early career engineers. Grant and Andy talk about the strategies that their firms have put in place to support this part of the workforce.

 

The greater focus on wellbeing that emerged during the last two years of working from home is a theme throughout, along with the potential for the change in working patterns to be more inclusive and welcome a more diverse workforce in the long term.

 

The group conclude that there is no one size fits all approach to hybrid working but the move to more trust and grown up conversations about the topic means the industry has come a long way in two years.

 

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

How privately owned public space could add climate resilience to cities

Creating new public realm as part of commercial development is becoming commonplace in order to meet planning requirements but could these be obligations be extended to add climate resilience too?

The question is explored by founding director of Madeleine Kessler Architecture and Unscene Architecture Madeleine Kessler and Civic Engineers director Gareth Atkinson in the latest episode. Following the monthly news update from NCE editor Claire Smith and senior reporter Catherine Kennedy, the pair join Claire and features editor Sotiris Kanaris to look at the growth in privatised public space and the potential it presents.

Both Madeleine and Gareth use examples from their day to day work to explore what works well in terms of well designed privately owned public realm, as well as share a few stories about what has worked less well. The conversation then turns to how the owners of these spaces could adapt designs to become better neighbours within their communities and include features such as rain gardens and sustainable drainage systems to reduce flood risk in the surrounding area.

The discussion concludes with a look at the barriers to adapting existing spaces to include climate mitigation, which range from planning bureaucracy through to the charging of VAT on upgrades, which is not levelled on new build.

In the absence of an existing planning mandate, Madeleine and Gareth both urge the industry to use new – and review existing – public space as an opportunity to improve both the sense of place in a community, as well as the climate resilience.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

How digital engineering is improving project delivery

Jacobs senior associate director and practice group lead for intelligent asset management Steve Yule and Collins Engineers director of unmanned aircraft systems, artificial intelligence and reality modelling Barritt Lovelace join NCE editor Claire Smith and reporter Catherine Kennedy to discuss the use of digital engineering on their projects.

Network Rail and Jacobs have used digital twins on the Transpennine Route Upgrade, while Collins Engineers has adopted digital methods for the surveying work ahead of the Stone Arch Bridge Rehabilitation project in Minneapolis.

Both projects were winners in Bentley Systems’ Going Digital Awards in Infrastructure in December. Steve and Barritt discuss how these new approaches can improve project delivery, reduce risk and create better outcomes. They also consider what the future looks like for digital technologies, and lessons learned so far.

At Jacobs, Steve leads on technical input globally for high-profile infrastructure projects across the highway, rail, and utilities sectors, focusing on asset management, digital delivery, and digital twins. He has in-depth experience at working across all stages of the infrastructure lifecycle, giving him a clear perspective of the opportunities and challenges of ensuring alignment between each lifecycle stage.

Barritt is a licenced professional engineer and has over 25 years of bridge design and inspection experience. He has designed over 50 bridges and has performed over 3,000 bridge inspections.

Listeners can learn more about these and other projects in the Mobility gallery of Bentley’s Going Digital Awards in Infrastructure at: https://yii.bentley.com/en/award-finalists/mobility

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

2021 in review - The top news stories and features of the year

Welcome to the final episode of The Engineers Collective for 2021!

In this episode editor of New Civil Engineer Claire Smith, head of content and engagement Rob Horgan, and reporter Catherine Kennedy take a look at the top news stories and features of the year so far, and the background behind those headlines.

The team run through the top five most read news stories, and the top five most popular features published by New Civil Engineer this year.

The Engineers Collective will return in 2022. In the meantime, the whole New Civil Engineer team wishes you a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

ICE President Ed McCann on rail uncertainty, COP26 and secrets behind London’s Olympic velodrome

Fresh of the back of being inaugurated as ICE President, Ed McCann joins NCE editor Claire Smith and head of content & engagement Rob Horgan on the podcast to go over the latest news.

Recorded ahead of the Integrated Rail Plan’s publication, Ed explains how a year of uncertainty has affected the industry while remaining sympathetic to the difficult position the government found itself in amid the pandemic.

Ed also looks over the Spending Review as well as announcements made at COP26 and gives his take alongside Claire and Rob on what it means for civil engineers.

The ICE’s 157th President then moves on to discuss his upcoming year at the helm of the Institution, mapping out how he plans to take on the good work done by Rachel Skinner in terms of addressing the climate crisis.

The trio then wind the clock back and discuss how Ed came to be an engineer, uncover how he ended up studying for a masters in Mexico and reminisce about iconic projects in Ed's past such as Heathrow’s Terminal 5 and the Olympic Velodrome.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

How EDF plans to mitigate the environmental impact of Sizewell C

Sizewell C consents manager Stephen Mannings and head of regional affairs Tom McGarry talked to NCE former features editor Nadine Buddoo and current features editor Sotiris Kanaris about EDF Energy’s efforts to alleviate concerns about the project's environmental impact.

 

Like Sizewell B, the proposed nuclear power station Sizewell C will be located within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For the construction of the new power station, Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) land will also be needed. For these reasons, local communities and environmental groups have raised concerns over the environmental impact of the project.

 

During the podcast discussion, Stephen and Tom run through several measures devised to minimise the construction phase’s environmental impact. They also talk about the proposed plant design changes aiming to preserve a specific area of habitat and lower disturbance to wildlife.

 

EDF Energy has also invested in creating new habitat, the Aldhurst Farm, which Stephen explains in more detail on the podcast.

 

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Contracting to collaborate and drive industry change

The role of forms on contract have played over the last 30 years in moving the construction sector from an adversarial one to a collaborative one is explored in the latest episode.

New Engineering Contracts (NEC) Users’ Group Chair John Welch, who is also currently deputy director for construction at Crown Commercial Service, and Andrew McNaughton who has recently joined Aczel as infrastructure lead join NCE editor Claire Smith and features editor Nadine Buddoo to talk about the impact NEC has had on the industry.

John and Andrew discuss the drivers for the NEC contracts to be used on smaller projects now, as well as major schemes, and look at why the system is gaining ground internationally too. Both guests point to NEC’s basis as a simple form of contract that uses plain English as the main reason for widening adoption. They also discuss how evolution of the contracts has set out the principles for collaboration but say that it is really up to the project partners to foster those principles and put them into action.

Before the interview, Claire chats with NCE’s head of content and engagement Rob Horgan and reporter Catherine Kennedy about what is likely to come out the Spending Review last today (27 October) and what the industry hopes will come out of COP26 in Glasgow. The news team also talk about the stories that have caught the interest of readers in the last month from National Highways’ historic rail bridge infilling to the fifth anniversary of construction work starting at Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Why engineers need to prioritise nature-based solutions over ‘grey’ alternatives

With COP26 just weeks away, the need to design in sustainability and climate resilience into every element of the built environment has never been more in the spotlight and is the focus of the latest episode.

NCE editor Claire Smith and reporter Catherine Kennedy are joined by Rodrigo Fernandes who is director of empowering sustainable development goals with Bentley Systems to talk about the role of engineers – and the tools available to them – to drive change through design.

Before talking about the solutions and option available, Rodrigo talks to Claire and Catherine about progress on sustainability in the last decade and the scale of the challenge facing the engineering profession as it looks to increase the pace of change.

Rodrigo discusses the need to have collaboration at ecosystem level to deliver real benefits for the environment and the need for engineers to prioritise nature-based solutions over “grey” [concrete] alternatives. He also calls on engineers to advocate for resiliency early in the lifecycle of a project and for the industry to make better use of lifecycle tools to facilitate more environmentally conscious decision making.

The trio explore projects that are already doing good work in terms of improved sustainability with Rodrigo highlighting construction of High Speed 2 rail line as taking an innovative approach to design and delivery for sustainability. Nonetheless, he suggests that the construction industry needs to consider moving more to retrofitting and refurbishment over new build in the future to deliver on environmental promises.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

Transport for London’s Michèle Dix announces her retirement

Transport for London (TfL) Crossrail 2 managing director Michèle Dix joins NCE editor Claire Smith and head of content and engagement Rob Horgan on the latest episode of The Engineers Collective to talk about her 21 year career with the organisation as she prepares for retirement.

Michèle talks about her work on London’s congestion charging scheme, which first took her to TfL in 2000 and how she was an early pioneer of job sharing when she jointly delivered the role of director for the project with Malcolm Murray-Clark. She continued to work with Malcolm as the scheme was extended westwards and they evolved the role to deliver London’s Low Emission Zone too.

Michèle also discusses some of her favourite projects, including delivery of London’s cable car, before exploring the challenges faced by her last project – Crossrail 2 – which has now been mothballed as a result of TfL’s pandemic funding issues.

In reflecting back on her career, Michèle also puts forward advice for young engineers hoping to emulate her success and considers what advice she’d give her younger self too.

Ahead of the interview with Michèle, Claire, Rob and reporter Catherine Kennedy explore some of the latest news stories including some intriguing innovations such as the role of fungi in preventing landslides, tunnel boring machines that can 3D print tunnel linings or bore square section tunnels through rock and how graphene might change construction materials.

Full steam ahead: Setting the strategy for transport decarbonisation

In this episode Transport for the North’s new chief executive Martin Tugwell joins NCE editor Claire Smith and features editor Nadine Buddoo to discuss the decarbonisation of regional transport networks. Tune in to find out how sustainable growth can be tackled by finding the economic benefits, utilising current budgets and thinking systematically to create a long-term strategy.

While the discussion is focused on the recently completed consultation for Transport for the North’s decarbonisation strategy, challenges faced in other regions of the UK also come under the spotlight. Martin, Claire and Nadine explore the potential solutions including the use of hydrogen in transport. Martin also considers how the challenges can be overcome through innovation, flexibility and long-term mindsets, which are considered key to moving forward towards becoming carbon net zero  transport industry.

Let's talk about menopause: the importance of supporting employees in the industry

In this episode Amanda Fisher, chief executive of Amey, and Mandy Willis, Mace group board director of corporate strategy, join NCE editor Claire Smith and Nadine Buddoo to discuss a new initiative they've launched to support staff through menopause in the workplace.

The group discuss how menopause is the skills issue that is rarely spoken about in the construction sector and how an online platform like Peppy allows staff to gain the support they need.

Peppy were unable to join the interview on the podcast, but co-founder Max Landry commended Amey and Mace for taking the lead on the matter. “Mace and Amey are leading the way for the construction industry by normalising the menopause and offering personalised support to their people,” he said.

“We have already hit our expected usage numbers for the companies which highlights the demand for support. Setting up this kind of support is quick, easy and cost efficient, with Mace and Amey going from initial discussions to launch in less than six weeks – testament to the commitment to change made by the leaders there."

Before the interview with Amanda and Mandy, Claire speaks to NCE’s head of content and engagement Rob Horgan and reporter Catherine Kennedy about the main news stories over the last month.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

Creating a ‘construction time machine’ to de-risk construction with John Sisk and Sons

Creation of 3D models of different phases of construction is allowing civil engineers to move into the world of 4D and digitally rehearse the work before ever setting foot on site.

Speaking to The Engineers Collective host Claire Smith, who is editor on NCE, John Sisk and Sons head of 4D planning Josh Hanson refers to this as effectively having a construction time machine to scroll forward and back through to work to reduce risk on site. Claire and Josh are also joined by Sisk’s regional 4D planning manager Liam Clarke and BIM Lead for UK Civils and Rail Rupinder Wilkhu.

The group discuss how BIM models and animation of design 10 years ago has now evolved to allow digital rehearsal and how Sisk has moved on that journey using Bentley System’s Synchro software. Liam, Josh and Rupinder explore how the techniques have benefitted projects they are currently working on and what the challenges might have been if they had not had the technology available to them.

The trio also share their expertise to give advice to engineer and businesses that haven’t yet fully embraced the potential of digital engineering in this way before exploring how the techniques might evolve in the next decade to give closer control on cost, carbon and quality.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

The importance of collaboration between architects and engineers with Martin Knight and Michelle McDowell

This month's episode features a chat with founding director of Knight Architects, Martin Knight, and BDP principal and civil and structural engineering group leader Michelle McDowell.

The two join our editorial panel to talk about the need for engineers and architects to work together more collaboratively in the future. With the two disciplines working closer together than they used to, we ask about the biggest misconceptions they have about each other, and what benefits could arise from a better understanding on both sides. We talk about how delivery with consideration from all corners can improve the experience for the end user, and what barriers currently exist which prevent closer collaboration. 

We often talk about the need for early engagement at all levels in the supply chain, but do we procure projects in the right way to create the opportunity for improved design and multidisciplinary collaboration?

All of this and more is on the table in July's episode of The Engineers Collective.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

In the news: the Miami Champlain Towers South collapse with the NCE editorial team

In this month’s news special, Claire Smith (editor), Catherine Kennedy (reporter) and Rob Horgan (news editor) discuss the recent tragic events in Miami, with the collapse in June of the Champlain Towers South building.

Then, Claire is joined by former New Civil Engineer editor Ty Byrd, who joined what is now NCE’s sister title, Construction News in the wake the collapse of the Ronan Point tower block in East London. Ty tells us about the changes in the construction industry which came about as a result of the collapse.

Health, Safety, Wellbeing and data: The ‘Discovering Safety’ programme, with HSE and Atkins

In this month’s episode of The Engineers Collective, news editor Rob Horgan and reporter Catherine Kennedy discuss the top news stories of the month, and Catherine tells us a bit about her most recent site visit in Belfast.

Later, Nadine Buddoo (features editor at NCE) is joined by Zane Ulhaq, associate director for Atkins, and Helen Balmforth, the head of data analytics at the Health and Safety Executive.

Zane is a leader for change in the construction and healthcare sectors. He has digitally transformed a business unit of over 3,000 staff and is a key leader of Atkins’ global digital programme. Helen provides data analytical expertise across HSE, the wider UK government and the private sector. She has over 18 years’ experience of developing and delivering analytical solutions for a range of health and safety issues. Helen has led the development of the Regulatory Intelligence programme of work at HSE and sits on the cross government Data Leaders Network.

Together they discuss health, safety and wellbeing issues affecting the industry, and help us understand how data science and tools can be applied to make improvements and innovations.

They tell us all about the ‘Discovering Safety’ programme and how successes and challenges will be shared with industry, and reference examples of best practice.
As with all topics, there is also some Covid-forced innovation to be highlighted, as well as a general shift within industry in data culture (and HSE’s change in mindset to match pace).

Reimagining the future of infrastructure: tech, BIM, digital twins and a crystal ball, with John Nolan from Network Rail and Dan Vogen from Bentley Systems

Editor of New Civil Engineer Claire Smith is joined by John Nolan from Network Rail and Dan Vogen from Bentley Systems.

This month’s podcast takes stock of our technology use right now and reflects on the journey we’ve all been on over the past two years or so. Our panellists get their crystal ball out and speculate on the future too - how can the industry build on rapid change over the past 12 months and what tech might we see being used in the next 5-10 years to advance the sector?

John developed the Network Rail BIM Strategy, and Dan is Vice President of Road and Rail Asset Management at Bentley. Together, they discuss the positive impacts of the pandemic and the fast adoption of technology in the sector: what is the role of digital twins in our future ways of working?

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

The Net Zero Infrastructure Industry Coalition: A place-based approach to net zero, with Mott MacDonald

This month the New Civil Engineer editorial team once again discuss the hot topics in civil engineering, including many government reports being released following purdah and the impact of the recent elections on infrastructure.

Later, features editor Nadine Buddoo and reporter Catherine Kennedy are joined by two guests from Mott MacDonald, also authors of the recent report by the Net Zero Infrastructure Industry Coalition called 'A place-based approach to net zero.'

Clare Wildfire is Mott MacDonald’s global practice lead for cities. She combines her 30-year experience as a low-energy engineer with her experience at neighbourhood and city scale to provide insight into the technical, political, financial and behavioural aspects of sustainable development and healthy, resilient, low carbon living. Luke Strickland is Mott MacDonald’s global practice leader for environmental assessment and leads a broad consultancy team in the Midlands. With a mixed background of environment and engineering, he is passionate about the environment we live in and seeks to achieve ambitious sustainable outcomes across our urban infrastructure.

Together they explain what the report is and what it focuses on, and the general results. Nadine and Catherine ask what key changes in central government policy they would like to see to support local authorities in meeting their net zero objectives, and pry more into understanding what a 'system of systems' approach to city infrastructure might look like as one of the report's findings.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more http://www.bentley.com

Learning about the blue economy with San Diego’s Tim Barrett and ECOncrete’s Andrew Rella

May’s mid-month episode of The Engineers Collective features New Civil Engineer’s features editor Nadine Buddoo, and reporter Catherine Kennedy.

The pair go international and chat to two special guests in The Port of San Diego in the United States of America. Joining them to talk about the blue economy model and its connection to innovative infrastructure solutions is Tim Barrett, senior environmental specialist for the Port of San Diego’s environmental conservation department, and Andrew Rella, global director of engineering for eco-engineering company ECOncrete. 

The beginning of this episode addresses the ‘blue economy incubator’, a programme for entrepreneurs to encourage new blue economy businesses. One of these ‘pilot projects’ involves a partnership with ECOncrete to demonstrate a brand new design of the Coastalock Tide Pool Armor on Harbour Island. The pair talk about what this project is and how the three-year pilot is due to progress, as well as the potential impacts of its success.

As with every broad topic in 2021, climate change and sustainability are two big questions put to Andrew and Tim, who explain the impact of ECOncrete and the mitigation in place to protect the existing coastline and coastal ecosystems.

With digital technology changing infrastructure, Bentley’s infrastructure digital twins enable users to combine engineering, reality, and IoT data of assets above and below ground – to visualise, track change, and perform analysis to optimise asset performance. It’s likely you are already ‘going digital’, but if you need help to embrace change and realise the benefits of digital innovation within your business, speak to Bentley – we can help accelerate your digital advancement, help you make better decisions, gain insights, and achieve better business outcomes.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

Updates on the Road Investment Strategy 2 and lessons learned with Graham Richards from Office of Rail and Road

This month’s podcast features a bumper news update, including the recent reaction to the proposed London Resorts Theme Park planning application.

NCE’s editor Claire Smith, news editor Rob Horgan and reporter Catherine Kennedy go over the month’s most interesting stories: could the French ban on domestic short-haul flights be translated to the UK?

Also on the table is multipurpose infrastructure projects, with some industry figures asking if projects like Lower Thames Crossing could include a railway and if a ‘systems’ view for UK infrastructure would be a sensible approach.

Later, Nadine Buddoo, features editor at NCE joins the conversation introducing this month’s guest, Graham Richards.
Graham is the director of planning and performance at the Office of Rail and Road. He takes a few minutes to explain the purpose of the organisation, before being quizzed by the team on the second Road Investment Strategy (RIS).
What are its key focus areas and what progress has thus far been made by Highways England? What lessons have been learned from RIS1?

Will there be a third strategy, and how will that differ from what’s past given we’re coming up on the government-forced ban on specific types of vehicles?

Graham is also asked how RIS3 fits into the journey to net zero.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

COP26 in Glasgow: How should civil engineering influence the agenda? With Philippa Spence from Ramboll

The 26^th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be held in Glasgow in November 2021.
But why does it matter to our industry? What should we be demanding is heard on behalf of civil engineers, and what decisions will be made which impact us?

Joining The Engineers Collective to discuss all these questions and more is Philippa Spence, UK managing director, at Ramboll.
Philippa outlines her wish list of agenda items for COP26 and talks us through the importance of making the meeting a success later this year.

Editor of NCE, Claire Smith, and reporter Catherine Kennedy also quiz Philippa on the reputational impact of the UK hosting the event, and the scrutiny that major UK infrastructure projects could come under as a result.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more http://www.bentley.com

Mental health: The impact of COVID-19 on wellbeing in construction with Lindsey Marie and Phil Hinchey from RSK

Discussing the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on mental health, The Engineers Collective welcomes RSK’s health and safety manager for the contracting division Lindsey Marie and principal safety, health, environment and quality co-ordinator Phil Hinchey to the podcast.

Marie explains some of the major challenges around workers’ mental health and wellbeing, and explores how COVID-19 has shaped the construction industry’s approach to the issue. During the discussion, Phil outlines some of the potential behavioural signs that indicate someone might be struggling with their mental health. He also offers advice on what action to take and signposts the resources and support that is available.

Marie manages the health and safety aspects of the 17 businesses within RSK’s contracting division and is also a specialist member of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management with over 13 years’ experience. She is also a mental health first aider, offering support and guidance and ensuring that all individuals within RSK have access to key wellbeing services through the employee assistance programme. Phil is a chartered member of the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety with over 30 years’ experience in health safety, environment and quality in the distribution, construction and warehousing sectors. He is also a mental health first aider and is RSK’s regional wellbeing representative for the West region of the UK.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more www.bentley.com

Using our skills to benefit society and the importance of ethics in engineering with Emma Crichton from Engineers Without Borders UK

This month, The Engineers Collective focuses on ethical engineering, welcoming Engineers Without Borders UK head of engineering Emma Crichton to the podcast.

Crichton explains how her experience of studying for an engineering degree led her to question the lack of importance given to the ethical side of engineering. 
She explains how engineers can use their skills to benefit the whole of society and stresses how the importance of ethics in engineering needs to be better understood.
Crichton is a chartered civil engineer with six years’ experience in the Water industry in Scotland. She has worked on a variety of projects and has consistently believed in the importance of collaboration, impactful partnerships and the role engineering has to play in bettering our society.

As head of engineering at Engineers Without Borders UK she is responsible for driving forward their mission; leading their work to embed globally responsible engineering into curriculum and throughout day to day practice.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more www.bentley.com

Making carbon net zero as common nature as health and safety with Ruth Jeffs from Waterman Group

The latest episode of The Engineers Collective looks at the regional challenge of delivering carbon net zero at a regional level and how the mindset of engineers needs to change in order to meet government targets.

Joining NCE editor Claire Smith and reporter Catherine Kennedy special guest Waterman regional director for the Midlands Ruth Jeffs talks about what she has learned about carbon net zero through her day to day job, as well as her role as an Association of Consultancy and Engineering Board Director. Ruth has also been chair of the Association of Consultancy and Engineering Midlands group since 2017, which has given her real insight into the regional implications of carbon net zero and how what works for one region doesn’t always fit another.

Ruth talks about the new skills that civil engineers will need to address the challenges and how we need to get to the point where carbon net zero – as well as waste net zero and water net zero – needs to become as common nature in construction as health and safety is.

The carbon net zero discussion follows on from a news update with Claire, Catherine and NCE’s head of content and engagement Rob Horgan, which also has an environmental slant with talk about the impact environmental considerations is having on planning for major projects. The team also look ahead to what might come out of the 3 March Budget and what the long-awaited Integrated Rail Plan might hold in store for the industry.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

Bringing joy to infrastructure design with National Infrastructure Design group chair Sadie Morgan

The latest episode of The Engineers Collective looks at the role placemaking plays in the design of infrastructure and how the National Infrastructure Commission’s Design Principles for National Infrastructure aim to improve the look and feel of our built environment.

The importance of creating a sense of place that brings joy to the user and minimises isolation is discussed by NCE editor Claire Smith and features editor Nadine Buddoo with guests DRM director 
and National Infrastructure Commission design group chair Sadie Morgan and Unscene Architecture founding director and design group member Madeleine Kessler.

The group talk about the four key principles of climate, people, place and value before looking at placemaking in more detail and discuss projects that have successfully delivered just that. 

Projects discussed include a park on top of a sewage works in Tokyo, through to a ski slope on a waste incinerator in Denmark, as well as the winner of the inaugural Design Principles Award at the British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA) last year, which was the Leeds Footbridge for the Climate Innovation District. According to Sadie, the BCIA winner demonstrates that even small project can achieve good design and dual purpose and sets a benchmark for other projects to aspire to.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

The role of AI in the future of roads maintenance with FMConway and RoadBotics

The latest episode of The Engineers Collective looks at how artificial intelligence (AI) could transform how highway maintenance work is planned and prioritised.
Joining NCE editor Claire Smith and features editor Nadine Buddoo special guests FM Conway consultancy director John Holliday and Roadbotics senior partner for success lead Stew Frick talk about the introduction of AI-led highway maintenance planning to the UK and discuss the challenges speed bumps and hot rolled asphalt initially presented to the task.

John was instrumental in bringing RoadBotics to the UK and to date his team has surveyed more than 3,000km of road network on behalf of seven highway authorities including Highways England, Transport for London and the City of Westminster.

Stew talks about the AI technology behind the system and the potential for it to be used on footpaths and feed into wider management systems in the future.
The AI discussion follows on from a news update from Claire, head of content and engagement Rob Horgan and reporter Catherine Kennedy about futuristic and aspirational engineering projects that have been inspiring NCE’s readers in the last few weeks.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

Exploring the world of ‘Systems Engineering’, with Matt Gibson from Amey and Chris Rolison from Bentley Systems

A Happy New Year to you, from everyone at New Civil Engineer. In the first episode of 2021 editor of NCE, Claire Smith, is joined by Matt Gibson, principal engineering manager at Amey, and Chris Rolison, senior director of progressive assurance systems at Bentley Systems. The three explore the world of systems engineering after the recent ICE report on the topic. What is systems engineering? What benefits will it bring to civil engineering projects and the engineers working on them? And what are the challenges involved in adopting this kind of approach? 

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

2020 in review: The NCE team discuss the biggest news stories of the year

In the last Engineers Collective podcast of 2020, the whole NCE news team join together to talk through the highs and lows of 2020 and look at the challenges facing the civil engineering industry in 2021.

For the first time editor Claire Smith, news editor Rob Horgan and features editor Nadine Buddoo are joined by reporter Catherine Kennedy on the podcast as they reflect back on what has certainly been an eventful year. The team look at the major projects underway and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on those, as well as consider what the long term impact of the virus with work patterns changing and passenger fare revenues dropping.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

Introducing the 156th President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Rachel Skinner

In this month's Engineers Collective podcast, NCE news editor Rob Horgan and features editor Nadine Buddoo discuss the unfolding news stories, including Lower Thames Crossing. The pair also address the ongoing HS2 legal battle with Bechtel which is rumbling on, and non disclosure agreements: neccesary, or do they promote a culture of silence?

Later, editor of New Civil Engineer, Claire Smith, interviews the incoming ICE President, Rachel Skinner. Rachel is executive director at WSP and talks to Claire about her priorities and theme for her year in the hot seat. 

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

Why Brexit doesn't mean the end of Eurocodes, with Steve Denton from WSP

In this month's interview editor of New Civil Engineer, Claire Smith, talks to WSP head of civil, bridge and ground engineering Steve Denton about Eurocodes, the impact of Brexit, and the future of BSI standards documents.

Steve was speaking to The Engineers Collective following his appearance as a guest chair of sessions at the NCE Future of Transport conference which was held between 09-12 November 2020. Steve chaired several Bridges-themed sessions. To find out more about the event go to transport.newcivilengineer.com. 

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

Learning about the Northern Powerhouse Rail journey with director, Tim Wood

Another episode of The Engineers Collective by New Civil Engineer, and another week spent working from home for most of us.

This week Claire Smith, editor of NCE, is back with Rob Horgan, NCE’s news editor. The pair discuss TfL funding woes and pending spending reviews by central government.

Hammersmith Bridge and the need for turning plans into action for the benefit of the industry are the main parts of a discussion on why 2020 is not shaping up to be as expected in the world of engineering and infrastructure.

Then, the pair are joined by Tim Wood, director of Northern Power House Rail. Tim talks about what the North needs to do to ensure a lasting future of those with expert skills, and why we need to avoid falling back into a boom, bust, skills landscape.

He addresses the need to keep the North moving throughout the next decade or more of pending rail revolution, and how the UK’s economy needs rebalancing.

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

Smart Cities: emerging technologies, trends and innovations, with Dublin City Council smart city lead Jamie Cudden

In the next episode of The Engineers Collective, Nadine Buddoo (features editor, New Civil Engineer) interviews Jamie Cudden, the smart city lead at Dublin City Council. Jamie established the 'Smart Dublin' regional initiative in 2015 and is passionate about all things smart cities, and loves emerging tech trends.

Together the pair muse about what it takes to make a 'smart city' and what kind of buy-in is required of a city's stakeholders. Jamie explains some of the solutions already in place in Dublin and the benefits they have for the city, as well as the impact of Covid-19 on the initiative. 

City planning, new tech solutions, cost, accessibility, and data protection are all on the topic list in this fascinating insight from one of the UK's leaders in smart cities. 

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com

Learning about The Office of Rail and Road with Steve Fletcher, Deputy Director, Engineering and Asset Management

Join Nadine Buddoo and Rob Horgan from New Civil Engineer as they discuss the month's top stories, including the tighter Covid restrictions and their impact on the industry, and all things Hammersmith Bridge. The pair also talk about the role of independent regulators, leading nicely into this month's guest.

This month the podcast features Deputy Director, Engineering and Asset Management at Office of Rail and Road, Steve Fletcher. Steve tells us all about the ORR and its role in regulation, describing its responsibilities and the relationships it keeps, in particular with Network Rail.

As an independent regulator, ORR operate within the framework set by UK and EU legislation and are accountable through Parliament and the courts. They are an independent statutory body, with powers vested by Parliament in their governing board. Find out more at www.orr.gov.uk. 

The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.

Find out more at www.bentley.com 

Talking about Bentley Systems’ Year in Infrastructure conference which has gone digital, with Steve Cockerell and Shannon Clemons

This month’s episode of The Engineers Collective features Steve Cockerell and Shannon Clemons from Bentley Systems talking to NCE’s news editor Rob Horgan about Bentley Systems’ The Year in Infrastructure 2020 Conference. Due to COVID-19, Bentley Systems decided to cancel or postpone all the company’s physical conferences and events in 2020. This new digital conference format will bring together, now for a broader global community, the thought leadership, networking, and learning content that Bentley conference attendees have come to expect.

 

Hear from Steve and Shannon about what’s happening during YII 2020 and why you should attend the conference!

 

The Year in Infrastructure Conference is Going Digital – Oct. 20, 21 and 27
Bentley Systems wants you to be part of this digital experience!

Register now to have full complementary access to live and on-demand content as part of the Year in Infrastructure 2020 Conference. Conference participants will receive exclusive access to a wide range of content that is relevant to infrastructure professionals in every role and phase of the lifecycle. Learn from your peers and exchange ideas on advancing infrastructure. 

 

The YII 2020 speaker-lineup includes:

• Greg Bentley, CEO
  Join Greg in an interactive discussion on the infrastructure resilience challenges professionals face and how digital advancement can facilitate overcoming these obstacles.
• Keith Bentley, Chief Technology Officer
  Hear from Keith about how leading design and construction firms, along with owner-operators, are leveraging digital twins, and the new business model opportunities that are emerging.
• Leading organizations like HS2, Tesla, and NOV share their use cases on innovative applications of digital twins.

 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity, reserve your virtual seat now at https://yii.bentley.com