Infrastructure news and insight with New Civil Engineer's Editor Claire Smith, Features Editor Nadine Buddoo, and News Editor Rob Horgan. Powered by Bentley Systems.
Episodes
Wednesday Jun 30, 2021
Wednesday Jun 30, 2021
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).
Wednesday Jun 16, 2021
Wednesday Jun 16, 2021
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
Wednesday May 26, 2021
Wednesday May 26, 2021
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
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Wednesday May 12, 2021
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
Wednesday Apr 28, 2021
Wednesday Apr 28, 2021
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
Wednesday Apr 14, 2021
Wednesday Apr 14, 2021
The 26th 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
Wednesday Mar 24, 2021
Wednesday Mar 24, 2021
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
Wednesday Mar 10, 2021
Wednesday Mar 10, 2021
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
Wednesday Feb 24, 2021
Wednesday Feb 24, 2021
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
Wednesday Feb 10, 2021
Wednesday Feb 10, 2021
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
Wednesday Jan 27, 2021
Wednesday Jan 27, 2021
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
Wednesday Jan 13, 2021
Wednesday Jan 13, 2021
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
Wednesday Dec 09, 2020
Wednesday Dec 09, 2020
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
Wednesday Nov 25, 2020
Wednesday Nov 25, 2020
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
Wednesday Nov 18, 2020
Wednesday Nov 18, 2020
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
Wednesday Oct 28, 2020
Wednesday Oct 28, 2020
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
Wednesday Oct 14, 2020
Wednesday Oct 14, 2020
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
Wednesday Sep 30, 2020
Wednesday Sep 30, 2020
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
Wednesday Sep 16, 2020
Wednesday Sep 16, 2020
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
Wednesday Aug 26, 2020
Wednesday Aug 26, 2020
This week editor of New Civil Engineer Claire Smith and news editor Rob Horgan address the multiple landslides and project delays caused by climate change in Scotland, including the recent tragic landslip which caused a train to derail and people to lose their lives. There’s also a nod to state of play with job losses in the industry – could we be facing an even more dire skills shortage in the near future?
Later, the pair are joined by Andy Lord, managing director of TfL’s London Underground, the world’s oldest railway. The conversation focuses on the impact of Covid-19 on the underground’s daily operations and services, but also touches on the Northern Line extension and the impact of the recently announced (further) delays to Crossrail and the handover of the Elizabeth Line.
The Engineers Collective is a bimonthly podcast released by New Civil Engineer, 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 how leading rail organizations like Skanska, Costain, STRABAG Joint Venture, and Mass Rapid Transit Corporation are Going Digital in Rail with Bentley and take a 3-minute survey to see how you compare against others on the five levels of digital maturity at www.bentley.com/going-digital-rail
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Friday Aug 14, 2020
In this episode of The Engineers Collective the New Civil Engineer team talk with WSP’s Simeon Butterworth and Amey’s Principal Engineer, Traffic and Transportation, Steve Tilby about the use of pop-up infrastructure to support more walking and cycling during the pandemic.The pair explain how government funding is allowing these schemes to evolve and develop more permanent changes to our lives. Together they also ask what consideration and planning goes into transitioning these temporary solutions to permanent.
The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems.
Bentley’s solution for the road industry provides construction-driven engineering to help accelerate project delivery of road networks, unifying design and construction processes from concept to completion. Road agencies across the globe use Bentley’s applications to provide better visibility for project teams, management, and owners to understand the implications of design decisions early in the process and gain improved performance across the asset’s lifecycle. The multi-discipline design capabilities in OpenRoads give road engineers the tools they need to address rigorous transportation design engineering, corridor development, and environmental engineering needs. These capabilities help road owners to mitigate risk, increase operational efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance. To learn more about Bentley’s solutions for roads https://www.bentley.com/en/goingdigital/roads/going-digital-in-roads
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
In this episode Rob Horgan and Claire Smith discuss the stories dominating the news, including the abundance of roads-related announcements and the further delays to the Stonehenge Tunnel, as well as the challenge of planning delays for other projects.
Later, Rob is joined by the CEO of the Thames Tideway project, Andy Mitchell. Andy talks about the impact of coronavirus on delivery of the project and the industry-leading ways they’ve attempted to combat the issues arising from the pandemic.
This episode also focuses on Tideway’s impressive health, safety and wellbeing activities including their ground-breaking EPIC actor-led simulation, a course now completed by over 20,000 industry professionals.
Costain, VINCI Construction Grands Projets and Bachy Soletanche (CVB) JV Industrializes Delivery of UK’s Largest Water Infrastructure Project
The 25-kilometer long Thames Tideway Tunnel will upgrade London’s 150-year-old sewer network, preventing overflow into the River Thames. CVB is responsible for the GBP 850 million eastern section of the tunnel, which includes 10 kilometers of tunnel works located 70 meters beneath central London, as well as six shaft sites. Using Bentley’s collaborative digital applications, the project team provided accurate visualization of the construction process, improving communication and understanding among site operatives and stakeholders to streamline workflow, decision-making, and approval processes.
To find out more about the project, including how CVB saved more than 90 days in the construction program, equaling GBP 300,000 in direct cost savings, visit https://www.bentley.com/en/project-profiles/2019/cvb-jv_thames-tideway-east
Wednesday Jul 08, 2020
Wednesday Jul 08, 2020
As the world cautiously emerges from months of Covid-19 lockdowns, The Engineers Collective looks at what impact the coronavirus is having on planning public spaces, specifically in relation to railway stations.
Joining NCE editor Claire Smith and news editor Rob Hogan on the latest episode of the podcast are Atkins technical director Cameron MacDonald and Bentley Systems director for product management and facilities engineering Eduardo Lazzarotto. The pair explain the benefits of pedestrian modelling software – such as Bentley’s Legion software – and outline the growing importance to track movements in a post-Covid world.
Atkins (member of SNC-Lavalin Group) is Going Digital with Bentley, working with its clients to develop safer public places by leveraging LEGION Simulator (available with new subscription fees waived through September 30, 2020 at www.bentley.com/bentley-social-distancing) to enhance the safety of social infrastructure assets such as rail and metro stations, tramways, airports, shopping malls, and museums.
Find out more, including how you can accelerate your pace of possible by taking Bentley’s digital assessment at www.bentley.com/going-digital-rail
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
Wednesday Jun 24, 2020
In this edition of The Engineers Collective, the New Civil Engineer team talk about all things future-projects, including the impact of our change in travel habits and the possibility of an HS2 extension to Scotland.
Later, they are joined by the National Grid’s project director for London Power Tunnels 2, Gareth Burden. Gareth addresses the ramping up of a major infrastructure project in the middle of a pandemic, and helps us understand the massive scale and complexity of the full London Power Tunnels project. The conversation is framed in the context of coronavirus, of course, and the changing levels of power consumption and demand 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 at www.bentley.com
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
This week’s release features AECOM’s director of digital practice & technology, Michael Warren, as he talks us through the firm’s digital journey. Specifically Michael talks us through the impacts of Covid-19 on the industry at wide and adaptation of digital practices.
AECOM was already on a digital journey but Michael joins editor, Claire Smith, and features editor Nadine Buddoo, to discuss how things have changed since the crisis began.
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.
Learn how AECOM empowered a multi-discipline design team to design a highway crossing project and improve traffic operations and safety.
Find out more by visiting www.bentley.com/en/goingdigital/roads/aecom
Thursday May 28, 2020
Thursday May 28, 2020
In this month's episode of The Engineers Collective, New Civil Engineer's hosts Claire, Nadine and Rob are joined by Dustin Parkman from Bentley Systems to talk about how Covid-19 is forcing us all to find alternative ways of working.
First up in this insightful episode you can join our hosts as they discuss what impact the easing of the lockdown measures in the UK might mean for the wider construction industry, and the new £2bn fund announced for walking and cycling schemes. Other key topics that you can be a part of include Transport for Scotland, Sadiq Khan’s Streetscene plans and the recent TfL bailout.
Our special guest, Dustin Parkman, then addresses working from home and potential changes to ways we work in the future. He explains Bentley’s thinking behind making its project management software, ProjectWise365, free to use throughout this pandemic, and gives some advice on maximising your organisation’s digital workflow potential.
Find out more at www.bentley.com/en/campaigns/project-delivery/bentley-has-your-back-projectwise-365
Friday May 15, 2020
Friday May 15, 2020
This month the Engineer’s Collective features Highways England project director David Bray talking about delivering complex infrastructure programmes, specifically the new A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Improvement Scheme, which opened to traffic eight months ahead of schedule on 05 May 2020 during the Coronavirus outbreak.
The £1.5 billion A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon scheme will transform journeys on the A14 in Cambridgeshire, shaving up to 20 minutes off journeys and strengthen links between the Midlands and the East of England – vastly improving access to and from the UK’s largest container port at Felixstowe.
David Bray is the project director responsible for the programme and has a history of successfully delivering major infrastructure projects within complex working environments. He discusses in detail the need for investment in that part of the road network, how the integrated delivery team model was used on the project, and some of the big challenges faced by the team throughout.
David also addresses the Coronavirus pandemic and the impact on the scheme as well as the challenges of opening a scheme early and recommendations for other projects hoping to do the same.
The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems.
Read below about one of Bentley’s ‘going digital’ projects, entitled “How Going Digital is Bringing the Country of Malaysia Together”:
The government of Malaysia initiated a 16.15 billion MYR roadway project to develop and maintain a 786-kilometer-long four-lane dual carriageway to accelerate socioeconomic growth in East Malaysia. Going Digital with Bentley enabled the Government of Malaysia to develop and maintain a long awaited new highway connecting the states of Sabah and Sarawak, which will improve socioeconomic development and open up new opportunities for residents and local business. With a connected data environment and digital twins in place, Bentley’s products have been used in the entire lifecycle of the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak project. The use of digital twins helped to achieve a sustainable asset maintenance and management solution that boosted efficiency, saving thousands of resource hours.
Find out how the Government of Malaysia is Going Digital with Bentley and learn more about the project by visiting www.bentley.com/en/goingdigital/roads/malaysia
Wednesday Apr 29, 2020
Wednesday Apr 29, 2020
It’s the end of April, and the fifth week of lockdown in the UK amid the Coronavirus crisis. This month’s episode begins with a conversation about the recent, somewhat surprising ‘Notice to Proceed’ which was given by the UK Government to HS2. Editor of New Civil Engineer, Claire Smith, talks to news editor Rob Horgan and features editor Nadine Buddoo about the ways in which Covid-19 may change our work patterns or the need for large infrastructure projects in the future, and how the crisis is showing the best of civil engineering to the general public.
The guest in this month’s episode is Stephen Boyle, strategic programme manager at Zero Waste Scotland. Stephen is senior member of Zero Waste Scotland’s resource management team and oversees a variety of support services to local authorities, resource management businesses and third-sector organisations. Stephen joins the team to talk about how the civil engineering industry can join the circular economy, embracing change to help us mitigate our impacts on the environment. An increasingly important subject, the climate crisis is very real and Stephen addresses the need for our industry to keep materials in high-value use for longer.
The Engineers Collective podcast is sponsored by Bentley Systems. Read below about one of Bentley’s ‘going digital’ projects, entitled ‘connecting 8 out of Britain’s 10 Largest Cities and Regions’.
The Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS) Joint Venture brings together the combination of tried, tested, and successful partnerships and worldwide high-speed rail experience for phase 1 of High Speed 2 (HS2), the United Kingdom’s new high-speed rail network that will connect London in the south and Manchester and Leeds to the north. Going Digital with Bentley is helping the digital advancement of SCS’s team in many areas including establishing digital workflows in a connected data environment to provide real-time access to trusted information wherever and whenever it is needed. Its structured digital data requires no manipulation meaning all stakeholders pull information from the same models, ensuring consistency and transparency, while the direct use of engineering models for estimating purposes halved of the time needed versus traditional methods and contributing to the teams work to meet client-imposed carbon savings of 50 percent on the project.
Find out how SCS JV is Going Digital with Bentley and learn more about the project by visiting www.bentley.com/en/goingdigital/rail/scs-railways
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
This special episode of the Engineers Collective is a little different. Editor of New Civil Engineer Claire Smith is joined by the brand’s news editor Rob Horgan and features editor Nadine Buddoo to discuss the dramatic impact of the Coronavirus outbreak on our civil engineering and the wider construction industry. The trio stepped back from the studio microphones and recorded together from their own homes to discuss the shutdown of major infrastructure projects and the somewhat apathetic guidance from government for industry.
Note the sound quality of this episode is reduced due to the new 'recording from home' experimenting. We hope to have this vastly improved for the next episode.
Join Claire, Rob and Nadine throughout this crisis with The Engineers Collective, released once a month with a special guest.
The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems.
For more information about Bentley’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please go to www.bentley.com
Wednesday Mar 25, 2020
Wednesday Mar 25, 2020
This month editor of New Civil Engineer, Claire Smith co-hosts The Engineers Collective Podcast with NCE's new features editor, Nadine Buddoo. The climate crisis, flooding and the Chancellor's (original) budget announcement are all up for discussion.
Also this month the NCE team are joined by Carlton Brown, CEO of Heathrow West, the Arora Group’s alternative expansion plan for Heathrow Airport. Carlton joins at 5mins 20secs.
Carlton react's to the recent court case ruling and touch on how it may impact other Airport expansions in the UK.
He talks about how Arora’s plans could save money and time vs the current Heathrow Airport Limited plans, and highlight community and partnership working as a key plus of the scheme.
The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Find out more at bentley.com
Wednesday Feb 26, 2020
Wednesday Feb 26, 2020
This month The Engineers Collective welcomes two new faces into the hotseat. Claire Smith, the new editor of New Civil Engineer, gets together with the magazine’s news editor Rob Horgan to discuss the news of the month including HS2’s green light and what could happen to plans for smart motorways.
The pair are joined 9mins in by the chief executive of Crossrail, Mark Wild, to talk about the reasons behind Crossrail’s delayed delivery of the Elizabeth Line.
Mark addresses the complexities of delivering a mega project underneath the world’s most compelx city and talks about the immediate future of the project leading up to its much anticipated opening.
Our hosts quiz Mark on his background and how his experience managing projects in Australia has influenced his approach to managing Crossrail, and champion some of your questions.
The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. The Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS) JV brings together the combination of tried, tested, and successful partnerships and worldwide high-speed rail experience for phase 1 of High Speed 2 (HS2), the United Kingdom’s new high-speed rail network that will connect London in the south and Manchester and Leeds to the north. Bentley’s OpenRail solution is helping the digital advancement of SCS’s team in many areas including, the coordination of files and data with team members and stakeholders, clash resolution - crucial to the resolution of major interface areas long before they become an issue on-site, and through the direct use of engineering models for estimating purposes a halving of the time needed versus traditional methods and contributing to the teams work to meet carbon reduction targets on the project.
Find out how SCS is Going Digital with Bentley and learn more about the project by visiting www.bentley.com/en/goingdigital/rail/scs-railways
Wednesday Jan 29, 2020
Wednesday Jan 29, 2020
It’s January 2020 and the start of a new year. The general election is over, Brexit is on-course for delivery in January and the upcoming twelve months will be fascinating for infrastructure. Co-hosts Mark Hansford and Alexandra Wynne discuss all this and more, including infrastructure abroad, net zero and climate change and the progress being made at Heathrow re: the third runway project.
Later, the pair are joined by Heathrow Airport’s Expansion Programme Director, Phil Wilbraham. Phil talks about the ‘master plan’ and the DCO which will be submitted this year. The interview with Phil Wilbraham begins at 08:20.
The trio also talk about the consultations, community and stakeholder involvement and net zero in the context of the third runway project, as well as how the project will be delivered.
Italferr S.p.A. is responsible for delivering the EUR 6.2 billion Napoli-Bari railway, part of the Trans European Network set to shorten travel times by several hours in the south east of Italy. In response to challenges that included complex geology, hazardous terrain, and complicated tunnel configurations along its route, Italferr needed interoperable modeling applications to optimize collaboration and coordination among the multiple disciplines and stakeholders involved.
Using Bentley technology it implemented a lifecycle BIM approach incorporating digital twins to deliver improved visibility, insight, and efficiency throughout the entire design and build process. The inspirational project was the winner of Bentley’s Year in Infrastructure 2019 Awards for going digital advancements in Rail and Transit. Find out more at www.bentley.com/napoli-bari
Friday Nov 29, 2019
Friday Nov 29, 2019
This month, Mark and Alex discuss bridge catastrophes, HS2 being back in the news via the leaked Douglas Oakervee report, and the UK’s recent flooding.
This episode very much follows the climate emergency theme, asking if we are doing enough as an industry to mitigate the threats and get the UK to carbon neutral.
Keith Clarke CBE, chair of Forum for the Future joins our hosts to explain why ‘business as usual’ is unacceptable and how attitudes, actions and methods must change.The message though, is not all negative! Keith explains why there’s cause for optimism about the challenge of Net Zero.
Keith Clarke CBE is appearing on The Engineers Collective fresh from his keynote at The Year in Infrastructure Conference in Singapore. The interview with Keith Clarke begins at 21:53.
The Year in Infrastructure Conference is where industry leaders gain insight into how advancements in infrastructure, supported by Bentley technologies, are changing the world and accelerating possibilities. From main stage keynotes, through industry forums, to exclusive invite-only summits, the conference affords attendees ample opportunities to interact with more than 1,500 industry leaders and like-minded professionals to connect, collaborate, and share perspectives. If you missed the 2019 conference in Singapore its not too late to see the highlights.
Check out all the keynotes, including ‘The Means and The End’ delivered by Keith Clarke CBE during the event, at www.yii.bentley.com/en/video-gallery#guest and save the date for next years conference in Vancouver – October 12-15, 2020.
Wednesday Oct 30, 2019
Wednesday Oct 30, 2019
This month Mark and Alex are joined by National Infrastructure Commissioner and co-founder of dRMM Architects Sadie Morgan to discuss the value of high quality design – picking out what is currently being done well and what is being done less well. The HS2 mega-project comes under the spotlight as Sadie reminds us why it remains of such critical national importance.
The interview with Sadie Morgan begins at 12:02.
Mark and Alex also reflect on the early opening of the A14 upgrade and what that says about the way the construction industry is transforming itself.
The podcast also touches on the recent British Construction Industry Awards, of which Sadie was Chair of Judges. The trio discuss some of the shortlisted and winning projects and ask "what makes a BCI Award winner so special?".
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 the infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.
Wednesday Sep 25, 2019
Wednesday Sep 25, 2019
This month The Engineers Collective deviates from its usual format as an unprecedented political situation unfolds in the United Kingdom. As Prime Minister Johnson is found to have broken the law in his prorogation of Parliament, regular co-hosts Mark Hansford and Alexandra Wynne from New Civil Engineer discuss what all of this actually means for the immediate future of infrastructure in our country.
The pair outline three possible directions for the current government, and try to avoid focusing too much on the giant Brexit-shaped elephant in the room. Will Mr. Johnson focus on infrastructure to boost the economy? Will he even last long enough to have that input? All this and more is up for discussion.
The Engineers Collective is bought to you by Bentley Systems. Bentley's Year in Infrastructure Conference will be held between 21-24 October 2019 in Singapore. Find out more by visiting yii.bentley.com.
As the operator of Brazil's Governador Jose Richa Airport, infraero - Empresa Brasileira de Infraestrutura Aeroportuaria needed a better way to organise its data and share information among different areas of the company and external stakeholders. Using BIM and GIS technology, along with Bentley applications, the project team created a digital twin of the airport that includes a reality mesh and central repository for all airport data. Its digital twin is streamlining all future internal airport infrastructure projects, as well as planning and management processes, and the project was a winner of Bentley's 2018 Year in Infrastructure Award for Advancing Digital Twins for Airports. Find out more at www.bentley.com/londrina/
Wednesday Aug 28, 2019
Wednesday Aug 28, 2019
This month on The Engineers Collective, Mark and Alex are joined by the managing director of Crossrail 2, Michèle Dix. The trio, of course, talk Crossrail 2 and the impacts of lessons learned by Crossrail 1. Innovation, embracing new technologies and the future of large infrastructure projects are all under the microscope as Michèle offers a fascinating insight into her observations about the industry.
The interview with Michèle Dix begins at 12:02.
This episode also looks at the new HS2 review, talks dam safety in the wake of Whaley Bridge and asks: is Boris Johnson going to be our infrastructure champion?
The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. MRT Corp was established to deliver the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit project, a planned three-line modern railway system in the Greater Kuala Lumpur-Klang Valley region of Malaysia. With the first line completed in July 2017, MRT Corp was the first metro project in Asia to adopt BIM Level 2 standards plus cloud-based collaboration to streamline workflows and improve efficiency, productivity, and performance on its second line, the Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya (SSP) line. Establishing a connected data environment using Bentley applications as its foundation, MRT Corp has reduced rework, improved multi-discipline design collaboration, and increased productivity by 35 percent due to its ability to seamlessly share accurate information in real time. Find out how MRT Corp is Going Digital with Bentley and learn more about the project by visiting: www.bentley.com/sspline
Wednesday Aug 14, 2019
Wednesday Aug 14, 2019
In this special episode of The Engineers Collective, Mark and Alex are joined by Bentley Systems’ Chief Product Officer, Bhupinder Singh.
The trio talk Digital Twins. What are they? What can they be used for? What does the future look like for Digital Twins?
As well as debunking myths about the technology, Bhupinder talks about some of Bentley’s new partnerships and the innovation taking place around the world with Digital Twins at the heart.
This episode also touches on Bentley Systems’ Year in Infrastructure Conference which will be held between 21-24 October 2019 in Singapore.
Find out more by visiting yii.bentley.com.
As the operator of Brazil’s Governador José Richa Airport, Infraero – Empresa Brasileira de Infraestrutura Aeroportuária needed a better way to organise its data and share information among different areas of the company and external stakeholders. Using BIM and GIS technology, along with Bentley applications, the project team created a digital twin of the airport that includes a reality mesh and central repository for all airport data. Its digital twin is streamlining all future internal airport infrastructure projects, as well as planning and management processes, and the project was a winner of Bentley’s 2018 Year in Infrastructure Award for Advancing Digital Twins for Airports. Find out more at www.bentley.com/londrina/
Wednesday Jul 31, 2019
Wednesday Jul 31, 2019
This month Mark and Alex reflect on the one year anniversary of the catastrophic Polcevera viaduct collapse in Genoa, Italy and they ask: is the UK safe from a Genoa-style collapse? Also up for discussion is Crossrail 2 and Network Rail’s future project pipeline.
The co-hosts then introduce our special guest: HS2 strategic advisor Andrew McNaughton. Andrew was the chief architect of the HS2 mega-project responsible for determining the route and setting the much-commented on design speed. Andrew takes a wider look at the future of rail worldwide, questioning the role of hyperloop and stressing the ongoing need for light rail and traditional rail for many years to come.
The interview with Andrew McNaughton begins at 11:20.
The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. MRT Corp was established to deliver the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit project, a planned three-line modern railway system in the Greater Kuala Lumpur-Klang Valley region of Malaysia. With the first line completed in July 2017, MRT Corp was the first metro project in Asia to adopt BIM Level 2 standards plus cloud-based collaboration to streamline workflows and improve efficiency, productivity, and performance on its second line, the Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya (SSP) line. Establishing a connected data environment using Bentley applications as its foundation, MRT Corp has reduced rework, improved multi-discipline design collaboration, and increased productivity by 35 percent due to its ability to seamlessly share accurate information in real time. Find out how MRT Corp is Going Digital with Bentley and learn more about the project by visiting: www.bentley.com/sspline
Wednesday Jun 26, 2019
Wednesday Jun 26, 2019
This month regular co-hosts Mark Hansford and Alexandra Wynne are joined by Henrik Rothe who runs the Urban Turbine out of Cranfield University, and is rethinking how airports of the future will operate and integrate with the towns and cities that they serve. Tune in to hear Henrik explain how rapid changes to the way we check-in, deal with our baggage and move through security will transform how airports are accessed and used. Henrik will cite examples from Europe and worldwide and discuss the hottest topic of them all – is expanding Heathrow the right solution to the capacity issue in south east England?
The interview with Henrik begins at 20:28.
Mark and Alex also discuss the ongoing questions around the validity of High Speed 2 and the national disgrace that is the three-year closure of the historic Hammersmith Bridge in London.
The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. As part of its ongoing digital transformation, Infraero Airport is using Bentley Systems Software to create a digital twin of José Richa airport in southern Brazil. Including an engineering ready reality mesh and central repository for all its data, Going Digital with Bentley is saving the organisation in excess of £120,000 per year. Find out more at www.bentley.com/londrina/
Wednesday May 29, 2019
Wednesday May 29, 2019
In Episode One co-hosts Mark Hansford and Alexandra Wynne discuss the projects in the headlines including Heathrow, HS2, the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon Project and tall buildings in New York. Later, they're joined by Institution of Civil Engineers Vice-President and Director of Expedition Engineering, Ed McCann, to discuss the future of digital skills within our industry.
The interview with Ed McCann starts at 18:45.
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 the infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure.
Wednesday May 15, 2019
Wednesday May 15, 2019
The Engineers Collective is the podcast for those who are curious about the future and how engineers will keep our towns and cities running. Each episode is hosted by editor of New Civil Engineer, Mark Hansford, and deputy editor, Alexandra Wynne, and features an interview with a different special guest.
This trailer is a little teaser of what you can expect from each episode. The Engineers Collective is sponsored by Bentley Systems: Advancing Infrastructure.