Award for Digital Innovation

Winner:

• National Highways, BAM Ritchies & Aecom - Arup Consortium - Enhancement of Geotechnical Asset Inspections using Spot the Dog (agile robotics)

"This is an innovative solution created through strong collaboration with Boston Dynamics. The approach is data-driven and prioritises health and safety. The solution shows promising potential for future applications."

Highly commended:

• Groundforce - YourSolution+

Finalists:

• Arcadis - GeoBIM Trial: Fort Augustus – Skye 132kV Reinforcement
• Asterra - EarthWorks: L-band SAR derived soil moisture monitoring
• AtkinsRéalis - LISAA (LiDAR Interpretation and Slope Analysis Automation)
• CGL - Semi-quantitative Risk Assessment for Remote Linear Infrastructure
• Concept Engineering Consultants - E-Site App
• Expanded - Digital Trial Pits
• Macquarie Geotechnical - Digital platform for ground investigation field work planning
• Mott MacDonald - ParaRanger – An innovative digital tool for ground parametric analysis
• TetraTech - Use of kml files for ground investigation project management, dynamic constraints plans, and ground model development.

Award for Equipment Innovation

Winner:

• Marshall Drilling - Multi-Purpose Rotary Drilling Mast

"This entry outlines a rigorous research and product development process that led to an innovation with broad applications. It can enable a better understanding of the ground in challenging terrain. It provides safety improvements in a field where compliance with legislation is difficult as well as realising cost and programme savings."

Finalists:

• Cementation Skanska - 60 MN maintained load test system (MLT60)
• CGL -  CGL-PASS Service: Passive Acoustic Seismic Surveys for Geohazard Assessment
• Fugro - Aquisense - new cone penetration testing tool
• Fugro - Excalibur Jack-up Barge Innovation on Codling Wind Park Ground Investigation
• HEMI - Warning Plate Monitor Measure and Rock Fall Alert
• Liebherr Great Britain - Floating unit operation & pile tilting device for crawler cranes
• SB3 - Bachy Soletanche & Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering JV - Support fluid displacement hopper for use in Rotary piling: Bentonite displacement hopper.
• SB3 - Bachy Soletanche & Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering JV - The Cross Cutter: a tool that eliminates manual handling of scooping out wet concrete.
• Select Plant Hire - Test Pile Instrumentation Protection

Award for Technical Excellence

Winner:

• GHD & Network Rail - Watford Tunnel Approach Cutting – Major Earthwork Management Strategy

"This is a great demonstration of a digital twin, which holds immense potential for future applications, resulting in a satisfied client. The solution effectively acknowledges the real challenges associated with data collection for site inspections."

Finalists:

• Arcadis - Coppermills AWTW - Ground Movement Assessment Clash Detection
• Arup - Using centrifuge testing and simplified tools to analyse complex 3D dynamic soil-structure interaction of offshore monopiles under seismic loading
• Fugro - Reducing Risk by Replacing Radioactive Source Density logging using Downhole Magnetic Resonance in Coire Glas Wider Site Ground Investigation Project, Scotland
• McGee, Robert Bird Group & St John's Wood Square - St John’s Wood Square Advanced Temporary Works Solution
• SB3 - Bachy Soletanche & Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering JV - Tremie Support Doughnut
• Stantec - Debris Flow assessment for a pumped-storage hydro-electric facility
• WSP UK - Application of digital tools for advanced numerical analysis

Consulting Firm of the Year

Winner:

• Mott MacDonald

"The judges were impressed by the strong business growth and project excellence showcased, along with robust engagement with clients and staff. The firm has demonstrated progress in health and safety reporting and is an industry leader for openly publishing its ethnic minority pay gap."

Highly commended:

• BakerHicks
  

Finalists:

• Arup
• AtkinsRéalis
• Sweco
• Systra
• TRC 
• WSP UK

Sponsored by

Contractor of the Year

Winner:

• Cognition Land and Water

"This carbon-neutral contractor demonstrated exceptionally high levels of perfomance. Its initiatives for staff recruitment and wellbeing were particularly noteworthy. It also showcased strong project delivery and technical innovation across multiple sites."

Finalists:

• Bachy Soletanche
• Bam Ritchies
• Cognition Land and Water
• Dawson Wam
• Fortis Foundations
• Marshall Drilling
• Menard

Sponsored by

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion

Winner:

• Amey - Hollie Taylor

"An inspiring young woman who persevered through challenges in shifting attitudes towards PPE, contributing to a more diverse workforce. Her initiative extends beyond Amey and has the potential to influence the entire industry. A true rising star to watch."

Highly Commended:

• Ground & Water - Working towards UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality

Finalists:

• Arcadis - Arcadis PARRR and Women in Mobility
• Balfour Beatty - A63 Castle Street Scheme - Supporting an Inclusive Culture
• Ernst & Young - Taffy Chaduka - Making Impact Through Research (Advancing inclusivity in the civil engineering sector)
• Geoquip Marine - Geoquip Marine - Great Place to Work through Employee Formed Association
• TFW Group - EDI at Terra Firma and beyond

Excellence in Learning and Development

Winner:

• RSK Geosciences - RSK Geosciences Training and Development Programme

"RSK is committed to delivering excellence in learning and development through committing significant senior internal technical resources towards its initiative and the implementation of university learning techniques. The array of blended learning was impressive and inclusive."

Finalists:

• Arcadis - Arcadis Learning and Development in Geotechnics
• AtkinsRéalis - GE&T Academy
• Ayesa - Competency Framework - elevating Technical and Business Excellence in Learning and Development
• CGL - CGL Graduate Academy
• Geoquip Marine - GM Skills Forge Initiative
• Mott MacDonald - Graduate Accelerator Programme (GAP)
• Tony Gee - Tony Gee Geotechnics' Academy - programme of in-house learning and development
• WSP UK - WSP UK G&T Digital Interest Group

Excellence in Outreach

Winner:

• Luisa Hendry aka the Scottish Geologist, Story Contracting

"This initiative demonstrates real passion, drive and commitment to elevating the profile of ground engineering, geology and Earth sciences. Employing innovative approaches and platforms has helped engage with diverse audiences to inspire the next generation through accessible content. This individual has taken outreach to the next level."

Highly Commended:

• Geotechnics - Geotechnics: Bridging Gaps and Nurturing Future Talent

Finalists:

• Arup Cardiff Ground Engineering - STEM in action
• Bam Ritchies - Angus MacGregor
• EKFB - EKFB’s industry leading outreach programme
• Ground & Water - Inspiring future generations towards careers in geoscience, that are required to achieve the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Mott MacDonald - Engineering Maths Classes – Demonstrating the application of maths in real-world engineering problems
• Mott MacDonald - Demonstrating social resilience within outreach initiatives
• Structural Soils - Michael Addinall - Associate Director - Structural Soils
• Transport for London - Excellence in Outreach - Ben Totterdell promoting the ground engineering sector as a rewarding climate-facing career option

Graduate Programme of the Year

Winner:

• Fugro - U.Gro Graduate Development Initiative

"A well thought-out and delivered scheme, with excellent global leadership. The judges were impressed by the dedication to graduate development, emphasising the diverse skill set required for a modern engineer."

Highly Commended:

• Mott MacDonald - Mott MacDonald Foundations and Geotechnics Graduate Programme

Finalists:

• Cementation Skanska - Cementation Skanska Graduate Programme
• SB3 - Bachy Soletanche & Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering JV - Emerging Talent Programme

Ground Investigation Project of the Year

Winner:

• Fugro, SSE Renewables, Cowi & Stantec - Coire Glas Pumped Hydro Scheme

"This nationally significant project pushes industry boundaries. Highlights include its contribution to future projects and geological understanding, a well-executed investigation on a challenging site, thoughtful ecological considerations with carbon measurement and notable sustainable practices."

Finalists:

• Anglian Water, Mott Macdonald, Geotechnics & Terradat - Fens Reservoir Gate 3 Ground Investigation
• TransPennine Route Upgrade Alliance - Hillhouse Sidings Mineshaft Investigation
• Central Alliance - Orkney Islands Community Windfarm
• CGL, TerraDat & Satsense - Trinity Lane, Ripon
• Geotechnical Engineering Limited, Anglian Water, Mott MacDonald, Costain & WJ Groundwater - Lincolnshire Reservoir Gate 3 Ground Investigation
• Jackson Geo Services, AtkinsRéalis, Walters UK and Global Centre of Rail Excellence - Global Centre of Rail Excellence Phase 2
• Jacobs UK & The Environment Agency  - Kendal and Upper Kent Catchment Flood Risk Management Scheme.
• Structural Soils - A66 NTP - GI - RSK, Structural Soils and National Highways
• United Utilities, Socotec, JVT, UTS & AES - Mitchells House IR investigations

Ground Investigation Specialist of the Year

Winner:

• Lankelma

"The company has embraced the role of principal contractor, showcasing technical expertise and a collaborative approach to project completion and business development. It has also maintained strong community engagement and client relationships throughout."

Finalists:

• Fugro
• Geoquip Marine
• Geotechnics
• Marshall Drilling
• Structural Soils

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner:

• Hilary Skinner, technical director, Cowi

"The winner is an outstanding geotechnical engineer and without doubt one of the finest of her generation. She graduated from Cambridge with a master’s in engineering, is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a former chair of the British Geotechnical Association. She has almost 30 years’ experience working on projects in the UK and abroad. She is accomplished in the development of unique, practical solutions using a strong research background. Her high-quality contribution has been recognised through awards and industry reliance on her publications. This individual was made an ICE Queens' Jubilee Scholar, as well as winning the ICE Geotechnical Research Medal and the ICE Halcrow Prize. She has almost 25 peer reviewed technical papers, was an editor of the substantive ICE Manual of Geotechnical Engineering, and has produced industry guidance on best practice for the re-use of foundations, ground treatment, working platforms, tower cranes and subsidence. She has been a regular presenter at the BGA, MGG, NWGG and at conferences. She has been a research board member for projects into tunnels and shafts, piling, instrumentation, rapid load testing, foundation re-use and geosynthetics. The 2024 GE Lifetime Achievement Award winner is extremely highly regarded by her peers for her warm character, positivity and the tireless effort to mentor and encourage young engineers to develop their full potential."

Sponsored by

Health and Safety Award

Winner:

• SB3 - Bachy Soletanche & Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering JV - People Plant Interface (PPI) Campaign

"This initiative addresses a critical area needing improvement in health & safety by aiming to halve the number of incidents and injuries. It also has the potential to deliver lasting benefits from a major project by integrating it into routine practices across projects of any size."

Highly Commended:

• Bam Ritchies - Nothing Ventured, Nothing Trained

Finalists:

• Geoquip Marine - Digitally Transforming QHSE Data Empowering All Personnel of Geoquip Marine
• Liebherr Werks Nenzing - Floating unit operation & pile tilting device for crawler cranes
• Mott MacDonald - SafetIbase
• Network Rail - Network Rail Scotland - Weather Operations
• Systra & AmcoGiffen  - EVFE Earthworks – Significant CDM Risk Identification and Management
• VolkerFitzpatrick - Emergency Repairs

International Project of the Year Award

Winner:

• Stantec - Coastal GasLink Pipeline Construction: Innovative Geotechnical Solutions in Remote Mountainous Terrain, British Columbia, Canada

"An extremely challenging environment with significant geohazards was addressed with highly sophisticated, nature positive geotechnical design, project management and technology enabled agile working. The focus on mental health and safety and seamless collaboration with multiple stakeholders was exemplary. "

Hihgly Commended:

• Dywidag - Te Ara o Te Ata – Mount Messenger Bypass Project, New Zealand

Finalists:

• Beckett Rankine, Nectar Group, Eiffage Genie Civil Marine & A-squared Studio Engineers - Freetown NSBT Berth Expansion, Sierra Leone
• Mott MacDonald - Tarbela Dam 5th hydropower extension, Pakistan

Rising Star Award

Winner:

• Connor Caplen - AtkinsRéalis

"An outstanding individual with strong interpersonal, leadership and technical skills. He demonstrates great business acumen, handling unforeseen on-site issues professionally and calmly. Particularly inspiring is Connor's journey and his contributions to both the industry and local communities."

Highly Commended:

• Cheng Wei Kwang - Mott MacDonald
• Milagros Guerrero Espino - Aecom

Finalists:

• Archie Bunney - Systra
• Christopher Wilkes - Arup
• Daniel Hope - Arcadis
• Georgia Malin - Leap Environmental
• Jacob Bennett - Mott MacDonald
• Nathan Lee - Klohn Crippen Berger
• Peter Hensman - Ward & Burke Construction

Specialist Geotechnical Supplier of the Year

Winner:

• Acero Construction

"The judges were impressed with Acero's dedication to supplying pre-vetted, qualified and competent site operatives. It is contributing to upskilling the industry and enhancing client outcomes. Acero's commitment to people is evident in its support for local communities and the diversity of its team."

Highly Commended:

• Concept Engineering Consultants

Finalists:

• Gravitas International
• Groundforce
• Mabey Hire
• Marshall Drilling
• TD Construction Testing

Sustainability Award

Winner:

• SB3 - Bachy Soletanche & Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering JV - Hub and Cluster Permitted Bentonite Treatment Facility - to enable reuse of materials within project

"A well-rounded project showing clear examples of all the sustainabilty key pillars – including educating others within a strong social aspect. The carbon savings and resource efficiency were well quantified and presented."

Highly Commended:

• Graham - Cutting Carbon Through Technology

Finalists:

• Arcadis - Former Petrol Station, Watford
• Arup, SCS JV & University of Leeds - REAL - Re-purposed Excavated Arisings Loop; Calcined clay innovation
• ASC & EKFB - HS2 C23
• Burdens Technical Solutions - Saving Time, Cash & Carbon
• Cognition Land and Water - Barking Power Limited Gas Pipeline Decommissioning
• Fugro - Core Liner Recycling - Zero Plastic Initiative
• Land Transport Authority of Singapore - Pioneering Sustainable Construction: The Implementation of Hybrid Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) in Underground Slab Structures

Sponsored by

UK Geotechnical Team of the Year

Winner:

• Network Rail Works Delivery Scotland, AmcoGiffen Minor Works Scotland & Network Rail Scotland Asset - Scotland's Railway Emergency Response

"The entry demonstrated outstanding long-term collaboration and teamwork in managing challenging emergency situations, necessitating swift yet calculated responses. The judges were impressed by the team's ability to adapt and address the difficult impacts of climate change on the operational railway."

Finalists:

• Aecom, Cornwall Council, Cormac, Cornwall Geoconservation Group, John Grimes Partnership & Natural England - Coverack North Shore Coastal Protection Scheme
• Balfour Beatty, Züblin, National Highways, Arup & Aecom - A63 Castle Street Improvement Scheme
• McGee, Robert Bird Group & St John's Wood Square - St John's Wood Square Development
• Network Rail Capital Delivery Wales, Network Rail Design Delivery, AmcoGiffen & QTS - Severn Estuary Earthworks
• OTB Engineering, Alun Griffiths, Shotcrete Services, Powys County Council, Welsh Government & Network Rail  - Machynlleth Underpass
• RSK & Structural Soils - A66 NTP - Ground Investigation
• SB3 - Bachy Soletanche & Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering JV - Streethay Retaining Structure (HS2 N1N2)
• SSE Renewables, Stantec, Cowi, Strabag, Fugro, & British Geological Survey - Coire Glas Exploratory Works and Wider Site GI

Sponsored by

UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of up to £500K

Winner:

• Geobear, Surrey County Council & Ringway - A323 Aldershot Road - Clay Shrinkage Stabilisation

"A true example of innovation that involves using technology for an alternative application, delivering a cost-effective solution to a client while achieving their most valued criterion: minimal disruption to the community."

Finalists:

• Aecom & Network Rail - Southern Mining Evaluations – Risk Assessment & Prioritisation for Network Rail
• Bachy Soletanche - Llyn Egnant Dam Anchors
• Bam Ritchies, National Highways & WSP - Wynhol Viaduct - High Rise Investigations
• Bam Ritchies & Team 2100 - Purfleet and Grays Ground Anchor Testing- Anchored to the Future
• Fugro, Nexus and Furrer & Frey - Newcastle Metro RILA Survey
• Mainmark Ground Engineering UK & Demolition Services Group - Arena Point
• Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Balfour Beatty & BakerHicks - Tynybryn Footbridge

UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of between £500K and £1M

Winner:

• Mott MacDonald Bentley - Newthorpe & Heanor Milnhay Sewage Treatment Works AMP7 Upgrades

" In this project, the client was effectively persuaded to depart from standard practice. Employing a back-to-basics and pragmatic approach, the team delivered a sustainable, value-engineered solution that could impact future projects with the client."

Highly Commended:

• Network Rail & BakerHicks - Geohazards Assessments – Scotland’s Railway

Finalists:

• AtkinsRéalis, Thames Water, MWH Treatment & Keller - Hampton Reservoir Leakage Remediation Works
• CGL - Victoria Heights, Exeter
• Speedeck Foundations - Clay Cross Piled Rafts
• United Utilities & Soil Engineering Geoservice - Yeoman Hey IR - Maintaining aging assets
• VSL UK - Sturminster Newton Embankment Stabilisation
• WSP UK - A357 Sturminster Newton Bank Stabilisation

Sponsored by

UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of between £1M and £3M

Winner:

• Menard - Horwich Rivington Chase Link Road

"A range of techniques and an innovative ground improvement solution resulted in improved sustainability credentials for the scheme. The restrictive working environment required clear planning of works and management of H&S. There was also proactive community engagement with the council and local university."

Highly Commended:

• Arup, Griffiths, Llywodraeth Cymru & Welsh Government - A487 New Dyfi Bridge

Finalists:

• Amey - A595 Moresby Hall Embankment
• Ayesa, Murphy & Network Rail - Aylesbury Culvert Replacement
• Dawson Wam - Conveyor Foundation
• Dawson Wam - Nuneham Viaduct Emergency Repair
• OTB Engineering, Alun Griffiths, Shotcrete Services, Powys County Council, Welsh Government & Network Rail - Machynlleth Underpass
• Piledesigns, PD Geostructures & Trenchco - CFBS Sports Hall
• Ramage Young Design & Malcolm Construction - Lost Shore Surf Resort

UK Project with a Geotechnical Value over £3M

Winner:

• Cementation Skanska, John F Hunt & RKD - 1 Liverpool Street

"A large variety of technical solutions was implemented on a very constrained site, facilitated by excellent collaboration between client, contractors and third-party asset holders. The decision to reuse piles presented a significant saving in programme and embodied carbon. "

Finalists:

• Bam Mott MacDonald JV - Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme
• Bam Ritchies, Balfour Beatty, Jacobs, EDF & Bemo - Hinkley Point C - TSC GI Probing and Grouting - The Future is ours to Make
• Cognition Land and Water - Sheppey Regeneration
• Crouch Waterfall - Nuneham Viaduct
• John F Hunt Regeneration & Forkers - SPARK Mine Stabilisation
• Tony Gee - Teesport No.2 Ro-Ro Replacement Project
• TRU East Alliance, PC - J. Murphy & sons, Network Rail, Volker Rail, Systra, Siemens, Active Tunnelling - NOC23 – Successful simultaneous jacking of three tunnel boring machines in a restricted possession
• Zueblin Ground Engineering UK - Silvertown Tunnel Artifical Ground Freezing

Sponsored by