Award for Digital Innovation

This category is open to any geotechnical company that can show excellence in the way it has used digital technology to improve systems, performance, processes or project delivery within its own business between January 2024 and January 2025.

Entries could focus on a particular digital innovation - such as an initiative to improve safety, employment practices, collaboration or delivery - or present how digital innovation is fostered and encouraged across the business and the benefits this is driving. 

Arup
Fuse & ProjectGPT

Fuse & ProjectGPT have revolutionised project data management, significantly enhancing systems, performance, processes, and project delivery within our business and our integrated project teams. Developed in-house by Arup specialists, Fuse integrates various digital solutions into a single web-based application. ProjectGPT, a key module, employs AI to facilitate natural language queries of project documents. Fuse's impact spans industries on projects like RVO Doordewind WFZ, Bakerloo Line Extension, and Brent Cross Town. Client feedback highlights enhanced data transparency, fostering holistic design solutions. Recognised as a runner-up in the NCE Techfest Awards 2024, ProjectGPT exemplifies our commitment to digital innovation. Rigorous R&D has tailored Fuse to meet evolving user needs, improving project management with real-time data access and interactive dashboards. Future plans include expanding AI capabilities, reinforcing our mission to set new standards in efficiency, collaboration, and excellence in the construction industry.

A-squared
A2-engine AI design suite 

At A-squared we have developed our AI Design Suite, an innovative web application platform, designed to streamline preliminary designs for piled rafts, rigid inclusions, and embedded retaining walls. Built under our A2-engine internal R&D initiative, the suite harnesses deep learning neural networks trained on extensive datasets from historical projects and Plaxis numerical simulations. This cutting-edge tool enables rapid parametric analyses, significantly reducing reliance on time-intensive finite element modelling during preliminary design stages. Since its launch in 2024, the AI Design Suite has been successfully deployed on over 40 projects, delivering faster, cost-effective, and reliable design solutions under constrained budgets and timescales. Continuously refined through feedback from clients and our team, the platform is a testament to A-squared’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

Dawson Wam
4D digital simulation videos

In 2023, DAWSON-WAM began creating immersive visualisations to showcase equipment and techniques. These evolved into essential tools for training, risk mitigation, client promotion, and educational outreach, reaching over 500 schoolchildren in 2024 through a partnership with CITB. Starting with detailed storyboards, simulations incorporated input from site teams and the supply chain, ensuring accurate representations of complex operations. Using film industry software, DAWSON-WAM crafted realistic 2D, 3D, and 4D animations, enabling digital rehearsals, risk identification, and cost-saving "what if" scenarios. Initially for client promotion, these simulations are now integral to safety planning, method statements, and project logistics on major infrastructure projects like HS2. Their effectiveness has led to discussions with the Supply Chain Sustainability School to include these simulations in their free resource library, extending their impact across the industry and reinforcing DAWSON-WAM’s commitment to innovation and precision in construction.

Delta Membrane Systems
The Delta Pumps app: Delta HLA Plus

The Delta HLA Plus and HLA Plus Intelligent, addresses needs within the construction industry's for risk mitigation and accountability. Delta innovated the high-water level alarm, making it more practical for the waterproofing industry. Delta has refined this concept, introducing a range of smart options with advanced features. The Delta HLA Plus is an advanced monitoring device for pumping stations, offering real-time notifications for immediate detection of critical alarm conditions, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. The HLA Plus device, paired with the Pumps App, provides a comprehensive real-time monitoring dashboard for pumping stations, 24/7. The Delta HLA Plus, free from subscription fees, connects seamlessly to any new or existing pumping station, delivering essential protection and reliability.

Geofem
Using innovative satellite remote sensing technology to create landslide susceptibility maps for California 

Geofem specialises in state-of-the-art satellite technology to monitor and manage the condition of the build environment. For this innovation project, we have developed an algorithm for assessing landslide susceptibility, generating maps using multi-sourced, satellite derived data. This area of interest was thoroughly mapped with landslide susceptibility scores, allowing for land use planning in area most likely to be affected by landslides. We thoroughly analysed an area of interest in California. The outcome of this analysis was a landslide susceptibility map of the area with a variety of score, categorising the susceptibility to geohazards from ‘no susceptibility at this scale and with the available information’ to ‘high susceptibility’.

Geoquip Marine
The extractor twins

Geoquip developed two innovative applications - PDF-Scraper and Excel-Extract - to streamline the tedious process of transcribing geotechnical laboratory data. These “Extractor Twins” convert PDF or Excel lab reports presented in unwieldy formats into import-ready files compatible with gINT (database). PDF-Scraper uses generative AI technology to recognise, extract and reorganize table data from image-based PDF reports, while Excel-Extract locally reconfigures native Excel data. Both solutions employ user-friendly interfaces, enabling side-by-side verification and editing of extracted tables, and pre-import database data matching. Additional tools assist in data cleaning, rounding, and case formatting, and users can save interim files for later refinement. Deployed for six months across multiple projects, these tools have achieved a 50% reduction in manual data handling time, improved accuracy and consistency, and made the overall workflow more efficient and satisfying. Roadmap includes expanding database compatibility and input file-types plus merging the Twins into a unified solution.

LSTC
The use of coding to complete factual data searches on energy infrastructure projects

Line Survey Transmission Consultancy (LSTC) has transformed it’s geotechnical services with its innovative Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) coding. This breakthrough shifts a traditionally manual, labor-intensive process into an efficient, automated system. By incorporating up to 125 hazard layers, the QRA reduces processing time from a day to just 5 minutes, delivering significant improvements in accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Clients benefit from tailored, high-quality outputs and reduced data ordering costs, all while maintaining flexibility to update the tool based on feedback or project needs. Backed by strong leadership and a focus on digital innovation, this tool ensures LSTC remains at the forefront of the industry. The QRA doesn’t just save time—it allows the team to prioritize delivering detailed, well-crafted reports.

Macquarie Geotechnical
Digital drill diary

When MacGeo needed more accurate and timely records of the activities carried out by their 14 drill rigs, digital technology promised several opportunities. Using disruptive technology adoption “best practice” the MacGeo team was able to develop the initiative from digital promise to an operational success. The resulting solution allows drill diaries to be completed on the rig in real time with minimal interference to rig operations. Other key outcomes include: •Allowing stakeholders to follow rig activities as they happen, rather than sometimes waiting up to 10 days for paper based diaries; and •Providing a versatile digital diary data set able to be summarised to meet a variety of client, operations, and business needs in ways . A surprise outcome arising from data collected in the first few months of operation includes data demonstrates that some crews are twice as productive as previously thought.

Robert Bird Group
GeoMotion monitoring digital tool

GeoMotion is Robert Bird Group's cutting-edge data-driven tool for processing and interpreting monitoring data. By automating data extraction, processing, and visualisation, GeoMotion significantly enhances efficiency and accuracy. Building upon RBG's ongoing commitment to digital innovation, GeoMotion was developed and deployed for the St. John's Wood Square project, a 156,000m3 basement excavation located in Central London amidst numerous high-risk assets. GeoMotion integrates with Plowman Craven's data management systems, EagleIO and CalyxOMS. Utilising EagleIO's Rest API and an automated webdriver for CalyxOMS, it drastically reduces data extraction, processing, and visualisation time from hours to mere minutes, freeing up valuable engineer time and minimising costs for clients. Designed with scalability and adaptability at its core, this transformative digital tool is already being implemented on other projects, ensuring its continuous evolution. GeoMotion exemplifies RBG's commitment to pushing the boundaries of geotechnical engineering through innovative digital solutions, delivering significant value to projects and the industry.

VSL  
TIO: Tablet Input Output

TIO is a digital initiative that streamlines the D-Wall production data workflow. It combines operators tablet input on-site, engineers review, and sophisticated analytics—all in one place. This integrated approach transforms traditional production figures into more actionable insights, empowering teams to respond promptly to changing conditions and opportunities. TIO’s intuitive visualisations help managers and engineers plan, improve quality control, and enhance overall productivity. By unifying data collection, correction, and interpretation, TIO eliminates inefficiencies, reduces errors, and sets a new standard for informed decision-making in ground engineering projects—enabling teams to deliver superior project outcomes, every time.

VSL  
Quick Connect

Quick Connect, is an innovative tool that digitalises field processes to enhance efficiency and reduce errors. Accessible via mobile devices both online and offline, it empowers teams to create custom forms, collect actionable field data, and visualise results in real-time dashboards. Quick Connect has been successfully integrated into key processes such as maintenance checklists, QHSE inspections, and equipment transfers. Its ease of use and powerful features—like QR-code asset tracking and customisable forms—make it a valuable asset for streamlining operations. By improving data accuracy and offering actionable insights, Quick Connect is ensuring and embedding operational excellence and continuous improvement across projects.

Ward & Burke Construction
Excellence in digital visual safety innovation

Ward & Burke Construction Limited (WBCL) has set a benchmark for digital innovation by integrating advanced 3D technology and fostering collaborative practices across its operations. This approach has revolutionised safety standards, ensuring they are inclusive, engaging, and accessible to a diverse workforce. By prioritising worker well-being and proactively addressing risks, WBCL has established itself as a leader in health and safety innovation within the geotechnical construction industry. The combination of cutting-edge technology, teamwork, and a proactive mindset not only enhances project delivery but also strengthens the company’s commitment to ensuring a safer work environment for all. WBCL’s efforts exemplify how innovation can transform construction practices while maintaining a steadfast focus on the well-being and safety of its workforce.