Award for Technical Excellence

This award recognises a hi-tech advancement or concept that has helped a company improve its performance or delivery of a specific challenging element of a project, between January 2024 and January 2025.

The entrant may have achieved technical excellence through producing a new approach to analysis or design, advanced techniques or procedures during design or delivery and/or working with its customers to improve delivery of a specific part of a project through technical refinement. 

AtkinsRéalis
Powderham Banks improvement project

This project leverages non-intrusive, digital technologies to holistically assess the condition of a deteriorating flood defence. By combining multiple drone (imagery, topographic, multi-spectral, thermal) and geophysical (3D resistivity, ground penetrating radar, electromagnetics) datasets as well as sporadic historical information, a list of 20 ‘at-risk’ locations was determined from multiple lines of evidence interpreted from the surveys. In the following 14 months, 25% of these locations would go on to fail. A PRIME system, an autonomous system to collect daily resistivity data from the embankment was installed in September 2024. This data has been used to not only detect piping failures, but used to both identify areas for low-impact early intervention repairs and then to monitor the efficacy of those repairs. This project underscores the value of implementing non-intrusive and cost-effective characterisation and monitoring methods to enable data-driven decision-making regarding repair schedules and future monitoring and management of the asset.

Bam Nuttall
South West Rail Resilience Programme

BAM, DYWIDAG and Tony Gee have revolutionised coastal infrastructure protection using an innovative combination soil nailing system, successfully implemented on Network Rail's Dawlish cliff stabilisation project. This groundbreaking solution combines marine-grade 316 stainless steel with DYWIDAG GEWI® Plus galvanised bars, connected by a unique machined coupling system, providing a 100-year design life that reduced project costs by £7m. The system uses stainless steel with galvanised bars for the embedded length, optimising material usage without compromising performance. Factory pre-assembly of transition couplers ensures consistent quality control, while the modular design facilitates efficient installation. This project showcases the power of collaboration, with each team member's expertise contributing to a system that meets the Southwest coast's challenging environmental demands while addressing the critical need for cost-effectiveness in major infrastructure projects. The innovation made the Dawlish project financially viable and created a new blueprint for addressing similar challenges in coastal infrastructure protection worldwide.

Binnies
Blackbrook Dam

Blackbrook Dam reportedly suffered damage due to seismic events in 1957 and 1984. As part of an inspection in 2024 the Inspecting Engineer requested a seismic assessment be undertaken to prove overall dam safety. Following a literature review, Binnies proposed to carry out FEA to USACE manuals using a Binnies derived wave function rather than a pseudo-static approach. This was done because Binnies identified a risk to the upper wall section of the dam that could not be assessed using a mass pseudo-static approach. The results were aligned with design criteria given in the USACE manuals and satisfied overall dam safety requirements whilst identifying possible mode of failure of upper section. This was not initially required but was proposed to the Client as an added benefit to allow further investigation and/or remediation to reduce costs, whilst the analysis proved the overall safety and stability of the dam.

BAE Systems, McLaughlin & Harvey, Amentum & Cementation Skanska
Ground improvement at a nuclear safety case quayside development

Collaboration and a strong “one team” mentality between Amentum (formerly Jacobs CMS), Skanska, McLaughlin & Harvey, Client, Design Authority and the Nuclear Regulator throughout the project life cycle has seen the successful, timely, demonstrable and verifiable completion of innovative ground treatment to mitigate a liquefaction hazard at the proposed location of a nuclear safety related structure. The confidential project involved constructing an anchored king pile bulkhead retaining wall and installation of bearing piles for quay and crane support within a dockside redevelopment. The design included resilience against extreme environmental hazards, including a design basis earthquake event that was shown to trigger liquefaction of underlying soils. Project stakeholders developed an innovative soil exchange methodology, believed to be a first for a nuclear safety case, along with onerous verification and validation requirements to demonstrate successful mitigation to the Nuclear Regulator and Design Authority.

Central Alliance
Slope stabilisation using electrokinetic geosynthetics implications for the observational method

EKG slope stabilisation was used to repair a failing Victorian railway embankment in Sussex. The project was achieved successfully by a close working relationship between Network Rail, BAM, TGP and Central Alliance|Electrokinetic. Previous use of counterforts and granular replacement nearby was not possible, owing to geotechnical and access considerations. CA|EK lead the electrokinetic components of the design and construction. As a technique in itself, execution of EKG slope stabilisation is rich in data, and this was greatly enhanced by equipping the installation rigs with MWD instruments, such that every electrode installation furnished data that could be used to enhance understanding of the ground. In addition to this, Atkins-Realis monitored signalling and telecoms infrastructure for EMC and stray currents; GeoObservations monitored an array of geotechnical instruments, and Principal Contractor BAM monitored track levels. The repair was successful and demonstrated minimal impact on signalling infrastructure, track alignment the environment and wildlife.

CGL
PASS mass characterization for thermal resistivity

CGL were asked to assess why high thermal resistivity readings were recorded along a proposed cable route in Shetland and constrain these locations. CGL attributed the resistivity to 2 mapped ultra-mafic igneous intrusions, with secondary glaciotectonisation and movement of shallow weathered bedrock downslope. Following extensive review of scientific literature, CGL proposed that correlations between thermal resistivity and seismic velocity could be used for constraint using passive-acoustic seismic surveying. By visually contouring H/V vs frequency traces, qualitative seismic characterization was made and 2 distinct areas with steep-sided morphology were showcased, attributed to the two ultra-mafic igneous intrusions. These were constrained to +/-10m and demonstrated the intrusions were notably offset from available mapping. Often thermal resistivity measurements use intact rock samples with factors-of-safety to ensure there is no overheating of cables. This innovative application provides more applicable values of thermal resistivity to be used in design, without the need for excessive conservatism.

Zublin Ground Engineering
Artificial ground freezing trial at Sizewell C

ZÜBLIN have developed the AGF cut-off wall concept as an innovative and sustainable alternative to conventional cut-off wall techniques using cementitious binder. ZÜBLIN proposed that a trial be undertaken to prove the technical concept and showcase the benefits of the AGF solution. AGF involves freezing water that is naturally present in the ground and does not involve injecting foreign substances into the ground nor extracting from the ground. AGF at Sizewell C is expected to reduce the project’s environmental footprint allowing for a safe and controlled excavation of the 29m deep pit. Implementing AGF has identified savings of up 10 months to the critical path programme when compared to traditional diaphragm wall enclosure. 

Fugro 
Flexi-deck jack-up barge innovation for complex offshore wind investigation

Fugro's ground investigation for the Dunkerque Offshore Wind Farm showcases our commitment to innovation, safety, and efficiency with the implementation of our flexi-deck. The project addressed challenging near-surface ground conditions by using advanced geophysical techniques, cone penetration tests, and gyroscopic surveys. To deliver the requirements, the innovative flexi-deck system was developed for the Excalibur jack-up barge, which enhanced safety and operational efficiency. The flexi-deck features a sliding working deck for multiple sample collection, side walls for noise and environmental protection, and a flush deck design for ease of movement and sample transfer. Collaboration with the client was crucial in understanding and overcoming site challenges to develop the right solution. The project demonstrated innovation, with potential benefits for future projects through adaptable safety and efficiency features. Fugro's innovative approach enabled the project to be delivered at lower risk, demonstrating technical excellence and the highest quality of work for our client

Gammon Construction
An innovative double wall retaining system for deep excavation on recently reclaimed land

A technically excellent solution – the double wall retaining system – was successfully implemented for excavation depth up to 9.5m to facilitate the construction of the APM/BHS (Automatic Passenger Mover/Baggage Handling System) tunnels connecting the newly built concourse terminal at Hong Kong International Airport Third Runway System to the existing terminal. The double wall system is uncommon and is first of its kind in Hong Kong's ELS (Excavation and Lateral Support) work. The system created a strut-free excavation space that enhanced productivity and safety to the construction of the tunnels structure. A new innovative engineering approach was necessary to tackle the complex geological condition consisting of under-consolidating soft marine clay with soil-cement mixing treatment and the limited space restrained by the newly built reclamation seawall.

GeoSonic Drilling, i3 Decommissioning Partners, Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute and Sellafield
Breakthrough in hydrogeological characterisation beneath the Sellafield nuclear site

Sellafield’s legacy waste store, the Magnox Swarf Storage Silo has an ongoing issue with a leak of radioactive liquor into the ground. A massive leap forward in understanding of the subsurface geological and hydro-geological conditions has been made possible by novel drilling techniques to install cutting edge instrumentation in one of the most technically and logistically challenging environments anywhere in the world. The breakthrough has for the first time enabled detailed site characterisation to ensure continued safety for people and the environment as well as inform remedial measures.

Robert Bird Group 
SJWS advance ground movement assessment & monitoring back analysis

St John’s Wood Square combined advanced 3D FE modelling with real-time monitoring data from over 800 instruments, setting a new standard to ground movement and impact assessment for complex constructions in urban areas. Conventional approaches often fall short, leading to technical, programme and cost issues. For this unique project, a standard approach would not have safeguarded its success. Spanning 2.2ha on the former Barracks site in London, the residential development stands over one of the UK’s largest basements (130mx160m), adjacent to sensitive assets, including Transport for London structures, buried services and high-value properties. Robert Bird Group (RBG) modelled 80+ construction sequences, enabling the 156,000m3 excavation to proceed within stringent movement requirements. Leveraging comprehensive monitoring data, RBG back-analysis de-risked the project, avoided additional costs and construction delays, and effectively managed third-party interfaces. This achievement was possible through close collaboration of project partners, which ensured a seamless integration of expertise and resources.

VolkerFitzpatrick
Radlett Strategic Rail Freight Interchange ECI works

The vision for SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett is to create 335,000 sq m of state-of-the-art, sustainable logistics space, integrated with a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) and surrounded by 600 acres of managed woodland, conservation grazing, and public parkland. However, redevelopment was challenged by two historic landfills, Napsbury and Old Parkbury Tips, and the need to construct a 60m-wide underpass beneath the Midland Mainline (MML). To overcome these challenges, a collaborative, sustainable approach was developed, focusing on remediating only the rail chord and underpass footprints. An innovative mechanical recovery process allowed 67% of landfill material to be reused on site (recoverable soils), 33% processed for recycling, saving significant costs, time, and environmental impacts. This enabled underpass construction to begin 4 months earlier, meeting the revised Christmas 2024 deadline, and highlighted the transformative potential of landfill recovery for unlocking redevelopment across the UK.