The Engineers Collective

New Civil Engineer

News and interviews covering all corners of infrastructure, from rail to roads to energy to tunnels and much more, with guests from all around the wide world of civil engineering chatting with NCE news editor Rob Hakimian and the rest of the NCE team

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100 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes100

Newest first

Sep 29, 2021 · 51 min
Transport for London’s Michèle Dix announces her retirement
Transport for London (TfL) Crossrail 2 managing director Michèle Dix joins NCE editor Claire Smith and head of content and engagement Rob Horgan on the latest episode of The Engineers Collective to talk about her 21 year career with the organisation as she prepares for retirement. Michèle talks about her work on London’s congestion charging scheme, which first took her to TfL in 2000 and how she was an early pioneer of job sharing when she jointly delivered the role of director for the project with Malcolm Murray-Clark. She continued to work with Malcolm as the scheme was extended westwards and they evolved the role to deliver London’s Low Emission Zone too. Michèle also discusses some of her favourite projects, including delivery of London’s cable car, before exploring the challenges faced by her last project – Crossrail 2 – which has now been mothballed as a result of TfL’s pandemic funding issues. In reflecting back on her career, Michèle also puts forward advice for young engineers hoping to emulate her success and considers what advice she’d give her younger self too. Ahead of the interview with Michèle, Claire, Rob and reporter Catherine Kennedy explore some of the latest news stories including some intriguing innovations such as the role of fungi in preventing landslides, tunnel boring machines that can 3D print tunnel linings or bore square section tunnels through rock and how graphene might change construction materials.
Sep 15, 2021 · 30 min
Full steam ahead: Setting the strategy for transport decarbonisation
In this episode Transport for the North’s new chief executive Martin Tugwell joins NCE editor Claire Smith and features editor Nadine Buddoo to discuss the decarbonisation of regional transport networks. Tune in to find out how sustainable growth can be tackled by finding the economic benefits, utilising current budgets and thinking systematically to create a long-term strategy. While the discussion is focused on the recently completed consultation for Transport for the North’s decarbonisation strategy, challenges faced in other regions of the UK also come under the spotlight. Martin, Claire and Nadine explore the potential solutions including the use of hydrogen in transport. Martin also considers how the challenges can be overcome through innovation, flexibility and long-term mindsets, which are considered key to moving forward towards becoming carbon net zero transport industry.
Aug 25, 2021 · 54 min
Let's talk about menopause: the importance of supporting employees in the industry
In this episode Amanda Fisher, chief executive of Amey, and Mandy Willis, Mace group board director of corporate strategy, join NCE editor Claire Smith and Nadine Buddoo to discuss a new initiative they've launched to support staff through menopause in the workplace. The group discuss how menopause is the skills issue that is rarely spoken about in the construction sector and how an online platform like Peppy allows staff to gain the support they need. Peppy were unable to join the interview on the podcast, but co-founder Max Landry commended Amey and Mace for taking the lead on the matter. “Mace and Amey are leading the way for the construction industry by normalising the menopause and offering personalised support to their people,” he said. “We have already hit our expected usage numbers for the companies which highlights the demand for support. Setting up this kind of support is quick, easy and cost efficient, with Mace and Amey going from initial discussions to launch in less than six weeks – testament to the commitment to change made by the leaders there." Before the interview with Amanda and Mandy, Claire speaks to NCE’s head of content and engagement Rob Horgan and reporter Catherine Kennedy about the main news stories over the last month. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com
Aug 11, 2021 · 53 min
Creating a ‘construction time machine’ to de-risk construction with John Sisk and Sons
Creation of 3D models of different phases of construction is allowing civil engineers to move into the world of 4D and digitally rehearse the work before ever setting foot on site. Speaking to The Engineers Collective host Claire Smith, who is editor on NCE, John Sisk and Sons head of 4D planning Josh Hanson refers to this as effectively having a construction time machine to scroll forward and back through to work to reduce risk on site. Claire and Josh are also joined by Sisk’s regional 4D planning manager Liam Clarke and BIM Lead for UK Civils and Rail Rupinder Wilkhu. The group discuss how BIM models and animation of design 10 years ago has now evolved to allow digital rehearsal and how Sisk has moved on that journey using Bentley System’s Synchro software. Liam, Josh and Rupinder explore how the techniques have benefitted projects they are currently working on and what the challenges might have been if they had not had the technology available to them. The trio also share their expertise to give advice to engineer and businesses that haven’t yet fully embraced the potential of digital engineering in this way before exploring how the techniques might evolve in the next decade to give closer control on cost, carbon and quality. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com
Jul 28, 2021 · 50 min
The importance of collaboration between architects and engineers with Martin Knight and Michelle McDowell
This month's episode features a chat with founding director of Knight Architects, Martin Knight, and BDP principal and civil and structural engineering group leader Michelle McDowell. The two join our editorial panel to talk about the need for engineers and architects to work together more collaboratively in the future. With the two disciplines working closer together than they used to, we ask about the biggest misconceptions they have about each other, and what benefits could arise from a better understanding on both sides. We talk about how delivery with consideration from all corners can improve the experience for the end user, and what barriers currently exist which prevent closer collaboration. We often talk about the need for early engagement at all levels in the supply chain, but do we procure projects in the right way to create the opportunity for improved design and multidisciplinary collaboration? All of this and more is on the table in July's episode of The Engineers Collective. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com
Jul 14, 2021 · 19 min
In the news: the Miami Champlain Towers South collapse with the NCE editorial team
In this month’s news special, Claire Smith (editor), Catherine Kennedy (reporter) and Rob Horgan (news editor) discuss the recent tragic events in Miami, with the collapse in June of the Champlain Towers South building. Then, Claire is joined by former New Civil Engineer editor Ty Byrd, who joined what is now NCE’s sister title, Construction News in the wake the collapse of the Ronan Point tower block in East London. Ty tells us about the changes in the construction industry which came about as a result of the collapse.
Jun 30, 2021 · 42 min
Health, Safety, Wellbeing and data: The ‘Discovering Safety’ programme, with HSE and Atkins
In this month’s episode of The Engineers Collective, news editor Rob Horgan and reporter Catherine Kennedy discuss the top news stories of the month, and Catherine tells us a bit about her most recent site visit in Belfast. Later, Nadine Buddoo (features editor at NCE) is joined by Zane Ulhaq, associate director for Atkins, and Helen Balmforth, the head of data analytics at the Health and Safety Executive. Zane is a leader for change in the construction and healthcare sectors. He has digitally transformed a business unit of over 3,000 staff and is a key leader of Atkins’ global digital programme. Helen provides data analytical expertise across HSE, the wider UK government and the private sector. She has over 18 years’ experience of developing and delivering analytical solutions for a range of health and safety issues. Helen has led the development of the Regulatory Intelligence programme of work at HSE and sits on the cross government Data Leaders Network. Together they discuss health, safety and wellbeing issues affecting the industry, and help us understand how data science and tools can be applied to make improvements and innovations. They tell us all about the ‘Discovering Safety’ programme and how successes and challenges will be shared with industry, and reference examples of best practice. As with all topics, there is also some Covid-forced innovation to be highlighted, as well as a general shift within industry in data culture (and HSE’s change in mindset to match pace).
Jun 16, 2021 · 38 min
Reimagining the future of infrastructure: tech, BIM, digital twins and a crystal ball, with John Nolan from Network Rail and Dan Vogen from Bentley Systems
Editor of New Civil Engineer Claire Smith is joined by John Nolan from Network Rail and Dan Vogen from Bentley Systems. This month’s podcast takes stock of our technology use right now and reflects on the journey we’ve all been on over the past two years or so. Our panellists get their crystal ball out and speculate on the future too - how can the industry build on rapid change over the past 12 months and what tech might we see being used in the next 5-10 years to advance the sector? John developed the Network Rail BIM Strategy, and Dan is Vice President of Road and Rail Asset Management at Bentley. Together, they discuss the positive impacts of the pandemic and the fast adoption of technology in the sector: what is the role of digital twins in our future ways of working? The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com
May 26, 2021 · 1 hr 3 min
The Net Zero Infrastructure Industry Coalition: A place-based approach to net zero, with Mott MacDonald
This month the New Civil Engineer editorial team once again discuss the hot topics in civil engineering, including many government reports being released following purdah and the impact of the recent elections on infrastructure. Later, features editor Nadine Buddoo and reporter Catherine Kennedy are joined by two guests from Mott MacDonald, also authors of the recent report by the Net Zero Infrastructure Industry Coalition called 'A place-based approach to net zero.' Clare Wildfire is Mott MacDonald’s global practice lead for cities. She combines her 30-year experience as a low-energy engineer with her experience at neighbourhood and city scale to provide insight into the technical, political, financial and behavioural aspects of sustainable development and healthy, resilient, low carbon living. Luke Strickland is Mott MacDonald’s global practice leader for environmental assessment and leads a broad consultancy team in the Midlands. With a mixed background of environment and engineering, he is passionate about the environment we live in and seeks to achieve ambitious sustainable outcomes across our urban infrastructure. Together they explain what the report is and what it focuses on, and the general results. Nadine and Catherine ask what key changes in central government policy they would like to see to support local authorities in meeting their net zero objectives, and pry more into understanding what a 'system of systems' approach to city infrastructure might look like as one of the report's findings. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more http://www.bentley.com
May 12, 2021 · 43 min
Learning about the blue economy with San Diego’s Tim Barrett and ECOncrete’s Andrew Rella
May’s mid-month episode of The Engineers Collective features New Civil Engineer’s features editor Nadine Buddoo, and reporter Catherine Kennedy. The pair go international and chat to two special guests in The Port of San Diego in the United States of America. Joining them to talk about the blue economy model and its connection to innovative infrastructure solutions is Tim Barrett, senior environmental specialist for the Port of San Diego’s environmental conservation department, and Andrew Rella, global director of engineering for eco-engineering company ECOncrete. The beginning of this episode addresses the ‘blue economy incubator’, a programme for entrepreneurs to encourage new blue economy businesses. One of these ‘pilot projects’ involves a partnership with ECOncrete to demonstrate a brand new design of the Coastalock Tide Pool Armor on Harbour Island. The pair talk about what this project is and how the three-year pilot is due to progress, as well as the potential impacts of its success. As with every broad topic in 2021, climate change and sustainability are two big questions put to Andrew and Tim, who explain the impact of ECOncrete and the mitigation in place to protect the existing coastline and coastal ecosystems. With digital technology changing infrastructure, Bentley’s infrastructure digital twins enable users to combine engineering, reality, and IoT data of assets above and below ground – to visualise, track change, and perform analysis to optimise asset performance. It’s likely you are already ‘going digital’, but if you need help to embrace change and realise the benefits of digital innovation within your business, speak to Bentley – we can help accelerate your digital advancement, help you make better decisions, gain insights, and achieve better business outcomes. Find out more at www.bentley.com
Apr 28, 2021 · 36 min
Updates on the Road Investment Strategy 2 and lessons learned with Graham Richards from Office of Rail and Road
This month’s podcast features a bumper news update, including the recent reaction to the proposed London Resorts Theme Park planning application. NCE’s editor Claire Smith, news editor Rob Horgan and reporter Catherine Kennedy go over the month’s most interesting stories: could the French ban on domestic short-haul flights be translated to the UK? Also on the table is multipurpose infrastructure projects, with some industry figures asking if projects like Lower Thames Crossing could include a railway and if a ‘systems’ view for UK infrastructure would be a sensible approach. Later, Nadine Buddoo, features editor at NCE joins the conversation introducing this month’s guest, Graham Richards. Graham is the director of planning and performance at the Office of Rail and Road. He takes a few minutes to explain the purpose of the organisation, before being quizzed by the team on the second Road Investment Strategy (RIS). What are its key focus areas and what progress has thus far been made by Highways England? What lessons have been learned from RIS1? Will there be a third strategy, and how will that differ from what’s past given we’re coming up on the government-forced ban on specific types of vehicles? Graham is also asked how RIS3 fits into the journey to net zero. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com
Apr 14, 2021 · 27 min
COP26 in Glasgow: How should civil engineering influence the agenda? With Philippa Spence from Ramboll
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
Mar 24, 2021 · 54 min
Mental health: The impact of COVID-19 on wellbeing in construction with Lindsey Marie and Phil Hinchey from RSK
Discussing the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on mental health, The Engineers Collective welcomes RSK’s health and safety manager for the contracting division Lindsey Marie and principal safety, health, environment and quality co-ordinator Phil Hinchey to the podcast. Marie explains some of the major challenges around workers’ mental health and wellbeing, and explores how COVID-19 has shaped the construction industry’s approach to the issue. During the discussion, Phil outlines some of the potential behavioural signs that indicate someone might be struggling with their mental health. He also offers advice on what action to take and signposts the resources and support that is available. Marie manages the health and safety aspects of the 17 businesses within RSK’s contracting division and is also a specialist member of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management with over 13 years’ experience. She is also a mental health first aider, offering support and guidance and ensuring that all individuals within RSK have access to key wellbeing services through the employee assistance programme. Phil is a chartered member of the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety with over 30 years’ experience in health safety, environment and quality in the distribution, construction and warehousing sectors. He is also a mental health first aider and is RSK’s regional wellbeing representative for the West region of the UK. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more www.bentley.com
Mar 10, 2021 · 44 min
Using our skills to benefit society and the importance of ethics in engineering with Emma Crichton from Engineers Without Borders UK
This month, The Engineers Collective focuses on ethical engineering, welcoming Engineers Without Borders UK head of engineering Emma Crichton to the podcast. Crichton explains how her experience of studying for an engineering degree led her to question the lack of importance given to the ethical side of engineering. She explains how engineers can use their skills to benefit the whole of society and stresses how the importance of ethics in engineering needs to be better understood. Crichton is a chartered civil engineer with six years’ experience in the Water industry in Scotland. She has worked on a variety of projects and has consistently believed in the importance of collaboration, impactful partnerships and the role engineering has to play in bettering our society. As head of engineering at Engineers Without Borders UK she is responsible for driving forward their mission; leading their work to embed globally responsible engineering into curriculum and throughout day to day practice. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more www.bentley.com
Feb 24, 2021 · 42 min
Making carbon net zero as common nature as health and safety with Ruth Jeffs from Waterman Group
The latest episode of The Engineers Collective looks at the regional challenge of delivering carbon net zero at a regional level and how the mindset of engineers needs to change in order to meet government targets. Joining NCE editor Claire Smith and reporter Catherine Kennedy special guest Waterman regional director for the Midlands Ruth Jeffs talks about what she has learned about carbon net zero through her day to day job, as well as her role as an Association of Consultancy and Engineering Board Director. Ruth has also been chair of the Association of Consultancy and Engineering Midlands group since 2017, which has given her real insight into the regional implications of carbon net zero and how what works for one region doesn’t always fit another. Ruth talks about the new skills that civil engineers will need to address the challenges and how we need to get to the point where carbon net zero – as well as waste net zero and water net zero – needs to become as common nature in construction as health and safety is. The carbon net zero discussion follows on from a news update with Claire, Catherine and NCE’s head of content and engagement Rob Horgan, which also has an environmental slant with talk about the impact environmental considerations is having on planning for major projects. The team also look ahead to what might come out of the 3 March Budget and what the long-awaited Integrated Rail Plan might hold in store for the industry. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com
Feb 10, 2021 · 47 min
Bringing joy to infrastructure design with National Infrastructure Design group chair Sadie Morgan
The latest episode of The Engineers Collective looks at the role placemaking plays in the design of infrastructure and how the National Infrastructure Commission’s Design Principles for National Infrastructure aim to improve the look and feel of our built environment. The importance of creating a sense of place that brings joy to the user and minimises isolation is discussed by NCE editor Claire Smith and features editor Nadine Buddoo with guests DRM director and National Infrastructure Commission design group chair Sadie Morgan and Unscene Architecture founding director and design group member Madeleine Kessler. The group talk about the four key principles of climate, people, place and value before looking at placemaking in more detail and discuss projects that have successfully delivered just that. Projects discussed include a park on top of a sewage works in Tokyo, through to a ski slope on a waste incinerator in Denmark, as well as the winner of the inaugural Design Principles Award at the British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA) last year, which was the Leeds Footbridge for the Climate Innovation District. According to Sadie, the BCIA winner demonstrates that even small project can achieve good design and dual purpose and sets a benchmark for other projects to aspire to. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com
Jan 27, 2021 · 44 min
The role of AI in the future of roads maintenance with FMConway and RoadBotics
The latest episode of The Engineers Collective looks at how artificial intelligence (AI) could transform how highway maintenance work is planned and prioritised. Joining NCE editor Claire Smith and features editor Nadine Buddoo special guests FM Conway consultancy director John Holliday and Roadbotics senior partner for success lead Stew Frick talk about the introduction of AI-led highway maintenance planning to the UK and discuss the challenges speed bumps and hot rolled asphalt initially presented to the task. John was instrumental in bringing RoadBotics to the UK and to date his team has surveyed more than 3,000km of road network on behalf of seven highway authorities including Highways England, Transport for London and the City of Westminster. Stew talks about the AI technology behind the system and the potential for it to be used on footpaths and feed into wider management systems in the future. The AI discussion follows on from a news update from Claire, head of content and engagement Rob Horgan and reporter Catherine Kennedy about futuristic and aspirational engineering projects that have been inspiring NCE’s readers in the last few weeks. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com
Jan 13, 2021 · 57 min
Exploring the world of ‘Systems Engineering’, with Matt Gibson from Amey and Chris Rolison from Bentley Systems
A Happy New Year to you, from everyone at New Civil Engineer. In the first episode of 2021 editor of NCE, Claire Smith, is joined by Matt Gibson, principal engineering manager at Amey, and Chris Rolison, senior director of progressive assurance systems at Bentley Systems. The three explore the world of systems engineering after the recent ICE report on the topic. What is systems engineering? What benefits will it bring to civil engineering projects and the engineers working on them? And what are the challenges involved in adopting this kind of approach? The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com
Dec 9, 2020 · 42 min
2020 in review: The NCE team discuss the biggest news stories of the year
In the last Engineers Collective podcast of 2020, the whole NCE news team join together to talk through the highs and lows of 2020 and look at the challenges facing the civil engineering industry in 2021. For the first time editor Claire Smith, news editor Rob Horgan and features editor Nadine Buddoo are joined by reporter Catherine Kennedy on the podcast as they reflect back on what has certainly been an eventful year. The team look at the major projects underway and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on those, as well as consider what the long term impact of the virus with work patterns changing and passenger fare revenues dropping. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com
Nov 25, 2020 · 58 min
Introducing the 156th President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Rachel Skinner
In this month's Engineers Collective podcast, NCE news editor Rob Horgan and features editor Nadine Buddoo discuss the unfolding news stories, including Lower Thames Crossing. The pair also address the ongoing HS2 legal battle with Bechtel which is rumbling on, and non disclosure agreements: neccesary, or do they promote a culture of silence? Later, editor of New Civil Engineer, Claire Smith, interviews the incoming ICE President, Rachel Skinner. Rachel is executive director at WSP and talks to Claire about her priorities and theme for her year in the hot seat. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com