The following article first appeared in the June 2024 edition of Ground Engineering magazine.
Chris Hewett, senior engineer at Costain currently working as a sub agent for the HS2 London Tunnels scheme as part of the Skanska Costain Strabag Joint Venture, recently spoke to Ground Engineering magazine about his experience and how practical problem solving is critical to project delivery.
How do you describe your work when asked by someone outside the geotechnical sector?
I tend to frame it as overseeing and driving on site construction. This involves leading a team of engineers to turn designs into tangible structures on site, as well as collaborating with subcontractors and clients to ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget and to a high standard. Additionally, I put emphasis on the daily problem-solving aspect of my work that’s inherent across engineering disciplines, particularly with more challenging projects.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I enjoy most about my work is overcoming challenging obstacles and finding innovative solutions. I’m also impressed by the vast scale of some of the projects I work on; constructing monumental engineering feats is truly awe-inspiring and serves as a reminder of the intricate technicalities and effort required to build the infrastructure we often take for granted. Being a part of making these large feats happen is something that I really enjoy.
What has been the most memorable project or assignment you have worked on and why?
One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on was the site establishment for the segmental production facility and offshore head construction as part of the Hinkley Point C marine works project. This project marked a pivotal point in my career development as I took on site engineering responsibilities. Being part of a small engineering team allowed for rapid growth and hands-on experience in heavy civil works and site establishment.
What are you currently working on?
I am working as a sub agent as part of the Greenpark Way vent shaft projects, a component of the broader High Speed 2 (HS2) London Tunnels scheme as part of the Skanska Costain Strabag Joint Venture. This entails the construction of two ventilation shafts to connect to the upline and downline tunnels. We’ve encountered complex ground conditions with high groundwater pressures that had to be overcome. This necessitated an extensive groundwater management strategy to ensure safe excavation of two 45m deep shafts, which involved implementing a range of solutions, including ground treatment and an extensive dewatering system for depressurisation.
Who or what inspires you?
The inspiration behind my work stems from recognising the critical importance of infrastructure and our reliance on it. Hearing about the myriad of challenges from accounts of other projects and reading about the clever solutions that needed to be implemented is truly motivating. As engineers, we play a pivotal role in shaping the world around us and the opportunity to contribute to something of such significance is what keeps me driven.
What challenges or opportunities should the geotechnical sector focus on today and in the future?
Looking ahead, I believe as with many other sectors, we should prioritise innovation to propel the industry forward. This includes particular efforts to reduce carbon emissions and costs while upholding quality. I believe having a comprehensive understanding of project scope as early as possible is important as this goes a long way towards minimising a project’s impact on the environment and communities, while maximising efficiencies and value for money.
What would you tell people interested in a career in ground engineering?
For those interested in pursuing a career in this industry, I would describe it as very rewarding path that offers exposure to a variety of projects and engineering accomplishments that you would never otherwise witness or be a part of. Particularly on the projects I’ve worked on, every day is different, and work is always progressing and changing. This variety means there’s always something new to look forward to and you don’t get bored of doing the same thing day in and day out.
Finally, what book, television show, film or podcast would you recommend to our readers?
I’m not the biggest reader in the world, but I recently finished Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, the first book I’ve picked up in years. It’s a captivating blend of sci-fi and thriller elements, perfect for anyone who enjoys those genres.
As for resources, Groundwater lowering in construction: A practical guide to dewatering has been incredibly valuable, especially considering the groundwater challenges we have overcome recently on my current project. This book offers comprehensive insights, from basic principles to practical applications on site for groundwater management.