Dr Brian Sheil, Laing O'Rourke, Associate Professor in Construction Engineering at the University of Cambridge, and co-authors Ronan Royston and Byron W. Byrne have been selected as guest speakers for the prestigious 2024 Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Geotechnical Lecture held in London on 19 November. Their groundbreaking study, Monitoring the Construction of a Large-Diameter Caisson in Sand, provides valuable insights into the challenges of large-scale caisson construction and the complex soil-structure interactions involved.
This bi-annual ICE Geotechnical Lecture will be chaired by Dr Andrew Ridley, Chair of the British Geotechnical Association, and it's a key event for engineering professionals, offering a deep dive into the research and innovation transforming the field of geotechnics. With cutting-edge analysis of real-time monitoring on a UK construction site, the paper reveals insights into complex soil-structure interactions that challenge conventional design practices. Such findings contribute to safer, more efficient construction methodologies and serve as a benchmark for future projects.
The study examines the real-time monitoring of settlement and tilt, soil-structure interaction contact stresses, and overall structural performance. The aim was to provide immediate feedback to the site engineering team, allowing adjustments during the construction process. The insights gained from the project have potential implications for enhancing the standards in construction engineering and geotechnical design.
The 2024 ICE Geotechnical Lecture promises to be a highlight for professionals in geotechnical engineering, bringing together leading voices to discuss the future of construction engineering.