ICE NI G&S Newsletter Summer Edition 2017

Transcription

1 Michael Cooper Photography Institution of Civil Engineers ICE NI G&S Newsletter Summer Edition 2017 Photo: G&S Conference (Simon White, Grainne McQuaid, Peter Smyth, Stephen Heaney)

2 Introduction 1 Events G&S Written Exercise Group G&S Training Evenings G&S Site Visit - Grand Central Hotel 2 G&S Conference Review 3 G&S Northern Ireland News McAdam Design crowned G&S Five-a-Side champions AECOM winners of the G&S Communications Competition G&S NI Committee is now open for applications Are you thinking of sitting your ICE Professional Review? Local Engineering News Local engineer represents ICE at 21st Century PEI 7 9 Welcome to the final edition of the ICE Northern Ireland Graduates & Students Newsletter for 2016/17. In this edition we will recap on a very busy period for G&S NI and give a heads up on what to expect in the next academic year, with some new events to look forward too. A huge thanks to Lauren Gracey for her time spent as editor of the G&S NI newsletter. Lauren recently became professionally qualified and has therefore decided to step down from the G&S committee. As always, we welcome articles on any aspect of civil engineering and would love to see some photos included. Please submit by 25 th September 2017 to peter.knox@aecom.com. Thanks, The Editors 1

3 Events Upcoming ICE events 21st June Building a Healthier Workforce Health & Safety Group Annual Conference Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaw s Bridge, Belfast 21st July 31st July 14th Aug Coleraine to Derry-Londonderry Rail Upgrade Clive Bradbury (Translink) Societal and Management G&S Autumn Written Exercise Group 2: Brenda O Loan (AECOM) Technical and Financial G&S Autumn Written Exercise Group 3: Don McQuillan (RPS) Webinar David Keir Building, Queen s University David Keir Building, Queen s University 11th Sept ICE NI Chairman s Address Philip Brown (GRAHAM Construction) 25th Sept Valley Park Regeneration Works in Newtownabbey G&S Training Evening 1: Ryan Whittington (Albert Fry Associates) Ulster Museum, Stranmillis, Belfast Arup Offices, Bedford House, Belfast 4th Oct 2nd Nov Work+, QUB & UU Student Networking Jenny Green (ICE) G&S Site Visit: Grand Central Hotel GRAHAM Construction G&S Social Event: Meet the Members G&S Annual Quiz Joint ICE, IStructE, IEI Clarence Court, Adelaide St, Belfast Grand Central Hotel, Bedford St, Belfast The Perch Bar, Franklin St, Belfast Pavillion Bar, Ormeau Road, Belfast For further information & details visit the ICE website: If you couldn t make it to an event or if you want to learn more about a particular civil engineering subject, visit 2

4 G&S Conference Review Civil engineering needs to adapt to embrace digital engineering and the transformation it can offer. This year s G&S conference held at the Riddel Hall, Stranmillis gave over 80 members the opportunity to explore digital engineering, and the skills which will drive growth in our industry. Peter Smyth (Jacobs) discussed the topic of smart cities and the challenges we face: asset resilience; utilising available data and technology; being innovative; and adapting as an industry. Important questions were asked, such as who will manage data sharing? Will it be held by a private company and sold? How do we as a cohort get the topic of infrastructure resilience onto the politicians radar? Martin Harvey (McAvoy Group) gave an overview of their pre-constructed modules, which are bespoke factory-made modules designed with the intention of not looking like a typical modular build once completed insitu. McAvoy Group offers a fast, efficient, hybrid manufacturing / construction process, with all designs being provided by resident engineers and architects. Each module typically leaves the factory at approximately 70% completion after 6-12 weeks. McAvoy group deliver Building Information Modelling (BIM) Level 2 services to their clients. The construction sector is shifting towards this need for digital information, which includes data-rich 3D models of buildings, and so the company intend on remaining at the forefront of this digital revolution in the offsite construction industry in the UK and Ireland. Tommy McClean and Andrew Johnston (PwC) presented a Blockchain proof of concept for the construction industry. Those who are familiar with the use of Bitcoin may already be familiar with the concept of Blockchain. Essentially, Blockchain allows tokens to be fed into the top of a supply chain (i.e. project funding), and the progress through the supply chain is visible in realtime. Sub-contractors are in control of their work and pay, and primary contractors do not need to be involved in contract agreements. If work is completed by a sub-contractor then the subcontractor receives tokens which can be cashed out, essentially meaning that they are being paid. Blockchain is a bottom-down method, therefore visibility can be controlled, i.e. you can continued on next page 3

5 G&S Conference Review only see what you are allowed to see by whoever is above you in the supply chain. The use of Blockchain technology also leaves behind an audit trail, opening up the transparency of payment transactions throughout a project. The source code is open source, therefore can be altered by the user to set thresholds, for example, in construction percentage completion is more typical as opposed to only being paid when a job is 100% complete. With regards data storage, data can be held within a server in the UK. One issue the speakers raised was that once something is put into Blockchain, it cannot be removed. The EU in 2006 put into practice the right to be forgotten, which could potentially cause an issue on a legal base with regards internet protection. Dr Michael Shaw (RPS) introduced the development and implementation of immersive technology. Michael passionately discussed the beginning of a new era of immersive technology through Virtual (VR), Augmented (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). We were introduced to the ability of VR to interact with the environment, its current use and potential use. Immersive technology can help us in a number of areas, including the visualisation of complex issues, health and safety, surveying, management, design coordination, marketing as well as having fun! The workshop also allowed delegates to have a bit of fun interacting with the Virtual Reality systems currently in use and demonstrated by Dr Michael Shaw (RPS), and Aimee McCabe (WDR & RT Taggart). Aimee plans to carry out a PhD in collaboration with QUB and WDR & RT Taggart focusing on the use of digital technology in the world of civil and structural engineering. Simon White, Divisional Digital Director and Barry Nay, Practise Manager of Atkins held an interesting workshop, focusing on how we as graduates and students see our future in digital transformation. All of the delegates were on their feet with a number of questions posed regard- continued on next page 4

6 G&S Conference Review ing digital innovation. Delegates were asked to consider whether they strongly agree, agree, disagree or strongly disagree, and if their response was neutral, they were challenged to talk through the topic and ultimately make a decision. An important message that came out of this workshop is that many don t feel their university degree set them up for digital technology, however some would argue that this is something they will learn on the job. Some felt that their companies were embracing digital technologies from management level down, whereas others felt digital technology was being neglected within their company. It was also interesting to note Atkins are interested in hearing the thoughts of all apprentices, technicians, students and graduates. Begin the Digital Transformation - Your Future survey to give your view on digital transformation within civil engineering. that our members preferred working with people as opposed to online tutorials / information we like human contact! One delegate was able to point out that she is currently working towards automating her own job, which is a great thing, but concerning for the individual. Why use an experienced civil or structural engineer to do a monotonous job, when we can automate the task and give our time to doing more interesting things. Others felt they might actually become redundant in their jobs if design is automated, but can design really be fully automated? I don t think it can, but certain aspects of it can be, and engineering judgement will always be necessary, after all engineering technologies are only as good as the engineer working with them. We as an industry need to adapt to new technologies, and encourage our employers to invest in us and promote the necessary learning. Stuart Millar (CSIT QUB), a PhD Research Student discussed cyber security with the group, and the potential safety hazards associated with data and data storage. Coincidently, as we sat discussing the potential cyber security issues in construction, a group were busy hatching their plans to cripple IT systems across the UK and worldwide. It just goes to show that the more devices and continued on next page 5

7 G&S Conference Review everyday objects that are online sending and receiving data, the more vulnerable we can be. Connor O Higgins (McFarland Associates) discussed the new technology they have utilised for structural health monitoring on a number of projects, including fibre optic sensors, accelerometers paired with CCTV and cathodic protection. An array of knowledge was presented showing the innovative use of commercial modelling software and relatively inexpensive accelerometers, and their use in calibrating the finite element models. Leanne Nuttall Lowe (Graham Construction) talked to the delegates about the use of social media for project and career progression. Leanne highlighted the need for graduates and students to be aware of their 'brand' on social media sites, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Personal social media profiles are never off limits, something graduates and students should remember, particularly when seeking employment. Your social media provides potential and current employers with an insight into your personal life, so it is important to make yourself memorable for the right reasons. Jenny Green (ICE) introduced the ICE Benevolent Fund to the members, and encouraged all G&S members to read the information available on the website. She highlighted the importance of donations to the ICE Benevolent Fund, and how 100% of donations go to help ICE members. Jenny also gave an overview of the ICE Professional Review process, and the different routes available to all members. Jenny is always happy to help if anyone has any queries or would like further information on the ICE Professional Review (Jenny.Green@ice.org.uk). Thank you to our sponsors Atkins, and Riddel Hall for hosting yet another excellent conference whilst assisting us throughout the day. A big thank you goes to our immediate Past-Chairperson, Dr. Grainne McQuaid, for putting together such a successful and forward-thinking event. We hope you enjoyed it. by Ruth Kelly (ICE G&S NI Chairperson 2017/18) Photography courtesy of Michael Cooper 6

8 G&S Northern Ireland News McAdam Design crowned G&S Five-a-Side champions The annual G&S Five-a-Side took place on 11th April at Playball Stormont in Belfast. Once again it was a highly competitive affair with McAdam Maulers (McAdam Design) overcoming DID Eindhoven (Design ID) in the final. McAdam Maulers now progress to the ICE national finals where they will attempt to match Design ID s achievement from last year, and once again bring the national five-a-side trophy back to Northern Ireland. Due to the popularity of the annual five-a-side competition, the G&S committee are thinking of organising a five-a-side league to be held over the summer. To express your interest in taking part or to find out more information, contact Ronan.Carlin@designid.com. AECOM winners of the G&S Communications Competition The G&S Communications Competition promotes the importance of effective communication skills. Teams use their inter-personal skills to present a civil engineering project at a mock public consultation meeting. Held on 20th March at Arup s offices in Belfast, this year's regional heat, saw stiff competition between AECOM, Design ID and Arup. All teams presented very well and faced some challenging questions from an enthusiastic and a not so reserved audience and judging panel. After a long and hard deliberation by the judging panel (David Porter, James Golden and Jenny Green) AECOM were announced as the winners. A sincere well done to all teams who competed this year, and we wish AECOM all the best in the semi-final due to be held on 29th June in Edinburgh. 7

9 G&S Northern Ireland News G&S NI Committee is now open for applications If you are interested in becoming a representative on the ICE G&S Committee from August 2017, contact Ruth Kelly by ing ruth.mg.kelly@outlook.com by 30th June 2017, 12:00. Please provide a 250 word submission detailing why you would like to join the committee, including your ICE number. The G&S committee organise technical and social events throughout the year and represent G&S members on other ICE committees. Meetings are held in the David Keir Building, QUB. The G&S NI past-chair, Dr. Grainne McQuaid, would like to thank the committee and all G&S members for their help in contributing towards a very successful year. The committee and incoming chair, Ruth Kelly, express their thanks to Grainne for her guidance and organisation throughout the past year. Are you thinking of sitting your ICE Professional Review? If you are thinking of sitting your ICE Professional Review in Autumn 2017 or Spring 2018 then the Written Exercise Group is what you need. The Written Exercise Group will provide guidance on how best to approach your Professional Review with emphasis on how to tackle your Written Exercise. The three sessions will cover the topics outlined in the ICE s Professional Review Guidance and will be delivered by experienced ICE reviewers. You will also have an opportunity to ask current ICE reviewers any questions you have regarding the day itself, how your questions are selected and how to approach both your presentation and your written exercise. Refer to the events page of the newsletter for details on where and when it will be held. Please contact Lauren.Gracey@graham.com for more information. Meeting 1: Introduction and Commercial Keith Trimble, SSE Renewables Meeting 2: Societal and Management Brenda O Loan, AECOM Meeting 3: Technical and Financial Don McQuillan, RPS For those unable to attend their local Written Exercise Group, ICE GSNet have organised a number of webinar sessions over the summer. Visit the WEG LinkedIn Page for further details and information on how to register for the sessions. 8

10 Local Civil Engineering News Local engineer represents ICE at 21st Century PEI The inaugural meeting of young members from the 35 Professional Engineering Intuitions (PEI) took place on Friday 5th March at the headquarters of the IET in London. Lyndsay Ross was representing the ICE at the event. It was the first event of its kind with young engineers from across the institutions getting together to discuss the collective goals for a professional engineering institution in the 21st Century. Some key themes which were discussed over the day included: The need to better share existing resources and CPD opportunities between professional institutions The move away from the existing silo approach to a more user centric service offering The flexibility to sample offerings from all institutions in the early years of your career The diversifying role of the engineer and the need for more fluidity to change institutions during your career Innovative ideas such as a passport to engineering or a user preference driven app to access resources from across all institutions were discussed. Also in attendance at the event were CEOs from the 35 professional institutions. The ideas from the young members were presented to the CEOs and task groups have been formed to progress these ideas forward. If you would like to learn more about the day or have views on the future of professional engineering institutions please don t hesitate to contact Lyndsay.Ross@aecom.com. 9