Fugro ground investigation project wins at industry awards

The challenging programme of geotechnical work saw the global survey specialist pick up ‘Ground Investigation Project of the Year’ in the face of tough competition.

Fugro undertook detailed ground investigations of superficial deposits and bedrock along a 46-kilometre section of the A9 between Pass of Birnam and Glen Garry, with a requirement to work sensitively in an area of outstanding environmental value. The scope included exploratory holes in soil and rock, in situ testing, high quality sampling, installation of instrumentation, laboratory testing, post site monitoring and factual reporting.

The judges said that it “was a very impressive project showing how important it is for engineers to be respectful of the local environment” and “offered excellent technical examples of innovation, adaptability to changing circumstances and delivering client savings.”

Carried out under a £2.5million contract for Transport Scotland, Fugro’s investigations will help inform ongoing design work for the southern section of the dualling which will eventually extend the entire length of the A9 from Perth to Inverness. The scheme has been described by Keith Brown, Infrastructure Secretary for the Scottish Parliament, as “some of the most challenging work ever undertaken.”

Ross Stevens, Managing Director at Fugro GeoServices, said: “We are delighted to pick up this prestigious award. Fugro is continually extending its technology, capability and geotechnical expertise to deliver complex ground investigations. It is very rewarding when the skills of our highly committed teams and Fugro’s mission to excel are recognised by the industry in this way.”

Fugro developments were also shortlisted in other award categories. These included a rapid condition scanning solution co-developed with United Utilities for the Haweswater Aqueduct, and a two-in-one cone penetration test (CPT) and sampling system to increase the productivity of nearshore site investigations.

More than 100 shortlisted projects and innovations representing the cutting edge of the ground engineering sector competed for a total of 14 GE awards. The winners were announced at a prestigious ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in London.