There can be little doubt that in many ways the story of bridge building is the story of civilisation. By it we can readily measure an important part of people's progress.
Franklin D Roosevelt
Franklin D Roosevelt
- Groundworks
- The start point for any building or infrastructure construction project is the groundworks, and the scheme’s ultimate success is wholly dependent on this critical initial step. Many factors must be carefully considered to establish which of a diverse range of approaches is relevant to the specific demands of the project. The scale of works ranges vastly from small private developments to the world’s largest infrastructure projects. It is essential to identify the relevant civil engineering talent appropriate to the size and technical complexity of projects.
- Earthworks
- The excavation and disposal of major quantities of soil and other materials is a highly skilled process undertaken by specialist earthworks contractors. It is an essential element for many industries including transport and civil infrastructure, the built environment, energy, utilities and mining. This well established discipline is increasingly taking advantage of new technology to carry out essential tasks. Specialised technical skills are vital for all aspects of earthworks, such as blasting, mechanical and hydromechanical excavation, drainage or diversion of surface water, establishing drainage systems, strengthening /shoring excavation walls and soil stabilisation.
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Major, global infrastructure projects are all reliant on the skills of geotechnical engineers to prepare the ground in order for buildings and structures to be constructed. Without this skillset, multi-billion pound schemes would not be able to be constructed safely. Geotechnical expertise is critical in the construction of high-speed rail projects - if the ground is not compacted in the right way the consequences could prove fatal.
Without this niche skillset, neither contractors, consultancies or clients would be able to construct and complete major global projects and the projected £7.1 trillion expenditure which has been targeted at the building of new infrastructure would certainly not be achievable.
- Piling
- A multidisciplinary approach to some of the most complex civil engineering challenges is at the forefront of successful delivery of cutting-edge piling projects. It is essential to harness geotechnical and civil engineering expertise in the pursuit of excellence in a field that has become synonymous with innovation and technological advancement.
Coping with huge variables in ground composition and type must be considered, along with the challenges brought by the constraints of existing infrastructure and environment.
With an incredible and often subtly different range of piling technology available to pioneering engineers, this industry sector demands some of the most exceptional talent on the world’s major projects.
- Pipeline
- Pipelines stretch around the world, transporting diverse yet essential products such as hydrocarbons, chemicals, water, wastewater and many other substances on and offshore. Recent increases in the use of LNG to meet energy needs have led to greater demand for pipelines. The pipeline industry faces many other challenges including increased competition, stricter regulatory requirements and a decaying pipeline infrastructure. Pipeline engineering requires complex and varied technology, which necessitates a range of approaches ranging from deep-sea pipelines to developments on land requiring no-dig or minimal-disturbance pipe and duct-laying technology. Future Executive Search’s in-depth knowledge of this sector enables us to identify the key individuals needed to deliver successful projects.
- Bridges & Structures
- Delivering success in innovative bridge and structure projects demands the highest standards of civil and structural engineering capability.
Every project requires meticulous planning and problem solving, future-proofing critical foundations and structures against traffic, industry, noise, vibration and, in many global regions, natural disaster and threats of terrorism.
The vast diversity of bridge and structural technology at the disposition of today’s engineering talent means this industry sector must take an intelligent and well-planned approach to attract the specific expertise required for some of the world’s largest and most critical projects, such as the impressive Qingdao Haiwan Bridge in China – a 26.4 mile long bridge costing £5.5bn and completed in just 4 years.
- Tunnelling
- The underground infrastructure sector, particularly tunnelling, is set to enjoy a worldwide growth and period of enhanced investment. Mainland Europe, the UK (particularly London), the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Australasia will see a lot more infrastructure going underground.
This need for underground infrastructure has been enhanced by the increased emergence of "megacities"; these are cities with a population of 10 million or more. In 2001, there were only 19 megacities globally. It is estimated that by 2015 there will be 60, most of which will be in the developing world. With this worldwide development, underground infrastructure is set to be the superior solution. The global economy is investing billions into infrastructure and a major focus of this investment is in the Transportation and Utilities arena. With these, comes the need for the use of underground e.g. rail and railway stations, roads and pedestrian tunnels, water, sewage, gas and electricity. Underground infrastructure, however, is not limited to these areas - it can also include power plants, nuclear/toxic waste facilities as well as subsea infrastructure.
The utilities industry provides the most extensive use of underground space globally. The expansion and replacement of utilities is a multi-billion dollar industry. This demand will be largely met by the development of micro tunnelling. Future Executive Search understands the demands of the different facets of this discipline and is able to attract individuals with the relevant expertise for clients’ requirements.