Meet Andrew
Skanska supported Andrew’s doctoral research in which he used physical modelling to investigate novel construction methods for controlling ground movement around excavations. Awarded his PhD in 2001, he was subsequently appointed to a post-doctoral fellowship whilst continuing a key role with Skanska on technically challenging projects such as 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin), Heron Tower and Moorhouse, where he was responsible for construction of an industry award winning 40m deep shaft for Crossrail. This shaft was excavated beneath the new 16 storey building through the notoriously difficult Lambeth Group which was successfully dewatered.
Globally, Andrew enjoys a high profile as Secretary General of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering; the pre-eminent professional body representing the interests and activities of Engineers, Academics and Contractors all over the world that actively participate in geotechnical engineering. The ISSMGE provides a focus for professional leadership to some 90 (national) Member Societies and around 20,000 individual members.
As an expert in physical modelling using a geotechnical centrifuge, he has led major research projects to investigate:
- inclined loads on thrust blocks,
- control of ground movements around excavations,
- enhanced capacity bored piles in stiff clay,
- influence of tunnel construction on inclined escalator shafts,
- influence of tunnel construction on adjacent piled foundations,
- hollow piles for energy generation and foundation reuse.
In collaboration with the Temporary Works forum (TWf) he established the Centre of Excellence in Temporary Works and Construction Method Engineering at City, University of London and developed the only MSc in Temporary Works aimed at practicing engineers. He contributed to the development of the TWf guidance for working platform design and the CIRIA guide to tower crane base and tie design. He is a visiting lecturer at King’s College London on the MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution where he lectures to lawyers aiming to specialise in construction law.
He is often consulted on problems elsewhere in the industry and has given expert evidence at trial.
Andrew is a director, and chair of the Awards Committee, of the International Press-in Association based in Japan but with global interest; a research organisation established to better understand the design, installation and performance of pressed in piles.
Between 2007 and 2010, he served on the editorial advisory panel for Proceedings of the ICE Geotechnical Engineering Journal. He was a co-opted member of the British Geotechnical Association Committee from 2004 – 2008 and a member of the editorial advisory committee of EMAP Ground Engineering magazine between 2005 and 2015.
He has also published over 70 journal and conference papers including two award winning journal papers; recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers (Telford Prize) and Institution of Structural Engineers (Diploma of the Henry Adams Award).