Stantec shortlisted twice in 2023 Ground Engineering Awards

Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering services, has been shortlisted for two projects in the Technical Excellence category at the Ground Engineering Awards 2023.

The award recognises a hi-tech advancement or concept that has helped a company improve its performance or overcome a challenge.

The first project shortlisted is the Karst Susceptibility Hazard Map of South Oxfordshire.

To develop land and prioritise the maintenance of existing assets, local councils need an early understanding of the spatial distribution of karstic features and their geotechnical constraints. These requirements were anticipated by Dr Clive Edmonds in the 1980s when he developed a unique, nationwide collection of natural cavities, now known as the Cavities Database.

This integral dataset has now been used to develop a GIS-based algorithm that calculates the potential for natural cavities to be present in areas underlain by chalk. Working with Stantec's geotechnical team, South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) implemented the Karst Susceptibility Hazard Map across the county, providing an interactive, visual representation of ground instability hotspots early in the planning process.

SODC can now internally generate a National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) compliant hazard rating for any site, which can be passed to the developer, prospective purchaser, or asset owner. This ensures early, informed, and cost-effective decision making on investment and development in the county. It also provides end-clients with an improved awareness of the constraints and design implications in areas of higher susceptibility to karstic features.

Also shortlisted is Anstey’s Road, a Homes England residential redevelopment project on a former mining brownfield site in Hanham, Bristol. Using Measure While Drilling equipment and 3D ground modelling software, Leapfrog 3D Works, Stantec’s geotechnical team created a continuous interpretation of the ground conditions to direct the mine treatment operation.

This proved vital as the site is underlain by several unrecorded coal seams and mining features. By using this digital technology to record and model ground conditions in parallel with grouting operations, the team were able to mitigate complex geotechnical hazards and support the redevelopment.

Dave Jacob, Lead Specialist Geo-Environmental Engineer at National House Building Council (NHBC). commented, “NHBC’s Land Quality Service were impressed with Stantec’s use of Leapfrog to manage the considerable amount of data on the grouting works and present it in a salient way. This provided evidence that the site was accurately investigated and treated.  Stantec was able to use Leapfrog when we interrogated progress for both expected and unexpected features, which allowed them to efficiently and effectively communicate key aspects of the project in an agile way.”

Stantec’s Jeremy Coulton, Director Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental commented: “We are delighted these two entries have been shortlisted. Both projects represent progress in the application of our digital tools to assess and communicate ground hazards and are testament to Stantec’s commitment to develop innovative capabilities.”

The Ground Engineering Awards will be held on 12 July, in London. 

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve because they're our communities too. This allows us to assess what's needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what's never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate towards a shared success.

We're designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN.

Media Contact                                               
Calum Metcalfe                                                            
Stantec UK Media Relations
calum.metcalfe@stantec.com