Geotechnical Engineers and Engineering Geologists: Masters of the Subsurface, but Poor Communicators?

Geotechnical Engineers and Engineering Geologists are often renowned as masters of underground, having deep understanding of soil/rock mechanics and complexities of subsurface. However, their communication skills are often called into question, particularly when it comes to collaboration with other disciplines or non- technical stakeholders. In this event we will tackle this topic: Are they truly poor communicators or their work is simply too specialized to be easily understood, or this is just a perception in the industry? Join us as we are exploring both sides of the argument.

Sue Poo Principal Geotechnical Engineer, AECOM

Sue is a seasoned geotechnical engineer with over 15 years of experience in infrastructure projects. She has played a crucial role in major underground road, railway, maritime and wastewater infrastructure projects in Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia. Sue’s experience in ground interpretation and geotechnical design includes buildings, bridges, reclamation and tunnels in various geological settings. Notable regional projects include the Western Harbour Tunnel, Thomson-East Coast Line MRT and Central Interceptor, where she delivered solutions to ground movement challenges through digital integration. Her experience in ground behaviour prediction underscores her ability to evaluate and manage geological impacts in urban environments

Anthony Bowden Vice President (Australasia), International Association of Engineering Geology and the Environment

Anthony is an Engineering Geologist, with over thirty-eight years’ experience working in Australasia, the UK, Asia, and Southern Africa. He is a Chartered Geologist, and Fellow of the Geological Society of London.

After a brief career in gold mining and exploration, Anthony worked with Arup in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia for 24 years before establishing his own consultancy, Bowden Geological Pty Ltd in 2013.

Anthony is the Australasian Vice President of the International Association of Engineering Geology and the Environment and is a member of the National Committee of the Australian Geomechanics Society.

Joe Salhani Managing Director, JSBC Consulting

Joe is the Managing Director of JSBC Consulting with 18+ years of experience in structural engineering, specializing in complex, large-scale projects across commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments. Key Projects: • East Village Shopping Centre, Zetland: Lead structural engineer for a $200M mixed-use development with 300 apartments and 10,000 m² of retail. • The Archibald, Gosford: Structural Director and Project Manager of the largest development in central coast. • Rouse-Hill Town Centre, Rouse-Hill: Lead Structural Engineer for a $470M award winning shopping centre. • 661 Victoria Road, Melrose Park: Lead structural engineer for a $7B development with 6,500 dwellings, 70 building and shopping centres. • Prime, Macquarie Park: Structural team leader for a 680-apartment mixed-use development. • Emblem, 52 O’Dea Ave, Waterloo: Structural team leader for an award winning 345-apartment +2382 m2 retail mixed use development with retail. • 383 George Street, Sydney: Lead structural engineer of concept and tender design of the iconic building in Sydney CBD. • 420 George Street, Sydney: Lead structural engineer for AECOM’s office, featuring an internal 36m staircase bridge which was nominated for steel design award in 2012. He is known for delivering innovative and efficient structural solutions for high-profile projects.

Pawan Sethi Senior Principal, Tetra Tech Coffey

Pawan has 25 years of international (UK, Australia, Middle and Far East) geotechnical design and construction experience gained through delivering geotechnical services on large, as well as specialist projects, both as a specialist consultant and contractor. Pawan focusses on delivering safe, economic, and buildable deep foundation and retention design solutions. Pawan is highly experienced in resolving construction related issues in challenging environments and utilises his strong communication skills to lead specialist teams. Pawan successfully collaborates with clients and key stakeholders, striving to develop and implement optimal solutions. His projects include, One Central Park, Central Barangaroo Development, One Sydney Harbour, ICD Brookfield Place – Dubai, KL118 Tower in Kuala Lumpur and NEOM (KSA). Pawan has developed a strong interest in the reuse of foundations. This led to him to start a PhD (part-time) in 2022 at the University of Sydney. His research focuses on “Achieving sustainable outcomes through the reuse of deep foundations and retaining structures, with particular reference to the presence of imperfections and development of remedial solutions.” Pawan is a registered professional engineer in the UK and Australia, and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, UK, and a fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia. Pawan is a senior principal at Tetra Tech Coffey, Sydney.

Moderator

Mehdi Hajian Director and Principal Engineer, Geostruct Designs Australia

With over 19 years of engineering expertise, he serves as the Director and Principal Engineer at Geostruct Designs Australia (GDA) specializing in a wide range of geostructural methods including advanced foundation, retaining walls and ground improvements.

He has led foundation and shoring design for major projects in public and private sectors, including Sydney Football Stadium, Parramatta Square 4-6, Sydney Children’s Hospital, etc.  He holds multiple accreditations and is skilled in risk mitigation, numerical modelling, and ground improvement techniques.

With several years of design and contracting experience, he can bring wealth of knowledge and insight providing engineering solutions, innovation and market development.

Engineers Australia members participating in AGS technical sessions can record attendance on their personal CPD logs. Members should refer to Engineers Australia CPD policy for details on CPD types, requirements and auditing guidelines.