RMS Geotechnical Challenges and Opportunities in New South Wales

Sam Henwood

Abstract

NSW is experiencing an unprecedented infrastructure boom. In 2017 alone, the NSW government will have spent circa $5 billion on road projects, the two largest being the Pacific Highway Upgrade and West-connex. At the same time, RMS has been undergoing significant structural change, meaning projects have to be delivered in new ways. This presentation looks at the key road projects currently underway throughout NSW, how RMS is changing and the challenges and opportunities this presents for geotechnical service delivery. As well as fundamental issues like ensuring safety and alignment with key standards in geotechnical investigations, it touches on innovation in digital engineering, use of observational approaches, ongoing maintenance of geotechnical assets and the importance of quality in laboratory testing.

About Sam Henwood

Sam Henwood is a chartered geotechnical engineer with over 20 years’ experience across both private and public sectors in Australia and the United Kingdom. Since joining RMS in 2014, Sam has led the Geoscience Unit and now heads up the Pavements and Geotechnical Section in his role as Director Pavements and Geotechnical. With a team of 53 professional staff, he is responsible for provision of technical expertise within Engineering Services throughout NSW.

Prior to joining Roads and Maritime Sam worked as a senior consultant delivering geotechnical expertise for major infrastructure and construction projects across road, rail and building sectors. He has a proven track record in geotechnical interpretation and design, including pavement and drainage, risk management, safety, client liaison, resource allocation, project planning, quality control, financial accountability and human resources management.

Sam has a BE (Civil) from the University of New South Wales and is a chartered member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Venue location

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