E23: Engineering the Breeze: Simon Faulkner's Journey Through Offshore Geotechnics

04/18/24 • 44 min

"Welcome to our podcast, where we dig deep but keep it light, exploring the fascinating world of geotechnical engineering. Today's special guest is [Guest Name], the mastermind behind towering wind projects and the guardian of the sea floor at Wood Thilsted. With 20 years under their belt—spanning continents, climates, and considerable challenges—[Guest Name] has more tales than a seasoned pirate. So, let's unearth the secrets of offshore wind and maybe find some buried treasure in the wisdom of renewable energy."

In this episode, you'll gain insights into:

Career Path and Personal Development
- Simon discusses his unconventional entry into geotechnical engineering and his rise to leadership, illustrating how diverse experiences can shape effective project management strategies.
Challenges and Technical Insights
- Discover the unique challenges of conducting offshore geotechnical investigations across different regions, including Taiwan compared to Europe and Australia. Simon sheds light on managing logistics and integrating geotechnical phases with broader project lifecycles in offshore wind development.
Legislation, Safety, and Quality
- Learn how Simon navigates the complexities of international and local legislation and the critical role of Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) standards in maintaining project integrity and safety.
Workforce Development and Leadership
- Gain insights into the strategies for recruiting and developing young talent in Taiwan's offshore wind industry, and the importance of mentorship and leadership in building effective teams.
Project Management and Business Development
- Simon discusses his approach to budgeting, contract management, and the key factors necessary for successful business development within the geotechnical and offshore wind sectors.
Local Expertise and Project Success
- The importance of local knowledge and expertise is highlighted, along with strategies for integrating these elements into successful project execution.
Industry Trends and Future Outlook
- What trends are shaping the offshore wind industry in Asia-Pacific? Simon shares his predictions for future developments in geotechnical engineering related to renewable energy projects.

Resources:

Link to Wood Thilsted’s website

Connect with Simon Faulkner:

LinkedIn Profile

Thank you for tuning in to this episode. If you enjoyed our deep dive into the world of geotechnical engineering, please leave us a review and share this podcast with your colleagues in the industry. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes where we uncover the technical and personal journeys of industry leaders.

Stay curious and inspired, just as our guest Simon does, and keep exploring the geological frontiers that await in the exciting world of offshore wind energy.

Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://girec.co.uk/.

In this episode, you'll gain insights into:

Career Path and Personal Development
- Simon discusses his unconventional entry into geotechnical engineering and his rise to leadership, illustrating how diverse experiences can shape effective project management strategies.
Challenges and Technical Insights
- Discover the unique challenges of conducting offshore geotechnical investigations across different regions, including Taiwan compared to Europe and Australia. Simon sheds light on managing logistics and integrating geotechnical phases with broader project lifecycles in offshore wind development.
Legislation, Safety, and Quality
- Learn how Simon navigates the complexities of international and local legislation and the critical role of Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) standards in maintaining project integrity and safety.
Workforce Development and Leadership
- Gain insights into the strategies for recruiting and developing young talent in Taiwan's offshore wind industry, and the importance of mentorship and leadership in building effective teams.
Project Management and Business Development
- Simon discusses his approach to budgeting, contract management, and the key factors necessary for successful business development within the geotechnical and offshore wind sectors.
Local Expertise and Project Success
- The importance of local knowledge and expertise is highlighted, along with strategies for integrating these elements into successful project execution.
Industry Trends and Future Outlook
- What trends are shaping the offshore wind industry in Asia-Pacific? Simon shares his predictions for future developments in geotechnical engineering related to renewable energy projects.

Resources:

Link to Wood Thilsted’s website

Connect with Simon Faulkner:

LinkedIn Profile

Stay curious and inspired, just as our guest Simon does, and keep exploring the geological frontiers that await in the exciting world of offshore wind energy.

Previous Episode

E22: Chalk Beginnings to Geological Frontiers: The Dr Ursula Lawrence Story

"Chalk Beginnings to Geological Frontiers" is a riveting episode that unveils the compelling narrative of Dr. Ursula Lawrence, a renowned technical director of engineering geology with over three decades of pioneering contributions to the field. From her initial fascination with geology, sparked by a simple piece of chalk, to her influential role in major infrastructure projects like HS2 and Crossrail, this episode offers an intimate look into the professional journey of a geotechnical maestro.

Episode Breakdown:

Introduction to Dr. Ursula Lawrence
- Overview of her 30+ years in engineering geology.
- Highlight of her roles in major infrastructure projects, such as HS2 and Crossrail.
Early Inspirations
- The story of how playing with chalk led to a lifelong passion for geology.
- Reflections on growing up near the London clay outcrop and the discovery of a fossil that sparked her career interest.
Educational Journey and Early Career
- Transition from pure geology to engineering geology.
- First job experience with Kent County Council Highways Laboratory and the influence of the oil industry downturn on her career path.
Significant Projects and Roles
- Detailed discussion on her involvement in HS2 and Crossrail, including technical challenges and leadership strategies.
- Insights into the complexities of geotechnical design and risk management.
Challenges in Geotechnical Engineering
- Exploration of specific challenges faced during her career, including managing construction risks and groundwater issues.
- Strategies for overcoming obstacles in infrastructure projects, illustrated with real-world examples.
Mentorship and Leadership
- The importance of mentorship in her career and advice for young engineers.
- Discussion on leadership roles and the balance between technical oversight and team development.
Future of Engineering Geology
- Dr. Lawrence’s perspective on the evolving field of geotechnical engineering.
- The importance of innovation, continuous learning, and adaptation to future challenges.
Personal Reflections and Advice
- Dr. Lawrence reflects on her career, the evolution of her interests, and the satisfaction derived from her work.
- Advice for aspiring geotechnical engineers on staying curious, engaging with the community, and pursuing lifelong learning.
Conclusion
- Recap of key takeaways from Dr. Lawrence’s journey and contributions to engineering geology.
- Invitation for listeners to explore the depths of their own interests in geology and engineering.

Closing Remarks:

Encouragement for listeners to follow their curiosity and passion in their professional pursuits, inspired by Dr. Ursula Lawrence’s story.

Next Episode

E24:The Foundation of Site Investigations: Insights from Down Under with Hamish Henderson

The Foundation of Site Investigations: Insights from Down Under with Hamish Henderson"

In this engaging episode of our podcast, we sit down with Hamish Henderson, an experienced geotechnical engineer from Australia, to discuss the nuances and critical aspects of geotechnical site investigations. Hamish shares his deep knowledge about the AS1726 standard, the backbone of geotechnical investigations in Australia, and walks us through the key steps and methodologies that define successful fieldwork in the discipline. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just curious about the world beneath our feet, this episode offers invaluable insights into the complexities of geotechnical engineering.

What You Will Learn:

Understanding AS1726: Hamish breaks down the 2017 updates to Australia's geotechnical site investigation standard and its impact on the field.
Key Steps in Ground Investigations: From pre-investigation data collection to planning and executing site walkovers, learn about the processes that ensure successful site investigations.
Technology in Geotechnical Engineering: Discover how technologies like geological modeling software and drones are revolutionizing site investigations.
The Human Element: Hamish discusses the importance of experience and judgment in the field, especially in remote and challenging environments.

Featured Guest: Hamish Henderson

With years of experience in both consultancy and mining sectors, Hamish brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand insights into the world of geotechnical engineering. His expertise spans across critical infrastructure projects and innovative geotechnical practices.

Timestamps:

[01:30] Introduction to Hamish Henderson and the topic of geotechnical site investigations
[01:46] Overview of AS1726 and its significance in Australia
[04:09] Discussing the key steps in effective ground investigations
[10:33] The role of advanced technology in geotechnical engineering
[15:10] How drone technology is changing the landscape of site investigations
[22:23] Challenges and considerations in coastal and remote site investigations
[32:49] Environmental and safety considerations in current geotechnical practices
[42:36] The value of hands-on training and mentorship in geotechnical careers

Hamish’s insights not only illuminate the technical intricacies of ground investigations but also highlight the evolving nature of geotechnical engineering. His emphasis on the blend of technology and traditional methods offers a comprehensive view of how the field is advancing to meet modern demands. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the foundation that supports all our infrastructure projects—both literally and figuratively.