Over the past two decades, the construction of long-span extradosed cable-stayed bridges (CSBs) has experienced rapid growth, with numerous innovative designs and construction methods emerging in recent years. This study presents a comprehensive synthesis of innovative designs and accelerated construction methods for long-span extradosed CSBs. A database of 162 bridges worldwide, including 118 in China, was compiled and analysed in terms of nine key design parameters. Innovative designs for extradosed CSBs addressing extended-span configurations, wide-deck geometries and mountainous regions are presented. These encompass hybrid girder systems and multi-tower configurations suitable for extended spans, corrugated steel–concrete hybrid web structures for wide-deck applications, as well as horizontally curved alignments and ultra-tall pier configurations suitable for challenging mountainous conditions. The effectiveness of two representative accelerated construction methods, namely swivel construction and integral jack-up construction, is verified through reported engineering practice. The former is assessed mainly by swivel tonnage and angular velocity, whereas the latter is evaluated by lifting tonnage, lifting speed, girder stress increment and stay-cable force variation. This paper reveals differences in key design parameters between Chinese and international long-span extradosed CSBs and summarises key control factors for swivel and integral jack-up construction, thereby providing guidance for design and construction.
On 4 November 2025, David Porter became the 161st President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). For one of his first Presidential engagements, he was back on home ground: a Northern Ireland visit that included schools outreach, industry discussions, a meeting with a government minister, early-career engagement and, finally, a celebration of excellence at the annual dinner. This briefing shares what it felt like to step into the role for the first time in his home country, why his theme ‘You, Me and the ICE’ matters to members, and how these visits come alive through the people who make them happen.
Cybersecurity has become a core professional concern for civil engineers as digital tools, connected assets and data-driven delivery reshape the built environment. Engineering organisations now depend on cloud platforms, mobile devices and supply chain collaboration to design, construct and manage assets, while regulators and clients expect demonstrable control of information throughout an asset’s lifecycle. The UK Building Safety Act has sharpened this focus through the requirement for a secure and accurate ‘golden thread’ of information, placing new demands on information technology (IT) infrastructure, governance and professional practice. At the same time, cyber threats affecting the sector are increasing in frequency and sophistication, with ransomware, business email compromise and data leakage presenting material risks to safety, reputation and commercial viability. This briefing examines the cybersecurity implications for engineering organisations worldwide, with particular attention to zero-trust design, multi-factor authentication, secure collaboration across locations and devices, and the role of staff awareness. Drawing on practical experience from Bellingham IT, a Yorkshire-based IT company supporting the construction sector, the article explores how Microsoft 365, structured policies and continuous education can support compliance, resilience and professional responsibility in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in civil engineering has revolutionised traditional approaches, enabling data-driven decision making, predictive modelling and process automation across diverse domains. This review comprehensively explores the current landscape, key applications, emerging trends and challenges associated with AI and ML technologies in civil engineering. Major areas of impact include structural health monitoring, construction management, geotechnical engineering, transportation systems and environmental modelling. This review highlights how algorithms such as artificial neural networks, support vector machines, decision trees and deep learning models have been effectively utilised for tasks ranging from predictive maintenance and risk assessment to material behaviour analysis and smart infrastructure development. Despite significant advancements, challenges such as data scarcity, model interpretability and integration into existing workflows remain. The review also identifies future opportunities to enhance civil infrastructure resilience and sustainability through AI-augmented systems. This work aims to serve as a foundational resource for researchers, practitioners and policymakers seeking to adopt or advance intelligent technologies in civil engineering practice.
This briefing equips practising engineers with the conceptual vocabulary needed to evaluate machine learning tools now entering routine use. In particular, predictive models are distinguished from generative systems, and both families are mapped onto the software an engineer is likely to encounter. The discussion is grounded in three case studies – a predictive model that evaluates fire resistance, a generative large language model that iteratively derives empirical indices from experimental records and a computer vision model that classifies damage from imagery. The briefing then turns to the questions a practitioner should keep asking at the forefront of data provenance, uncertainty and accountability, and closes with a glossary that distinguishes technical meaning from popular assumptions across ten terms now used in the profession daily.
The objective of this article is to demonstrate how the integration of generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) promotes the development of construction project management skills in graduate students at a Colombian university located on the border between Colombia and Venezuela. An analysis of the contributions of Gen-AI in the field of education was developed, highlighting existing knowledge gaps. Subsequently, the panorama of enabling technology in the Colombian context was evaluated. Finally, the benefits of Gen-AI were determined through its application in a pedagogical case study of project management developed by 48 students from low socio-economic backgrounds, utilising tools such as ChatGPT and PMI Infinity. This article highlights a little explored context in the field of education and project management, involving actors from the Colombian educational system. The results of the groups that received traditional training were compared with those that used Gen-AI, highlighting the differences in decision making and acquisition of technical and strategic skills. The findings showed that students who received training in the use of AI significantly improved their decision making skills; in contrast, those who did not receive such training demonstrated less clarity and consistency in formulating risk management strategies.
The ethical and social implications of smart contracts (SC) in the construction industry are examined, with a particular focus on their interaction with the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) suite of standard forms. Using a qualitative, narrative literature review, this article compares blockchain-enabled automation with established contractual mechanisms, concentrating on payment processes, governance and the role of professional judgement. Although the findings suggest that SC can enhance transparency and payment integrity, especially in a building information modelling enabled environment, they also introduce rigidity, reduce the scope for discretionary decision making and raise concerns regarding fairness, inclusivity and legal certainty. A hybrid model is proposed in which SC complement, rather than replace, JCT mechanisms, preserving relational trust and interpretative flexibility while delivering auditable efficiency where automation adds genuine value. The review draws on peer-reviewed academic literature, industry reports and material relevant to contemporary UK construction practice. Academic databases (Scopus, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis Online and the ICE Virtual library) were searched using targeted keywords. Sources were selected based on relevance, academic rigour and recency, with priority given to publications from the past decade.
Steel modular construction offers significant benefits but remains constrained by high product variety and fragmented systems. This paper presents the design and industrial deployment of an intelligent off-site manufacturing system tailored to steel modular buildings, with GS-Building and ME-House as representative product families. The system organises profile and plate preparation, sub-assembly, final welding and straightening, and inspection and logistics into a continuous, flow-oriented line supported by flexible automation, including automated cutting and marking with nesting optimisation, jig-based assembly, horizontal welding and sensor-assisted straightening of H-sections, parametric robotic welding for most non-standard members, and intelligent logistics using vision-guided handling devices, automated guided vehicles and dynamic storage. These physical processes are integrated through a cyber-physical ‘digital backbone’ comprising an optical network, manufacturing execution system and a production-line digital twin for real-time traceability. Prototype deployment and comparative analysis against conventional steel fabrication show that the system replaces error-prone manual data handovers with a continuous digital thread, enables dynamic scheduling and just-in-time logistics and turns the workshop from a black box into a transparent, data-driven environment. The results demonstrate a practical pathway for industrialising steel modular construction and a foundation for future data-driven optimisation.
Municipal infrastructure delivery presents a consistent set of challenges for civil engineers worldwide, regardless of geographic or governance context. This article draws on professional experience in Canada to examine how engineers navigate complex municipal systems shaped by political oversight, stakeholder expectations, regulatory requirements and constrained funding environments. Using Canada as a case study, the paper situates local practices within a broader international framework, highlighting common issues such as governance complexity, stakeholder engagement, phased delivery and working within operational constraints. The discussion emphasises transferable lessons for engineers, including the importance of governance literacy, early engagement, asset management thinking and effective communication. By framing municipal infrastructure delivery as a shared global practice, this article provides insights applicable to civil engineers working with local authorities across diverse jurisdictions.
This is an abridged version of the inaugural address of David Porter as the 161st President of the ICE on Tuesday 4 November 2025 to an audience at One Great George Street and online.
In recent decades, the world has faced successive energy crises that have highlighted the fragility of generation and distribution systems across both developing and advanced economies. Given this scenario, coupled with accelerated urbanisation, a review of urban energy consumption, generation and management systems is indispensable. The energy indicators defined in the Brazilian standard ISO 37120, which addresses service performance and quality of life in cities, were analysed, focusing on the energy sustainability of municipalities in the Brazilian state of Goias. Data from 2019 to 2023 were systematised, and critical and comparative analyses were performed to identify trends, regional inequalities and opportunities for improvement in municipal energy management. To enable visualisation and interpretation of results, an interactive tool was developed and implemented in Power BI, allowing public managers to understand the local energy landscape and support strategic decision making. This study contributes to strengthening energy planning capacities and to formulating more effective and sustainable public policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Data can drive efficiencies in asset management strategies. However, conventional structural health monitoring can be onerous as it requires separate surface contact sensors to measure strain, deformation, rotation and displacement. Identifying an opportunity to develop on emerging technologies, AtkinsRéalis adopted digital image correlation (DIC) technology for outdoor structural monitoring purposes. DIC uses camera technology to generate the same insights, without requiring sensors installed on the structure, providing a more cost-effective, sustainable, safer and less disruptive solution. With a clear line of sight, the camera can be positioned hundreds of metres from the asset. In the case study presented in this paper, this removed the need for track closures, working at height or close to moving trains. In this paper, the use of DIC for overhead line equipment (OLE) uplift measurements to permit the development of new rules for OLE designers working at open-route locations on future electrified routes is explored, and a case study of a large-scale project to measure open-route OLE uplift at ten UK sites is presented. The benefits of adopting this data-driven approach are clear and the associated benefits of DIC use in this context, such as cost savings, minimising passenger disruption and reduction of embedded carbon dioxide, are discussed.
As part of clearing the way for HS2 (High Speed 2) tunnelling, the Thames Water () Thames Lee Tunnel () was identified as being within the tunnelling-affected zone. Due to the potential for structural failure caused by factors associated with tunnel boring machine () activity and the proximity of the path to the TLT, an assessment undertaken by HS2 Ltd and identified that a structural liner was required along a section of . Having specialist tunnelling and water skills, Barhale were contracted to undertake design and delivery of a challenging upgrade to reinforce TW's TLT, a vital source of raw water for East London, against potential damage caused by the passing of HS2's large TBMs.
Barmouth viaduct metallic spans required replacement after over 100 years in the marine estuary environment in north-west Wales. In 2020, Network Rail instigated a tender process to choose a design and build team to replace the metallic trusses. The five trusses to be replaced, located on the environmentally sensitive coastline, at the end of the longest timber railway viaduct still in operation in the UK, required a highly technical and innovative construction method as traditional techniques using jack-up barges and cranes introduced additional risk to the project. This paper describes the development of the concept, the design of the new permanent trusses, the temporary works to install the new bridge and the construction period. The previous structure was Grade II* listed and the new structure replicates it while staying true to modern fabrication methods and retains the original abutment and caisson substructure. The new trusses were transported carefully along the timber viaduct to the south and were used in the temporary case to support the old structure as it was demolished and lowered to pontoons below. The whole construction was successfully carried out to programme within a tight 3-month track blockade in the autumn of 2023.
Following the major Brazilian tailings disasters at Samarco in 2015 and Brumadinho in 2019, the National Mining Agency implemented rigorous safety ranking and monitoring procedures. This paper advocates for a transition in geotechnical practice from purely 'slow' static monitoring to an integrated approach using triaxial accelerometers. By capturing both tilt and dynamic signatures, engineers can identify internal structural changes - such as those preceding liquefaction - that conventional instruments often fail to detect.
This article describes the design and implementation of the permanent closure for the Water Mill Mine (Mina Engenho d'& Aacute;gua), a former gold mining operation in Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. The government of MG urgently commissioned the project following the catastrophic failures of the Fund & atilde;o and Brumadinho dams. It was critically driven by the mine's proximity - only 2 km downstream - to the primary water intake for the city of Belo Horizonte. A core element of the geotechnical investigation was piezocone testing (cone penetration test with pore water pressure measurement (CPTU)) for a rigorous liquefaction assessment. The CPTU analysis confirmed that the tailings exhibited dilative/non-liquefiable behaviour, ensuring stability against static flow failure. The final closure solution was a multi-barrier design focused on long-term physical stability and environmental protection. Key measures included water mitigation (the installation and operation of a temporary water treatment plant to safely process and discharge contaminated water from the lower reservoir), encapsulation (geomembrane encapsulation of the tailings within the reservoirs to prevent rainwater infiltration and leaching and stability (the implementation of a comprehensive surface drainage system and geotechnical stability analyses, confirming proper safety factors against failure). The implementation of these measures successfully ensured the safety and sustainability of the site.
Imagine working on a Victorian engineering masterpiece just metres away from the route of a modern megaproject that will race beneath London. As HS2 advances its twin tunnels under the capital, the route threads perilously close to the historic Thames Water mid level 2 (ML2) sewer - part of Sir Joseph Bazalgette's 160-year-old legacy. Diverting a live, critical interceptor in a dense urban setting is costly, risky and slow. Protecting it - reliably, quickly and with minimal interruption to London's daily life - demands a different mindset. On behalf of Thames Water, Barhale designed and delivered an innovative, rapidly deployable internal rib solution that preserved hydraulic capacity and structural integrity, allowing the HS2 tunnel boring machines to pass just 3.46 m from the sewer (downline) and 5.46 m (upline). The ML2 reinforcement project was a success on three levels: it met the immediate engineering needs of HS2 and Thames Water; it maintained use of the existing sewer structure, saving new build costs and building resilience; and it has been delivered through a sustainable build programme that demonstrated consideration for the environment and community, yielding value for the client.
During operation, subway tunnel linings and track structures are subject to complex environments, leading to progressive defects that threaten operational safety. To address the limitations of conventional manual inspections, an integrated inspection system capable of simultaneous multi-defect detection at a speed of up to 15 km/h was developed. An image optimisation algorithm was constructed to enhance image quality while reducing data storage requirements. By integrating weighted defect indicators from both lining and track inspections, an evaluation framework for tunnel service condition was constructed based on cloud model theory. The proposed system and evaluation method were validated through application to Qingdao subway line 8, demonstrating their applicability in routine tunnel inspection and management.
The potential to source thermal energy from buried infrastructure such as tunnels and metro stations may offer significant potential to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of heating and cooling, and reduce the costs associated with dedicated drilling for traditional ground-sourced systems. However, this remains a niche approach with few commercial schemes globally, partly due to high initial costs, long payback periods, technical uncertainties and the need to minimise construction risk and delays. To help address these challenges, the energy resource potential, technical and economic barriers and ways of overcoming them were examined for tunnels beneath Manchester and Crewe that were proposed as part of the HS2 Phase 2b railway construction. A worthwhile thermal resource was established, along with enthusiasm for use of the energy by the infrastructure developer and third parties in the vicinity. The economic case is set out, which establishes financial viability but with significant uncertainty based on future market conditions. This demonstrates the need for a supportive future policy environment to encourage the uptake of all available heat sources.
Across the built asset lifecycle, information governance and exchange processes are typically administered by humans. Bandwidth has been gained through standardisation of processes and tooling, notably by way of ISO 19650 and the Common Data Environment (CDE), but data volumes continue to increase. This constrains the sector's ability to capitalise on information-intensive innovations such as robotics and agential artificial intelligence (AI). This paper presents a neuro-symbolic framework for AI augmentation of the CDE, capable of semi-autonomous information governance, retrieval and exchange. The framework employs AI-driven knowledge mining of built environment datasets to transform them into navigable, well-organised knowledge bases. Building on this foundation, the framework introduces ontology-based data access and model context protocol integration, enabling AI agents to navigate multi-platform technology ecosystems with human-like contextual reasoning. The framework offers immediate practical benefits, reducing information management costs and addressing skills shortages, while unlocking transformative capabilities for the future. By enabling the system to process complex, multi-faceted queries autonomously and return contextually appropriate responses to both human and machine requestors, the framework removes manual information processing constraints. The result is a vendor-agnostic, security-preserving framework that enhances existing data governance while dramatically expanding the sector's capacity for information-intensive innovation and inter-organisational collaboration.
