Best Use of AI & Machine Learning

This category celebrates the innovative application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies within the ground engineering sector, focusing on their impact on project planning, design or delivery.

Winner:

• Geprode Consultants - AI-driven geological risk management for tunnel excavation: Real-time prediction and monitoring with geoRISCO

The judges praised the development of smart software and AI enabled early geo-hazard detection during live tunnelling, widely used in South America. The technology effectively addresses ground engineering challenges, offering clear advantages over traditional methods. Demonstrated tangible benefits suggest it could be a game-changing innovation for the tunnelling and construction industry.

Finalists:

• Mott MacDonald Bentley - Dearne Reach integrated constructed wetland
• Purple Transform -  Chipping Sodbury flood monitoring
• Ternan Energy -  AI-based seabed boulder detection for offshore wind site assessment
  

Best Use of Data

This category recognises innovative use of data within a project to improve decision-making, design, risk management, maintenance, sustainability or project outcomes.

Winner:

• AtkinsRéalis with the Environment Agency, British Geological Survey, and Kier -  Powderham Banks Improvement Project: non-intrusive condition assessment and monitoring

The judges said the winning submission demonstrated innovative, non-intrusive geophysical investigation and real-time monitoring to improve ground modelling, inform risk, and guide strategic interventions. This led to reduced maintenance and disruption, with clear time and cost savings. The approach shows strong potential for wider industry application in the future.

Finalists:

• AtkinsRéalis -  Lower Thames Crossing - Roads north of the Thames ground characterisation
• Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial, and Bam JV with Arcadis, Setec, and COWI JV -  Risk-based mitigation for periglacial relict shears during construction
• Mott MacDonald Bentley & United Utilities - Improving river quality in the Upper Tame Valley - Mossley WwTW
• Southern Renewals Enterprise: VolkerFitzpatrick & Network Rail - Stonehall Cutting
• VSL Systems UK - TIO - Tablet Input Output

Best Use of Design Software

This award recognises outstanding application of design software in ground engineering projects. Candidates must demonstrate how design software has enhanced project efficiency and productivity, improved modelling accuracy, enhanced real time monitoring, optimised engineering decisions, or contributed to safety and sustainability.

Winner:

• Mott MacDonald Bentley - Llyn Celyn - Flood conveyance remedial works

The judges praised the entry for effectively using Leapfrog Works in a live project, enhancing design efficiency, safety, and real-time feedback. It delivered measurable benefits including cost savings, carbon reduction, and construction efficiency, standing out for its clarity and completeness against the judging criteria.

Finalists:

• Mott MacDonald -  Digital lifecycle management tools
• Whitby Wood -  Royal Mint Development – Integrated digital design for complex urban foundations
  

Best Use of Geospatial & UAV Technology

This award recognises outstanding use of geospatial and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology in a ground engineering project. Candidates must demonstrate how these technologies have enhanced project efficiency, improved data accuracy, optimised decision-making or contributed to safety and sustainability.

Winner:

• Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial, and Bam JV -  Digital Geo-Data: Collection, reporting and visualisation

The judging panel thought that what gave this winner the clear edge was its evidence of being a more tangible real-world application and a complete solution. They said between two impressive entries, Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial and Bam JV have demonstrated adherence to the category criteria and should be commended for their work.

Finalist:

• Mott MacDonald - Pylon route GIS landslide assessment
  

Best Use of Instrumentation & Monitoring

This category recognises the innovative application of instrumentation and monitoring (I&M) technologies to enhance the design, construction and performance of ground engineering projects.

Winner:

• AtkinsRéalis with the Environment Agency, British Geological Survey, and Kier - Powderham Banks Improvement Project: non-intrusive condition assessment and monitoring

The entry impressed judges by fully meeting all criteria, scoring highly across all aspects. It showcased innovative, efficient, and scalable use of a system, extending asset life and improving cost and safety. This proactive approach enabled early warning, timely intervention, and effective performance management of safety-critical earthworks.

Finalists:

• AKT II with Epsimon, Mace, and fibrisTerre Systems - Edge London Bridge real-time fibre optic monitoring of hybrid pile raft foundation
• Bachy Soletanche -  The Jean Lutz Simulator Board
• EDF -  Hinkley Point C deep excavation monitoring
• National Taiwan University of Science and Technology -  A smart ground anchor with the inherent capability to detect load changes
  

Best Use of Instrumentation & Monitoring: Transport Project

This category recognises the innovative application of instrumentation and monitoring (I&M) technologies to enhance the design, construction and performance of transport ground engineering projects.

Winner:

• Geprode Consultants -  AI-driven geological risk management for tunnel excavation: Real-time prediction and monitoring with geoRISCO

The judging panel were impressed by this entry – a combination of instrumentation and artificial intelligence which reduced downtime and improved safety, with the potential for cost-saving wrapped up with innovative decision-making. They said this technology has the potential to be universal and is extremely innovative.

Finalists:

• AtkinsRéalis with Ringway Island Roads, Isle of Wight Council, Socotec and Soil Engineering Geoservices -  The Landslip, Leeson Road, Bonchurch, Isle of Wight
• CGL -  Combined L-Band InSAR and remote tilt sensor monitoring of large-scale slope instability
• fibrisTerre Systems with Network Rail and Senceive -  Enabling early detection and location of rockfall in railway cuttings
• Mott MacDonald for Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design JV with Maxwell Geosystems -  Delivering added value through efficient and effective used of field monitoring data
• Senceive -  InfraGuard slope stability monitoring solution
  

Best Use of Subsurface Modelling

This category recognises outstanding implementation of subsurface modelling within a project or pilot scheme in geotechnical engineering to better understand ground conditions, manage risk, improve design efficiency or enable more sustainable construction.

Winner:

• AtkinsRéalis with CCGI and St William Homes, part of the Berkeley Group -  Beckton Riverside phase 1 ground modelling

The judges praised the project team for effectively using advanced 3D modelling and immersive technology to address complex site conditions and historical context. Their approach supported sustainable remediation and development, reduced risks, and delivered cost and time efficiencies, making it a model for future projects, and a worthy winner.

Finalists:

• Arup -  Nederwiek Site 1 - Offshore Wind Ground Model
• Laing O'Rourke -  Wimbledon substation asset replacement
• Mott MacDonald Bentley & United Utilities -  Bolton WwTW, risk reduction through detailed 3D ground modelling
  

Best Use of Sustainable Solutions

This award recognises outstanding implementation of sustainable solutions in geotechnical and ground engineering projects. Candidates must demonstrate how sustainability has been integrated into their work – whether through innovative techniques, material choices, technology, carbon reduction strategies or process improvements.

Winners:

• Medusoil -  Erosion Defense

The judges praised Medusoil’s submission demonstrating 85% CO₂ reduction, circular economy via ammonium sulfate reuse, and zero ecological impact. This is a fully scalable, ammonia-free bio-cement with no CAPEX barrier and strong stakeholder alignment. It demonstrates measurable, durable, and profitable sustainability, aligned with multiple UN SDGs. The potential range of applications for this technology really impressed the judges. 

Finalists:

• AtkinsRéalis with the Environment Agency, British Geological Survey, and Kier -  Powderham Banks Improvement Project: non-intrusive condition assessment and monitoring
• Mott MacDonald Bentley -  Dearne Reach Integrated Constructed Wetland
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology -  Driven energy pile foundation: An innovative heating/cooling solution
• NS Nordics -  WXT1A
• SoilSafe -  Validated independent base design approach
  

Emerging Technology Award

This category celebrates cutting-edge geotechnical technologies that are in the early stages of adoption and show clear potential to transform the way ground engineering challenges are addressed.

Winner:

• Tom Hardman -  Low-cost open-source geophysics for smarter ground modelling

The judges found this category highly competitive, but said that Tom Hardman’s well-written entry impressed with technical ingenuity and a clear aim to improve seismic data accessibility. Using low-cost hardware and open-source software, it offered a credible solution to affordability challenges, standing out for its originality and strong focus on accessibility in ground engineering.

Finalists:

• Bachy Soletanche -  Jean Lutz Simulator Board
• CGL -  Horizontal to vertical spectral ratio geophysics to identify dissolution hazards in UK ground engineering
• CGL with TerraDat -  OhmMapper and Loupe electrical resistivity surveys in UK ground engineering
• GeoEnviro Solutions -  Unlocking sonic drilling in UK ground investigations
• Laing O Rourke -  Underground scanning
• Macquarie Geotechnical -  Digital Drill Diary
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology -  Driven energy pile
• University of Birmingham -  Empowering tunnel inspection with digital twins and AI