Holly Taylor CEng MICE works for United Utilities as a Senior Geotechnical Engineer.

Who do you work for and what is your role? I am a Senior Geotechnical Engineer working in the Geotechnical section of United Utilities (UU) Engineering. UU Engineering was created to own the development and design of projects within its own capital programme, the management of assets and development of its business. I am involved in a number of projects ranging from the needs, planning and concept phases through to detailed design, construction supervision, post construction monitoring and maintenance.

My role involves providing specialist geotechnical engineering input on numerous civil engineering projects to ensure that design solutions are fit for purpose, cost effective and in line with industry and UU standards.

This entails detailed assessment of ground information and risks and the ability to visualise, present and articulate a thorough understanding of project ground models.  I work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams through planning, design and construction phases from concept and desk study, geotechnical investigation, detailed design and temporary work. I have gained a broad involvement in geotechnical engineering and found periods of specialising in impounding reservoirs, seepage and seismic analysis and the design of remedial works for dams particularly engaging.

What is a typical day for you? I have a mix of office and site based activity.  When office based I will remotely manage site investigations, prepare interpretive reports and interact with project teams and management providing detailed geotechnical engineering design support in a variety of geographic site locations. 

Some of UU’s major projects provide opportunities to gain very rewarding site experience.  I am currently part of a site team providing geotechnical supervision and support, for the assessment, investigation and stabilisation of abandoned mine workings on the West East Link Main (WELM) project; a major pipeline traversing the former Lancashire coalfields. My day involves programming and prioritisation of site and drilling works for the investigation and treatment of abandoned shallow mine workings and associated mine shafts – this is in order to manage the ground risks along the route that the pipeline follows. I am responsible for inspection of the work being carried out to ensure the quality and compliance with the contract documentation, specifications and prevailing legislation. I am involved with planning of the works, monitoring and reporting progress against the programme, along with associated progress meetings. I oversee the production of as built drawings; ensuring they are accurate and that they reflect any decision made on site that differs from the original scope. 

My role also entails working with the Quantity Surveyors in the evaluation of costs associated with drill and grout operations and other compensation events. I provide geotechnical input on several construction issues encountered during the tunnelling and shaft sinking at the various crossings along the pipeline route. 

Following completion of the stabilisation of the shallow mine working it is my intention to write a case history paper on this element of the project.

Why did you become a civil engineer?  Following a work experience placement with a Mining Engineer, I enjoyed the practical application of the subjects I was studying. The combination of office and site based work, interacting with people holding a variety of skills was stimulating and rewarding. Working on such a wide range of projects I find I am constantly learning which makes my job interesting.

What is your greatest achievement to date? Completing my MSc in Geotechnical Engineering Design and Management following three years of working hard during weekends and in the evenings (whilst working full time) was certainly a high point in my career! It also enabled me to progress to becoming a graduate member of the ICE and register on my company’s training agreement leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) designation.

Are you actively involved with the ICE? I have become involved with the mentoring of graduates and work placement students and regularly attend evening institution lectures. I recently nominated my Supervising Civil Engineer (SCE) for North West Mentor of the Year; he was a deserved winner of this accolade some months later.

What do you feel being a member of the ICE has given you? Coming from a Geotechnical specialist background, attaining membership of the ICE has provided me with demonstrable professional standing within the engineering community. It has also assisted me with my career progression and increased my confidence.

Would you say that your ICE membership has helped you in the development of your career? Working towards ICE membership has encouraged me to identify areas for personal development. For example, being seconded onto construction sites not only provided the opportunity to achieve numerous development objectives but it also provided invaluable experience which I continue to draw on day to day. As my role is quite specialised, the process of becoming a member of the ICE has given me an insight into areas outside my normal working environment.

What are your aspirations for the future? I feel I have been very fortunate to have such dedicated and inspirational mentors, so I hope to further my involvement with the ICE by becoming a Supervising Civil Engineer and hopefully provide the encouragement and support that I have enjoyed to others!