The final episode of The Engineers Collective for 2022 provides a comprehensive review of the year’s significant infrastructure challenges.
- A contentious proposal to revert to imperial measurements sparked significant debate among engineers and readers.
- The collapse of a timber bridge in Norway raised questions about the robustness of construction methods.
- Rising costs in major infrastructure projects, including HS2’s Euston station, became a key concern.
- Site visits to infrastructure projects in Germany, Scotland, and London were highlights for the editorial team.
The 2022 retrospective by The Engineers Collective, featuring NCE’s editor Claire Smith, deputy editor Rob Horgan, and acting news editor Catherine Moore, delved into the year’s most pressing engineering stories. Among the top discussions was the proposal to switch back to imperial measurements, which faced a massive backlash from the engineering community. This debate highlighted the community’s resistance to regressing to outdated systems, emphasised by the technical and practical challenges such a shift would entail.
Another pivotal topic was the collapse of a timber bridge in Norway. This incident served as a wake-up call regarding construction durability and safety practices. The structural failure not only caused significant disruption but also prompted a reevaluation of current engineering standards and materials, reminding stakeholders of the imperative need for stringent safety protocols.
Major projects such as the HS2 Euston station continued to be under the spotlight due to increasing costs. The spiralling expenses became a focal point of concern, reflecting broader financial challenges in delivering large-scale infrastructure within budget. Such financial overruns underscored the need for improved cost management strategies in future projects.
The editorial team’s site visits to Germany, Scotland, and London showcased groundbreaking engineering feats firsthand. These trips were not only educational but also inspirational, providing insights into innovative construction techniques and project management strategies. The visit to the Silvertown Tunnel site in London was particularly memorable, highlighting its potential impact on local traffic congestion.
As the team concluded their reflections, they also cast an eye on upcoming milestones in 2023, anticipating a year of continued development and achievement in the engineering sector. There was optimism about the future, despite the challenges that lie ahead, signalling a readiness to embrace new opportunities.
The Engineers Collective’s review of 2022 underscored significant challenges but also celebrated the ongoing advancements in infrastructure.
