CBDG 27th Annual Conference
VENUE
Institution of Structural Engineers, London, EC1V 3PS
DATE
Wednesday 19th June 2024
The 27th annual CBDG Conference, held at the Institution of Structural Engineers on 19th June, was well attended with 72 participants representing a wide spectrum of interests in the bridge sector: clients, designers, contractors and suppliers.
Welcoming all to the event, Santosh Singh (right), chairman of the
Concrete Bridge Development Group, described the conference as a
forum for sharing ideas and fostering collaboration. He introduced
the day's theme, suggesting some of the many benefits of
technology and declaring that in many ways "the future is not far
off!" He thanked the sponsors for their support and took the
opportunity to remind the Group of the importance of its members'
work and its wider public function in providing society with vital infrastructure.
The Keynote address followed, capably and engagingly delivered by
Tim Arianpour (left), Head of Railway Structures at TfL. He discussed
the nature of technology and the rate of its adoption and change in
society. He then considered the numerous infrastructure assets
maintained by TfL and the many challenges their age and restricted
accessibility pose, before suggesting how emerging technologies
could assist in their management. Providing an example in more
detail, he reviewed the work of PolyChord, a Cambridge spin-out
providing predictive bridge maintenance technology alongside TfL.
The theme of 'embracing technology' was interpreted broadly throughout the day and covered a wide sweep. It prompted a varied programme of interesting presentations - with HS2 a recurring leitmotif - covering aspects of integral bridges, DFMA, post tensioning and the use of drones, sensors and AI, not forgetting 3D printing. There was reporting on individual case studies, product development and the results of recent research, the latter into the selection of materials, and the applicability or efficacy of different methods of assessment and testing. Such topics prompted numerous contributions from the floor during the question and answer sessions that followed each presentation.
During the breaks, lots of interest in the subject was expressed in lively conversation while delegates networked over refreshments or spent time at the small but busy exhibition.
The day was ably summed up by Saeed Ziaie (right), chairman of
the Group's Technical Committee, who thanked the speakers -
some of whom had flown in from America, Spain and the
Netherlands - for their contributions, as well as the exhibitors,
organising committee and venue staff. He confirmed that copies
of the presentations would soon be made available.
A drinks reception concluded the event, with some delegates
joining speakers and members of the Technical Committee for an
enjoyable evening meal at the Cote Brasserie nearby.
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