Double engineering win for University of Dundee researchers

(from left) Professor Husam AlWaer, Professor Michael Brown and Professor Jonathan Knappett, all from the University of Dundee

Two University of Dundee research teams have received prestigious awards from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

The awards were given in recognition of research projects carried out by geotechnical engineers and urban planners at the University.

An engineering team led by Professor Michael Brown from the University’s School of Science and Engineering took home this year’s Telford Medal for their work in developing silent foundation systems for offshore renewable energy applications.

This is the second year in a row that Professor Brown’s team has received an ICE award, having been recognized last year for their research into screw piles for jacket-supported offshore wind farm foundations.

Meanwhile, Professor Husam AlWaer, Chair of Urban Design at the University’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD), was awarded the George Stephenson Medal.

It is also the second year in a row that Professor AlWaer has received an award from ICE – and the fourth in a period of eight years – for his research in urban design and planning.

Professor Brown said: “We are delighted to receive this award and celebrate two years of double success for Dundee.”

His team worked with an industry-leading partner, Heerema Marine Contractors, to develop two silent piling products – a screw foundation for wind turbines and another foundation system that self-installs.

These screw piles and so-called push-in piles can be installed without heavy hammering or subsequent need for mitigation measures to reduce noise levels, significantly reducing the impact on marine life during construction.

The silent foundation system also won the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) Environmental Sustainability Award last year.

Professor AlWaer received his award for his article Design and use of space in refugee camps: a case study of contested terrainpublished in Emerald Publishing’s Urban Design and Planning Journal last year.

Professor AlWaer’s work studied changes in the configuration of housing units made by refugees in Al Za’atari, the largest Syrian refugee camp in the world, and the social impact of these changes, resulting in a sense of community.

He said: “I am thrilled to win these prestigious awards and proud to be recognized for contributing to the urban design and planning community.

“Winning awards is truly inspiring and encourages me to push the boundaries even further with more intensive and innovative research efforts.”