Susannah Pahl (2020, MEng Civil Engineering) was part of the team that won the Geotechnical Early Careers Challenge. The Early Careers Challenge was launched by Ground Engineering (GE) magazine and Mott MacDonald in 2023.

Susannah was selected for the Challenge from 115 applicants. Twenty finalists were split into four groups and then assigned the same challenge. The challenge involved designing an embankment to connect two fictional towns. Susannah’s team used the information given to produce a conceptual ground model as well as analyse construction risks like reclaimed land, unexploded ordnance (UXO) and differential settlement. They also examined the social and environmental impacts of the construction. Three conceptual designs were developed and then they used Power BI to calculate the embedded carbon. The final design is pictured.

Susanna’s MEng dissertation examines the resilience of high-voltage power lines in the face of extreme, climate change-induced wind. In addition to her academic studies, she has experience in on-site structural and tunnelling work, tendering, and civil design. She aims to design infrastructure addressing the environmental, political and social needs of communities.

Key for photo: Pink, Dual Carriageway; Blue, Separated Bicycle Path; Separated Footpath; Green, Staircase/ramp to countryside walk

Published: 7 February 2024

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