TGEP 23: Ground Anchor Systems for Geotechnical Engineers The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast

In this episode, we talk to Devon Mothersille, BEng (Hons), Ph.D., CEng, FICE, LETAPAEWE, the Managing Director of Geoserve Global Ltd, about ground anchor systems for geotechnical engineers. He also touches on what it takes to run a sole consultancy and find expert witness work.

Engineering Quotes:





Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Devon:



What are ground anchor systems, how do they work, and what is their purpose?

How does being a sole consultant work for you?

What tips can you give our audience on running a consultancy in geotechnical engineering?

How do you find expert witness work, and is there an intriguing case that you can describe?

How have you found working in the current pandemic environment?

What do you think the future holds for ground anchor technology?



Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Ground Anchor Systems for Geotechnical Engineers:





A ground anchor system is an installation in the ground that allows us to tie structures on the ground's surface to the more stable ground beneath the surface. The ground anchor system comprises an anchor head, a free anchor length, and a fixed anchor. The anchor head is attached to the structure. The free anchor length transfers the loads from the anchor head to the fixed anchor. The fixed anchor is bonded to the more stable ground below the surface. The ground anchor system works similarly to an anchored boat at sea, but through the ground instead of water.

Strand ground anchor systems are more suitable for projects where the free anchor lengths are exceptionally long and the loads on them are large.

When working internationally on ground anchor systems, you must consider things like dealing with different cultures, languages, methods of working, and philosophies of working. You should embrace all of these things and apply logic to the entire system to get the ground anchor systems to work.

A sole consultant means that you are essentially working on your own. It is not always the case when working on larger projects. You may need to temporarily engage the services of other professionals to get the work done. A sole consultant does not conventionally employ people. They hire companies and people on different occasions depending on the project and then release them once the work is done.

The Geo-Trust is a network of like-minded companies and individuals who provide clients with an enhanced portfolio of geotechnical services, having ready access to a referral list of top experts. Geo-Trust members are among the most successful companies and individuals in the industry at understanding and effectively implementing their areas of geotechnical expertise.

If you are thinking of becoming a sole consultant, you need to look at your business model very carefully. It can be a wonderful thing to start a traditional company that employs people and make it grow. However, you might find that this kind of business model might not award you with the flexibility that you desire. A sole consultant business model can be a very flexible career for you in terms of traveling and counteracting with different cultures and languages across the world. You should start building a strong network of people with many different skills as early as you can. It is a strong resource that you can tap into. No matter how good you are in your work, as an individual, you cannot do everything.

As you develop in your career and expertise level, expert witness work is something that will confront you at some point. You must choose whether to do this work or not because it is certainly not something for everybody. It is a rewarding job but can be incredibly stressful as well. You must understand your field or you will not be called in as an expert. You need adequate training, separate from your profession,