Name: Sam Savery
Job Title: Project Geotechnical Engineer
Just over a year ago Sam joined the CampbellReith geotechnical team in the Bristol office and has since been an invaluable member of the team, taking quickly to the particulars of Basement Impact Assessment auditing, ground investigation design and geotechnical interpretation. Sam regularly undertakes desktop studies, land quality statements, Mining Risk Assessments, specifications for earthworks and groundworks, and working platform design. He often presents interesting ground engineering projects and topics to the team and is always keen to visit sites with complicated ground conditions.
Being the newest member of our geotechnical family, we took some time to ask him a few questions:
What inspired you into the geotechnical profession?
I have always been fascinated in land formations and how we have built in such a wide range of landscapes. I love learning about science and engineering, so engineering geology and geotechnics are a great fit.
All the great people met along the way and seeing sustainable innovations in the ground engineering industry also inspire me to keep progressing my career.
What are the most significant milestones in your career to date?
- Exposure to different the geology and geotechnical practices whilst working around the UK and occasionally Europe.
- Attaining chartership with the Geological Society of London.
- Being part of the award wining geotechnical team at CampbellReith.
What part of the job do you find the most enjoyable?
I enjoy providing engineering geology and geotechnical input and supporting the multi-disciplinary team within my area of expertise. It is rewarding working as part of a specialist team, helping our clients understand the ground conditions and providing engineering solutions.
What do you enjoy most about working at CampbellReith?
Firstly, our team! We support one another, are always learning new things and there is constant progression.
I like the wide variety of projects, overcoming technical challenges, and communicating ground conditions to engineers of various disciplines. So far, my work has ranged between site visits for Mining Risk Assessments in the South Wales Coal Field, interpretation of geophysical surveys for chalk dissolution features, and auditing basement impact assessment in London.
Do you have a favourite famous engineer/project?
I am fortunate to have a famous feat of engineering so close to my home and along my office commute, the historical Clifton Suspension Bridge. It is a Grade I listed structure linking Bristol and Leigh Woods that was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in the 1860s. This structure traverses the Avon Gorge, a steep valley with spectacular views within the Clifton Down Limestone Formation of the Carboniferous Period. I strongly recommend a visit during a sunny day in Bristol!
