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The Panasonic Trust Awards
Mitesh Chandegra – MSc Geotechnical Engineering, University of Birmingham
 I
achieved a distinction in Geotechnical Engineering in 2010 and also received
the ‘Midland Geotechnical Society’ prize for ‘Best Overall Student’ and
‘Best Project’. I worked full time at URS/Scott Wilson while studying on a
part time basis over four years.
My employer contributed half of the funding and I was
delighted to secure the remainder from the Panasonic Trust. I am very
grateful to both for their generous financial support and encouragement.
The block modules provided a structured learning
programme that enabled me to develop the required technical aspects at my
own pace. By concurrently undertaking this course on a part time basis and
working full time I was able to apply the knowledge gained on the course to
appropriate projects I worked on. The programme was delivered in six block
modules, each comprising five days attendance at the university and the rest
of the time was spent distance learning. The five day block period consisted
of a combination of lectures, design studies, laboratory classes, site
visits and individual projects.
This provided flexible training that allowed me to
expand my theoretical understanding and design skills in a broad range of
subjects within geotechnical engineering including; physical and mechanical
properties of soils; consolidation; shear strength; statistics and numerical
methods; earthworks; foundation design; slope stability; earth retaining
structures, embankments, dams, tunnelling; engineering geology; ground
improvements and environmental ground engineering; earthquake engineering;
laboratory testing of soils and geomechanics.
As part of the course I completed a thesis
investigating the design of reinforced soil walls constructed on yielding
foundations using numerical methods. Not only did it allow me to gain in
depth knowledge but also developed my critical thinking, management and
research skills. This has proved to be invaluable on numerous projects that
I have worked on since.
The MSc has given me a greater depth of understanding
and confidence in geotechnical engineering and has allowed me to continue
working on a number of high profile projects at URS/Scott Wilson including;
Blackfriars Station, East London Line and Crossrail Paddington Station
Design.
Completing this MSc has been a major personal
achievement as well as an essential step in my professional development and
has undoubtedly improved my future career prospects. I am now working
towards becoming a Chartered Civil Engineer with the Institution of Civil
Engineers in the near future.
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