WJ Technical Week

WJ Groundwater Philippines recently joined with the rest of the global WJ group in sending engineers Allan Paul Calpito and Warren Beltran to the UK to take part in the inaugural WJ Technical Week. The purpose of this week was to share ideas, experiences and knowledge across the group, discuss ideas and strategy and to develop collaborative working approaches.

The event brought together engineers, managers and directors of WJ UK, WJ Canada, WJ’s Middle Eastern operations as well as our Philippines office, and comprised a series of collaborative lectures and debates, site visits and a symposium organised by the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS).

The week featured expert presentations, including those by WJ Group Chief Technical Office Dr Gary Holmes, and WJ Group Chairman Dr Toby Roberts who delivered talks on hydrogeological modelling and engaged in lively discussion and debate with the group. As part of the presentations from our various international operations Allan Calpito shared the experiences of the MCRP CPN04 Station pumping test interpretation and dewatering. To cap the week off a detailed presentation was provided by Professor William Powrie of the University of Southampton which detailed his extensive industry and academic experiences including a number of relevant case studies on Geotechnical Engineering, Groundwater Control and Hydrogeology, which included some of WJ’s early major projects such as the Conwy Crossing in north Wales!

During the week, the group visited the British Geological Survey’s Geo-Energy Observatory in Cheshire, UK, where they had the opportunity to explore its state-of-the-art testing facilities. Another highlight of the trip was a visit to WJ UK’s yard in Bilsthorpe, where they inspected the host’s industry-standard equipment for dewatering and groundwater control.

This experience reinforced the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with the latest industry standards, many of which can be adopted into the local operations. As the construction dewatering industry in the Philippines evolves, it is crucial to remain informed about the latest trends in science and technology. Learning from global leaders in the field can provide invaluable insights that will benefit the industry and contribute to its growth.