MATTHEW CHAMBERLAIN
Employee Insights
BSc Geology from the University of Liverpool & PGDip Engineering Geology from the University of Leeds
Principal Geotechnical Engineer: Applied Technologies | Electrokinetic
“Working with a ground stabilisation system that has reduced carbon emissions and environmental impact, as compared to some of the more traditional alternative options, gives me a sense of satisfaction”
Can you give an overview of what the electrokinetic department that you work in does?
We apply the principles of electrokinetics (EK) and electroosmosis to dewater and strengthen fine grained materials and the ground, including stabilising soil embankments and cuttings, and consolidating and strengthening tailings and sludges. We are also developing the use of electrokinetic techniques to ease the insertion or extraction of steel piles.
Essentially, electrokinetic treatment harnesses a voltage gradient set up in the ground, as direct current is passed from embedded anodes to cathodes. This creates a flow of porewater that can be extracted at the cathode. This consolidates and strengthens the ground, in ground that would otherwise be difficult to dewater and strengthen, such as fine-grained soils that have a very low permeability.
What does your job role entail?
My role is varied, from undertaking specialist EK lab testing in our in-house lab, to interpretation of ground investigation data and EK test results for EK slope stabilisation design. I also manage subcontractors and work closely with clients to deliver project scopes. My work has taken me on site visits around the UK and overseas, including the Netherlands, Australia and China.
What is your background, including qualifications?
I graduated from the University of Liverpool with a Bachelor’s in Geology in 2004, followed, after a year volunteering in the US with adults with special educational needs, by a postgraduate diploma in Engineering Geology at the University of Leeds (2006). I have had experience working both as a ground investigation engineer, and for geoenvironmental and engineering consultants, as a geotechnical engineer, preparing interpretive ground investigation reports and geotechnical designs, before joining the Electrokinetic department at CA in March 2023.
“I find the variety of work keeps things interesting…my work has taken me throughout the UK and overseas to the Netherlands, China and Australia”
It sounds like you have worked/are working on some interesting projects globally, can you share anything about these?
The projects I am currently working on are mainly research and development projects so I can’t go into too much detail on them. However, I have been over to Australia where we are working on developing EK treatment of mine tailings. As part of this project, I have also been to China to meet the supplier of electrically conductive geosynthetics (EKG) that we are using for tailings treatment.
Furthermore, our team is working to make our EK slope stabilisation offering even more sustainable for our clients.
What do you consider the most interesting element of your role?
I find the variety of work keeps things interesting, but the aspect of the job that really appeals to me is the creativity of problem solving when developing new applications or finding solutions to problems that arise, which isn’t something I have really experienced in my previous roles.
What does career development look like at CA in your experience?
In my experience, on the job training and more formal training are delivered to help with professional development and there are often opportunities for job progression.
“I would say all my experiences at CA have been positive. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, but still focused and productive”
What is the working environment like at CA?
I would say all my experiences at CA have been positive. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, but still focused and productive.
Are there any challenges in your role?
For me, one of the challenges in this role that I haven’t really faced in previous roles is having to actively go out and promote our Electrokinetic Slope Stabilisation solution to consultants and contractors, who will be deciding what stabilisation option to adopt. Learning the whole new discipline of electrokinetics is an ongoing challenge that keep things interesting.
Is there any advice you would give to university students looking to get into the geotechnical industry/research & development side of the industry?
Graduate days seem a long time ago now! I took a bit of a winding path to get to where I am today, including a couple of years teaching science in secondary schools. I almost got to where I am now by accident! My main advice would be to start getting experience on site as a ground investigation engineer, getting your hands dirty coming into contact with soil and rock in all their variability. It will give you a good grounding wherever you end up in the geotechnical world.
