Recognized for engineering excellence in Quebec

The association for consulting engineering in Quebec (Association des firmes de génie-conseil Québec) awarded GHD top honours for projects that demonstrated sustainable construction practices and technical innovation on two major infrastructure projects in the province of Quebec. The awards showcase engineering expertise in 14 categories, and GHD projects took the win in two different project categories.

Category: Building Structure

*Image by Lemay et Associés / Groupe A

Project: New Baie-Saint-Paul Hospital Complex Project

The new Baie-Saint-Paul hospital complex will meet all the needs of healthcare service and exemplifies engineering prowess in structural plans and geotechnics. Delivered through a design-build model, the LEED-certified buildings comply with Canada’s highest seismic standards as the site is located within one of the most intense seismic zone in eastern North-America. Construction practices emphasized sustainability, with 58 percent of the materials coming from the local Charlevoix region, and 27 percent containing recycled content. Reusing soil excavated from the main building’s right-of-way was also prioritized, which minimized the need for new materials for parking lots and other related infrastructure. Led by Pomerleau, we collaborated with Tetra Tech and the architectural firm Lemay et Associés / Groupe A on this project for the Société québécoise des infrastructures [Quebec infrastructure corporation].

Category: Geotechnics and Materials Engineering

*Image by KPH-Turcot

Project: Turcot Interchange Reconstruction Project

The reconstruction of the Turcot interchange is one of the largest road projects in Quebec, as well one of the most complex road infrastructure project in North America in terms of work sequence. Each day over 300,000 vehicles travel through Montréal’s Turcot Interchange. It is one of the biggest interchanges in Canada and a hub for traffic that connects three provincial highways as well as the Champlain bridge, which provides important access to the island of Montréal.  Working as part of the KPH Turcot construction consortium, GHD was responsible for the main geotechnical investigation and geotechnical/geostructural design services, as well as materials engineering during design and construction phases. The team demonstrated versatility and creativity through a proactive, optimized approach to delivering this fast-track project. The complex geostructural works and road infrastructure required advanced geotechnics and materials engineering, with relevant outcomes for major road infrastructure projects throughout the world.

GHD was also a finalist in two additional categories:

Category: Energy

Project: New Pylons for REM Passage | Viger – Atwater Line Project

We provided geostructural engineering services for Hydro‑Québec on the deep foundation design and technical support during the construction of electric towers allowing passage of the REM beneath high voltage lines in southwest Montréal (Pointe-Saint-Charles area). Thanks to an innovative and integrated approach, the design and construction of these 57.8-metre tubular towers was successfully completed in less than a year working with multiple stakeholders. This project promotes renewable-energy, electric, and public transportation as well as safe and reliable energy transmission.

Category: Engineering Consulting Mentor of the Year

Person: Mr. François Côté, Eng., M.Sc.

Mr. François Côté has been an engineer specializing in geological, geotechnical, and materials engineering for nearly 34 years. He is passionate about guiding young engineers and technicians towards excellence. Every day, François shares the engineering experience and enthusiasm he’s developed over the course of many large-scale construction projects in Quebec. His colleagues truly appreciate his availability and the priority he places on creating a valuable link to the next generation. Furthermore, François promotes the engineering profession through his involvement with various organizations. He has served as president of École Polytechnique’s advisory board for 15 years and as secretary, vice-president, and president of the AFG.

The Grands prix du génie-conseil québécois [Quebec engineering consultant awards], handed out by the Association des firmes de génie-conseil - Québec [Association of Quebec engineering consulting firms], honour the engineering expertise of the industry’s best projects. The awards are a unique opportunity to recognize the value that Quebec engineering consulting contributes, and highlights client collaboration, expertise, innovation, environmental and social benefits, and exceptional engineering teamwork.

For more information, please contact Simon Didone Arseneau at simon.arseneau@ghd.com.

For the French version of this article please click here.